Press releases
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568 rows where chamber = "House", state = "DE" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-returns-to-washington-to-override-ndaa-veto | Senator Coons returns to Washington to override NDAA veto | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, returned to Washington today for a vote to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. "I expect we will override President Trump's veto of the military bill," Sen. Coons said, "which means several good things for Delawareans and the country writ large including a pay increase for our troops and more investment in cybersecurity, both steps that we should be taking to reward the sacrifice of our military and keep our country safe." The override of a veto, the process by which each chamber of Congress votes for a second time on a bill rejected by the president, requires a two-thirds vote in each the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress has historically overridden fewer than 10% of all presidential vetoes. The Senate is scheduled to convene and resume consideration of the veto message on the NDAA for FY21 at noon tomorrow. The final override will get a vote sometime in the next few days. To check the Senate's schedule and watch live floor proceedings, visit www.senate.gov/floor/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-coons-discusses-900b-relief-package-ndaa-cybersecurity-threats | [AUDIO] Coons discusses $900B relief package, NDAA, cybersecurity threats | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Mary Cummings-Jordan ofWHYY's Radio Timesto discuss the$900 billion COVID-19 relief package, which passed along with the $1.4 trillionannual appropriations billthat funds the federal government. Additionally, Coons discussed theNational Defense Authorization Act, which passed Congress on Dec. 11 and was subsequently vetoed by the president. Coons concluded the interview by talking about Russian hacking threats.To listen to the full interview, visitwhyy.org/episodes/regional-roundup-12-28-20/. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-sen-coons-on-pres-trumps-threat-to-block-covid-19-relief-deal-yes-he-could-tank-the-bill | [AUDIO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trumps threat to block COVID-19 relief deal: Yes, he could tank the bill | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee,joinedNPR's Morning Edition with Noel King to discuss President Trump's complaints on the COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress on Monday. When asked if President Trump could block the COVID-19 relief bill, Senator Coons said,Yes, he could tank the bill. One of the challenges of legislating in the era of Trump is that we never really know what he's going to do right up until he does it. Because Congress has now gone home to their districts and states all over the country, it's not easy to bring us back. I think we should call his bluff and by offering to pass by unanimous consent which can be done without all the members of Congress present an increase to the dollar amount he's asking for. Democrats would support this. Let's see if Republicans will. Senator Coons added, this is not the last relief bill we'll need, but it is the bill we need right now. It's going to provide rental assistance, unemployment extension, hundreds of billions in small business support, support for those who are hungry through nutrition programs, support for schools and for vaccine distribution. It is a large relief package. We should test the president's bluff and offer to add an increased individual stimulus payment or family stimulus payment and see what happens. Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package on Monday. To see a breakdown of the package's provisions, clickhere. Full audio availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: What do you think of the President calling for changes after Congress spent 7 months working toward this moment? Sen. Coons:Noel, I'm just speechless. It is yet another example of how President Trump has engaged the role of president. He stayed out of these negotiation for weeks. He did not press for a bigger package in the final days before it was enacted, and once the bill has finally been passed by the House and Senate and the entire Congress has gone home, he … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-highlights-programs-to-support-delaware-manufacturing-jobs-and-research | In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons highlights programs to support Delaware manufacturing jobs and research | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, fought to secure funding for well-paying materials and manufacturing jobs in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations package, which passed Congress this week. Specifically, the bill includes support for research at HBCUs like Delaware State University and adds $160 million above the president's request for upgrades to the Army's Chinook Block II helicopter program that employs hundreds of Delawareans across the Delaware Valley. Delawareans have long been employed by some of the top manufacturing and materials producers in the country. This year's spending package clearly recognizes the role our state plays in producing some of the highest quality defense-related research and aircraft in the world,said Senator Coons.I'm glad that the new defense bill bolsters more of the programs that have provided well-paying jobs to Delawareans in our state and across the region and continues to support our Delaware Air National Guard and our military. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly support Delaware jobs including: Strong funding for Department of Defense-related research at HBCUs like Delaware State University. Strong funding for research programs that the University of Delaware participates in, and which help create well-paid materials and manufacturing jobs.$160 million above the President's request for the Army's Chinook Block II helicopter upgrades and $29 million for advance procurement. This program employs hundreds of Delawareans across the Delaware Valley.Funding for six additional aircraft in the V-22 program, which is another important source of jobs for Delawareans.$259 million in upgrades to C-130H aircraft, used by Delaware's Air National Guard. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-to-invest-in-national-service-hbcus-and-public-health | In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding to invest in national service, HBCUs, and public health | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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 $1.4 trillion federal funding bill for Fiscal Year 2021 that invests in education and public health, bolsters national service programs that have been supporting community needs amid the COVID-19 response, and supports research on diseases like ALS and pancreatic cancer. The package passedCongressthis week. As we continue torespondtothe toll COVID-19 has takenon our country including our health and education systems community-based programsremain essential. This year's appropriations package recognizes this by supporting our HBCUs, community health centers, and other local groups while setting a course for a community-led recovery through national service programs like AmeriCorps,said Senator Coons.I'm also thrilled the bill includes key long-range research investments in ALS treatments a priority for the Senate ALS Caucus and in pancreatic cancer, a matter of personal importance to my family and to so many families across the country. The federal funding bill includes provisions that will support health, education, and public service in Delaware and across the country, and provides: A $57.2 million increase in Community Health Center funding, which will support centers including Westside Family Healthcare, La Red Health Center, and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center that provide Americans with critical health care, including testing and treatment of COVID-19 A $13 million increase to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Delaware State University $23.6 million to support Special Olympics education programs A $40 million programmatic increase for AmeriCorps, which supports the efforts of more than 500 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in Delaware $40 million in funding for ALS research programs at the Department of Defense, which will support impactful research that is instrumental to the development of new th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-carper-bill-extending-bankruptcy-judgeships-to-be-signed-into-law | Coons, Carper bill extending bankruptcy judgeships to be signed into law | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON On Monday evening, theU.S.Houseof Representativespassed a bill introduced by Senator Chris Coons, a member of theSenateJudiciary Committee, andSenatorTom Carper (both D-Del.) to extend25 temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country for five years, including all seven temporary judgeships in Delaware.These extensions come at a critical time to ensure bankruptcy courts have the judges necessary to provide relief to companies and their employees facing reorganization the wake of COVID-19. Businesses and individuals are facing profound financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill will ensure they can go through bankruptcy efficiently,said SenatorCoons. When they can't, jobs and revenue are lost. Delaware has earned its reputation for having one of the most highly regarded bankruptcy courts in the country, and this law ensures that our court has the resources it will need to manage pressing caseloads and provide relief to businesses and employees. In these challenging times, our legal system shouldn't be another source of uncertainty for businesses and workers. This common-sense bill will ensure our courts including those in Delaware, have the adequate resources to fairly and expeditiously process bankruptcy cases,said Senator Carper. Specifically, this bill will maintain the number of judgeships in Delaware's bankruptcy courts, which remain some of the busiest and handle some of the important cases in our country. I thank Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to pass this important piece of legislation. The billpreviouslypassed in the Senate on Dec. 9, 2020, and it will now head to thepresident's desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan bill was co-introduced bySen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Additional co-sponsors includeSens.Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). This legislation will better equip our bankruptcy system, helping courts, businesses and consumers by allowing these cases to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-delaware-manufacturing-institute-amtrak-housing-and-small-businesses | In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for Delaware manufacturing institute, Amtrak, housing, and small businesses | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bills for key economic, workforce development, housing, and transportation infrastructure priorities. The bill includes an historic increase in IRS funding, as well as funding for Amtrak, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, small businesses, advanced manufacturing, and more. The bill passed Congress Monday evening. I've been working hard on the Appropriations Committee and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to ensure the final federal spending bill continues to make critical investments in Delaware's communities,said Senator Coons.In this bill, we have made significant progress in reversing the decades-long trend of underfunding the IRS, which unfortunately has limited the quality of service taxpayers receive. This bill alsosupports programs that boost economic and workforce development, like the Manufacturing USA program and the Small Business Administration, and provides funding for key housing and transportation priorities, like Amtrak and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. After such a challenging year for businesses and families up and down our state, I'm pleased that Republicans and Democrats worked together to deliver the funding and resources that Delawareans deserve. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly benefittaxpayers, manufacturers, railpassengers, renters, small businesses, and workers: The bill provides $11.9billion for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is $409 million more than the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level and the highest level of funding provided for the agency in a decade. This increase will allow the IRS toprocess returns and fulfill other customer servicesmore quicklyand effectively. As important, additional resources will allow the IRS to make progress of reducing the tax gap, the difference between taxes owed and taxes actually collected, which is estimated at almost $50… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-investments-in-protecting-oceans-combatting-wildlife-trafficking-and-supporting-the-environment-and-agriculture | In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures investments in protecting oceans, combatting wildlife trafficking, and supporting the environment and agriculture | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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 2021, which passed Congress late Monday. Delaware's natural resources help drive our economy and make our state a great place to live, work, and visit,said Senator Coons. I'm pleased that we secured funding for conservation programs that will have a direct impact on our region protecting our land, water, and wildlife, and supporting our agricultural community. As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, I'm also glad this bill invests in proven programs like ARPA-E to supportresearch in Delaware andthe development of advanced energy technologies that will reduce carbon pollution. This funding will help create a cleaner environment and a stronger local economy in our state, 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 Delawareas well as international and ocean conservation efforts: Provides $75 million to address ocean plastic pollution and directs the U.S. government to establish a newglobal fundto address ocean plastic pollution, as called for in theUNITE for our Oceans Actwhich Senator Coons recently introduced with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). This is a significant increase from prior funding of $5 million to address marine debris.Provides strong funding for the Department of State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and related agencies tocombat wildlife trafficking.Provides a full-time position to support the Interagency Working Group on Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing, established in Senator Coons and Roger Wicker's (R-Miss.)Maritime SAFE Act.Includes $46.5 mil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-celebrates-passage-of-legislation-to-support-clean-energy-jobs-combat-climate-change | Sen. Coons celebrates passage of legislation to support clean energy jobs, combat climate change | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, theEnergy Act of 2020passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 spending bill, marking the first major overhaul of U.S. energy policy in over a decade. The landmark energy legislation includes a number of bipartisan measures led by U.S. Senator ChrisCoons (D-Del.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, that will save energy, support jobs in therenewable energy sector, address climate change, and deliver significant cost savings to Delawareans. Investment in energy innovation is critical to addressing climate change and aiding in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a significant toll on the energy sector in Delaware and around the country,said Senator Coons. TheEnergy Act of 2020brings together dozens of bipartisan proposals that will spur innovation, accelerate development and deployment of new technologies, and ensure the United States continues to be a global energy leader. This bill is the most significant action we have taken for climate this Congress and its passage is strong evidence that there is bipartisan support for working together on climate solutions and investing in advanced energy technologies while also caring for our nation's most vulnerable citizens. The energy package includes several provisions from legislation introduced by Senator Coons. Specifically, the bill: Reauthorizes and updates the Weatherization Assistance Program, which reduces energy costs for low-income households by providing home energy retrofits to make homes safer and more energy efficient. Thousands of low-income Delawareans, particularly children, seniors, and disabled individuals, have benefitted from the program, with many cutting their energy bills by 30 to 50 percent. Senator Coons was the lead sponsor of theWeatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act of 2019,along with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.). Their bill's provision to create a competitive innovation grant … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-bill-extending-bankruptcy-judgeships-to-be-signed-into-law | Sens. Coons, Graham bill extending bankruptcy judgeships to be signed into law | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON On Monday evening, theU.S.Houseof Representativespassed a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to extend25 temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country for five years, including all seven temporary judgeships in Delaware. These extensions come at a critical time to ensure bankruptcy courts have the judges necessary to provide relief to companies and their employees facing reorganization the wake of COVID-19. The bill was cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Businesses and individuals are facing profound financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill will ensure they can go through bankruptcy efficiently,said Senator Coons. When they can't, jobs and revenue are lost. Delaware has earned its reputation for having one of the most highly regarded bankruptcy courts in the country, and this law ensures that our court has the resources it will need to manage pressing caseloads and provide relief to businesses and employees. This legislation will better equip our bankruptcy system, helping courts, businesses and consumers by allowing these cases to be addressed in a timely manner,said Senator Graham.I'm glad to see these important changes passed into law. In these challenging times, our legal system shouldn't be another source of uncertainty for businesses and workers. This common-sense bill will ensure our courts including those in Delaware, have the adequate resources to fairly and expeditiously process bankruptcy cases,said Senator Tom Carper. Specifically, this bill will maintain the number of judgeships in Delaware's bankruptcy courts, which remain some of the busiest and handle some of the important cases in our country. I thank Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to pass this important piece of legislation. As America's businesses struggle with the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pande… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-legislation-to-fight-illegal-streaming-by-criminal-organizations-to-be-signed-into-law | Bipartisan legislation to fight illegal streaming by criminal organizations to be signed into law | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, bipartisan legislation by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and David Perdue (R-Ga.) that will punish large-scale criminal streaming services that willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain offer to the public illicit services dedicated to illegally streaming copyrighted material will be signed into law.TheProtecting Lawful Streaming Actwas included in the year-end spending package that is expected to be signed intolaw this week. The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act will apply only to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services. The law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities, or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorized copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected. Americans increasingly rely on streaming to enjoy their favorite music, sporting events, movies, television shows, audiobooks, and other forms of entertainment content, particularly during this pandemic,said Senator Coons.For too long, large-scale, criminal enterprises have taken advantage of a loophole in CD and DVD-era copyright laws to engage in unprecedented digital piracy, which costs our economy billions of dollars and threatens the livelihoods of our creative community. I am proud that Congress passed this targeted bill, which empowers the Department of Justice to prosecute large-scale, for-profit streaming piracy services, and I appreciate the collaborative effort by content owners, technology companies, public interest groups, and others to ensure that this legislation cannot be used to target internet users or legitimate streaming platforms. The shift toward streaming content online ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delaware-delegation-celebrates-major-wins-for-the-first-state-in-water-infrastructure-legislation | Delaware delegation celebrates major wins for the First State in water infrastructure legislation | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, as well as U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020) as part of legislation to fund the government. From improving and expanding water infrastructure to investing in disadvantaged communities, replenishing beaches, and improving coastal resilience, WRDA 2020 delivers major wins for Delaware. In Delaware and across the country, our nation's water infrastructure keeps our economy moving forward. This year's Water Resources Development Act authorizes funding to improve our ports, like the Port of Wilmington. It also implements several much-needed reforms to fortify our most vulnerable communities in the First State from the impacts of climate change and rebuild our beaches,said Senator Carper, who co-authored the legislation with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY). I'm proud that my colleagues in Congress came together to get this critical bill across the finish line. Our bipartisan legislation will create and sustain jobs and help secure a better future for the American people. Delaware is the country's lowest-lying state, and our economy and ecosystems rely on the protection of coastal communities and navigability of our waterways,Senator Coons said.I'm pleased that WRDA 2020 includes critical priorities for the First State: safeguarding Delaware's beach communities, enhancing resiliency in the face of climate change and rising sea levels, and facilitating important projects to support the men and women who work at the Port of Wilmington. I'm glad to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate particularly Senator Carper who played a leading role in these negotiations to deliver water infrastructure updates that meet the unique needs of our state. We know that one of the most important aspects of infrastructure is maintaining our waterways and systems. This year's WRDA, led by Delaware's Senator Carper makes those crit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-intellectual-property-protections | In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures intellectual property protections | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations and Judiciary committees, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bill to protect intellectual property (IP) rights. The omnibus bill set to be passed by the Senate on Monday features three pieces of legislation that serve to protect American innovation through changes to the law on trademark registration, streaming services, and copyright disputes. Promoting and protecting American innovation is critical to our economy, our national security, and our global standing. That's why I'm glad that our bipartisan work on three critical intellectual property priorities will soon be signed into law in this year's spending bill,said Senator Coons.I am especiallypleasedit includestheTrademark Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill with Senator Tillis, which will help ensure that consumers can have confidence in the source of the branded products and services they buy. TheTrademark Modernization Act (S.3449)establishes new mechanisms for challenging fraudulent trademark registrations and filings atthe United States Patent and Trademark Office and ensuring that federal trademark registrations correspond to actual use in commerce. Senators Coons and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the bill as a companion tobipartisan House legislation. The Trademark Modernization Act will protect consumers by making it easier for legitimate brand owners to prevent others fromusing confusingly similar marks that could mislead the public about the source of goods or services. TheProtecting Lawful Streaming Actempowers the Department of Justice to prosecute large-scale criminal streaming services that undermine legitimate sources of copyrighted content. Senator Coons cosponsored and helped lead this legislative proposal drafted by Senator Tillis. The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act modernizes the law by harmonizing the penalties for illicit streaming with those for copying and distributing unauthorized content on physical media like DVDs. This legislatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-fiscal-year-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-national-security-and-international-development-priorities | In Fiscal Year 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for national security and international development priorities | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bill to ensure the United States restores its global leadership role by investing in programs to promote national security and international development and provide global health assistance to fight the pandemic. 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 fourth year in a row. The Senate voted to pass these provisions on Monday as part of a $1.4 trillion annual spending package, and they are soon expected to become law. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard in the United States,and we must remember that our allies and partners face similar challenges. It is in the United States' interest and consistent with our values to lead the global response to this disease. This year's bipartisan spending deal represents an initialdownpayment on what will need to be a more aggressive response to the health crisis and economic consequences of the pandemic.said Senator Coons.I am pleased that the package includes provisions that will provide $4 billion to a public-private partnership that can help ensure swift distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to low income countries.I am also pleased to see two of my major authorizing bills, the Sudan Claims Resolution Act and the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act included in the package. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will ensure the United Statesremainsa global leaderand continues to safeguardU.S.interests and values around the world, including: $50 million for the establishment of the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Fund to support venture capital investments in Palestinian entrepreneurs andpeople-to-people ties between Israelis and Palestinians. The Sudan Claims Resolution Act, whichwillrestore Sudan's sovereign immunity and resolve longstanding terrorism-related claims aga… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-sudan-legal-peace-legislation-included-in-year-end-spending-package | Sen. Coons Sudan legal peace legislation included in year-end spending package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Foreign Relations, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees, celebrates the inclusion of the Sudan Claims Resolution Act in the year-end spending package that Congress will vote on today. Thehistoriclegislationrestores Sudan's sovereign immunity,resolves longstanding terrorism-related claims against the countryandprovides accountability and compensation tohundreds of terrorvictims and family members,andprotects the rights of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.Passage of the Sudan Claims Resolution Act follows the removal of Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, both critical steps to the full normalization of relations between the United States and Sudan and Sudan's reentry into the international community. The spending package also includes over $900 million in economic assistance to Sudan to stabilize the economy and civilian-led democratic transition, support the Sudanese people, and provide urgently needed debt relief and restructuring. The passage of this bipartisan legislation will provide a small measure of justice to the families of the East Africa Embassy bombings who have devoted over two decades to their unwavering quest to seek accountability for the attacks that changed their lives forever on August 7, 1998,said Senator Coons.The legislation will also help Sudan a country of 44 million people at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East reenter the global economy after 27 years on thestate sponsors of terrorismlist, promote foreign investment and economic growth in the country, and support the civilian-led transition to democracy. Iappreciate the commitment ofmy colleagues on both sides of the aisle, namely Senators Schumer, Menendez, Feinstein, Graham, and Risch, to reach abipartisanagreement on thishistoriclegislation that protects the rights of all victims of terror while granting Sudan urgently needed relief. I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis to further strengthen and deepen the U.S.-Sudan r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-votes-to-pass-900b-covid-19-relief-package | Sen. Coons votes to pass $900B COVID-19 relief package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the top Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, voted to pass a roughly $900 billion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The billis expectedto become law quickly. Today, Republicans and Democrats finally upheld our responsibility to the American people and worked together to pass a $900 billion relief package that will help Delawareans in a time of great need. This package will provide prompt aid to our small businesses, especially those hardest-hit by this pandemic; to working Delawareans who were laid off through no fault of their own; and to our families that are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table. It will also help deliver the resources we need to swiftly produce and distribute a vaccine so we can finally combat this pandemic once and for all,said Senator Coons.This must not be the last relief bill, but it's a strong compromise that will deliver relief to the Delawareans who need it before the holidays. The roughly $900 billion stimulus package includes: An expansion of the unemployment insurance program. The package includes a $300 per week federal supplement to weekly state benefits through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum number of weeks an individual may claim benefits through regular state unemployment plus the PEUC program, or through the PUA program, to 50 weeks.Direct financial support to American working families. The package provides $600 in direct payments for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. The package also ensureshouseholds with individuals of mixed immigration statuswill receive payments.$325 billion to small businesses. The package includes two small business proposals first introduced b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-menendez-rubio-leahy-shaheen-celebrate-expected-passage-of-robert-levinson-hostage-recovery-and-hostage-taking-accountability-act | Sens. Coons, Menendez, Rubio, Leahy, Shaheen celebrate expected passage of Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), joined SFRC Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) andSenators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), andJeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)in releasing the following statements on securing passage of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (S.712) as part of the end-of-year funding legislation approved by the Senate today: The passage of this bipartisan bill is an important step in seeking justice for the unlawful detention and death of Bob Levinson, an American who was taken hostage by Iran over a decade ago and died in Iranian custody,said Senator Coons. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act honors Bob by strengthening our ability to bring Americans detained abroad home safely and hold their captors accountable. Earlier this year, we learned that Bob Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history, died while in Iranian custody, far from his loving family, friends and colleagues. In March 2007, after decades of service to the United States, Bob Levinson was cruelly and mysteriously taken from his family, who have spent the past 13 years tirelessly fighting for his safe return home. Their indefatigable dedication to Bob has inspired me and my colleagues over the years to pursue various legislative efforts, leading to the passage of this bill to ensure that the United States has the resourcesto safeguard American lives abroad and reunite hostages with their loved ones,said Senator Menendez.I commend my colleagues for helping enact this bill, and I continue to stand with the Levinson family in the long march towards achieving justice for Bob. This bipartisan bill, named in honor of Floridian Bob Levinson, the longest held American hostage who is believed to have died while detained by the brutal regime in Tehran, strengthens our nation's resources to bring back American hostages,said Senator Rubio. We must ensure that no American family will ever e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/carper-meets-with-president-elect-biden-s-nominee-for-defense-secretary | Carper Meets With President-elect Bidens Nominee for Defense Secretary | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the Navy and the Naval Reserves, released the following statement after meeting with General Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden's intended nominee to lead the Department of Defense. I had the opportunity to meet with General Lloyd Austin, a highly respected leader, decorated veteran, and an excellent and historic choice to be the next Secretary of Defense. As the former Commander of CENTCOM, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and with more than four decades of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, General Austin has a deep understanding of the organization he will lead, and of the ever-evolving national security threats our nation faces. In particular, his deep understanding of the counterterrorism and security challenges we face in the Middle East will be an asset as we confront a shifting threat landscape in that region. What's more, General Austin's philosophy of strategic patience, combined with his unique understanding of the many tools in our defense arsenal, will serve our nation well as we prepare to confront and deter aggression and unconventional threats posed by near-peer adversaries around the globe. Having led our men and women in uniform, General Austin possesses a deep appreciation of the sacrifices our service members and their families make on behalf of our nation. As a proud veteran and a fierce advocate of for our veteran community, I look forward to working with General Lloyd Austin and the incoming Administration to fulfill our nation's most sacred duty: supporting our service members and their families at home and abroad, and ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve once they return home. In particular, I was pleased to speak with General Austin regarding my support for our military and veteran students, and making sure they get the most out of their hard-earned benefits. During our conversation, General Austin expressed his strong belief that we must rebuild alliances and lead with dip… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-applauds-new-covid-19-relief-deal | Sen. Coons applauds new COVID-19 relief deal | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded the $900 billion agreement reached by the Senate and House to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to the American people. The agreement includes unemployment aid, rental assistance, direct payments, support for schools, vaccine distribution, and more. It also extends the Paycheck Protection Program and includeslegislation to support small businesses authored by Senator Coons. Congress has finally reached an agreement to provide desperately needed relief to people in Delaware and across the country,Senator Coons said. I am grateful to my colleagues both Republicans and Democrats who worked together for weeks to delivercompromise legislation after too many months of inaction.We cannot wait any longer. Families and small businesses in Delaware need this help now. The bipartisan package supports small businesses with a range of grant and loan programs. It includes two proposals first introduced by Senator Coons: $284 billion for asecond round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans-to-grantsprioritized for businesses hit hard by the pandemicand a $3.5 billionextension of the Small Business Debt Relief Program, which has already delivered $8 billion in debt relief, automatically, to more than 320,000 credit-constrained small businesses nationwide and nearly 900 in Delaware. The package also supports Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which are private mission-driven financial lenders that deliver responsible, affordable lending to low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities. Over 300 CDFIs have served as PPP lenders, helping to reach some of the hardest-hit minority-owned small businesses. Small business owners across Delaware and the country have been fighting to preserve jobs in their communities, without badly needed help for too long. Finally, Congress has the opportunity to enact a bipartisan bill with robust additional aid for Main Street. In particular, I applaud the bipartisan negot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-covid-relief-im-committedto-not-leave-until-we-get-this-deal-done | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on COVID relief: Im committedto not leave until we get this deal done | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedMSNBC to discuss negotiations on a COVID-19 relief package as Congress nears an agreement. On a pandemic relief deal: We should have had this done months and months ago. Right now the very final text is being resolved and then that will go to congressional offices. It is always the case here that any one senator who has some concern can slow us down. I'm committed many of us are committed to not leave until we get this deal done. That could stretch out a few more days, but every signal is that we have finally addressed every last issue and we should finally be delivering this relief. I continue to hear day and night from Delawareans anxious to know whether there's going to be relief for those facing eviction, relief for those relying on the food bank, relief for those who are unemployed, support and help for small businesses. This bill will do that, but it's not everything we need to do. We will need to come back and do another relief bill early next year. On Trump's absence from COVID relief negotiations:I keep asking myself everyday: What is President Trump doing today? Is he helping by being a good role model getting vaccinated and wearing a mask? No. Is he helping respond to this broadscale attack by Russia on all of our major government and military online databases and resources? No. In fact he's suggesting it was China, not Russia. Is he helping with delivering this pandemic relief package? No. He's frankly tweeting conspiracy theories that are baseless about an election he lost six weeks ago. I've always thought that President Trump was mostly a pretend president. Now he's not even pretending. Full audio and video availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delaware-delegation-underscores-confidence-by-taking-covid-19-vaccine | Delaware delegation underscores confidence by taking COVID-19 vaccine | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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.)underscored their confidence in the remarkable work of scientists and public servants across the United States and around the world by taking the first of two doses ofaCOVID-19 vaccine. In avideo released by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware congressional delegation says,It's great news that we have multiple vaccines that aresafe, effective, and critical to beating this pandemic. We are so grateful to the scientists and researchers around the globe who have made this day possible. And to all the health care heroes who have put their own lives at risk to care for others." To reach the other side of this pandemic, we're going to need everyone to learn the facts about the vaccine and get vaccinated too. It's about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone in our state. But don't forget, even as vaccines begin to be distributed, we can't let our guard down. Keep washing your hands, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and limiting interactions with others. If we all do, we'll all get to the other side safely together" DPH is regularly updating their website with information about the COVID-19 vaccine athttps://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/. The representatives received the vaccination at the recommendation of the Capitol physician as part of continuity of government protocol. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/consumers | Sen. Coons introduces legislation to ensure consumers are treated fairly by algorithms | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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 Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would ensure American consumers are not being unfairly discriminated against by black box algorithms. As companies are increasingly using complex algorithms to make decisions about opportunities for education, employment, housing, health care, and more, the Algorithmic Fairness Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prevent companies from acting on algorithmiceligibility determinations that are deemed unfair because they are biased or use incorrect data. Artificial intelligence brings real benefits to society and opens exciting possibilities. However, it also comes with risks,saidSenator Coons.Companies are increasingly using algorithms to make decisions about who gets a job or a promotion, who gets into a certain school, or who gets a loan. If these decisions are being made by artificial intelligence that is using unfair, biased, or incorrect data, it has an outsized impact on people's lives. Existing civil rights laws may not be capturing these harms, and it is critical that Congress establish a framework to ensure that the United States' transition into the digital economy is rooted in ethics and our values. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and other stakeholders going forward to tackle this complex and pressing problem. The Algorithmic Fairness Act would: Require the FTC to conduct a study about the ways companies are developing and implementing algorithmic eligibility determinationsDirect the FTC to use its Section 5 authority to prevent companies from acting on algorithmic eligibility determinations that are deemed unfair under the FTC's unfairness standardRequire companies to create an audit trail for each algorithmic eligibility determination it makes about a consumer, preserving records about the data and methodology used to make the determination, how the algorithm was created and trained, and the ultimate decision renderedRequire … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/readout-of-sen-coons-meeting-with-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-nominee-for-us-ambassador-to-the-united-nations | Readout of Sen. Coons meeting with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeeand the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department and foreign aid, released the following statement after meeting virtually with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President-elect Biden's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I just completed a productive conversation with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President-elect Biden's nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, in which we discussed pressing geopolitical and humanitarian challenges facing the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. In her 35 years of diplomatic experience and public service, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has tackled complex issues from finding ways to care for refugees and migrants to stopping the Ebola crisis in West Africa in 2014. Throughout these challenges, she has earned the respect of leaders and diplomats around the world, and I am confident that she will continue to represent the very best of America as our top official at the United Nations. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's nomination hearing andsupporting her swift confirmation in the Senate. Fromreestablishing U.S. leadership at the United Nations to putting our values back at the center of U.S. foreign policy, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will have important work to do, and I plan to do everything I can to support her efforts in the Senate. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/readout-of-sen-coons-meeting-with-tony-blinken-nominee-for-secretary-of-state | Readout of Sen. Coons meeting with Tony Blinken, nominee for Secretary of State | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeeand the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department and foreign aid, released the following statement after meeting virtually with Tony Blinken, President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of State. I just finished a productive conversation with Tony Blinken,President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of State, about the difficult challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the United States and the Biden Administration. I have known and worked with Tony for more than a decade, and I am confident that he will be a successful, effective diplomatforour country. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to Tony's confirmation hearings, and I plan to advocate for his quick confirmation with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues. Fromrebuilding confidence in American leadershiptorestoring our alliances around the world, Tony and the State Department have critical work to do, and I plan to do everything I can to support those efforts in the Senate. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-whitehouse-sullivan-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-combat-ocean-plastic-pollution-and-marine-litter | Sens. Coons, Graham, Whitehouse, Sullivan introduce bipartisan legislation to combat ocean plastic pollution and marine litter | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced legislation that would bring the international community together to address the increasing amount of plastic and trash polluting our oceans and marine environments. The Unify Nations in Trash Elimination (UNITE) for our Oceans Act would direct the U.S. government to work with international partners to finance promising projects that promote the sustainable management of materials and reduce the amount of plastic and other waste polluting the world's oceans. Each year, billions of pounds of trash much of it plastic makes its way into our oceans. This incredible amount of harmful material is having devastating effects not only on marine animals and ecosystems, but also on human health and economies around the world,said Senator Coons. We cannot address this problem alone. I am proud to lead this bill with my colleague, Senator Graham, to ensure the United States collaborates with the international community to address this critical issue. This is a major step forward for the United States. We're going to lead the way with a global fund to aggressively deal with plastics in our oceans,said Senator Graham.This new initiative is an effort by America to put our money where our mouth is and will be used to leverage other nations to contribute so we have an all-hands-on-deck approach to dealing with the overwhelming problem presented by plastics in the ocean. If we don't find answers fast, we'll have more tons of plastic waste in our oceans than living fish by the middle of the century. Solving that problem requires work with other nations on new international solutions,said Senator Whitehouse. I'm excited that Senators Graham and Coons, and my ocean plastics partner Senator Sullivan, have joined together to introduce this bipartisan bill to combat a massive challenge facing our oceans. The UNITE for our Oceans Act is set to build on the groundswell of bipartisan progress … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-inhofe-celebrate-40-years-of-the-us-african-development-foundation | Sens. Coons, Inhofe celebrate 40 years of the U.S. African Development Foundation | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), an independent U.S. government agency that supports community development in sub-Saharan Africa. The USADF and the people that support their work are dedicated, results-oriented champions of the U.S.-Africa relationship. As the only U.S. government agency focusing 100% on the continent and largely with Indigenous peoples USADF's style of community development has contributed to four decades of improved relations and better livelihoods for people across Africa,said Senator Coons.Today, we celebrate 40 years of progress and look toward USADF's continued role in a more peaceful and prosperous continent. I am proud to introduce a resolution today with Senator Coons honoring the United States African Development Foundation's 40th anniversary,Senator Inhofe said.USADF has for years given local entrepreneurs resources and opportunities to develop, grow and scale their businessesimproving their lives. Africa holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to continuing to support the USADF and the U.S.-Africa relationship for years to come. Founded on December 16, 1980, the USADF has invested in a pan-African network of local implementing partners to promote entrepreneurship, food security, and economic development in underserved and hard to reach communities. USADF is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient providers of U.S. foreign assistance by the Center for Global Development. The full 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/sens-coons-tillis-condemn-irans-human-rights-record | Sens. Coons, Tillis condemn Irans human rights record | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the SenateHuman RightsCaucus, issued the following statement. This week, the United States imposed sanctions on Iranian officials for the abduction and probable death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, officially confirming the Iranian government's responsibility for his disappearance. As co-chairs of the SenateHuman RightsCaucus, we are appalled by the Iranian government's continued violations of thehuman rights of foreigners, dual nationals, and its own citizens. In just the past few weeks, the Iranian government sent Iranianhuman rightslawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh back to prison despite her poor health and COVID-19, and executed journalist Ruhollah Zam, who played an important role in supporting anti-regime protests in Iran three years ago. Additionally, Siamak Namazi, an American-Iranian businessman, has been arbitrarily detainedin Iran for over five years, and his father, Baquer, is barred from leaving the country. These names are just a few in a long list of brave individuals who have had their fundamental rights and freedoms repeatedly violated by the Iranian government. In addition to addressing Iran's nuclear program, its ballistic missile tests, and its support for violent militant groups across the Middle East, the United States must be clear in condemning Iran'shuman rightsabuses. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-welcomes-decision-to-remove-sudan-from-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list | Sen. Coons welcomes decision to remove Sudan from State Sponsor of Terrorism List | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,released the following statement on the U.S. government's decision to remove Sudan from a list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Sudan's removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list is a welcome and historic step forward in the U.S.-Sudan relationship. In 2019, after 30 years of brutal rule by the dictatorship of Omar al Bashir, the Sudanese people undertook tremendous risk and sacrifice to lead a peaceful revolution and demand a brighter future. Sudan's transitional government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamdok has continued to take steps to earn this delisting, and I am pleased to see the removal of this barrier to Sudan's ability to participate in the international community. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue to strengthen and deepen ties with Sudan to help the country build on the progress of this announcement. We should start with Congress coming together with the executive branch to pass legal peace for Sudan as soon as possible in a manner that respects the rights of all victims of terrorism. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-covid-relief-we-have-to-move-forward-on-this-748-billion-that-we-all-agree-on | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on COVID relief: We have to move forward on this $748 billion that we all agree on | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedCNN New Day to discuss the bipartisan legislationannounced Mondaythat would provide $748 billion in relief to the American people. On state and local aid, Senator Coons said,As someone who was a county-level elected leader for a decade and is close to lots of state and local elected officials around the country who I know from my service at the local level, there are nurses and teachers, paramedics, police officers who are facing layoffs in municipalities, counties and states around the country. Roughly 1.3 million have already been laid off. On COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Coons said,this group of eight bipartisan senators and two House members worked for weeks and crafted a substantial bipartisan framework for a $908 billion in relief for our country. It's only because Mitch McConnell continues to insist on a broad and extreme version of liability relief to protect businesses, no matter how irresponsibly they behave, that we are having to walk away from that 160 [billion dollars for state and local governments]. I continue to believe that if our goal is to allow businesses to reopen safely and for employees and customers to go back to businesses safely, that we can find a compromise, but we have to move forward on this $748 billion that we all agree on. We should not go home without enacting significant relief for the American people who are so much in need right now as we go into the holidays. On the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine, Senator Coons said,I think it's important for our most senior elected officials in this country and for senior community leaders whether they are athletes or entertainers or business leaders to strengthen the confidence of the American people in these vaccines. If we do not achieve a very high percentage of vaccination, we won't see the other side of this pandemic, and frankly, John, we need to be also committed to delivering vaccines for the rest of the world because only when the world is vaccinated will this … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-bill | Sen. Coons statement on bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)released the following statement on bipartisan legislation announced today that would provide $748 billion in COVID-19 relief to the American people. I am grateful to the bipartisan group of eight senators who have worked for weeks to deliver a strong, balanced proposal that will provide desperately needed relief to families in Delaware and across the country. I hear from Delawareans every day who are struggling who have lost their job, their car, their hope, and others who are now at risk of losing their home. The bill announced today will provide help for those facing eviction or foreclosure, support for those who are unemployed, as well as funding for schools, vaccine distribution, and small businesses fighting to stay afloat. With more than 16 million Americans infected and 300,000 dead, we cannot afford to wait any longer to act. This should not be Congress' last COVID relief bill, but it is a strong compromise that deserves support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. We cannot leave for the holidays without getting relief to those Americans who need it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-should-not-leave-for-the-holidays-until-we_give-a-next-round-of-relief | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: We should not leave for the holidays until we give a next round of relief | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.On Sunday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedChuck Todd on NBC's Meet the Press to discuss the bipartisan framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief package and the immediate need for Congress to work together to pass relief for the American people. There is now, I think, real optimism because a terrific group of eight senators, a bipartisan group along with two members of the House, have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and came forward with a framework, a $908 billion framework, Chuck, for a next round of needed relief,said Senator Coons. We should not leave for the holidays until we have adopted that $908 billion framework to give a next round of relief to the millions of Americans who are facing eviction, hunger, unemployment, disease. It includes funding for vaccine distribution and $300 billion for small businesses to keep them afloat or help them reopen. I'm really optimistic we can get this done this coming week. Senator Coons concluded,we have to address the trust deficit in our country, trust in science and vaccines, trust in each other after this election. The Senate here can lead and show that we can deliver the kind of relief that will restore hope to the American people. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. Senator Coons, welcome back to Meet the Press. I want to start with something that Governor Chris Sununu said to me on Friday on Meet the Press Daily. It was about all of you guys in Congress. Take a listen, sir. Clip, Gov. Sununu: I don't think any of them deserve their jobs, frankly. None of them can stand up and say as a congressman or a senator, I led on the biggest health crisis this country has ever faced. They fell down and let politics get in the way. Shame on them. Q: Senator Coons, can you defend Congress from that criticism? Sen. Coons:Well, Chuck, thanks for a chance to be on again. First, I'm just going to celebrate the combination of two things: that nine m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/carper-coons-blunt-rochester-secure-major-wins-for-delaware-in-ndaa | Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester secure major wins for Delaware in NDAA | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) applauded the passage of the FiscalYear 2021NationalDefense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which each of them voted to support. The bill includes a3% pay raise for troops, improvements to veterans' access to care, new programs forHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), andmore. I'm proud that Congress has come together to pass the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which will ensure the men and women in our Armed Forces have the necessary resources to keep our country and our citizens safe,said Senator Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy and Naval Reserves.By working together across party lines, this year's NDAA will increase pay for our troops, invest in improving base housing for military families, and create better access to health care for our Vietnam veterans. I'm especially proud that during these hard times, we also delivered for Delawareans by securing resources for ROTC students in HBCUs like Delaware State University, support for Delaware jobs, and critical investments to modernize Delaware Air National Guard's fleet of C-130 aircraft. This bill will improve our military readiness by upholding our promise to support our nation's veterans, service members and their families. For 60 years, Congress has passed an annual defense bill to ensure the readiness of our troops and the defense of our country. I'm proud that we also secured meaningful wins in the bill for all Delawareans,said Senator Coons.The FY21 NDAA includes support for ROTC students at HBCUs like Delaware State University,better care for our veterans, support for Delaware jobs, and more. It has been a year of unprecedented challenges, and this bill helps Delawareans and Americansto meet themat home and abroad. One of the most serious and consequential obligations of our Congressional Delegation is working together to secure key provisions in the annual National Defense Authorization Act,said Representative Blunt Ro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-sustainable-chemistry-to-become-law | Senator Coons bipartisan bill to promote sustainable chemistry to become law | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today includes the bipartisanSustainableChemistry Research and Development Actof 2019, ledbyU.S. SenatorChris Coons (D-Del.)and cosponsored by SenatorsSusan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.). The bill will support American manufacturing and American jobs while also protecting human health and the environment by helping to realize the full innovation and market potential of sustainablechemistry technologies. The bill now heads to the president's desk and is expected to become law this week. Thechemical sector is an integral part of Delaware's economy, andI am proud thatthislegislation will support greenchemistryinnovation,create new companies and jobs, andpromote sustainable use of resources,said Senator Coons. By creating a cohesivenationalvision for sustainablechemistry researchanddevelopment, improving training ofchemists and other professionals,and building new partnerships with the private sector,this billis an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of ourchemical enterprise for years to come. Having worked closely with industry and academia to further sustainable technology innovation, DESCA is excited to see the passing of the SustainableChemistry R&D Act to coordinate the efforts of government in concert with these sectors for a cohesive strategy to drive innovation, build and strengthen talent, and ultimately drive economic growth. Critically, coordinating efforts in education and training as well as technology development, removing barriers to technology commercialization, and eliminating duplicative funding and research efforts will be among the key drivers of the success of this initiative,said Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, Delaware SustainableChemistry Alliance. By advancing sustainablechemistry research, education, training and commercialization, this legislation will provide critical benefits for people… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-blunt-and-reps-fitzpatrick-castro-celebrate-passage-of-global-child-thrive-act | Sens. Coons, Blunt & Reps. Fitzpatrick, Castro celebrate passage of Global Child Thrive Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), celebrated the passage of the Global Child Thrive Act, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan legislation strengthens the implementation of policies that advance early childhood development internationally, which includes learning and physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development for children younger than eight years old. With nearly 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries suffering from poor development due to poverty and stunting alone, it's critical that that we do everything possible to support children in meeting their developmental milestones,said Senator Coons.I'm pleased that the Senate passed the bipartisan Global Child Thrive Act, which I have been proud to champion with Senator Blunt. Together, we understand the value of investing in the reduction of preventable child deaths worldwide and ensuring the healthy development of future generations. Children who experience poverty and hunger in their earliest years face developmental challenges that could shape their entire lives,said Senator Blunt.This bill would strengthen our country's childhood development policies across the world, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children. I've been proud to work with Senator Coons and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Castro on this bill, and I appreciate our colleagues' support on this critical issue. I am thrilled to see our bipartisan and bicameral Global Child Thrive Act in this year's NDAA. One of my greatest concerns has always been the welfare of children, not just children in the United States but children across the globe,said Congressman Fitzpatrick.I would like to thank Rep. Castro, Sen. Coons, and Sen. Blunt for their partnership on getting our legislation over the finish line. It is of the utmost importance that we help other countries help their child… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-rubio-praise-passage-of-their-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-us-israel-strategic-alliance | Sens. Coons, Rubio praise passage of their bipartisan bill to strengthen US-Israel strategic alliance | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and MarcoRubio(R-Fla.) applauded the passage of their bipartisanUnited States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act(S.3176), which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan bill will strengthen the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance by authorizing $3.3 billion in annual security assistance consistent with the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding and ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and address both conventional and emerging threats. A strong U.S.-Israel relationship remains a bipartisan priority. The $3.3 billion in annual security assistance codified today was agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding negotiated and signed by President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2016,Senator Coons said.Tensions in the region continue to threaten Israeli security, and I'm proud that Congress is deepening the strategic U.S.-Israel alliance and bilateral non-security cooperation in the face of these challenges. The inclusion of this important and bipartisan bill in this year's NDAA reaffirms our nation's unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East: the Jewish State of Israel,Senator Rubio said.As Israel faces unprecedented threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other malign actors, we must continue to advance initiatives that protect and support our mutual security interests. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-scott-bill-to-strengthen-partnerships-between-hbcus-like-dsu-and-federal-agencies-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-become-law | Sens. Coons, Scott bill to strengthen partnerships between HBCUs like DSU and federal agencies heads to presidents desk to become law | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, the Senate passed the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). The bill, previously passed in the House of Representatives, is now headed to the President's desk for signature.If signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country's more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the president's 2017 executive order on HBCUs and provides pathways for Congressional oversight and public engagement. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation in those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised. HBCUs like Delaware State University play a critical role in helping to ensure that every American has access to higher education, and I'm so proud that our bipartisan bill to support the missions of HBCUs is one step closer to becoming law, said Senator Coons. We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and HBCUs are an important part of that work,said Senator Coons. OurHBCUs have unlocked opportunities for generations of students, especially in underserved communities, and I am excited that this bipartisan bill is making its way to thePresident's desk,said Senator Scott. TheHBCU PARTNERSAct is a great step forward for these schools and their students.Ilook forward tothis criticallegislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies. "Once again, Delaware's Congressional Delegationh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-reps-brown-blunt-rochester-murphy-celebrate-passage-of-bill-to-train-pilots-support-rotc-students-at-hbcus | Sens. Coons, Tillis, Reps. Brown, Blunt Rochester, Murphy celebrate passage of bill to train pilots, support ROTC students at HBCUs | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today includesThe Fostering Leadership and Inclusion by Growing HBCU Training (FLIGHT) Act of 2020, legislation led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and U.S. Representatives Anthony Brown (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.).The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.).The FLIGHT Act will provide new resources for Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority institutions, with special emphasis on support for flight training. The bill now heads to the president's desk for signature. I am proud that the NDAA includes the bipartisan FLIGHT Act, which will help ensure our leaders and role models in Delaware and across the country reflect the diversity of America itself,said Senator Chris Coons. Our service members come from all walks of life, but people of color remain underrepresented at the military's highest levels. Our current officers in uniform will become our policy experts, our CEOs, and often our political leaders, and the FLIGHT Act is just one of many steps we must take to ensure that those who lead our country also fully represent it. A diverse military makes this country stronger. Through new partnerships with military installations and actively encouraging participation in ROTC and flight training, we'll tap into the exceptional talent at HBCUs and minority institutions,said House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Anthony Brown.Minority groups are severely underrepresented in our officer corps, and even more so among military pilots and other critical units. The FLIGHT Act is an important step forward for diversity and inclusion in our armed services and I look forward to seeing the next generation of pilots earn their wings. I am thrilled that today's passage of the NDAA includes the FLIGHT Act. I've long talked about the need to ensure that America's pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-and-tillis-reps-lowenthal-and-pocan-introduce-resolution-honoring-human-rights-day | Sens. Coons and Tillis, Reps. Lowenthal and Pocan introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Representatives Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) today introduced resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 72ndanniversary of the United Nations' ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and 47 Representatives also joined the resolutions. As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I am proud to introduce this resolution on the occasion of Human Rights Day,said Senator Coons.Inthe face of growing illiberalism and authoritarianism around the world, let us celebrate the brave individuals striving for fundamental rights and freedoms, and fight for those who suffer from violence and oppression. Looking to the future, we must rededicate ourselves to the principles outlined in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights 72 years ago. It's an honor to co-chair the Senate Human Rights Caucus with my good friend Sen. Coons,said Senator Tillis.The mission of the Caucus is to defend and promote internationally recognized human rights norms around the world and contribute to global leadership in advocating for and protecting human rights. At the end of this difficult year, it is important that we take time to recognize these universal values as well as the courageous individuals who have dedicated their lives to upholding them by honoring the 72ndanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seventy-two years ago, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted, acknowledging every person is of equal worth and deserves equal dignity,"said Senator Lankford.The United States should continue to stand for fundamental human rights the right to life, the right to freely speak and access information, and the right to freely practice your faith, change your faith or have no faith at all. I'm proud to reaffirm that commitment today. "Since I joined Congress in 2013, I h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-sen-coons-breaks-down-stimulus-negotiations-on-wdel | [AUDIO] Sen. Coons breaks down stimulus negotiations on WDEL | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedPeter MacArthur on WDEL to discussbipartisan COVID reliefnegotiations and what theycould mean for Delawareans. Senator Coons said,I'm in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It's $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccine. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment on getting us through the next couple of months. What matters to me is the calls I get from Delawareans every single day folks who were calling in, crying on the phone, saying I've lost my job,' I've lost my car,' I may lose my apartment or my house,' how do I care for my kids?' I don't see how we go home for the holidays particularly as the virus is getting we are at theworst point of this pandemic, more than 40,000 Delawareans infected, more than 800 who passed away,Senator Coons said. Full audio is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Let's check in with U.S. Senator Chris Coons to talk about where things stand now, Senator, and where you see them going from here. Sen. Coons:Good morning, Peter. It's great to be with you. I'm in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It's $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccines. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-opposes-sale-of-new-advanced-military-equipment-to-uae | Sen. Coons opposes sale of new, advanced military equipment to UAE | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after his votes to support two Senate resolutions disapproving of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Today, after much deliberation, I voted to support resolutions disapproving of the sales of F-35 fighter jets and armed drones to the United Arab Emirates. Congress must preserve its role in reviewing arms sales. In this case, there has not been a thorough review process and the Trump Administration has not provided adequate consultations and answers to Senators' questions. In a recent classified briefing, the Administration failed to address a number of my concerns. In particular, I am concerned about the UAE's ability to safeguard sensitive American technology and their role in the conflicts in Libya and Yemen. I am grateful for the UAE's bold leadership in normalizing relations with Israel, avoiding annexation of the West Bank, and paving the way for a broader and more stable peace in the region. I also appreciate the Emirati military's role in standing up to Iran's malign activities and their deployments alongside U.S. service members in Afghanistan and against terrorist groups around the region. Even so, in the absence of a thorough review process and without assurances that the use of these weapons will be consistent with U.S. interests and values, I cannot support the sales at this time. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-braun-coons-introduce-bipartisan-climate-legislation-to-support-global-trillion-trees-initiative-and-combat-deforestation | Sens. Braun, Coons introduce bipartisan climate legislation to support global Trillion Trees initiative & combat deforestation | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, introduced legislation to support U.S. leadershipin reducing carbon in the atmospherebyrestoring and conserving forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-Maine) cosponsored the bill. As a lifelong conservationist, I believe that Trillion Trees is a common sense proposal to help improve our land, water, soil, and air, without imposing onerous Washington regulations,said Senator Braun. I am proud to come together with my colleagues on this bipartisan solution to help advance a key objective that President Trump called for in his State of the Union Address. The wildfires and severe stormswe've experienced this yeararea devastating reminder of how climate change is impacting our lands and a clear signal that we need to act now to protect them for future generations,said Senator Coons. Removing carbon from the atmosphere is one of the many critical steps we should take to mitigate climate risks. I'mglad to work with this bipartisan group of senators to invest in a solution that will benefit the health of people and ecosystems around the world. I have long held the position that we can protect our environment without harming our economy, and this legislation is one example of the type of action we can take to reduce emissions and protect our natural resources while creating new economic opportunities,said Senator Young. We just lived through the hottest November on record; every year that carbon levels increase, temperatures increase and it gets harder to stabilize our planet's climate future,said Senator King. Without action, climate change's effects on our planet will grow more and more dangerous, fueling extreme weather events and endangering lives across the globe. Today's bipartisan proposal recognizes the immense value of our working forests in this climate fight, and is a commonsense step in the right direction, call… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-have-a-chance-to-work-together-in-a-bipartisan-way-and-deliver-the-relief-americans-need | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: We have a chance to work together in a bipartisan way... [and] deliver the relief Americans need | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedMSNBC'sMorning Joeto discuss thebipartisan framework fora$908 billion COVID-19 relief package and theimmediateneed for Congress to work together to pass relief fortheAmericanpeople. On another round of relief checks, Sen. Coons said, What I'm hearing from Delawareans up and down this state is that many cannot pay their rent or mortgage, many have lost their jobs or are afraid that they're not goingto beable to make it through the rest of this winter, and I think another round of relief checks would help make sure that our economy doesn't dip even deeper into a recession in the months that come between now and when we have the vaccine. Onwhetherthe Senatecan pass a relief bill before the holidays, Sen. Coons said,Bluntly, I don't understand how any of us can go home for the holidays and look our constituents in the face or the mask because so many are suffering. This is part of why we have a federal government, is to deal with disasters. On the federal response to COVID-19, Sen. Coons said, And in this particular case, a disjointed federal response, different standards, different direction and frankly the way in which our current president, Donald Trump, has failed to give us a positive and consistent message about the public health crisis we're in has made this worse. Full audio and video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now, one of the senators working on a bipartisan deal, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Coons, Chris, what's standing in the way of relief checks? Sen. Coons:Well, Mika, we've had a more than six-month impasse from when the House passed a broad solid relief package for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and recession to now. And you just mentioned the key critical issues: whether or not there should be another round of stimulus checks to families and individuals, whether there should be more support for state and local governments,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-carper-announce-amtraks-third-track-in-wilmington | Coons, Carper announce Amtraks third track in Wilmington | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper and (both D-Del.) joined Amtrak and SEPTA representatives to announce a recently completed $71.2 million project to increase capacity between Wilmington and Newark along the Northeast Corridor. This joint project with the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Transit Corporation, orDTC,includes installation of 1.5 miles of a new, electrified main line third track between Ragan and Yard interlockings, a bridge replacement, and eliminates a previous two-track bottleneck. The change brings improved safety, on-time performance, and a reduction in delays. This project is nearly 20 years in the making, and I am thrilled that we are finally going to reap the benefits of improved, more reliable rail service along the Northeast Corridor,said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee and a frequent Amtrak rider.We must continue to improve our nation's transportation infrastructure in a way that promotes multi-modal transportation and takes cars off the road, for the sake of safety, congestion, and our environment. This project is a great example of a good public investment that benefits passengers, drivers, the air we breathe and promotes improvements to rail service in the future. This year started as one of the best for Amtrak, and while ridership is down, the completion of this project and removal of a significant bottleneck will mean more commuter and intercity trains can use the Northeast Corridor and increase the potential volume of rail service through Delaware,said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons.Our transportation system and passenger rail network desperately need additional investment and a focus on building the infrastructure we deserve. This project is an example of how we can make much-needed infrastructure upgrades, and I am grateful for the investments Amtrak has made in Delaware along with the federal government and state to make this project possible. As a regular Amtra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/four-years-ago-today-bipartisan-senators-pay-tribute-to-then-vp-joe-biden-reflect-on-work-together | Four years ago today, bipartisan senators pay tribute to then-VP Joe Biden, reflect on work together | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) shared speeches from Dec. 7, 2016, when senators from both sides of the aisle gathered to pay tribute to then-Vice President Joe Biden following a vote to approve the 21st Century Cures Act, which also included funding for Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative. To view the video compilation on Sen. Coons' Twitter account, please clickhere. Four years ago, Republicans and Democrats came together to reflect on Joe Biden as a friend, a trusted colleague, and a legislative partner,said Senator Coons. These speeches are a testament to Joe's warmth, his heart, and the respect he's earned from Republicans and Democrats alike. I hope this same spirit will guide us as we work together to face the challenges ahead. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-aims-to-launch-new-generation-of-main-street-entrepreneurs | Bipartisan group aims to launch new generation of Main Street entrepreneurs | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. SenatorsChris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.)and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) introduced theNext Generation Entrepreneur Corps Actto spur new business and job creation in underserved communities by startinga competitive fellowship for entrepreneurs. With a five-year investment of $368 million, the bill will identify talented entrepreneurs through a national competition and directly support the creation of more than320new businesses each year. During this crisis, small businesses are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, with hundreds of thousands of businesses permanently closed. Even before the public health crisis, entrepreneurs faced substantial barriers to entry. The majority of would-be entrepreneurs have limited access to capital; and this problem is worse for minoritieswho are twice as likely to be denied loans, more likely to receive lower loan amounts when they do receive loans, and pay higher interest rates than their whitepeers. These barriers to entry are also stark in low-income areas, where there are proportionally fewer self-employed workers and small businesses. Creating opportunities for business growth in a post-COVID-19 economy will be necessary to regain the 10 million jobs still missing due to the pandemic,Senator Coons said.New businesses account for nearlya thirdof total job creationeach year. We must ensure that entrepreneurs canact on their innovative ideas in the places that needthemthe most. We need a range of bold new approaches to rebuild Main Street America in distressed communities, and the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps should be part of this effort. As a former business owner and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges that come with starting a business,said Senator Tim Scott.Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and it's important that we continue to spur economic development. I created my Opportunity Agenda to help create hope in underserved communities, and the Next Generation Ent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-als-caucus-applauds-passage-of-legislation-to-eliminate-ssdi-5-month-wait-period-for-als-patients | Senate ALS Caucus applauds passage of legislation to eliminate SSDI 5-month wait period for ALS patients | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus, today applauded Senate passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019, introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)both founding members of the Senate ALS Caucus. This landmark legislation represents a long overdue win for the ALS community. The bill removes barriers for ALS patients seeking access to the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned. Specifically, the bill eliminates a mandatory five-month waiting period for patients with medically-determined ALS. While the statutory purpose of the waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and many ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis. Passing the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act has been a priority for the Senate ALS Caucus since its founding in January 2020. Today, we celebrate a bipartisan win for the ALS community. The Senate voted in favor of timely financial support for those facing a recent ALS diagnosis,said Senator Coons. Speedy access to support programs like SSDI after a diagnosis is essential and one of the priorities we set when we launched our bipartisan caucus earlier this year. We must continue to build on this progress to make life easier for ALS patients and their loved ones. Today's win is about the patients and their families,said Senator Mike Braun, The financial burden of ALS is staggering and time is of the essence for those diagnosed with ALS. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is a step in the right direction toward providing timely access to SSDI benefits to ALS patients. Allowing Americans who face this difficult diagnosis to immediately receive the benefits they have earned is a simple act of humanity that will make life easier fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-on-groundbreaking-at-seaford-river-walk | Senator Coons on groundbreaking at Seaford River Walk | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the groundbreaking for the first phase of the revitalization of the old J.B. Robinson Oyster House site along the river walk in Seaford. "Seaford is a truly unique gateway to the Nanticoke River and an ideal location for fishing and recreation," said Sen. Coons. "I'm thrilled that Seaford residents will soon have better public access to the beautiful river, which honors a rich cultural history as an important part of our state. As someone who spent a lot of time in local government doing land-use planning, I know how challenging this process can be, and I'm grateful to Mayor Genshaw and all the community partners who've made this project a reality." For more information, visit Chesapeake Conservancy at chesapeakeconservancy.org/news/ or email Jody Couser at jcouser@chesapeakeconservancy.org. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-young-reps-norcross-mckinley-bill-to-expand-registered-apprenticeships-in-high-growth-job-sectors-passes-house | Sens. Coons, Young, Reps. Norcross, McKinley bill to expand registered apprenticeships in high-growth job sectors passes House | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and David McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) celebrated the House passage of theNational Apprenticeship Act of 2020. The bill, which includes their bipartisan and bicameralApprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, will invest more than $3.5 billion to create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years. I am proud that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, a bill to expand organizations like Delaware Pathways that help employers design, develop, and deliver Registered Apprenticeship Programs,said Senator Coons.As the economic disruption of COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work, it is more important than ever for the government to invest in quality job training programs, like RegisteredApprenticeships, and create more opportunities for America's displaced workers and youth. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act immediately. As a member of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have witnessed the benefits ofapprenticeshipsand the opportunities they provide. Now that a global pandemic has left countless Americans without work, it is more important than ever that we invest in career-supporting apprenticeship programs. I'm pleased that ourApprenticeship Hubs Across America Actis one step closer to becoming law,said Senator Young. A Registered Apprenticeship shaped my life laying the foundation for me to go from the construction site to Congress,said Congressman Norcross.I am pleased that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, which will provide students and workers across the country access to apprenticeship opportunities by expanding and strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Expanding access to RegisteredApprenticeships our country's most successful workforce… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-cornyn-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-invest-1b-annually-in-civics-education | Sens. Coons, Cornyn introduce landmark legislation to invest $1B annually in civics education | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced landmark legislation to invest $1 billion annually in civics and history education from K-12 through higher education. The Educating for Democracy Act would create a variety of grants to states, non-profits, institutions of higher education, and civics education researchers to support and expand access to civics and history education in schools across the country. It would also strengthen policymakers' understanding of young Americans' achievement in civics education by increasing the frequency of and encouraging participation in the National Assessment of Education Progress exam. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) in the House. Civic engagement is crucial for the health of our democracy,said Senator Coons.With expanded civics education in K-12 and higher education, this bill will equip new generations of Americans with deeper understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise their cherished rights. I am proud to work with Senator Cornyn on this bipartisan effort to expand access to civics education and invest in the future our democracy. The United States continues to be a model for the world because we are taught from a young age the merits of democracy, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the civic duties that are inherently part of being an American,said Senator Cornyn.This bill would help our schools inspire the next generation of public servants and teach all young Texans the value of freedom, and I'm glad to work with Sen. Coons on this bipartisan legislation. Civic education is the cornerstone we need to rebuild the civic strength of our country,Louise Dub, the Executive Director of iCivics, which leads CivXNow, said.We thank Senator Coons and Senator Cornyn for their leadership in introducing this bill, which makes a critical investment in civic education. TheCivXNow coalition is excitedto support their efforts. The E… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-on-dr-tony-allens-selection-to-lead-biden-harris-inaugural-committee | Sen. Coons on Dr. Tony Allens selection to lead Biden-Harris inaugural committee | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the selection of Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, to serve in a personal capacity as chief executive officer of a Presidential Inaugural Committee, which will organize activities surrounding the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. "I have known Tony for 25 years, and he is a terrific choice to help bring Delaware to D.C. and to bring the excitement of the Biden-Harris ticket to the American people through the inauguration," said Sen. Coons. "This will be a difficult inauguration to pull off as we confront the realities of the pandemic. Fortunately, as Tony's strong leadership at DSU has already shown, he can both innovate in tough times and deliver real results. He's a great choice to lead this important committee." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-on-the-passing-of-delaware-national-guard-corporal-erin-sasse | Senator Coons on the passing of Delaware National Guard Corporal Erin Sasse | 2020-11-27 | 2020 | 2020-11 | 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 National Guard Caucus, released the following statement on the death of Cpl. Erin Sasse of the Delaware Army National Guard. Cpl. Sasse was killed while trying to assist a disabled motorist following a crash on Interstate 95. "Cpl. Erin Sasse epitomized the best of Army values. She served with the 153rd Military Police Company, a highly respected unit of our Delaware National Guard,"said Sen. Coons."Erin's instinct to risk her own safety in slowing down to assist a disabled motorist on a dangerous interstate is a testament to her courage and her character. Her family, friends, and fellow soldiers knew her as a remarkable and incredibly caring person, and her tragic loss will be felt by many for years to come. Annie and I send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Erin's husband Randy and their three children." For more information, visit the Delaware National Guard's Facebook page atbit.ly/3mj9S78. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-honored-with-friend-of-farm-bureau-award-for-support-of-delaware-agriculture | Coons honored with Friend of Farm Bureau Award for support of Delaware agriculture | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) receives the national Friend of Farm Bureau Award from President Richard Wilkins of the Delaware Farm Bureau during a ceremony in Camden, Del., Nov. 23, 2020. For additional photos, visit https://bit.ly/3nRkv14. (U.S. Senate Photo by Brendan Mackie/Released).CAMDEN, Del. Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, received the American Farm Bureau Federation's Friend of Farm Bureau Award during a ceremony at the Delaware Farm Bureau here. President Richard Wilkins of the DEFB presented Coons with the national-level award, which honors members of Congress who work to advance policies supporting agriculture and farmers. Delaware agriculture plays a critical role in our state's economy and helps to keep food on the tables of American families across the country, Senator Coons said. Finding ways to support our hardworking farmers is one of my top priorities. I'm honored to receive this award and will continue using my position in the Senate to advocate for agriculture and Delaware farmers, especially during this difficult time. As Senate Chicken Caucus co-chair, Coons has led the bipartisan effort to secure federal assistance for contract poultry growers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Coons also uses his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure funding for vital agriculture, rural development, and environmental priorities, including support for the poultry industry, agricultural research, farm conservation, and rural housing programs in the appropriations bills for the fiscal year 2021. For more photos of the ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/3nRkv14.(U.S. Senate Photo by Brendan Mackie/Released). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-big-difference-between-the-stock-market-and-whats-happening-in-grocery-markets | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Big difference between the stock market and what's happening in grocery markets | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees, joined MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell to discuss the need for urgent COVID-19 relief and stimulus. I think it's important that Majority Leader McConnell show that he recognizes that we need to fund our recovery, that we need to provide an additional round of funding, yes to small businesses, but also to state and local governments, to families and individuals who are struggling, even on a day that the Dow Jones hits a new all-time record,said Senator Coons.There is a big difference between the stock market and what's happening in grocery markets in local communities all over our country. We've got families that are hurting and struggling. We have more than 6 million Americans who are on the verge of being evicted either because they're late on their mortgages or on their rent, and we need to take decisive steps to put a floor under our economy. Senator Coons concluded,The very wealthiest Americans and those who hold stocks and bonds in their retirement accounts should be pleased about the all-time high for the Dow Jones, but that shows that there is confidence in the markets because they believe a transition is now finally under way, and we should be able to work across the aisle during this lame duck period to deliver some of the additional support that small businesses, employers, and employees and their families need and deserve going into this holiday season. Full audio and video are availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: And Delaware Democratic Senator and Foreign Relations Committee member, Chris Coons, joining me now. Senator, thanks very much, thanks for being with us. And an almost happy holiday to you. It's certainly a happier day for the Biden team there in Wilmington who can now start working on background checks, and as these nominees come forward, begin to think about getting ready for confirmations. Sen. Coons:That's right. This long overdue transit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-elect-biden-selections-for-key-cabinet-positions | Sen. Coons statement on President-elect Biden selections for key Cabinet positions | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | 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 Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President-elect Biden announced nominees for key Cabinet positions: Tony Blinken for Secretary of State, Jake Sullivan for National Security Advisor, Linda Thomas-Greenfield for Ambassador to the United Nations, Avril Haines for Director of National Intelligence, Alejandro Mayorkas for Homeland Security Secretary, and John Kerry for Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. President-elect Joe Biden is bringing professional competence and deep experience to his Cabinet and the highest levels of our government. Beyond their decades of work in national security and foreign relations, these nominees are genuinely good people and team players who will work tirelessly to advance U.S. interests and values. I look forward to confirming these nominees quickly, and working with President-elect Biden and his Cabinet to build back better our leadership on the world stage and tackle our most pressing global challenges. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-elect-bidens-nomination-of-tony-blinken-as-secretary-of-state | Sen. Coons statement on President-elect Bidens nomination of Tony Blinken as Secretary of State | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | 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 Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced Tony Blinken as his nominee to serve as Secretary of State. Tony Blinken will be an outstanding Secretary of State. I have known and worked with Tony for over a decade and no one better understands and conveys President-elect Biden's vision for building back better our nation's role in the world than Tony. World leaders will know that when Tony speaks, he is speaking for the President. He is a capable, measured, thoughtful and inspiring leader, and our diplomats around the world will be encouraged to have his leadership at the State Department. We have a lot of important and difficult work to do together in the years ahead advancing our values, restoring our alliances and tackling the challenges of this century from China and climate change, to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and future global health crises and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Blinken and President Biden to deliver strong results. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-speaks-with-ethiopian-prime-minister-amidst-escalating-conflict | Senator Coons speaks with Ethiopian Prime Minister amidst escalating conflict | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S.SenatorChrisCoons(D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, spoke today with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asthe Ethiopian National Defense Forces prepare for a military offensive against Mekelle, the capital city of the northern Tigray province. Senator Coons expressed concern about the rapidly escalating conflict with the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front and urged Prime Minister Abiy to pursue dialogue and reconciliation. Senator Coons emphasized the need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access, and he raised alarm about disturbing reports of human rights violations on both sides. They discussed the African Union mediation effort announced by AU Chairman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Senator Coons and Prime Minister Abiy discussed the risk of protracted ethnic conflict and the consequences for Ethiopia's democratic transition and the stability of East Africa and the Red Sea region, as the UN refugee agency reportsthat nearly 40,000 refugees have fled to Sudan in recent days. Senator Coons underscored the importance of a stable, democratic, and prosperous Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the world's fastest growing economies and is Africa's second most populous country. Major U.S. companies including General Electric and Dow have operations in the East African country. Ethiopia is an important security partner in a volatile region. It hosts the African Union headquarters and is the world's largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, with forces deployed to UN missions in Sudan and South Sudan, and in Somalia as part of a multinational effort to counter Al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-coons-pays-tribute-to-delawareans-at-capitol | ICYMI: Coons pays tribute to Delawareans at Capitol | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Last week, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) paid tribute to five Delawareans during a floor speech at the U.S. Capitol. The floor speech, printed in the Congressional Record, honors the late Elaine Manlove, Wayne Manlove, Mike Rush Jr., Lottie Lee-Davis, and Gloria Corrozi. To read the full statement, visit bit.ly/3kLp0sf. To watch the speech, go to youtu.be/JzQpA528qMw. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-scott-colleagues-introduce-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month | Sens. Coons, Scott, colleagues introduce resolution designating November as National College Application Month | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.)introduced a resolution in the Senatedesignating November as National College Application Month. The resolution wasalso introduced in the House byRepresentatives Susan Wild (D-Pa.) and Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.)to remind students that they can't let the pandemicprevent them from identifying their college options or cause further disruptions and barriers to theireducational journey.COVID-19 continues to complicatehigh school seniors' and others' assessment of their educational planswith fewer students applying to college and completing the FAFSA when compared to a year ago. The bipartisan resolutions note thatthe Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that theunemployment rate for young adults with a bachelor's degree and theunemployment rate for young adults whose highest credential is a high school diploma differ by 20 percentage points, which has widened exponentially as a result of the coronavirus. Even amidst all the challenges of this year, it's important that all of us continue to dream big about the future. If you are a high school senior or someone thinking about returning to school, now is the time to apply and to learn more about your options,said Senator Coons.I'm excited to work with my colleagues to recognize everyone undertaking that project this month and look forward to celebrating your plans come spring. Education is the key that unlocks endless opportunities,said Senator Tim Scott.Although this year has been different than most, it's important that the future of our young people not be hindered by the challenges of this pandemic. I encourage all students regardless of age to pursue your dreams and continue your educational journey. We have an obligation to keep a high-quality education within reach for each and every student and that starts with ensuring students and families have access to the important information on the college admissions process, know about the opportunities our excellent community colleges and two-year col… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-cindy-mccain-uk-foreign-secretary-others-highlight-importance-of-us-global-leadership-in-covid-19-response | Sen. Coons, Cindy McCain, UK Foreign Secretary, others highlight importance of US global leadership in COVID-19 response | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | At regional USGLC summit, government, business, and public health leaders agree a global pandemic requires a global response Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/ZpkOXH-xnow WILMINGTON, Del.On Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), and more than 1,000 political, business, military, and community leaders convened virtually for a Mid-Atlantic Summit to discuss the importance of U.S. global leadership and how it benefits Delaware and the region. As COVID-19 cases reach record levels in the United States, policy, business, and global health leaders resoundingly agreed that America's tools of diplomacy and development are more critical than ever to respond to COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of all Americans and to prevent the next global pandemic. U.S. diplomacy and development programs are critical to tackling the root causes of the world's toughest challengesespecially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises around the world, disrupt the global economy, and threaten the health and safety of our own country,saidSenator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is imperative that the U.S. government address the global dimensions of this pandemic, because if we don't take action, things will only get worseacross America and around the world. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, I will continue to support these and other investments to ensure that the United States takes decisive action to combat COVID-19 and restores its position as a world leader. The global economy is facing its greatest crisis since the Great Depression something we're feeling acutely here in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region at large. This ongoing health pandemic shows the close connection between our health and our economy, and without action, U.S. businesses and American jobs could be in jeopardy, not to mention our country's economic recovery,saidRepresentative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-zuckerberg-and-dorsey-your-algorithms-shape-what-billions-of-people_understand-to-be-true | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Zuckerberg and Dorsey: Your algorithms shape what billions of people understand to be true | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | 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 Judiciary Committee, questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on their platforms' policies on social media content moderation focusing on the impact on public discourse on COVID-19, vaccines, climate change, bigotry, and election integrity. [W]hether you wished for it or not, the inescapable fact is your algorithms, your policies, and your business decisions shape what billions of people across the world and a working majority of people here in our nation understand to be true. And that's the case for election integrity, for a potential COVID-19 vaccine, for climate change, for hateful and dangerous stereotypes, and many other critical issues,Senator Coons said to Zuckerberg and Dorsey. Yesterday, Senator Coons led 14 colleagues ona letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergcalling on the company to fully address the problem of anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform, which has enabled offline violence against Muslims in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Sen. Coons noted his letter to Facebook saying,We focus particularly on anti-Muslim bias; on an issue that warrants specific attention given the tragic consequences of anti-Muslim hate speech in Myanmar, in Sri Lanka, in New Zealand, and right here in the United States, and I appreciate that Facebook has taken actions in response to these issues, but this letter points out why we need better metrics and transparency to actually evaluate your actions. So my colleagues and I urge better enforcement, in particular, of your Call to Arms policy, which could have made a difference in a recent tragedy in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In response, Zuckerberg confirmed that Facebook will respond to theletter's inquiriesand added that Facebook will soon detail the prevalence of hate content on its platforms and commit to an independent audit of their reports on content moderation policies. On Twitter's lack of a policy on misinformation about climate change, Senator Coons… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-14-colleagues-press-facebook-to-take-immediate-action-to-combat-anti-muslim-bigotry-on-its-platform | Sen. Coons, 14 colleagues press Facebook to take immediate action to combat anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | 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, today led 14 colleagues on a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg calling on the company to fully address the problem of anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform, which has enabled offline violence against Muslims in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Senator Coons is joined on the letter by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Facebook is a groundbreaking company that has revolutionized the way we communicate. Unfortunately, the connectivity that can bring people together in many positive ways also has been used to dehumanize and stoke violence against Muslims, Black people, Latinos, immigrants, the Jewish community, Sikhs, Christians, women, and other communities here and across the world,the Senators wrote. Of particular concern is how Facebook has addressed the targeting of mosques and Muslim community events by armed protesters through the platform. In June 2019, Facebook responded to concerns about these practices by creating a call to arms policy that prohibits event pages that call for individuals to bring weapons to a location. However, the Senators note that Facebook has not taken adequate steps to enforce this policy, which should have barred an event page in Kenosha, Wisconsin earlier this year, as well as a 2019 event page used to plan an armed protest at the largest Muslim community convention in the country. We recognize that Facebook has announced efforts to address its role in the distribution of anti-Muslim content in some of these areas,the Senators wrote. Nevertheless, it is not clear that the company is meaningfully better positioned to prevent further human rights abus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-and-house-introduce-accelerating-access-to-critical-therapies-for-als-act | Senate and House introduce Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act | 2020-10-30 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. This week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) along withRepresentatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.)introduced an updated version of ACT for ALS,Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The two new pieces of legislation,S.4867in the Senate andH.R.8662in the House, create new pathways for faster and broader access to therapies for those most in need, including those facing a fatal disease like ALS. "We must do all we can to support thetens of thousandsof Americansimpacted byALS, aterrible diseasewithout a cure.ACTfor ALS will expand early treatment options and support the cutting-edge research needed to improve quality of life and find a cure. Weshouldtake steps to facilitate access to new therapies, drug treatments, and medical breakthroughsto aid Americans who sufferfromALS orotherforms of neurodegenerative disease,said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus. For years I've been working with the ALS community to help increase research opportunities and ensure those living with this deadly disease have the support they need. We've made progress, but even with promising treatments in clinical trials, patients unable to enroll in those research studies unfortunately have very few options for treatment. Through a new pilot grant program, as well as other additional funding, this bipartisan legislation will help address barriers to utilizing the current expanded access pathway, while also broadly supporting the development of ALS treatments. As someone whose family has been personally impacted by ALS, I'm proud to help Senator Coons lead this effort,said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "This new legislation represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.It breaks the paradigm of disease research and creates a new pathway to deliver promising treatments.With this new law, we can break through faster for those who have suff… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-letter-from-carper-coons-hhs-takes-action-to-preserve-access-to-provider-relief-fund | Following letter from Carper, Coons, HHS takes action to preserve access to Provider Relief Fund | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) to announcethat following theirletter earlier this monthto U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, the Administration hasupdatedrequirements to preserve providers' access to funding from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Our health care workers and hospital staff are frontline heroes in this pandemic,said Senator Carper. We need to make sure that hospitals and health care providers throughout our state, especially those that serve vulnerable populations, have the resources they need to keep our communities healthy and safe. Today's announcement helps ensure that these front line health care providers can continue to focus on managing this public health crisis. Since the start of thispandemic, support for our health care systems has been a top priority. I've been working with my colleagues and with HHS to expand support for our health care providers including a delegation effort to secure Nanticoke Hospital's eligibility for $1.6 million in relief,said Senator Coons.Iwelcomethisnewannouncement that HHSwill ensure providerscan access the assistance theyneedand ensure that quality health care remains accessibleup and down ourstate. This move will help smaller providers stay afloat and continue essential services in our communities. As we continue to face challenges from the pandemic, rural areas are in need of critical support, SenatorKlobuchar said.This announcement is welcome news and we must continue to work with rural hospitals and health systems in Minnesota and around the country to help ensure that they can continue to serve low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients through this difficult time." We need to help health care providers in small towns and rural areas stay afloat so they can continue their critical work during COVID-19, SenatorSmith said.Some health care providers are having to lay peo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-confirmation-vote-senators-coons-carper-join-delawareans-to-highlight-whatsatstake-if-aca-is-overturned | Ahead of confirmation vote, Senators Coons, Carper join Delawareans to highlight #WhatsAtStake if ACA is overturned | 2020-10-27 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Yesterday, just hours before the U.S. Senate voted on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Tom Carper (both D-Del.) joined Delawareans who are benefitting from the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, highlighting what's at stake if the landmark health care law is overturned. Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve on the Supreme Court threatens the health care protections that millions of Americans currently have under the ACA, including protections for the nearly 400,000 Delawareans living with preexisting conditions. "It's hard enough to fight the cancer. We shouldn't also have to fight to live," said Jan White, a small business owner from Newark who has been battling Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for four years. "We need the ACA protections." "The ACA is not just benefiting me but thousands of Delawareans and millions of Americans all across this country," said Carrie Dennis-Mayer, a small business owner from Middletown, Delaware. "What is interesting is that most people do not know the need for the Affordable Care Act until they really need it. And if you fall between the cracks of healthcare insecurity and healthcare uncertainty, then trust me, you're grateful that ACA is there to help you." "It is amazing to me, galling to me, angering to me, that in the middle of a pandemic a global health pandemic that has killed more than 225,000 Americans and infected more than 8,500,000 Americans that the Trump administration is seeking to take away the protections of the Affordable Care Act from a majority of Americans," said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Don't take my word for it; there's a filing in the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that will be argued one week from the election. So, we are one week from an election and two weeks from an argument in the Supreme Court where the ACA is at risk." "Having failed nearly 100 times to repeal or chip away at the Affordable Care Act in Con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-hosts-nasa-astronaut-administrator-for-virtual-conversation-with-delaware-students | Coons hosts NASA astronaut, administrator for virtual conversation with Delaware students | 2020-10-27 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) hosted a virtual event with astronautDr. Jeanette Epps, NASA AdministratorJim Bridenstine, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, and 250-plus Delaware students. The virtual event, which involved FAME Delaware and Delaware Space Grant Consortium students, focused on the importance of STEM education and NASA's Artemis program. "NASA's Artemis mission has the goal of landing a woman on the moon by 2024, and it's something that I'm grateful NASA is championing," said Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which funds NASA. "Inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers the Artemis Generation ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery," said NASA Administrator Bridenstine. "Delaware is committed to STEM education, and is already making great contributions to America's Moon to Mars exploration plans. The students who participated in today's event are tomorrow's NASA and aerospace workforce, and encouraging STEM early on in their education is critical to America's future in space. We are grateful to Senator Coons for his leadership to promote STEM education, and look forward to continuing strong partnerships in the state of Delaware." "Open your minds to the new frontiers offered by a career in STEM fields, keep them open and take these opportunities, to learn and grow," said Lt. Gov. Hall-Long. "You are the next generation of leaders that will guide us and expand STEM industry careers. Thank you to Sen. Coons and to NASA for hosting this event today and providing a unique opportunity for Delaware students to learn firsthand about all the amazing opportunities available to them." A research scientist and professor, Dr. Hall-Long also serves as the honorary co-chair of the Million Women Mentors, which promotes and connects young girls with leaders in STEM related fields. To watch a video of yesterday's virtual event… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-minority-business-support-to-rural-areas | Sen. Coons, colleagues introduce legislation to expand minority business support to rural areas | 2020-10-27 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Thom Tillis, (R-N.C.), introduced theReaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act of 2020which would authorize the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) within the Department of Commerce to establish up to 10 business centers atHistorically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs) to serve rural and underserved communities. MBDA's existing Minority Business Centers are concentrated in select urban areas in 18 states, leaving vast swaths of the country without easy access to MBDA's services. It's urgent that Congress deliver comprehensive relief to small businesses struggling to survive the pandemic, but we must also ensure that ongoing recovery efforts reach underserved communities,Senator Coonssaid. This new bill would allow the Minority Business Development Agency to utilize the reach and relationships of HBCUs like Delaware State University to deliver the tools for growth to minority-owned small businesses. This is one of many ways we can prioritize equity and access as we chart the economic recovery. The Minority Business Development Agency has been a lifeline for many minority business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow their businesses,SenatorWickersaid. This bill would help extend these resources to more of rural America, leveraging the expertise and innovation of our nation's historically black colleges and universities. I am glad to work alongside Senators Tim Kaine, Tim Scott, Chris Coons, and Thom Tillis to help make this expansion possible. MBDA centers have long been integral in supporting minority-owned businesses, but many rural businesses face challenges tapping into these federal resources,Senator Kaine said. This difficulty is particularly devastating amid the ongoing economic crisis brought on by COVID-19. By combining the talent and expertise of HBCUs and MBDA centers, this bill will offer vital means for rural minority-ow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-justice-barretts-confirmation-may-well-change-the-arc-of-our-history | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Justice Barretts confirmation may well change the arc of our history | 2020-10-27 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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,joinedRachel Maddow on MSNBC last night to discuss Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. On the consequences of Justice Barrett's confirmation, Sen. Coons said:Justice Barrett, within a couple of weeks, is going to have a chance to weigh in on the things that President Trump said he most wanted from her. Overturning the Affordable Care Act that case is being heard just two weeks from tomorrow. Protecting his taxes and shielding him from accountability that case will be heard this month. And quite possibly handing him the election by refusing to count our votes in appeals to the Supreme Court. On Justice Barrett's conservative views, Sen. Coons said:JudgeBarrett, now Justice Barrett, convinced me from her writings and my questioning of her that she has a view of the law that's to the right of Justice Scalia. On Trump's judicial appointments, Sen. Coons said:We've got to look at our courts as a whole because we've seen hundreds of conservative judges put on circuit courts and district courts all over this country in the last four years, in many cases, too young, too unqualified, and too far right to be allowed to sit peaceably without our re-examining the process, the results, and the consequences. Full video is availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Delaware Senator Chris Coons. Senator Coons, it's a real pleasure to have you here tonight. Thanks very much for joining us. Sen. Coons:Thanks, Rachel. It's been a tough night, and I'm grateful for achance to be on with you. Q: So I know that Democrats did everything they felt they could, including as many delaying tactics as they could extend to this process, up to and including working through this weekend, going into closed session, doing everything possible. But you said tonight on the Senate floor: I fear we as a nation have not fully reckoned with the impact that a 6-3 cons… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-confirmation-vote-on-amy-coney-barrett-senators-carper-coons-join-patients-and-providers-to-highlight-whatsatstake-for-delawareans-if-affordable-care-act-is-overturned | Ahead of confirmation vote on Amy Coney Barrett, Senators Carper, Coons join patients and providers to highlight #WhatsAtStake for Delawareans if Affordable Care Act is overturned | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Today, just hours before the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Delawareans who are benefitting from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to highlight what's at stake if the landmark health care law is overturned. Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve on the Supreme Court threatens the health care protections that millions of Americans currently have under the ACA, including protections for the nearly 400,000 Delawareans living with preexisting conditions. Today, at Westside Family Healthcare in Wilmington, Senators Carper and Coons were joined by Delawareans who have directly benefitted from the protections under the ACA, including the ban on annual and lifetime limits for essential health benefits.It's hard enough to fight the cancer. We shouldn't also have to fight to live,said Jan White, a small business owner from Newark who has been battling Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for four years.We need the ACA protections. The ACA is not just benefiting me but thousands of Delawareans and millions of Americans all across this country,said Carrie Dennis-Mayer, a small business owner from Middletown.What is interesting is that most people do not know the need for the Affordable Care Act until they really need it. And if you fall between the cracks of healthcare insecurity and healthcare uncertainty, then trust me, you're grateful that ACA is there to help you. Having failed nearly 100 times to repeal or chip away at the Affordable Care Act in Congress, Donald Trump and many of our Republican colleagues are now counting on the Supreme Court to do their work for them. And, with Amy Coney Barrett's nomination, they are within one vote on the Supreme Court of achieving their goal,said Senator Carper.This isn't a hypothetical. This nomination and a subsequent ruling on the Republican lawsuit to strike down the ACA in its entirety could have all too real and devastating consequences f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-to-vote-against-judge-barretts-confirmation-to-the-supreme-court | Senator Coons to vote against Judge Barretts confirmation to the Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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, released the following statement on his vote against the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court: While Senate Republicans have been rushing to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett, they have done nothing to help the millions of Americans struggling through this pandemic. Across the country, too many Americans have lost jobs, closed small businesses, and been infected by COVID-19. But, instead of working together to pass a relief bill to deliver desperately-needed aid, my Republican colleagues chose to jam through a partisan nominee in the most rushed and unprecedented process in American history. I fear that Judge Barrett's confirmation will have real and dire impacts on the American people. After reviewing her record and questioning her about her views, it's clear that Judge Barrett will come to the Supreme Court with both a legal philosophy that is far outside the mainstream and a judicial activism that will put at risk numerous longstanding rights that the American people hold dear the right to privacy, the right to control one's own body, and the right to marry whomever they love. Judge Barrett has also expressed clear disagreement with past opinions upholding the Affordable Care Act, and she may well cast the deciding vote to overturn it, stripping from the majority of Americans critical coverage and protections in the middle of a public health crisis that has already taken the lives of more than 220,000 Americans. I fear that Judge Barrett's confirmation will also do irreparable damage to our democracy. We are just eight days from Election Day. Never before in our nation's history has the United States Senate confirmed a Supreme Court justice in circumstances such as these. I am further troubled by Judge Barrett's refusal during her confirmation hearing to commit to recusing herself from any case involving an election dispute. This means that Judge Barrett could be the deciding vote to tip the electi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/carper-coons-democratic-colleagues-denounce-trump-administrations-historically-low-refugee-resettlement-goal-and-push-for-increased-admissions | Carper, Coons, Democratic colleagues denounce Trump administrations historically low refugee resettlement goal and push for increased admissions | 2020-10-22 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and 21 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in opposing the Trump administration's proposal to cap refugee admissions at 15,000 for Fiscal Year 2021the lowest ceiling in the history of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)and in urging the administration to increase refugee admissions. The United States has a long, bipartisan legacy of providing refugees protection through resettlementprior to 2016 we resettled an average of more than 80,000 refugees per year,the senators wrote in a letter to Secretaries Michael Pompeo and Alex Azar and Under Secretary Chad Wolf.Yet, during this time of soaring global resettlement needs, this Administration has once again abdicated America's global leadership role by further reducing the refugee admissions ceiling to its lowest level in the 40-year history of the program. We urge you to substantially increase the refugee admissions target for FY 2021, and end the current suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The senators highlighted the importance of a strong resettlement program, which serves as an essential lifeline for the most vulnerable among the 29.6 million refugees worldwide while also strengthening our communities and economy. In addition, the senators affirmed the importance of U.S. leadership on resettlement as a powerful tool to garner greater global support for refugees facing persecution. American leadership in refugee resettlement is critical in securing greater global support for this important lifeline, which is available to less than one percent of all refugees,the senators added.As this Administration has slashed its annual refugee admissions goals, other leading resettlement countries have followed suit and lowered their resettlement numbers as well. In addition to Senators Carper, Coons and Ranking Member Menendez, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democrats-on-the-senate-foreign-relations-subcommittee-on-africa-issue-joint-statement-on-police-brutality-in-nigeria | Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa issue joint statement on police brutality in Nigeria | 2020-10-22 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Nigeria. As members of the Subcommittee on Africa, we have been watching the recent developments in Nigeria with great concern, and call for an immediate end to the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. The escalation of violence in Lagos is unacceptable. That security forces have used live ammunition against peaceful protestors demonstrating against police brutality is especially alarming. We urge security forces to act with restraint and for Nigerian authorities to de-escalate the situation and hold perpetrators of violence to account. Nigeria is the most populous country and largest economy in Africa and is an important strategic partner of the United States. It is, therefore, disheartening to see a valuable diplomatic and security partner resorting to violence against its own civilians.We urge the government of Nigeria to consider the negative impact thatrecurrent violations of human rightsand violence against protesters will have on the U.S.-Nigeria security partnership. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we stand with those who protest police brutality and government corruption. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-portman-introduce-bill-to-combat-wildlife-trafficking | Sens. Coons, Portman introduce bill to combat wildlife trafficking | 2020-10-22 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation to combat the crisis of wildlife poaching and trafficking and build on bipartisan efforts to address the practice. Wildlife trafficking is a major threat to conservation of threatened species and has also been linked to other transnational organized criminal activities, including trafficking in narcotics, weapons, andpeople. TheEliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2020would permanently authorize and expandlegislationled by Senator Coons that was signed into law in 2016. Since passing in 2016, theEND Wildlife Trafficking Acthas aidedin thearrest of members of wildlife trafficking networksand supported interagency efforts to tackle the practice globally through country-specific and regional initiatives. Certain provisions of the law are set to expire in 2021. TheEND Wildlife Reauthorization and Improvements Actpermanently authorizes the duties of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and related reports on major wildlife trafficking countries, and creates new focus areas such as the role of online platforms in facilitating trafficking activities. Wildlife trafficking is not just a critical conservation issue; it also threatensthesecurityofthe United States andour international partners,said Senator Chris Coons. The Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking has done outstanding work, but the threat of wildlife poaching and trafficking is constantly evolving. It is vital thatthework of the Task Force continues without disruption, and I am proud to introduce thisbipartisanbill with Senator Portman to build on successful efforts to address illegal wildlife trade. As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I am pleased to join Senator Coons in introducing theEND Wildlife Trafficking and Improvements Act of 2020to help prevent the trafficking and poaching of the world's most threatened species. Wildlife trafficking is not onl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-barretts-nomination-this-is-personal-its-about-long-settled-rights-for-millions-and-millions-of-americans | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Barrett’s nomination: ‘This is personal. It's about long settled rights for millions and millions of Americans’ | 2020-10-22 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke at a press conference alongside Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, emphasizing what's at stake with Amy Coney Barrett's nomination. On health care, Sen. Coons said,like all of us, I brought a picture of a real person for whom the consequences of what's on the [Supreme Court] docket are very real. Just a week after the election, the Supreme Court will hear another constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act long settled eight years ago. In mycase,Carrie from Middletown, with a pre-existing condition, a small business owner, someone who can't get access to quality affordable health care if the Affordable Care Act is overturned. On the timing of this confirmation, Sen. Coons said,in the middle of a pandemic, where 8 million Americans have been infected and morethan 220,000 have lost their lives, we should instead be negotiating a robust package of pandemic relief.Sen. Coons continued,the Republicans have insisted on breaking the example they set just four years ago of refusing to move a qualified nominee in the midst of an election. On Judge Barrett's record, Sen. Coons said,her writings and her record show in Judge Barrett a judge willing to go farther to the right than even Justice Scalia, who she's claimed as a mentor and a model, and to reach back, reconsider, and possibly overturn decisions that she and other conservative justices think were wrongly decided. Sen. Coons concluded,so folks, they may be shrouded in mist right now but I hope I've helped make it clear as have all the Democrats standing behind me, we were not over in the Judiciary Committee markup thismorning because we wanted to be clear what was on the agenda, what is on the docket. This is personal. It's about long settled rights for millions and millions of Americans. In the middle of this pandemic, we should not be racing for the Republicans to confirm this partisan nominee who puts at riskhundreds of caseslong settled. We should be delivering relief to the American people. Fu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-demand-explanation-of-justice-departments-sudden-change-to-election-non-interference-policy | Sen. Coons, colleagues demand explanation of Justice Department’s sudden change to election non-interference policy | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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 Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and 11 other members of the Rules and Judiciary Committees on a letter to Corey R. Amundson, Chief of the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, requesting an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections, which ensures that election fraud investigations do not affect an upcoming election. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning that Russia is amplifying these claims to undermine trust in the electoral process. In addition to Senators Coons and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail.the senators said. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. Full text of the letter can be foundhereand below. Dear Mr. Amundson: We request an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-stimulus-many-of-us-in-the-senate-are-ready-to-support-a-broad-and-significant-bill | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on stimulus: ‘Many of us in the Senate are ready to support a broad and significant bill’ | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJohn Berman on CNN to discuss the developments onaCOVID-19 stimulus bill and the economic support it would give to people in need. We have more than 25 million Americans on unemployment right now, more than 8 million Americans infected, more than 220,000 Americans dead. This is a public health crisis of epic proportions and our economy is barely hanging on because of the unanimous support of the Senate six months ago for theCARESrelief act.[Majority Leader]McConnell has beenAWOL. Hehas been absent, a total nonparticipant, and is now actually being a critical speed bump in the last days as Speaker Pelosi is trying hard to work out a robust package of relief,Senator Coons said.We have 6 million Americans late on their mortgage or their rent. That should be in this bill. Every state is facing rising challenges, both in terms of their budgets and the pandemic response. Robust state and local government relief should be in this bill. And there should be another round of support for families. I hope we can get this done. Full audio is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons. Senator, thanks so much for being with us. Let me read you a little bit of CNN's reporting on what's going on in theSenate in regards to this relief package. At a closed-door lunch on Tuesday, McConnellindicated that the deal was unlikely to get a vote in his chamber before election day, according to multiple sources. And he said he warned the White House against getting behind such a proposal before November 3rd that would badly divide Senate Republicans. So McConnell isn't jumping up and down about this. What do you want this morning? Sen. Coons:John, I want us to make real progress towards delivering relief for the millions of Americans who are suffering through this pandemic, who are struggling through this recession,both of which have been made far worse than they ever should have been by President Trump's bungled mishandling of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-introduce-covid-19-relief-bill-to-support-small-businesses | Sen. Coons, colleagues introduce COVID-19 relief bill to support small businesses | 2020-10-20 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), along with his colleagues on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.)and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.),andSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced theHEROES Small Business Lifeline Act a comprehensive package of measures that would provide support to the hardest-hit, most vulnerablesmall businesses and industries, such as food services, hospitality, and live venues. The bill is nearly identical to the small business provisions ofHEROES 2.0, whichpassed the House of Representatives on October 1. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Small businesses and nonprofits and their employeesare working tirelessly to keep their workplaces going. The challenges facing restaurants, event venues, childcare providers, hotels, fitness centers, and so many other Main Street businesses in Delaware and across the country call for boldand sweeping assistance from the federal government,SenatorCoons said.That's why I'm proud to introduce theHEROES Small Business Lifeline Act. The bill not only offers a second round of PPP loans to hard-hit businesses, as we initially called for in June, but it also includes a vital extension of the SBA debt relief program, and new grant funding with a focus on restaurants, event… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-need-another-round-of-stimulus | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We need another round of stimulus’ | 2020-10-19 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedCNBC's Squawk Box to call for another round of COVID-19 relieffor the American people. On Congress' failure to passanother relief bill earlier, Sen. Coons said:Speaker Pelosi has been working hard because she and the House Democrats, who are in the majority, passed a big and broad package four months ago, but Majority Leader McConnell has been completely absent from these negotiations.Sen. Coons continued,I think it's appropriate Speaker Pelosi put a deadline on this. It's been dragging on for months, and our key problem is the Republican majority in the Senate will not support the kind of broad bill that the White House is talking about and that theSpeaker has already passed and sent to us months ago. On the relief billalreadypassed bytheHouse, Sen. Coons said:The initial bill, the $3.5 trillionHEROESAct, if we had actually pushed that into law and delivered it, you would see a solid economic recovery right nowInstead, President Trump and Majority Leader McConnell have dithered and disagreed about the path. Sen. Coonsconcluded:The larger point iswe have to get to a deal that meets the broad needs of the American people. That's what Speaker Pelosi is advancing and by putting some deadline on it, she's trying to get serious about getting this done before the election. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us right now is Senator Chris Coons. He serves on the Small Business Committee and, Senator, with a focus on the Small Business Committee, I can only assume that you must be desperate to get something done at this point because small businesses right now in this country need some help. What happens next? Sen. Coons:That's right. That's right, Becky. I hear every day, literally I just got a text while I was waiting to go on here, from small business owners in Delaware eager to hear about news that there may be some breakthrough. It's been clear from Republicans I've talked to that President Trump would like to get a de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-senators-highlight-extreme-food-insecurity-on-world-food-day-2020 | Bipartisan group of senators highlight extreme food insecurity on World Food Day 2020 | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) celebrate World Food Day and recommit to fighting hunger in the face of unprecedented levels of hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The senators are the sponsors of Senate Resolution 365, which designated October 16, 2020 as World Food Day and passed the Senate unanimously last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the global hunger crisis, with the United Nations estimating that rising food costs and widespread unemployment could push an additional 130 million people into chronic hunger by 2020. Even before the pandemic, nearly 700 million people suffered from hunger. At home and abroad, we've seen a sharp rise in food insecurity during the pandemic. I'm grateful for the work of so many in Delaware from our farmers, to school lunch workers, to folks working in food pantries and nonprofits who are helping provide food to families who need it most, said Senator Coons. I will continue fighting for resources for the programs that are providing emergency assistance to our world's most vulnerable populations, and that support resiliency in our food and agricultural systems. The call to feed the world has been answered by so many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need,saidSenator Moran. Today on World Food Day 2020, we are reminded of our responsibility to help those in need in our own communities and in towns, cities and villages all around the world. As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do both for Kansas producers and for global security. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am proud to have joined my colleagues in support of this resolution. Observing this day raises awareness of America's important efforts to stamp out world hunger. Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes U.S. leadership. That is why the Senate Hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-applauds-630k-in-federal-funding-for-police-departments-body-worn-camera-program | Sen. Coons applauds $630K in federal funding for police department’s body-worn camera program | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Tom Carper, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Attorney General Kathy Jennings applauded a $630,000 federal grant to fund the Wilmington Police Department's body-worn camera program. Earlier this year, members of the congressional delegation wrote letters to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, signaling their support of WPD's application for the Fiscal Year 2020 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies."The Department of Justice's $630,000 award to help fund the Wilmington Police Department's body-worn camera program is one of many deliberate investments essential to building mutual trust between law enforcement and more importantly, the communities that they serve,"said Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Law Enforcement Caucus."The residents of Wilmington and officers with WPD deserve enhancements to policing operations that strengthen accountability, trust, and transparency. Time after time, our nation has witnessed tragedies that have resulted in the unfortunate loss of lives, particularly in Black and Brown communities, and these body-worn cameras will serve as an invaluable tool for justice.""It's clear that body-worn cameras help law enforcement gain the community's trust through transparency in policing, and Delaware's congressional delegation worked hard to get this funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure every officer has this technology," said Sen. Carper. "We heard from constituents loud and clear this is a necessary tool in the toolbox for our law enforcement that will assist the Wilmington Police Department in advancing relations between law enforcement, our city's residents, and the surrounding region.""As part of the social justice movement across the country, we've been forced to confront the way that we police our communities and neighborhoods. One of the most effective and widely accepted policy solutions… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-judge-barrett-as-justice-barrett-may-well-cast-the-deciding-vote-to-overturn-the-affordable-care-act | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘Judge Barrett as Justice Barrett may well cast the deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act’ | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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 Judiciary Committee, spoke about his concerns regarding the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the final dayofher Supreme Courtconfirmation hearings. On the Affordable Care Act, Senator Coons said,Judge Barrett as Justice Barrett may well cast the deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act, with potentially disastrous consequences for a majority of Americans. Meanwhile, the Trump Justice Department has joined a challenge to the ACA that is back in front of the Supreme Court to be argued just a few weeks from now before the Supreme Court on November 10th. On the timing and context of AmyConey Barrett's nomination, Sen. Coons said,This is an unprecedented context and with unprecedented speed. You don't convene a Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the middle of a pandemic while theSenate is on recess, while voting has already started in a presidential election in a majority of states, because we are simply concerned about abstract ideas or the neutral application of law. On Barrett's refusal to commit to recuse herself given a disputed election, Sen. Coons said,I thought nothing was stopping Judge Barrett from making a commitment to recuse herself given what President Trump has said and was gravely concerned she did not. On pandemic relief concerns, Senator Coons said,My hope is that we will get back to the work of trying to deliver the relief small businesses, Americans, those unemployed, those infected desperately need. I've worked hard to bring the voices of real Delawareans into this discussion because it is easy to miss in the seemingly abstract conversations about things that really matter to lawyers. Sen. Coons concluded,I will not be voting to confirm Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court but I frankly think we should not be taking this vote, we should not be proceeding today. We should instead be turning to the urgent business of protecting the American people and ensuring the safety and security of our election and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-delaware-tech-highlights-marcus-wright-dover-based-outreach-coordinator-for-senator-coons | ICYMI: Delaware Tech highlights Marcus Wright, Dover-based outreach coordinator for Senator Coons | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) walks with associate principal Mr. Clarence Giles (left) and outreach coordinator Mr. Marcus Wright at Seaford High School in Seaford, Del., Sept. 14, 2020. (Photo by Office of U.S. Sen. Chris Coons/Released). For additional photos, visit bit.ly/3nORmV3.DOVER, Del. Mr. Marcus Wright, the Dover-based outreach coordinator for U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), was recently chronicled by Delaware Technical Community College's online news magazine. The Seaford native, an alumnus of Delaware Tech and Delaware State University, joined the senator's team two years ago, serving as a college intern (2018) and then as a staff assistant (2019) in Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, Coons promoted Wright to the position of outreach coordinator to assist educational groups, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and lead on minority outreach initiatives in Kent and Sussex. Based in the Dover office, he is reachable at marcus_wright@coons.senate.gov or 302-736-5601. Read Delaware Tech's story below or online at www.dtcc.edu/about/news/2020/07/08/mr-wright-goes-washington. For more about Team Coons, visit www.coons.senate.gov/contact/staff-directory. Mr. Wright Goes to Washington*Note: This story was written before the COVID-19 pandemic* Marcus Wright came to Delaware Tech in pursuit of a career as a counselor. Through career guidance and internships, he learned how to turn his passion for public policy into his profession. "I've spent the better part of my life searching out ways to make an impact in someone else's life," Wright said. "While at Delaware Tech, Dr. Deneice Berry told me the best way to find my purpose was to figure out where my passion aligns with my skillset. So, I aligned my affinity for politics with my desire to help, and now I'm working on Capitol Hill." Wright is the staff assistant for the Washington, D.C., office of Delaware Senator Chris Coons. In his role, Wright manages all office operations, facilitates White House and Capitol tour requests, processes flag requests… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-barrett-confirmation-may-launch-a-new-chapter-of-conservative-judicial-activism-unlike-anything-weve-seen-in-decades | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Barrett confirmation ‘may launch a new chapter of conservative judicial activism unlike anything we’ve seen in decades’ | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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 Judiciary Committee, questioned Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court, on her views on upholding legal precedent. Senator Coons announced that he will vote against Judge Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme Court. Sen. Coons said, My core concern here, Your Honor, is that your confirmation may launch a new chapter of conservative judicial activism unlike anything we've seen in decades. The point of the chart was to show we've mostly been talking about the Affordable Care Act and privacy-related cases, but if that's true, it could touch virtually every aspect of modern American life. I pray that I'm wrong. I hope that I am. But, in my reading of your work, nothing has alleviated my grave concerns that rather than building on Justice Ginsburg's legacy of advancing privacy, equality, and justice, I'm concerned in fact that you will take the Court in a very different direction. So with all due respect, I will be voting against your confirmation, Your Honor. See Senator Coons' chart presentation here. Audio and video is available here. Additional excerpts are provided below. On Judge Barrett's nomination, Sen. Coons said, President Trump did not nominate you to carry on Justice Ginsburg's legacy. He nominated you because he wants to undermine or change or shift that legacy, and he's been very clear repeatedly before you were chosen about his intent to nominate justices in the mold of Justice Scalia. On previous Supreme Court cases, Sen. Coons asked, If Justice Scalia had had his way, we'd be in a very different country with regards to gender discrimination. In one of Justice Ginsburg's most celebrated decisions in 1996 in the case involving Virginia Military Institute, she struck down their male-only admissions policy. Decades later, VMI honored Justice Ginsburg in recognition of the contributions its female alumni have made. Justice Scalia was the sole dissenter in that case an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-judge-barrett-i-am-gravely-concerned-by-what-i-see | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Judge Barrett: ‘I am gravely concerned by what I see’ | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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 Judiciary Committee,questionedJudge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court, on her views on the Affordable Care Act and potential 2020 elections cases. Sen. CoonspressedJudge Barrett on her previous criticism of the Supreme Court's pivotal 5-4 decision inNFIB v. Sebeliusupholding the Affordable Care Act, As I read this, [Judge Barrett], you are saying to Chief Justice Roberts, you are no textualist, you have overreached, you have delivered an implausible conclusion, and frankly, I disagree with your upholding the constitutionality of this statue. That seems to me [] a plain reading of your own writing.Judge Barrett admitted she disagrees with the ruling in the case. She tried but failed to show that this new challenge to the Affordable Care Act is different fromNFIB v. Sebeliuswhich, in 2012, upheld the Affordable Care Act. Barrettsaid,I think severability is one of the most important issues in the case []NFIB v. Sebeliusalso is interpreting a different provision [fromCalifornia v. Texas]. It was [an individual mandate] that wasn't zeroed out, that actually had money attached to it. Sen. Coonssaidto Judge Barrett,I am gravely concerned by what I see. Your Honor, I believe your views are sincere, but I also think you genuinely think the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional []Bluntly, if our president and the majority are able to swing the Court out of balance by replacing Justice Ginsburg by someone whose views may be significantly to the right, the health of a majority of Americans may well be in peril. Additionally, Judge Barrett declined to say she'll recuse herself from SCOTUS decisions on the 2020 election results, despite previous comments by President Trump about the Court deciding the election: Sen. Coons: Given what President Trump said, given the rushed context of this confirmation, will you commit to recusing yourself from any case arising from a dispute in the presidential election results three w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-trump-promised-to-choose-a-nominee-who-would-overturn-the-aca | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘[T]rump promised to choose a nominee who would overturn the ACA’ | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedAlisyn Camerota on CNN to discuss this week's confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. On Judge Barrett's record, Sen. Coons said, [S]he repeatedly wrote over and over in opinion and law review article after article what she would do, not just with the Affordable Care Act, but with precedent more broadly. That's a fancy way of saying she's to the right of Justice Scalia. She has made it clear that she would join Justice Thomas and others in reaching back and overturning long settled cases from 20 or 30 years ago. On the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Coons said,I will be asking her about her statements, a recent written statement in an article she wrote just in 2017, criticizing Chief Justice Roberts and his decision upholding the ACA on very similar grounds as those that the Trump Administration is arguing in the Supreme Court should justify taking away these critical health care protections from a majority of Americans. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons. He's a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who will be questioning Judge Amy Coney Barrett today.Okay, let's talk about what's going to happen today. Give us a preview. What's your top question for Judge Barrett? Sen. Coons: What I'm hearing from Delawareans, Alisyn, is concern about health care, about the Supreme Court case that's going to be heard a week after the election, and the key question: Why? Why are we doing this hearing now in the middle of a pandemic when the Senate is shut down because there's three senators infected? There's been an outbreak at the White House that's infected more than 35 people, so why this rush? I think the answer is hiding in plain sight. President Trump promised he would only choose a nominee who would overturn the Affordable Care Act, taking away health care protections from a majority of Americans. I will remind you, Alisyn, Justice Ginsburg, whose seat we are having this hearing to fill,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-highlights-delawareans-impacts-of-supreme-court-overturning-affordable-care-act | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons highlights Delawareans, impacts of Supreme Court overturning Affordable Care Act | 2020-10-12 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,discussedthe impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) potentially being struck down in the Supreme Court in hisopening remarksat the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Senator Coons highlighted the story of Carrie from Middletown, Delaware, a constituent who depends on the protections of the ACA. Listen to the voice of Carrie who's behind me to my right. Carrie from Middletown, Delaware used to pay $800 a month for junk insurance' as she called it coverage so skimpy, she had to live in fear of going to the doctor's office or needing medication. Because of the ACA, she was able to get better coverage to pay what she can afford based on her income,said Senator Coons.She has diabetes, she has high blood pressure, but thanks to the ACA, she can't be denied care or coverage. She told me when we spoke, This takes the stress and the worry out of it,' and then asked me: How is this even at issue? Wasn't that settled years ago?' Carrie's right. She should have the peace of mind that you can care for yourself and your family if you get sick,Senator Coons concluded. On November 10, oral arguments will be presented before the Supreme Court inCalifornia v. Texas, a case which could result in the ACA being struck down. Tomorrow, Senator Coons will highlight the devastating effects of the Supreme Court overturning the ACA in the midst of a global pandemic. Overturning the ACA would rip health coverage away from 20 million Americansand eliminate protections for the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. In Delaware, if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the ACA, it would mean: Discrimination against those with pre-existing conditionsincluding COVID-19 survivors. The393,200Delawareans with pre-existing conditions could face higher costs, fewer benefits, and could have trouble finding coverage.Individual market insurers could deny coverage altogether for the160,000Delawareans who have pre-existing conditions th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-judge-barretts-views-are-so-extreme-as-to-make-her-unqualified-to-serve-on-the-supreme-court | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Judge Barrett’s views are ‘so extreme as to make her unqualified to serve on the Supreme Court’ | 2020-10-12 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,joinedMSNBC Live to discuss the judicial philosophy of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and the impact of her confirmation on the American people. As I'll lay out in detail, she has broadcast clearly that her views onrespecting precedent which is afancy way of saying going backand overturning long-settledcases are more in line withJustice Thomas, putting her atthe absolute far right end ofthe Supreme Court, moreconservative even than JusticeScalia. This doesn't just affect theAffordable Care Act although that's important in the middle of a pandemic.This may affect reproductive rights, it may affect individual liberties, it may affect immigration law and long settled issues in criminal law and criminal justice that your averageAmerican doesn't think is atstake in this confirmationhearing.I understand that for millions ofAmericans, they have morepressing concerns than listeningto this confirmation hearing,but I think they should payattention to the ways in whichJudge Barrett has views soextreme as to make herunqualified to serve on theSupreme Court. Full audio and video availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-republicans-in-the-senate-and-president-trump-keep-trying-to-overturn-affordable-care-act | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘Republicans in the Senate and President Trump keep trying to overturn’ Affordable Care Act | 2020-10-11 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Chris Wallace on Fox News to discuss the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. I'm going to be laying out the ways in which Judge Barrett's views, her views on reaching back and reconsidering and overturning long settled precedent are not just extreme, they're disqualifying. She has taught at a well-regarded law school, she clerked for Justice Scalia, but she has views that make her not qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. President Trump has said he would only nominate someone who would overturn the Affordable Care Act taking away health care protections for more than 100 million Americans in the middle the pandemic and members of the majority on this committee have said they would only vote for a nominee who would overturnRoe v. Wade,said Senator Coons. Senator Coons added,When I spoke with a constituent here in Delaware last week, someone with a pre-existing condition, she said I thought this was settled, I thought years ago that the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. I said that's right, but Republicans in the Senate and President Trump keep trying to overturn it, this is their last desperate measure to jam someone on the Court to accomplish that goal by Supreme Court decision what they could not accomplish by legislative action in the Congress. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Senator Coons, your caucus just plain does not have the votes at this point to block Judge Barrett's nomination to the Court, so what is your strategy for the hearings this week? Sen. Coons:Well, I'm going to be laying out the ways in which Judge Barrett's views, her views on reaching back and reconsidering and overturning long settled precedent are not just extreme, they're disqualifying. She has taught at a well-regarded law school, she clerked for Justice Scalia, but she has views that make her not qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-world-food-programmes-nobel-peace-prize | Sen. Coons’ statement on World Food Programme’s Nobel Peace Prize | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | 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 Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the Nobel Committee awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP): In the midst of the worst ongoing refugee and displacement crisis since the Second World War, the World Food Programme continuesto lead vitalwork around the world to combat hunger and starvationand build peace.I'm thrilled that the Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to the WFP, Executive Director David Beasley,and all of the men and women who carry out the WFP's mission around the world. I often hear from Governor Beasleyas he works in challenging environments across the world,and he brings to his work an energy and dedication rooted in faith and optimism. I cannot think of a more deserving organization or individual.The WFP'swork is a reminder of how U.S. partnership with the United Nationscan do so muchgood in the world, saving lives and stabilizing war-torn countries. On Friday morning, the Nobel Committeeannouncedthe award to the World Food Programme "for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-in-foreign-affairs-a-bipartisan-foreign-policy-is-still-possible | ICYMI: Sen. Coons in Foreign Affairs: ‘A Bipartisan Foreign Policy Is Still Possible’ | 2020-10-07 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,todaypublished anessayinForeign Affairs.Despite four years of President Trump'sisolationism and unilateralism,Senator Coons writes that U.S. policy-makerscan restore bipartisan consensus on foreign policy and chart a strategy that is rooted in American values and more connected to the needs of the American people. Foreign Affairs: A Bipartisan Foreign Policy Is Still Possible By Chris Coons U.S. foreign policy is stronger when it enjoys bipartisan support. For the United States to play a steady, stabilizing role in world affairs, its allies and adversaries must know that its government speaks with one voice and that its policies won't shift dramatically with changing domestic political winds. The best way to ensure that clarity and consistency is to pursue policies that are guided by American values of freedom, openness, opportunity, and inclusivityand that have the support of policymakers and ordinary Americans across the political spectrum. After four years under U.S. President Donald Trump, returning to clarity, consistency, and bipartisanship will not be easy. Trump's America first political narrative has proved to be compelling and politically powerful. It taps into a long-standing strain of isolationism in U.S. politics, and it resonates with many Americans who question the benefits of globalization and of endless military engagement overseas. Trump's supporters are not going away, and they cannot be easily dismissed as extremists. If U.S. policymakers seek to restore a bipartisan consensus favoring American global leadership, they must persuade ordinary Americans that international engagement and alliances are worth the cost. Advocates of U.S. international leadership must recognize that domestic and foreign policy are inextricably linked and that a successful and durably bipartisan foreign policy depends on the American people's appreciation of that link. The United States does no… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-increasingly-convinced-judge-barrett-is-more-conservative-than-justice-scalia | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons ‘increasingly convinced’ Judge Barrett is ‘more conservative than Justice Scalia’ | 2020-10-07 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJoe Scarborough on MSNBC to discuss a COVID relief package and Supreme Court hearings.\ On COVID relief, Senator Coons said,We have a next version of that, a bipartisan next version of that ready to go. But frankly, when the House tried to pass it, it was blocked and the White House, until President Trump's late-night tweet last night, had refused to move forward with piecemeal solutions. On SCOTUS confirmation hearings, Senator Coons said, Instead of doing what we should be doing, which is negotiating a final COVID relief package for the American people, the Senate Majority and the Judiciary Committee are racing ahead with a Supreme Court Confirmation. If the Senate is too unsafe for us to be there in person this week to vote on judges, it's unsafe for us to be holding this confirmation hearing for Judge Barrett. On Amy Coney Barrett, Senator Coons said, I've been consulting with my legal team. I've been reading her opinions and law review articles, and I'm increasingly convinced that she's even more conservative than Justice Scalia for whom she clerked on the Supreme Court and she has demonstrateda willingnessto reverse long-settled precedent. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. He's a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees. He's got anew piece in Foreign Affairs Magazinetitled A Bipartisan Foreign Policy is Still Possible. We'll talk about that in just a moment. Senator Coons, good morning. I want to begin by asking you about what's going on in the Congress right now in terms of COVID stimulus, COVID relief. We had theFedChairman, Jerome Powell, saying it is critical to get something into the system for this economy. As you know, it is critical to small business owners and families in the state of Delaware, the president coming out publicly and killing the negotiations effectively yesterday in a tweet. So where does Congress stand right … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-message-to-delawareans-ahead-of-scotus-confirmation-hearings | VIDEO: Sen. Coons message to Delawareans ahead of SCOTUS confirmation hearings | 2020-10-07 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a video message to Delawareans about his concerns with holding confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, nominated for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, despite a recent outbreak of COVID-19 among SJC members. "I am working very hard today with my legal team to prepare for what Chairman Lindsey Graham says will be confirmation hearings next week for Judge Barrett who's been nominated to fill the Supreme Court vacancy caused by the untimely passing of Justice Ginsburg. "As I've been reading through Judge Barrett's law review opinions, her legal opinions, her speeches, and her written record, I have one overwhelming question, which is, why are we proceeding at all? We have three U.S. senators who are infected with the COVID-19 disease. We have a spreading pandemic that continues to infect thousands and thousands of Americans every week more than 7 million who have been infected to date and a COVID-19 outbreak in the White House. "I have joined all the Democrats on Judiciary, writing Majority Leader McConnell and Chairman Graham, urging them not to proceed. We have suspended Senate votes this week. If it is not safe enough for us to go to the Senate to cast votes, it's not safe enough for us to proceed with a confirmation hearing for Judge Barrett. "We are now just 29 days from the election. Millions of Americans have already voted in 27 states. We have never had the Supreme Court nomination of a justice considered by the Senate this close to an election in our history. "I don't think we should be proceeding and neither do you; I've heard from thousands of Delawareans, who've called or emailed or messaged my office, expressing their opposition to moving forward. Despite that, I am convinced that the Republican majority will demand that we move ahead, and we cannot block them by the rules of the committee. Just one member is required to be present for th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-elected-a-reality-tv-star-who-doesnt-take-seriously_the-risks-that-he-is-putting-others-through | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We elected a reality TV star who doesn’t take seriously … the risks that he is putting others through’ | 2020-10-06 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedErin Burnett on CNN to discuss the president's return to the White House and the health risk he and his administration are posing for the American people. When asked about President Trump's photoshoot upon return to the White House, Senator Coons said,I can't believe that I'm still capable of being surprised at anything Donald Trump does. This is just another reminder that we elected a reality TV star who doesn't take seriously the health and the risks that he is putting others through. The CDC just renewed their guidance that COVID-19 can be spread, can be airborne, particularly in indoor spaces. And after tweeting out that he's learned a lot about COVID-19 in his brief stay at Walter Reed, he demonstrated first that he cares more about appearances than substance, second that he doesn't take seriously the health and safety of the folks at the White House. If even the President of the United States, surrounded by people with world class health care, being tested every day, can get COVID-19, that means we need to be more vigilant,Senator Coons said. Full audio and video availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: So I want to go now to Senator Chris Coons. So I want to ask you now, now that the story's changed a little bit, right? He goes up, takes his mask off, he goes in with people, he's unmasked,he then wants to reshoot it. So they all stay around him while he keeps his mask off to reshoot it so he likes how it looks. Your reaction? Sen. Coons: Erin, I can't believe that I'm still capable of being surprised at anything Donald Trump does. This is just another reminder that we elected a reality TV star who doesn't take seriously the health and the risks that he is putting others through. The CDC just renewed their guidance that COVID-19 can be spread, can be airborne, particularly in indoor spaces. And after tweeting out that he's learned a lot about COVID-19 in his brief stay at Walter Reed, he demonstrated first that he cares more about appearances … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-kennedy-celebrate-national-wildlife-refuge-week | Sens. Coons, Kennedy celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week | 2020-10-05 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a resolution to designate the week of October 11-17 as National Wildlife Refuge Week.' The resolution celebrates the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in our National Wildlife Refuges and recognizes the numerous activities they support including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the nation's largest network of public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and plays a significant role in wildlife conservation. I'm proud to call attention to the importance of our National Wildlife Refuge System by introducing this resolution with my friend and colleague, Senator Kennedy,said Senator Coons.Delaware's Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges provide critical habitats for several species of migratory birds and other wildlife, while also offering great recreational opportunities for people throughout the state. I'm proud that Congress recently passed theGreat American Outdoors Act, which will provide much-needed maintenance funding for refuges across the country. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis to support the National Wildlife Refuge System. Louisiana is home to diverse and breathtaking wildlife, and I hope Louisianians take the opportunity to enjoy our wildlife refuges in person. I'm thankful to partner with Sen. Coons to help everyone appreciate the role these ecosystems play in our communities,said Senator Kennedy. The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 568 refuges and 38 wetland management districts located in every State and territory of the United States. Each year, refuges contribute more than $3 billion to local economies and support more than 41,000 jobs. Read the National Wildlife Refuge Week resolutionhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-trumps-positive-covid-test-his-own-covid-status | Sen. Coons’ statement on President Trump’s positive COVID test, his own COVID status | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after President Trump and the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. I'm hoping for a swift recovery for President Trump and the First Lady. This is a reminder that all of us are vulnerable to this dangerous virus and should follow public health guidelines about mask wearing, social distancing, and more. I was tested for COVID-19 again this morning and received a negative result. I continue to pray for the President and the First Lady, for all who have been infected during this pandemic, and for all of our frontline, essential workers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-stripping-health-care-protections-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-seems-to-be-the-highest-priority | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘[S]tripping health care protections in the middle of a pandemic seems to be the highest priority’ | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)spokeat the Senate Judiciary Committee's business meeting about the committee's upcoming consideration of the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and what this nomination could mean for the Affordable Care Act. The Trump administration is waging an attack against health care protections using every tool at its disposal Just a week after the upcoming election, there will be an argument in front of the Supreme Court where the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is at stake,said Senator Coons.The administration and this committee is rushing through a nominee in time to have that nominee seated for that argument. A nominee, President Trump has promised, will tear down a law that protects more than a hundred million Americans. On other priorities in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Coons said,There's so many other priorities we could be lending our time to today: fixing our broken immigration system, protecting our elections from ongoing foreign interference, or stopping our president from intentionally sowing doubt on the validity of our upcoming election. We should be working together to improve our constituents' lives and solve their problems. This nomination will do neither and we should not proceed,Senator Coons concluded. Full audio and video availablehere. His remarks, as delivered, are provided below. Over a hundred million. Over a hundred million Americans have pre-existing conditions. Over a third of my own constituents in Delaware have pre-existing conditions, including many loved ones and family, folks in my immediate community, folks I've met up and down my home state. And as we know today, 7 million more Americans because they've been sickened in this pandemic have a new additional pre-existing condition. We are in the midst of a global public health crisis that has seen its in many ways worst response here in the United States. We're in the midst of a pandemic crisis that the Trump administration has utterly m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-james-comey-to-sen-coons-us-adversaries-have-primary-goal-of-dividing-us | [VIDEO] James Comey to Sen. Coons: US adversaries have ‘primary goal’ of ‘dividing us’ | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) discussed election security and questioned former FBI Director James Comey in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled Oversight of the Crossfire Hurricane Investigation: Day 3. On mail-in ballots, Senator Coons said,Current FBI Director Wray has said the FBI has not seen evidence of any coordinated voter fraud effort. Over thirty million people voted by mail or absentee 4 years ago in 2016. In your time as FBI director, did you see any evidence of widespread or coordinated voter fraud? The former FBI director replied, No. On the business ahead of the Senate and the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Coons concluded,We're in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, a time of heightened racial tension and concern about criminal justice. And instead of dedicating the next week or two to finalizing a next round of COVID relief, we're going to be spending our time at least here not looking at election security for 2020, not dedicating our time to a next round of pandemic relief, but participating in a rushed and partisan process to confirm a next Supreme Court Justice. It is important to remind folks that our elections are beingattacked at this very moment, that we know from recent testimony by the current FBI director that there continues to be a foreign interference in our elections. On the 2016-7 Crossfire Hurricane investigation, Senator Coons asked Director Comey, did you believe politics would play a role in the [Michael] Flynn case?Comey replied, no, I knew it would play no role.Senator Coons continued, So during your time at the FBI, under the previous administration, were you ever pressured to take an investigative step or support a conclusion that was not based on the facts and the law?Comey replied, No. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Comey, for your testimony today and for engaging with us in this vigorous and thorough review of matters that occurred now 4 and 5 ye… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-op-ed-on-foxnewscom-dont-fill-supreme-court-seat-left-vacant-by-ginsburg-until-2021_protect-our-institutions | ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed on FoxNews.com: ‘Don’t fill Supreme Court seat left vacant by Ginsburg until 2021 – protect our institutions’ | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, published anop-edon FoxNews.com urging his Republican colleagues to delay consideration of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to protect our institutions and to allow the Senate to focus on delivering COVID-19 relief to the American people. FoxNews.com:Don't fill Supreme Court seat left vacant by Ginsburg until 2021 protect our institutions By Chris Coons Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a towering figure in America's long march toward greater justice. The impact of her lifelong fight for gender equality will be felt for generations, and I continue to pray for her loved ones and mourn her loss. Justice Ginsburg's passing has come at a particularly difficult moment for our nation. More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19, and more than seven million have been infected. Small businesses across the country are fighting to keep their doors open, and individuals from coast to coast are struggling to pay rent and keep food on the table for their families. Americans in every state are in desperate need of relief, and in Congress it's a critical part of our job to help our constituents navigate this crisis. We've had months to negotiate a relief bill, but the Senate has failed to act. Instead of debating how to provide assistance to those who are suffering the consequences of this pandemic, the Senate appears set to focus on filling Justice Ginsburg's seat in what may be a deeply damaging and partisan fight. Just before she died, Justice Ginsburg made clear that her most fervent wish was that her successor be chosen after the next presidential inauguration, when President Trump will be sworn in for a second term or former Vice President Biden will be sworn in as our next president. This wish wasn't personal or partisan it was principled and every American, Republican and Democrat, should consider why Justice Ginsburg made this her dying wish: to protect the legitimacy of the Su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-judge-barrett-we-should-not-be-having-this-rushed-process | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Judge Barrett: ‘We should not be having this rushed process’ | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. On Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.),a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined The Story with Martha MacCallum to discuss President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, and the risks that her nomination may pose to the Affordable Care Act. We are just 36 days out from a presidential election, and we should not be having this rushed process. We should have the time to consider Judge Barrett's writings, her opinions, things that she said as a law professor so that we really can weigh her nomination,Senator Coons said.More than a million votes have already been cast in the presidential election. That's why I think it would be more appropriate for the voters to choose the next president, the next president to choose Justice Ginsburg's successor. On Judge Barrett's upcoming confirmation hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee,Senator Coons said,What's at issue is her judicial philosophy, her policies, and so I look forward to questioning her about that. President Trump, before he chose her, said that he would only pick someone for the Supreme Court who would overturn the Affordable Care Act. Senator Coons continued,It'd be a great surprise if she actually upheld the Affordable Care Act. Great because that would leave in place protections for the hundred million Americans who have pre-existing conditions, the 7 million more who've been infected in this out of control pandemic, and thus have a new pre-existing condition. Full text and audio availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Democrat Senator Chris Coons also sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee and joins me now. Senator, thank you for being here, good to have you here tonight. Sen. Coons: It's always good to be on with you, Martha, we've got a lot to talk about tonight. Q: We sure do, so what do you think about them saying they won't meet with her, and I understand that you do plan to meet with her? Sen. Coons:Yeah, Martha, look, we are in the middle of a pandemic, so whether I will meet with her … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-erin-burnett-the-aca-hangs-by-a-thread | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Erin Burnett: The ACA ‘hangs by a thread’ | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedErin Burnett on CNN to discuss the potential impacts of Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act, including protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions and protections against gender discrimination. The Affordable Care Act, as you know, hangs by a thread. It was Chief Justice Roberts whodecided a 5-4 decision upholding its constitutionality now eight years ago, and Judge Barrett criticized that decision,Senator Coons said.That's on the docket of the Supreme Court just a week after the election and Erin, as you well know, Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to gender equality, and the Affordable Care Act prevents insurance companies from discriminating against women. Full video is availablehere. Atranscript is provided below. Q: You're also going to meet with Judge Barrett. Several Democrats though, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, say they won't. Are they making a mistake? Sen. Coons:Well, frankly, what they are trying to do is to highlight just how unconventional, how unacceptable this rushed and partisan process is. And I understand that. Frankly, it's a tough choice between giving some legitimacy to something we shouldn't be doing, which is proceeding with this highly partisan nomination with just 36 days to go before an election where more than half the states are already voting. But I think to miss the opportunity to highlight for the American people the consequences of Judge Barrett's confirmation hearing would be a missed opportunity. Q:So let me just ask you one thing to this point. I understand your point about the timing, but yet, Noah Feldman, Harvard Law professor, obviously, he testified in favor of Trump's impeachment last year. He wrote in an op-ed that he's known Barrett for more than 20 years, she's more than qualified. He says, It is better for the republic to have a principled, brilliant lawyer on the bench referring to her, calls her brilliant and principled than a weaker ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-joins-cnbc-to-discuss-further-covid-19-relief-judge-amy-coney-barrett | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons joins CNBC to discuss further COVID-19 relief, Judge Amy Coney Barrett | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJoe Kernen on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the need for another COVID-19 relief bill and the upcoming Senate confirmation hearings forPresident Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. On the failure of Congress to passanotherround of stimulus bills, Senator Coons said,There are a lot of different things we could and should do together. I take encouragement from the fact that the CARES Act, six months ago, passed unanimously. I am discouraged by how hard it's been. I'm on the Small Business Committee. Senator Rubio, Senator Cardin, a whole group of us agree on another round of PPP for small businesses. We should be getting this done. Frankly, my hope is that we can do this now because the cost to the American people is just going to get greater the longer we put it off. Yes, it's a huge amount of spending, but it's only because of that CARES Act that we passed six months ago that we are not in the second great depression,continued Senator Coons. On theupcoming hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, Senator Coons said,I will participate in the hearings because I think it's important that the American peoplehearquestions ofJudge Barrett about her publicly stated views on repealing the Affordable Care Act. [A] hundred million Americans have pre-existing conditions, 7 million more with this pandemic, and those preexisting condition protections in the ACA are on the docket of the Supreme Court the week after the election.Judge Barrett has spoken publicly about how she doesn't thinkthis isconstitutional and President Trump has said he will put someone on theCourt who will help repeal the Affordable Care Act. There's no replacement plan. To me,to strip away health care and health protections from a majority of Americans in the middle of a pandemic is grossly irresponsible,Senator Coons continued. Full video of the interview is availablehere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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