Press releases
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776 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "DE" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=45B750B4-47BE-42AF-8583-998B7C0419C6 | Delaware is at Refusal Speed | 2017-12-29 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | In the Navy, we had the term Refusal Speed the speed at which an aircraft heading down the runway can either take off, or slow down. While 2017 was a contentious year for our country, Delaware remained focused on the mission at hand, continuing our work to make the First State a great place to live, raise a family, and start and grow a business. Together, with my partners in Congress, Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, state and community leaders, and engaged Delawareans, we have made progress by following what I like to call the Three Cs: Communication, Compromise and Collaboration. Throughout 2017, Delaware had a number of wins to help sustain and grow our economy and set Delaware up for success in the years to come. I believe our collective hard work this year has brought Delaware to Refusal Speed, and we are ready to take flight in 2018. After the announcement that Dow and DuPont would merge, the entire state came together to make the best of a difficult situation. Highlighting Delawares unmatched workforce and generational ties to DuPont, we secured DowDuPonts new Agriculture Division and Specialty Products Division headquarters here in Delaware. We then found innovative ways to protect and foster one of Delawares most incredible resources world-class scientists. In October, we secured a $3 million Economic Development Administration grant to secure the Delaware Innovation Space, combining Delawares scientists with the resources of DuPont and the University of Delaware to help our scientist-entrepreneurs build new businesses and foster a community of scientific innovation right here in Delaware. We've also continued to foster science, technology and future manufacturing growth in Delaware. Plans are underway for two multi-modal rail stations in Newark and Claymont that will better connect Delaware to our surrounding regions and serve as a catalyst for development. At the University of Delawares STAR Campus, where thousands of workers once made cars and trucks at the old Chrysler … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-11-14-us-global-leadership-coalition-conference | 2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.22.17 2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CCAC33D1-6ABF-4CB0-A108-C308A509577C | We should have traveled this road together | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Yesterday, Republicans in Congress approved, then celebrated, a $1.5 trillion partisan tax reform bill that begins repealing the Affordable Care Act and makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of middle class tax relief. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top one percent of earners in our country will receive 83 percent of this bills tax benefits. After seeing a modest tax cut, Americans with middle to lower incomes will actually start to see their taxes rise two or three years from now. By 2027, Americans earning less than $75,000 will pay higher taxes than they do now. To add insult to injury, according to non-partisan analyses, this bill will causehealth carepremiums to skyrocket and 13 million people to lose their health insurance over the next decade. Short-term gain, long-term pain. For years, Ive called on my colleagues to enact reforms to our tax system that are fair, encourage economic growth and job creation, simplify the tax code and do it all in a way thats fiscally responsible. From doubling the standard deduction for families, to increasing the child tax credit and making it refundable, to making common sense changes to our tax code that ensure businesses large and small can compete and win in todays global economydone right, a number of things in this bill couldve provided the basis for a historic, bipartisan agreement on tax reform legislation. But we never really had a fair chance. From the start, my Republican colleagues were in a desperate race to get their own tax reform across the finish line and declare victory, at any cost. On the bicameral conference committee for this proposal, Republicans didnt even allow Democrats to offer amendments. It was a farce.In their haste, my Republican colleagues robbed Delawareans and all Americans of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a bill that will shake up our entire economy and cr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4640DBDF-1A0A-4FA9-AB6E-E2681D833D78 | Carper Statement On Passage of the Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), released the following statement after voting to approve a short-term spending bill that will fund the government through January 19, 2018. Ensuring the federal government has the funding it needs to operate is one of the most fundamental duties of Congress, which is why I reluctantly voted today to prevent a government shutdown. Yet again, Congress scrambled to keep the lights on for another month, kicking the can down the road on a number of critical decisions, including protecting our Dreamers, funding health care for millions of children and providing disaster recovery funding. Our failure to enact thoughtful bipartisan policies to address these challenging issues and fund the government in a responsible way is an embarrassment. Frankly, its shameful the way we are concluding the last votes of the 115thCongress in 2017. This year was marked by many missed opportunities as Republicans in Congress wasted precious time and political capital with a purely partisan approach to governing. Their fruitless attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act yielded higher premiums, fewer insurance options and fear for millions of Americans who depend on the law for health care. After those repeated failures, Republicans got their win this week by passing a$1.5 trillion billthat wounds, but does not repeal, the ACA, raises taxes on millions of middle class families and disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Americans. All the while, urgent issues facing our nation, demanding Congresss attention and action, were put on the back burner. Millions of families are desperately waiting on Congress to pass long-term funding solutions for CHIP, health centers and other critical health programs. Nearly 800,000 young men and women are waiting on Congress to act with common sense and common decency to renew DACA protections, and allow them to live, work and study in the only home theyve ever known. At a time when millions of jobs remain unfilled, it baffles me that my Republican co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB94F5AB-7D4F-4AF7-B4CD-C2183C61A101 | Carper Ensures Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination is Sent Back to the White House | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, released the following statement after the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was returned to President Trump as the Senate closed the first session of the 115th Congress. Earlier this week, Senator Carper announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow Whites nomination to be held over into this Congress second session. While we have been able to make progress in recent weeks on several qualified and reasonable environmental nominees, others, like Kathleen Hartnett White and Michael Dourson, have proven far too extreme to hold such important positions or be confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Whites concerning record, unacceptable statements and shockingly poor performance before the EPW Committee last month have elicited serious concerns on both sides of the aisle and all across the country. I am pleased that Ms. Whites nomination has been returned to the White House, and I am hopeful that President Trump will seize on the opportunity to start the new year and the new session of Congress off on the right foot by nominating a new and better qualified candidate to lead this consequential office. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-15-signing-day-for-service-academies | 2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.21.17 2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies U.S. Senator Chris Coons surprised three Delaware students with principal nominations to U.S. service academies for the Class of 2022. Senator Coons visited the Delaware Military Academy, Cape Henlopen High School and Saint Marks High School. Competitive alternate nominees were notified the following week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-december-20-2017 | Senator Coons joins MTP Daily December 20, 2017 | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/carper-coons-judicial-candidates-nominated-for-us-district-court-bench | Carper, Coons’ Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.17 Carper, Coons Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench White House nominates Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly for bench positions WILMINGTON, DE Today, the White House announced that Maryellen Noreika and Colm F. Connolly, who were recommended by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) for judgeships on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, will be nominated for the bench. Ms. Maryellen Noreika and Mr. Colm Connolly, both of Wilmington, will be nominated for the two judicial vacancies created when Judge Sue L. Robinson (now retired) and Judge Gregory M. Sleet took senior status. Delawares courts are renowned for their judges expertise. Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly are two highly-respected, sought-after attorneys who have displayed a vast knowledge of the law and a thorough understanding of the courts during their extensive careers working in the Delaware judicial system, said Senator Carper. Now that the White House has put forth their nominees, I hope we can swiftly move through the Senate confirmation process so that Delawares courts are running at full strength once again. Im pleased that the White House consulted with Senator Carper and me and accepted our recommendations for the U.S. District Court bench. I am also grateful for our Judicial Nominating Committees hard work in evaluating several excellent candidates. said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Colm Connolly and Maryellen Noreika are seasoned attorneys, with impressive trial skills, deep experience in federal practice, and profound respect for the law. I am confident that they will both be capable jurists, and I look forward to their confirmation hearings. Ms. Noreika has practiced law in Delaware for nearly 24 years at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, in Wilmington, where she is a partner and represents plaintiffs, defendants, individual… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1D318F1F-741E-426E-BB89-BD1F7095FEF1 | Carper Statement After Voting Against Republican Tax Bill | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement after voting against the Republican tax bill in the Senate. When I served in the U.S. House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to sit on several bicameral conference committees tasked with finding consensus on various pieces of legislation. On the conference committee for the Republican tax reform proposal, Republicans running the show didnt even permit amendments to be offered. It was a farce. From the start, Republicans race to get partisan tax reform across the finish line has made a mockery of our legislative process. The American people have been robbed of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a $1.5 trillion bill that will shake up our entire economy and cripple our nations spending power for decades to come. Tonight, after stripping provisions that didnt meet Senate rules, Republicans approved a proposal that makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top 1 percent of earners will receive 83 percent of this bills tax relief. By the same time, Americans earning less than $75,000 will actually see their taxes go up. My Republican colleagues are desperate for a win, and clearly willing to call anything a win. But people in Delaware and across the country will soon see that this bill is grossly unfair. In the years to come, as the Republican tax bill blows up our deficits, squeezes our budgets and raises taxes on millions of Americans, it will hang like an albatross around the neck of every member of Congress who voted for it. It didnt have to be this way. From doubling the standard deduction for fam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4BADE157-F13B-4FA4-82A4-B20AE16A912B | EPW Hearing Statement: Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee: Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are and Where We Need to Go | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held the hearing, Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are Now And Where We Need To Go. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: Subcommittee Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Cardin, before we begin, I just want to take a moment and personally thank you for holding this oversight hearing on the movement of freight on our nations water and transportation infrastructure. Our nations freight transportation network -- which includes an interconnected network of trucks, trains, aircrafts, ships and barges -- moves 55 million tons of goods worth more than $49 billion each day.In addition, freight supports 44 million jobs. Seaports and highways are economic engines and vital freight gateways to the global marketplace for American farmers, manufacturers and consumers and serve as critical infrastructure for the U.S. military. It is, therefore, appropriate that this Subcommittee is examining the operation of our freight system because the safe and efficient movement of goods, both into and out of the United States, is the backbone of our economy. In my home state of Delaware, the Port of Wilmington has the largest dock-side refrigerated complex in North America and is the top North American port for imports of fresh fruit, specifically bananas, and juice concentrate. So think of Delaware the next time you are having breakfast! Our port also handles automobiles, steel, forest products, livestock, petroleum and other cargo. This hearing is coming at a critical time. The amount of freight in the U.S. is projected to grow 40 percent by 2045, including by 44 percent for truck tonnage and 38 percent for water. Americas trade volume is also expected to quadruple after 2030, with the U.S. projected to export more than 52 million shipping containers through U.S. seaports each year. We must prepare the nations infrastructure to meet this growing demand for the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FDCAEF03-6BF1-47C3-812B-74E816375E2C | Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Congratulate Dover Air Force Base on Outstanding Unit Award | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) congratulated Dover Air Force Base for recently earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award citation recognized the 436th Airlift Wing for its operation of the Department of Defenses largest aerial port, flying more than 8,900 C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III sorties and delivering more than 196 million pounds of cargo and transporting 37,000 passengers. This award reflects the wings outstanding service during the time period of Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2017. Additionally, during this time period, the wing conducted the Air Forces largest runway reconstruction project worth $114 million, which replaced 90-year-old infrastructure with new materials extending the life expectancy by at least 50 years. I am thrilled that the men and women of Team Dover have won this honor for their hard work and dedication to maintaining an excellent base," said Senator Carper. Maintaining the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense is no easy task, but these patriots continue to be successful at making Dover Air Force Base a superior military installation that the rest of the Air Force can emulate. Our congressional delegation will continue to support infrastructure improvements at the base so it can continue its important mission. Its wonderful to see the talented airmen and women of Dover Air Force Base recognized for their hard work and dedication to excellence as an Air Force Outstanding Unit, said Senator Coons. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to fight for continued investment. The outstanding men and women of Team Dover deserve nothing less. No one is more deserving of this honor than the outstanding men and women of Team Dover, said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. As a unit, their unmatched dedication is vital to maintaining a successful operation at Dover Air Force Base. We see the results of their hard work day in and day out, but it is great to s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-with-chuck-todd-december-20-2017 | Senator Coons joins MTP Daily with Chuck Todd December 20, 2017 | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-wolf-blitzer-december-19-2017 | Senator Coons joins Wolf Blitzer December 19, 2017 | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-reps-lujn-wilson-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-help-drive-investment-in-new-energy-technologies | Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Luján, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Lujn, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies Bill establishes a non-profit foundation to facilitate stronger partnerships between the Department of Energy and the private sector. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy. Research and development (R&D)drivesinnovation and accounts for nearly 7% of the United States real GDP growth. However, recent declines in research funding have jeopardized U.S. economic competitiveness. For example, from 2008 to 2013, venture capital funding in energy startupsfellby 60% and resulted inasteep decline in thedevelopment of theseimportant startup companies. Unlike other sectors, the energy sector has several unique challenges to innovation including requiring high capital needs, long development times, theneedto overcome incumbent technologies, and operating within a shifting regulatory environment. Addressing these challenges requirespartnerships with government, industry, startups, and outside funding organizations. This bill establishesa nonprofit foundationtoengage with the private sector to raise funds that support the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that address tomorrows energy challenges. The IMPACT for Energy Act would bolster efforts to support private-sector investment, accelerate commercialization by facilitating public-private partnerships and prize competitions, and would serve as an agent in convening industry leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate, share ideas, and solve … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-tax-bill-this-is-a-huge-giveaway-to-the-very-wealthiest-americans-and-the-most-profitable-corporations | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: “This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations” | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations Sen. Coons: It will benefit corporations, but not the middle class, which is what President Trump campaigned on. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday joined CNNs Wolf Blitzer to discuss the GOP tax bill. The problem with that is, who's going to end up paying for these tax cuts? The way it's structured, taxes will go up on many of the middle classand more importantly, right up-front, Republicans said, it was their intention to cut Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for these tax cuts. My hope is that corporations will use those newfound profits or repatriated profits to invest in hiring people and in capital equipment, but there's no indication that they will. Most will, instead, do stock buybacks or provide dividends or boosts to their senior management. I do think we could have structured this build differently, so that some of the new corporate revenue would end up being invested in infrastructure or being spent more likely on hiring people and on capital. But this is just a straight corporate rate cut and corporate leaders and corporate shareholders will do with it what they will. Full audio and video availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on the House revote:Well, I expect every Democrat in the Senate will vote against this tax package. Both because of the process that got us here and because of the result and the likely impact on the American people. This did not have to be a one-party-only bill. I worked hard across the aisle to propose alternative paths that would have led us to a significant middle-class tax cut, the sort of thing the president ran on, but that is not what this bill is. This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations. I think there's no doubt that it specif… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C1FCD2A4-735C-4AF3-B3D3-C2BDD84114AE | Carper Says Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination Must be Sent Back to the White House | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to serve as Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to be held over into the second session of the 115th Congress. At the close of the first session, or first year, of a congress, Senate rules require all unconfirmed nominations pending before the Senate be sent back to the White House. The president may re-nominate any of these individuals once the next Senate session begins. Traditionally, the Senate agrees to a unanimous consent request that allows any number of pending nominees to be held over into the next session so consideration may continuewithout re-nomination. Senator Carpers objection would send Kathleen Hartnett Whites nomination, which was opposed by every minority member of the EPW Committee, back to President Trump and give the White House an opportunity to nominate another, better-qualified candidate for the position. Throughout her nomination process, Kathleen Hartnett White has confirmed what her record clearly shows: her views are extreme, her words are staggeringly inappropriate and her disrespect for science and our nations chief environmental laws is a danger to public health, said Senator Carper. When given the chance to clarify her confounding performance at her confirmation hearing through numerous questions for the record submitted by every minority member of the EPW Committee, Ms. White chose instead to copy and paste the work of other nominees and, in other instances, to double down on some of her most concerning stances. The Senates rejection of Dr. Dourson should serve as a lesson unqualified or controversial nominees will not simply be rubber-stamped by the Senate. Lets start the new year off with a clean slate and allow President Trump the opportunity to nominate a leader for the Council on Environmental Quality wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=689488D6-D04C-4492-958E-2DEABA098B41 | Following Reports of Pruitts $40,000 Trip to Morocco, Carper Asks Inspector General to Expand Investigation into EPA Administrators Travel | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, sent aletterto Arthur Elkins, Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting he expand his current audit of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitts travel to include Administrator Pruitts recentlyreportedfour-day trip to Morocco to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports an issue that does not fall within the jurisdiction of the EPA. Inspector General Elkins first opened a formal audit into Administrator Pruitts travel following a request from Senator Carper to investigate mediareportsthat during the first three months of Administrator Pruitts tenure, he spent nearly half his time in his home state of Oklahoma. Inspector General Elkins originalresponseto Senator Carper in August stated that EPAs Office of Inspector General would review Administrator Pruitts travel through July 31, 2017. On October 6, 2017, Inspector General ElkinsannouncedEPA OIG would expand the scope of the audit to include all travel by the Administrator through September 30, 2017. Senator Carper wrote,I write to ask you to expand the scope of your current audit regarding Administrator Pruitts travel in light of his recent trip to Morocco. This trip reportedly cost taxpayers $40,000, and one purpose of the trip was to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. Specifically, I request that you review the purpose of Administrator Pruitts travels to determine whether his activities during each trip are in line with EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment. He continued,In light of the Administrators recent trip to Morocco, I request that you further expand the scope of your audit to include all travel up to the present, with an examination of whether the purpose of travel is consistent with the EPAs mission. The text of the letter to Inspector General Elkins can be found below and in pdf formhere. December 18, 2017 Dear Mr. Elkins, I write to ask you to expand the scope… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-reuters-journalists-arrested-in-burma | Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.17 Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement about the Reuters journalists who were arrested in Burma on Tuesday. As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we are gravely concerned about the arrests of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo,in Burma who werewritingstories about the crisis in Rakhine State following the militarys brutal crackdown on the Rohingya. We join the U.S. Embassy in Burma in calling for the Burmese government to explain the arrests and allow access to the journalists. Freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic value and critical to ensuring accountability for violence against the Rohingya. We urge the Burmese government torespect press freedom and protectall journalistsinstead of preventing them from accurately reporting facts on the ground andbringing atrocities to light. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=0F5A26EA-5160-40DB-8E51-21E95A371981 | Only two days left! | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | The Affordable Care Act marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year’s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace. On Monday, I visited Westside Family Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018. Health insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance. For anyone who still needs to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC. Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you. Don’t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2353D241-B946-4DAC-9F69-C897CCEC6E5B | Carper Statement at Tax Bill Conference Committee | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement on the committee’s first meeting. “President Trump made a number of promises to the American people about his plans to reform our tax system. He told us that his proposal wouldn’t enrich people like him. He said it would help middle income families. And he also said it would help foster economic growth and create jobs. Well, the tax bills passed by Republicans in the House and the Senate break all these promises. Just how much worse the so-called deal that my Republican colleagues announced today will be for the American people has yet to be seen as it was written in secret before the conference committee even met. “This whole process has been a farce. House and Senate Republicans have rushed through bills that create temporary tax breaks for individuals, with benefits for lower- and middle-income families that phase out over the next year. Some of those benefits start going away as soon as 2019! Meanwhile, the plans make permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, it will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. “I know a little bit about managing a budget and designing a tax plan. I was privileged to serve as governor of Delaware for eight years. We cut taxes in seven out of those eight years and we balanced the budget eight years in a row. We paid down our debt and earned triple AAA credit ratings. More jobs were created in those eight years than in any other eight-year period in the history of the state of Delaware. It wasn’t just our tax policy, it was because we focused on creating a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation. “The Republican tax proposal has a price tag of about one and a half t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=716E83F6-E03D-4377-9DEB-8DE104434076 | Carper Statement on Withdrawal of Dourson Nomination | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding news that the nomination of Dr. Michael Dourson to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention has been withdrawn. “My staunch objections to Dr. Dourson’s nomination were never a matter of partisanship. I sincerely believe he is the wrong person to hold this important position, and it’s become clear that, even with a Republican majority in the Senate, he could not be confirmed. Dr. Dourson, an individual who has spent most of his career promoting less protective chemical safety standards, had no business overseeing our nation’s chemical safety laws. The withdrawal of his nomination, and his removal from serving in a non-confirmed position at EPA, is in the best interest of all Americans. “Moreover, the withdrawal of Dr. Dourson’s nomination should serve as a lesson to the Senate. In this body, our responsibility is to provide advice and consent – not to rush to approve unqualified or controversial nominees or ill-advised legislation for shortsighted political wins. I hope that we can all learn from this moment, and I hope the administration will work swiftly to find an independent, credible chemical safety regulator – one who will protect public health and lead the implementation of the bipartisan Toxic Substances Control Act reforms we worked so hard to enact last year.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CD1E110D-0388-4DA9-BE41-330CC2F1E1F5 | EPW Hearing Statement: Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Committee.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding today’s important hearing. Oversight is a critical part of this committee’s work. The subject of this hearing is also very timely, as the nuclear industry faces significant challenges. The nuclear industry is at a crossroads. The path the industry decides to take will have ramifications for our country and its citizens for decades to come. “Let me begin by noting that it is important to examine the benefits – and drawbacks – of nuclear energy. First, and foremost, nuclear power helps curb our nation’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels and reduces air pollution that threatens our health and climate. Second, nuclear energy has been – and can continue to be – a real economic driver. It creates construction, manufacturing and operations jobs for communities across this nation. “Despite all the benefits of nuclear power, I would be remiss not to mention some of the potential consequences of nuclear energy. We have seen, from serious incidents in places like Fukushima, the damage that nuclear power can cause if the proper safety precautions are not in place, not up to date, or not strictly followed. With nuclear energy, safety has been and must remain a top priority in the operation of nuclear reactors. “Unfortunately, the costs of safety precautions – along with the costs of construction, operation and maintenance – for current nuclear reactors can be expensive, especially when compared to the costs of other sources of energy, such as natural gas. In fact, some U.S. reactors are retiring sooner than expected due to market forces. At the same time, our country’s nuclear reactors are getting older and will need to be replaced in the years to come. Building new reactors – as we’ve seen in Georgia and in South Carolina – has proven more difficult than… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F57FC2B1-E743-4E51-B475-E0A95B6988A7 | Only two days left! | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | The Affordable Care Act marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year’s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace. On Monday, I visited Westside Family Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018. Health insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance. For anyone who still needs to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC. Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you. Don’t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-gives-nea/neh-floor-speech-december-13-2017 | Senator Coons gives NEA/NEH floor speech, December 13, 2017 | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-13-2017 | Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 13, 2017 | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-blunt-co-chairs-of-the-law-enforcement-caucus-thank-the-capitol-police-for-their-service | Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.17 Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, hosted a holiday event to thank the Capitol Police for their service. “The openness and accessibility of the U.S. Congress is a hallmark of our democracy – and a testament to the efforts of the Capitol Police. Their hard work and professionalism are exceptional, and I greatly appreciated this opportunity to thank the members of the Capitol Police for their service,” said Senator Coons. “My co-chair, Senator Blunt, and I are extremely pleased that the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus now has twenty-six members, which is representative of the fact that Senators from both parties share a deep admiration and gratitude for the work of the Capitol Police.” “The U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly to keep members, staff, and visitors safe,” said Senator Blunt. “During the holiday season, many officers will sacrifice time with their loved ones to fulfill their duties, and we are extremely grateful to them and their families for their service. I’m glad to join Senator Coons, co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, in expressing our appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police force, and for all of our law enforcement personnel across the country.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43C335EA-5F81-42FC-AFF1-84400CD829FB | Amid Evidence of Plagiarism, Carper Leads EPW Minority in Calling on CEQ Nominee to Submit New and Original Answers | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the minority members of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee called on Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality and serve as his most senior environmental advisor, to submit new and original responses to questions for the record after it was discovered that at least 18 of her responses were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee. Repeatedly, Ms. White’s answers to questions of opinion – on issues including climate change, hazardous air pollutants and environmental justice – matched answers previously provided by President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominees, including EPA Administrator Pruitt and EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum. In a letter led by Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), the lawmakers wrote, “We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing…We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.” The senators requested that Ms. Hartnett White identify and give appropriate citation to all responses that include someone else’s work and submit new answers to each of the plagiarized responses that represent her own views by December 22, 2017. Senator Carper was joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). The text of the letter is available below and here. December 12, 2017 Dear Ms. White: We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record[1] sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-foreign-relations-committee-zimbabwe-december-12-2017 | Senator Coons, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Zimbabwe, December 12 2017 | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-december-12-2017 | Senator Coons, Senate Judiciary Committee, December 12, 2017 | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-sfrc-qanda-on-zimbabwe-december-12-2017 | Senator Coons SFRC Q&A on Zimbabwe, December 12, 2017 | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-discusses-delaware-opioid-crisis-in-judiciary-committee-hearing | [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.17 [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing Sen. Coons: “Just my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.” The purpose of the hearing was to examine the effectiveness of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, passed in 2016, and potential unintended consequences. “Delaware, under the leadership of our Attorney General, Matt Denn, recently enacted new regulations that allow prescribers to better monitor each opioid prescription and limit an adult from receiving a first-time prescription for more than seven days, except under exceptional circumstances. That's led to a 12% decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions just since April 1. Shouldn't we be looking at some of the positive, innovative work that's being done in states like Delaware?” Full and audio available here. Excerpts from Senator Coons’ Q&A are below: Senator Coons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to ask the committee and I'd like to, on behalf of all of us on the committee, thank those of you on the panel who have testified today. The ongoing opioid addiction crisis is something that has harmed every single community, has affected every state. Just my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year, and what we are trying to do is strike the right balance between making sure that people who suffer from persistent and chronic pain, like Ms. Chambers, can get access to appropriately prescribed and managed opioids and those who are abusing or misusing them are appropriately held to account. So, striking that balance is the purpose of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-delivers-the-weekly-democratic-address-december-11-2017 | Senator Coons delivers the Weekly Democratic Address, December 11, 2017 | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-new-day-december-11-2017 | Senator Coons joins CNN New Day December 11, 2017 | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-rep-sewell-op-ed-on-key-alabama-court-nominee-brett-talley | ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.17 ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley Brett Talley, current Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, has been nominated for an open seat on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representative Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) today published an op-ed on the nomination of Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama. The Hill: Senate must reject Brett Talley’s nomination for federal district court in Alabama By Chris Coons and Terri Sewell It’s no secret that Americans all over the country are watching Alabama this week. The candidacy of former Alabama judge Roy Moore for the vacant U.S. Senate seat, particularly in light of appalling allegations raised by several women, has made the state the epicenter for our national conversations about not just politics, but race, the rule of law, and even basic morality. But the Senate is quietly considering another critical issue that impacts Alabama and the rest of the country too: the nomination of a 36-year-old man named Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Alabama’s only member of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are deeply concerned – disturbed even – by the prospect of Mr. Talley becoming a federal judge in Alabama, and we believe all Americans should be, too. First, the context and history of the seat Mr. Talley is nominated for in the Middle District of Alabama is critical to understanding why his potential confirmation could be so damaging. The Middle District of Alabama has played a central role in our nation’s progress on civil rights over the past half century. For example, it was a decision from the Middle District of Alabama that allowed Dr. Martin … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=D41245E2-DD30-4B32-A7EE-23515A93CB22 | Wishing you a happy, healthy 230th Delaware Day | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | History was made 230 years ago today, when a group of 30 elected delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover to debate and decide the fate of our state and country. After three days of deliberation, those delegates made the unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution and make Delaware the First State of what would eventually become our union. Throughout Delaware’s unique history, our caring, welcoming community has endured, and each Delaware Day, I am excited to celebrate the dauntless spirit of the “Delaware Way." The “Delaware Way” means working together to continuously improve our state and our country. It also means caring for our neighbors as we care for our family. The Affordable Care Act allows us to care for our family, friends and neighbors by guaranteeing health care for every Delawarean and every American. Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month. Unfortunately, Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces ends on December 15th – a little more than a week away. So, on this Delaware Day, I hope we will all be inspired by the “Delaware Way” and reach out to our friends, neighbors and co-workers to make sure that every one of them has health care in 2018. Along with my partner in the Senate, Chris Coons, and Delaware’s Congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester, we are working to spread the message that every Delawarean and every American has access to affordable health care for the new year. I hope you’ll join us and spread the word that the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace is open at healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com until December 15th only. I wish you all a happy, healthy Delaware Day! God bless. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C5CA474E-9442-4F2B-8B2C-C87F7E726835 | Senator Carper on Confirmation of Susan Bodine to Serve at EPA | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor before the Senate approved, by voice vote, Susan Bodine’s nomination to serve as the assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). Senator Carper’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: “Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the confirmation of Susan Bodine to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). “For those who may not know, that is a big job and an incredibly important one. The EPA’s enforcement office protects the health of our citizens and our environment by ensuring that everyone is playing by the same rules. When bad actors don’t follow the rules that we have put in place to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all Americans, it is EPA’s enforcement office that holds them accountable. In the past, the actions taken by this office at EPA have led to reductions in toxic air pollution, as well as the clean up of contaminated land and waterways. In fact, last year alone, EPA’s enforcement work required companies to invest $13.7 billion dollars in similar clean up efforts. “I have said from the time she was nominated that Susan Bodine’s resume would be very helpful if she were confirmed to serve as the head of EPA’s enforcement office. Ms. Bodine has served as a staffer in the House and the Senate for over a decade and also spent time working in the Bush Administration. Given this experience, I believe she has a good understanding of the relationship that should exist between the separate, but equal branches of our government and the critical role that EPA’s enforcement office plays. “When she was nominated for this position, Ms. Bodine was kind enough to come to my office to discuss the job and her qualifications, which I appreciated. She talked about the work that she had done for Senators Inho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-06-taste-of-delaware | 2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.07.17 2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware United States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, hosts the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) organized the free and public event that was held in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The Taste of Delaware celebrates the history of the state’s food and beverage industry as well as Delaware becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Dec. 7, 1787. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-chuck-todd-december-6-2017 | Senator Coons joins Chuck Todd December 6, 2017 | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-jake-tapper-december-6-2017 | Senator Coons joins Jake Tapper December 6, 2017 | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-and-tillis-rep-lowenthal-introduce-resolution-honoring-human-rights-day | Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.17 Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47) today introduced companion resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 69th Anniversary of the 1948 ratification by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “On Human Rights Day, we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honor those around the world who work tirelessly to advance fundamental rights like freedom, justice, and equality,” said Senator Coons. “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I call for passage of this resolution and recommit myself to advocating for the freedom of all those who suffer from violence and persecution.” “I am proud to introduce the Human Rights Day resolution that honors the adoption of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 affirming the rights of individuals and setting the standard for human rights protections,” said Senator Tillis. “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to fight on behalf of those who advocate for basic human rights and ensure that the United States continues to be the standard for promoting freedom across the world.” “The promotion of respect for human rights as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key component of the leadership role the United States plays around the world,” Congressman Lowenthal said. “The Congress, and the world, must recognize that those who are denied basic human rights, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, and political expression, are also denied basic human respect and dignity. It diminishes our shared humanity when people are denied these basic and universal rights. The world would be a safer place if human rights were universally protected.” ? Joi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-pres-trump-we-are-seeing-more-and-more-evidence-that-would-lead-to-an-obstruction-charge | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: “We are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.” | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: “We are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Donald Trump, Jr., and President Trump. “This is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating,” said Senator Coons. “But, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and, in part, Russia's interference in our elections in 2016.” Full audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Flynn's comment on Russian sanctions: Well, this is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating. But, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=271BB88A-7AB5-4365-B171-C39596BD5D3F | EPW Hearing Statement: Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as submitted for the record: “Mr. Chairman, before we begin, I just want to take a moment to thank you personally for holding this nomination hearing for Mr. R.D. James to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. As you know, this is a critical leadership position at the Corps of Engineers. As we have seen in the recent months with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Corps’ role in protecting and rebuilding critical infrastructure in disaster- affected communities is one that cannot be understated. “Thank you, Mr. James, for joining us today, and for your willingness to serve. I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to your wife Jennye for sharing you with us. The families of our nominees are often the unsung heroes of public service, and I would also like to recognize their sacrifices and contributions to our country. “If confirmed, Mr. James, you will be overseeing the Army’s Civil Works Program. Through this important program, the Corps is responsible for responding to and reducing the likelihood of flood damage. The Civil Works Program also includes the construction, operation and maintenance of our nation’s ports and inland waterways, which are the gateway to both domestic and international commerce. It also includes shoreline and coastal protections for the areas of this country dramatically affected by large bodies of water, such as my home state of Delaware. If confirmed, you will also oversee the Corps of Engineers’ activities for environmental regulation and permitting. “Mr. James, the responsibilities of the position to which you have been nominated are daunting. If confirmed, you will be leading efforts that dramatically affect every part of this country. As such, we on this Committee must take your nomination ver… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-at-the-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-firearm-accessory-regulation | Sen. Coons at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Firearm Accessory Regulation | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-questions-panel-senate-judiciary-cmte-firearm-accessory-restrictions | Sen. Coons questions panel Senate Judiciary Cmte Firearm Accessory Restrictions | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-floor-speech-on-rich-heffron-december-6-2017 | Senator Coons Senate floor speech on Rich Heffron December 6, 2017 | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-isakson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-college-access-and-graduation-rates | Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.17 Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation in the Senate to incentivize colleges to expand access for low-income students and increase graduation rates for all students. The Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education Act, or ASPIRE Act for short, will spur the nation’s institutions of higher education to enroll more low-income students and to ensure that these students actually graduate with a degree. The bill devotes resources to help boost completion rates at institutions that serve disproportionately high numbers of low-income students. “In today’s economy, access to higher education is one of the best ways to provide students from all backgrounds a ladder to success,”said Senator Coons. “That’s why the federal government invests significant resources into helping low-income and first-generation college students succeed in college. Yet despite this investment, our higher education system is failing to deliver results for the students who need it most. Our graduation rates are too low and too many resource-rich colleges have failed to expand access to qualified students who come from low-income backgrounds. Our bill will address both of these issues by holding selective colleges accountable on improving low-income student access, and by providing resources to increase graduation rates at colleges struggling to support their high numbers of low-income students. We can and must do more to address resource disparities and ensure colleges help all students access and complete a high-quality education.” “Georgia universities such as Georgia State University have seen success using innovative approaches in reaching more students and helping them graduate,” said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “This legislation will help incentivize other colleges and universities to follow su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-aspire-act | Senator Coons discusses the ASPIRE Act | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-repeal-hiv-discrimination-act-of-2017 | Senator Coons discusses the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2017 | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-speaks-on-the-senate-floor-about-the-gop-tax-plan | Senator Coons speaks on the Senate floor about the GOP tax plan | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-delaware-state-chamber-of-commerce-to-host-7th-annual-taste-of-delaware- | Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware WILMINGTON, DE – United States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, will host the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware event on Wednesday, December 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are encourages to register as the guest list annually reaches capacity. To register, click HERE. “I’m excited to be the honorary host for the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware, and to be working with the State Chamber to celebrate our state on Capitol Hill,” said Coons. “This event is a tremendous showcase of the talented and gifted restauranteurs, chefs, bakers, distillers and brewers who make Delaware a great place to live, visit and do business.” Taste of Delaware made its first appearance in 2010, featuring Grotto Pizza, Capriotti’s, and Dogfish Head in a small conference room. The event has grown into an annual event among government officials, restauranteurs and food-fans alike, dubbed Delaware’s ‘party on the Hill.’ “This event has become one of the Chamber’s favorite events over the years,” said DSCC President Rich Heffron. “We enjoy the partnership with Senator Coons’ office and staff, and have fun giving the spotlight to Delaware’s wide variety of talent in the hospitality industry to the hundreds of people who attend.” This year’s event will include some of Delaware’s best restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bakeries and representing all three counties. Scheduled to attend are: Bluecoast Rehoboth, Brick Works, Chic Treats, Civil Cider, De La Coeur Café, Delaware Technical Community College's Culinary Arts Program, Delcastle Technical High School's Culinary Program, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Grandpa (MAC), Home Grown Café, Johnnies Dog House, Maiale Deli and Salumeria, Mispillion River Brewing, Painted Stave Distilling, Po' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch Restaurant, Sea Watch International,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-demand-review-of-federal-state-laws-that-discriminate-against-those-with-hiv/aids | Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation aimed at helping end stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (“REPEAL”) HIV Discrimination Act of 2017 would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV. “It’s simply not fair that someone with a treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,” said Senator Coons. “A disturbing number of state and local criminal laws pertaining to individuals with HIV/AIDS are rooted not in science, but in outdated fear. They run counter to effective public health strategies, discourage HIV testing, and perpetuate unfair stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS – people who are our friends, family members, and neighbors. Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals. Our laws need to catch up to our science and our morals, and this bill would take an important step in that direction.” “We should not have policies or laws on the books that discriminate, perpetuate stereotypes, or aren’t based in sound science,” said Senator Markey. “The REPEAL Act will help ensure that individuals with HIV/AIDS are not criminalized for having a treatable medical condition, and that all Americans are subject to the same set of laws.” “Unfortunately, too many individuals living with HIV and AIDS still face stigma and discrimination despite great advances in prevention, treatment and awareness,” said Senator Ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-banking-consumer-protections-help-local-banks-and-credit-unions | Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) tonight announced their support for bipartisan legislation authored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), to enhance consumer protections and reduce regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions. The bill, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which has 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, will be voted on in the Senate Banking Committee tomorrow. “After the financial crisis, Congress passed much-needed reforms to strengthen the banking system and help protect consumers by reining in predatory and reckless behavior. Seven years later, we know that many of those reforms are working well, while others require adjustments to ensure community banks and credit unions continue to be a valuable source of affordable loans for families and small businesses,” said Senators Carper and Coons. “After extensive discussions with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we have decided to join this bipartisan effort to further protect everyday American families and support community banks and credit unions. Our support for this bill, however, only came once we were able to make important changes to it, including the addition of a provision that allows all active-duty service members to receive quality, free credit monitoring, an important service they deserve but don’t currently receive. When it comes to banking legislation, our first priority is to ensure strong consumer protections. This legislation will further protect American consumers and help local banks and credit unions successfully serve their communities. “Finally, we don’t believe this bill is perfect, but we do believe that it is a step in the right direction for both consumers and community banks and credit unions. We also believe this is the product of both bipartisan compro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-gop-tax-bill-while-the-gospel-is-good-news-to-the-poor-this-tax-bill-surely-is-not | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: “While the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not” | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: “While the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not” Sen. Coons: “When we listen to each other and compromise, we produce better legislation, better laws, better justice” WASHINGTON – Yesterday evening, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor about the Senate Republicans’ tax bill that was passed late Friday night. “It seems to me that while the Bible, the New Testament, and the Torah teach these things about God's deep preference that we would be kind to one another, that we would care for one another, that we would support those in need around us, that doesn't inevitably lead to one party's position or another, it doesn't inventively lead to one clear economic theory or policy than another, but it does say that before we take dramatic action that will reset the ground for a generation that I believe will inevitably lead to a loss of security and stability and opportunity for those in need in our country, we should have reflected,” said Senator Coons. “In moving this bill forward, we have failed in our must fundamental call to hear each other, to work together, and to be mindful that we do not cause harm to those in our society who look to us to make the future brighter, to open the doors of opportunity wider, and to listen to some of the most ancient and profound voices in the traditions that laid the foundation of this free society: that we legislate worst when we legislate against the least of our brethren,” said Senator Coons. Full audio and video available here. Senator Coons’ full speech, as delivered, is below: Mr. President, when we were last here together, it was roughly 2:00AM Saturday morning. As this Chamber took up and passed by a very narrow margin, I believe 41 to 49, one of the biggest, broadest, most comprehensive pieces of financial legislation likely in our lifetimes. The last time this Congress … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=84D53359-255E-4051-8FBF-F8A144975FE7 | In the eleventh hour, a secret tax bill | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | For each of the nine years that I’ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy. It stands in stark contrast to what we witnessed on the Senate floor early Saturday morning. In the eleventh hour—with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order—Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan has somehow come to fruition in mere hours makes a mockery of our legislative process. President Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises. Late last week, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan will actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year. By 2019, the CBO found that Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off. Within ten years, more than three-quarters of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest five percent of Americans—nearly two-thirds of the tax breaks would go to the wealthiest one percent. To add insult to injury, it also begins rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=79207F04-0B56-4BEF-8642-ABB0443698B3 | Carper Statement on President Trumps Unprecedented Move to Strip Protections from Existing National Monuments | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump’s unprecedented announcement that he will shrink two existing national monuments in Utah – Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Bears Ears, established under the Antiquities Act by President Obama, is not only majestic, but also contains 100,000 sites of significant cultural importance to five Native American tribes, including grave sites, ceremonial grounds and ancient cliff dwellings. President Trump’s decision to strip protections from these monuments is the largest elimination of protected area designation in U.S. history. “For more than a century, the Antiquities Act has successfully protected the most treasured spaces across our country that tell the incredible, unique story of America. The Antiquities Act helped to establish Delaware’s First State National Park, which has preserved the historic sites where our Founding Fathers fought for independence, ratified our Constitution and began to build this nation. The Antiquities Act ensured that future generations could visit the Statue of Liberty, see Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad firsthand and experience California’s giant sequoias. These monuments inspire awe and showcase our heritage, which is why protecting them, as so many past presidents have recognized, is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good environmental and economic sense. “President Trump’s decision to shrink existing national monuments flies in the face of that tradition dating back to President Teddy Roosevelt. President Trump’s announcement today will open up over 2 million acres of cherished, public spaces and cultural sites to those who want to develop the land for financial gain. What’s more, he is choosing to do so after the public submitted more than 2.8 million comments on Secretary Zinke’s proposal – with more than 98 percent of those comments urging… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-4-2017 | Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 4, 2017 | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-suggestion-that-president-cant-obstruct-justice-is-a-laughable-propositionno-one-is-above-the-law | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can’t obstruct justice “is a laughable proposition…No one is above the law” | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can’t obstruct justice “is a laughable proposition…No one is above the law” Sen. Coons: Manafort is either “not listening to his lawyers or he's more afraid of the Russians than he is of federal prosecution in the United States” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined CNN’s Wolf Blitzer to discuss recent news regarding Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort. “There are recent reports that over the summer the president also reached out to a number of senior Republican senators, chair of the Intelligence Committee, majority leader and others to urge them to wrap up this investigation quickly,” said Senator Coons. “It suggests an ongoing deeply troubling pattern of personal intervention in an ongoing investigation by the president. And the suggestion today by the president's lawyers that he can't be charged with obstruction of justice, that he can't commit obstruction of justice because he oversees the Department of Justice and the federal law enforcement infrastructure, I think is a laughable proposition. It would mean that the president would be above the law. And one of our core foundational constitutional principles in this country is that no one is above the law.” Full video and audio available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Flynn: Well, that's a legal conclusion for others to reach, but it certainly strongly suggests that the president was aware that in reaching out to Jim Comey, the former FBI director, and urging him to go easy on Flynn that he was engaging in an inappropriate intervention in an ongoing investigation. There are recent reports that over the summer the president also reached out to a number of senior Republican senators, chair of the Intelligence Committee, majority leader and others to urge them to wrap up this investigation quickly. It suggests an o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1B653A30-5404-4142-A6E5-EC298FC93559 | Carper Statement on GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-02 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans approved a partisan and reckless tax bill that blows a $1.5 trillion hole in our federal deficit over the next 10 years, provides only temporary relief to individual Americans and begins to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. “For each of the nine years that I’ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy. “It stands in stark contrast to what we’ve witnessed today. In the eleventh hour—with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order—Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan has somehow come to fruition in mere hours makes a mockery of our legislative process. What’s been approved in the Senate today is a wildly partisan and poorly designed bill that is not only riddled with inadvertent errors, but it will also send shockwaves through our entire economy. It’s no surprise that this deeply flawed process has created an equally flawed product. “President Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises. “Today, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and mil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-gop-tax-bill | Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill | 2017-12-02 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.02.17 Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement regarding the Republican tax bill being voted on in the Senate tonight. "Throughout the past months, I've urged my Republican colleagues to work across the aisle on a bipartisan tax reform bill that Senators from both parties could get behind. Last week, I joined more than a dozen Democratic Senators to ask our Republican colleagues to slow this process down and work together. "Finally, over the last few days, I've been working with a handful of my Republican and Democratic colleagues to try to find a way - any way - to stop this backroom, partisan process and force both parties to work together on tax reform. We got close to an agreement, but ultimately didn't succeed. "The bill that appears likely to pass the Senate soon is a bad one. There's no sugar coating it. This bill gives away tens of billions in corporate tax cuts with no strings attached, hurts the middle class over the long run, guts the Affordable Care Act, and adds more than $1 trillion to the national debt. It was written with no meaningful consultation between the two parties, and it is highly unpopular with the American public. "This process isn't finished yet, as the Senate and House bills remain very different, but I am very concerned that we're close to making our already-broken tax code even worse. As always, I remain willing to work across the aisle to pass a real, bipartisan tax reform bill for the middle class, but our opportunity to do that is quickly slipping away." Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-guilty-plea-from-former-national-security-advisor-michael-flynn | Senator Coons’ statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.17 Senator Coons’ statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Sen. Coons: “It’s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the F.B.I. “This morning’s guilty plea from President Trump’s former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, is a clear indication that Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team have found conclusive evidence of illegal activity and are actively proceeding with their investigation. “Robert Mueller is a highly respected and skilled law enforcement official, and when he was named Special Counsel, he had overwhelming support from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. “It’s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-0351 or sean_coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=06AB892F-F328-4B1C-A805-DD49B4C4652C | Carper Slams Republican Tax Reform Plan On The Senate Floor, Urges Republicans To Work With Democrats On Bipartisan Tax Reform Plan | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, spoke on the Senate floor yesterday on the Republican tax reform plan. You may watch Senator Carper’s full remarks by clicking here. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. “Nine years have passed since I first joined the Senate Finance Committee. For each of those nine years, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. As a member of the House of Representatives many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation led by President Reagan, Speaker Tip O’Neill and others. “But tax reform takes a lot of time, energy and effort. In 1986, enacting tax reform in Congress took two years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan will come to fruition in mere weeks is the triumph of man’s hope over experience. Any tax legislation that is purely partisan, written in the dark, and rushed to the finish line is bound to be poorly designed and riddled with inadvertent errors. A flawed process results in a flawed product. “When considering any tax policy, I look at it through a prism of four questions: Is it fair? Does it encourage economic growth and job creation? Does it simplify the tax code, or make it more complicated? Is it fiscally responsible? “Unfortunately, the Republican tax reform plan fails the test on all four of those questions. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan would actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year—by 2019, Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2021, Americans earning less than $40,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off. “In fact, within ten years, more than 77 percent of the tax cuts in this bill will go to the richest 5 percent of Americans. In fact, nearly 62 percent of the tax breaks will go to the richest 1 of every 100 A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D69DE3-299F-4FE5-AB6E-223D8812AA7D | EPW Business Meeting Statement: Consideration of CEQ and EPA Nominees | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a business meeting to consider the nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White, of Texas, to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality, Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and 19 General Services Administration resolutions. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me begin by noting that we’ll be approving 19 General Services Administration lease prospectus resolutions today. We have not acted on these resolutions previously because we’ve been waiting for responses from GSA to a number of inquiries we had submitted this year. Your Democratic colleagues on this committee are appreciative of GSA’s recent efforts to respond to our oversight requests. While we continue to review the content of these responses to make sure they are complete, GSA has acted with sufficient good faith to allow us to move forward today. “With that said, let me turn to the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be the Deputy Administrator of EPA. During his hearing, and in response to questions for the record, I believe that Mr. Wheeler demonstrated a more transparent and straightforward approach to engaging with Members of this Committee than any other Trump Administration EPA nominee has thus far. I find that encouraging, and I hope you do, too. “However, to be honest with you, I remain less encouraged by Administrator Pruitt’s progress in responding to the 31 letters requesting information that have been sent to him by Democratic Members of this Committee. Thus far, he has only adequately responded to 12 of those letters. Six of the unanswered letters are more than six months old. That’s just unacceptable. “Having said that, it is my understanding that EPA is making an effort to respond to more of our letters and soon. We look forward to reviewing those responses, and the related documents we have requested, and to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-morning-joe-november-29-2017 | Senator Coons joins Morning Joe November 29, 2017 | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-november-29-2017 | Senator Coons Senate Judiciary Committee hearing November 29, 2017 | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-tax-bill-im-still-struck-by-the-difference-between-what-donald-trump-campaigned-on-and-what-this-bill-is-actually-delivering | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: “I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering” | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.29.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: “I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this morning joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss the GOP tax bill. “As the Republicans barrel towards trying to deliver on President Trump's Christmas promise of a big gift to the American people, I'm struck at the difference between what President Trump campaigned on, a real middle class tax cut, and what this tax bill seems to be, which is something that will add $1.5 trillion to our deficits and debt and that overwhelmingly favors the wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations.” “There have been no public hearings on this bill. It was introduced and rushed immediately to markup. There was a Finance Committee markup but there were no hearings. So, actually understanding what's in this package is something that will only be known once it's passed. When one party tries to ram through a big piece of legislation without including the other, without public hearings, the results don't usually turn out as well, as hopeful or as expected. That's going to be true here as well, I think." Full audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on the future of the tax bill: Well, I hope not but that certainly seems more likely today, after it advanced through the Budget Committee. I'll remind you and our viewers that there are still significant differences between the Senate version and the House version that will have to be worked out. As the Republicans barrel towards trying to deliver on President Trump's Christmas promise of a big gift to the American people, I'm struck at the difference between what President Trump campaigned on, a real middle class tax cut, and what this tax bill seems to be, which is something that will add $1.5 trillion to our deficits and debt and that overwhelmingly favors the wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-charities-and-those-who-rely-on-them-will-suffer-under-the-gop-tax-bill | Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.28.17 Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the potentially devastating impact of the Republican tax plan on American charities. “I have serious concerns about many provisions of the Senate Republicans’ tax plan, including those that will greatly increase the national debt, provide no-strings-attached tax cuts to corporations, and hurt middle class Americans who deserve a fairer tax code the most. But today, on Giving Tuesday, I also want to shed light on the devastating impacts that the GOP tax plan would have on charitable giving in the United States,” said Senator Coons. “The non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimates that under the Republican tax plan, we will see charitable giving in the United States fall by at least $13 billion each year. Charities, including many faith-based organizations, provide countless services to Americans in need, from helping the homeless and providing health care to supporting disadvantaged young people and strengthening our communities. It is my sincere hope that my Republican colleagues will work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan tax plan that we can all support, and one that will help, not hurt, American charities. Even in times of tight budgets, I strongly believe we have a moral obligation to put a circle of protection around our neighbors most in need.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-ari-melber-on-msnbc-november-27-2017 | Senator Coons joins Ari Melber on MSNBC November 27, 2017 | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein | ICYMI: After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.27.17 ICYMI: After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, on Wednesday, after Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Last Wednesday, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing. The text of the letters can be found below: November 22, 2017 The Honorable Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Grassley: I am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices. My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice. Recently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response. Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=C19A3D28-88E7-459A-8FAF-C8299B833D41 | Give thanks, get covered | 2017-11-23 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. So today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: “Are you covered?" We are half way through this year’s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year – that’s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month. Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options. The health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don’t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018. I wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless. Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. So today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-rachel-maddow-november-21-2017 | Senator Coons joins Rachel Maddow November 21, 2017 | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein | After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.22.17 After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein WASHINGTON – After Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorney’s offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than yesterday, November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Today, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing. The text of the letters can be found below: November 22, 2017 The Honorable Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Grassley: I am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices. My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice. Recently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response. Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a federal prosecutor. President Trump… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-rachel-maddow-discuss-dana-boentes-forced-resignation | [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente’s forced resignation | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.22.17 [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente’s forced resignation Sen. Coons: “While the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with an ongoing investigation” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, last night joined The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss the forced resignation of Dana Boente. On November 7, 2017, Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein demanding answers on why Boente was forced to resign. Today, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing. “The national security division has a central role in law enforcement matters that relate to actions by our adversaries or actions that implicate our intelligence community, and I think it would be easy to conclude why that might be specifically relevant to Russian attempts at interference in our last election or any counterintelligence matters that might be a part of that ongoing investigation. I also want to raise the matter that Dana Boente, the Eastern District of Virginia US Attorney is fourth in line of succession.” Audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Boente: Well, I've got real questions, but I don't have a firm answer as to why Dana Boente was pushed. As I laid out in the letter that I sent to the Attorney General, which has gone without a response so far and as I laid out in my letter to the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for a hearing, this fits within a broader troubling pattern of interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and while the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys’ resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=767299FE-71E1-421A-B9CF-FC9C71E37221 | Carper, Colleagues Conduct Oversight to Protect Servicemembers and Student Veterans | 2017-11-21 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves, joined his colleagues in conducting oversight on the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect and defend the education benefits of servicemembers and student veterans from unscrupulous for-profit institutions. On November 9, the VA notified Ashford University that it is not in compliance with GI Bill eligibility requirements related to state approval and has 60 days to come into compliance or lose eligibility. Today, Senator Carper joined Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and seven Senate Democrats in urging DOD Secretary James Mattis and VA Secretary David Shulkin to take steps to protect servicemembers using Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits at Ashford in light of the company’s impending loss of VA Post-9/11 GI Bill approval. “We are pleased with the VA’s actions to enforce the law and regulations. But the fact remains that Ashford’s noncompliance threatens to interrupt the education of service members using TA benefits and some 9,000 veterans using GI Bill education benefits to attend the institution,” the Senators wrote. “We believe additional steps must be taken to adequately protect veterans [and service members] now that it is likely Ashford will lose GI Bill eligibility.” In the letters to Secretary Mattis and Secretary Shulkin, Senators urged DOD and VA to immediately notify, through direct email and mail, all of the TA students and the more than 9,000 GI Bill students currently enrolled at Ashford of the impending disruption of benefits and provide these students with resources about their rights and high quality transfer options. They also urged DOD and VA to prohibit new service members using TA benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits from enrolling at Ashford until further notice. The letter to Secretary Mattis can be found here. The letter to Secretary Shulkin can be found here. Yesterday,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-bbc-november-21-2017 | Senator Coons joins BBC November 21, 2017 | 2017-11-21 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: "Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-bbc-this-is-an-historic-moment-for-the-people-of-zimbabwei-am-hopeful-that-there-will-be-a-peaceful-transition-of-power | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: “This is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe…I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power” | 2017-11-21 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.21.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: “This is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe…I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Africa subcommittee, today joined BBC News to discuss the current situation in Zimbabwe. “The economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process to choose the future leadership of Zimbabwe that can reform the economy and repair the health of the country.” Audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Mugabe: Well, this is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe. As you've mentioned, for 37 years, Robert Mugabe has been a president who was initially a liberator, but gradually became a dictator. The economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=50048F34-7034-4478-84CC-FA862209DD40 | Let's do tax reform right | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | Last night, my Republican colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It’s shocking. In fact, it’s almost unbelievable. This bill to overhaul the U.S. tax code was written behind closed doors, without a single public hearing, bipartisan roundtable or any negotiations with members across the aisle. When my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they’d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening. To learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country’s health care system was beyond the pale. According to the non-partisan CBO, this bill will cause health insurance premiums to skyrocket and millions of people to lose their coverage in the decade ahead. I have a great deal of respect for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, the process that’s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of our committee. Since I first joined the Finance Committee more than nine years ago, I’ve wanted to do bipartisan tax reform to encourage economic growth and job creation, and help our businesses compete and succeed in the global marketplace. Unfortunately, that’s not the type of tax reform being considered in Congress right now. As senators head home for next week’s Thanksgiving break, Americans will have a chance, for the first time, to scrutinize this tax reform proposal. When we return, I hope Congress can come together – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike – and start anew on a real bipartisan basis. I’m encouraging my colleagues… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D70F0676-235E-483C-87C5-D8AAD16FEA39 | Congress Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Misuse and Abuse of Government Purchase and Travel Cards | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—In case you missed it, yesterday the Senate approved the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in federal agency travel and purchase card spending. The Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and Travel Cards Act, now headed to the president’s desk for signature as part of the 2018 NDAA, would help prevent charge card misuse and abuse by requiring agencies to take a series of steps to strengthen accountability and oversight over purchases made using federal government charge cards. “Federal agencies have made progress in strengthening financial controls over government travel and purchase cards, but more needs to be done to root out waste and abuse in charge card spending. By helping agencies better track and analyze card charges, we can curb wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more wisely and effectively across the federal government,” Senator Carper said. “This bill will save taxpayer dollars, and it’s a great example of what Democrats and Republicans can accomplish by working together. I thank Senators Grassley and McCaskill for their partnership on this issue.” “This provision builds on my previous work to establish accountability and rein in misuse of government charge cards,” Senator Grassley said. “There’s no excuse for the lax standards and practices we’ve seen. Government agencies are obligated to safeguard tax dollars and prevent and stop abuse.” “One of my top priorities in the Senate is making sure that Missourian’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted,” said Senator McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. “I’m glad to have come together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to crack down on federal employees who are using government dollars for their own personal gain.” The Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-joins-bipartisan-bill-to-enforce-current-law-regarding-the-background-check-system-for-firearms-purchases | Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.17.17 Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in sponsoring the Fix NICS Act to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). “I want to commend Senator Cornyn for leading efforts to ensure the National Background Check System works,” said Senator Coons. “I also want to commend his cosponsors, including Senators Murphy and Murkowski, as well as Senators Blumenthal, Hatch, and Feinstein. We must do all we can to ensure that individuals who are prohibited don’t obtain firearms. I look forward to supporting the Fix NICS Act along with other efforts to strengthen existing laws and keep our communities safe.” Background on the Fix NICS Act · Requires federal agencies and states to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading all information to the background check system showing that a person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under current law—including measures to verify the accuracy of records. · Holds federal agencies accountable if they fail to upload relevant records to the background check system through public reporting and prohibiting bonus pay for political appointees. · Rewards states who comply with their NICS implementation plans through federal grant preferences and incentives, while increasing accountability through public reporting for those who do not comply with their plans. · Reauthorizes and improves important law enforcement programs to help state governments share relevant criminal record information with NICS. · Creates a Dom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=22D8D504-65A7-4C39-A8D8-CBB2110D20F3 | Carper Statement on Senator Franken | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | “Sexual harassment is always unacceptable, and the behavior attributed to Senator Al Franken a decade ago is deeply troubling and disappointing. The Senate Ethics Committee should look into this matter, and I understand Senator Franken welcomes this investigation. “Assertions of deplorable behavior by President Trump have been made by many women over many years, and I deeply regret those allegations will never be scrutinized the way they should be.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DAA9A04B-E6F6-4DFC-B907-92405C10525F | Carper Statement on Republican Tax Bill | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans on the committee approved legislation to remake our entire economy and begin dismantling the Affordable Care Act. “This evening, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It’s shocking. In fact, it’s almost unbelievable. “When my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they’d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening. To learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country’s health care system was beyond the pale. “I have a great deal of respect for our chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process that’s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of this committee. “We can—and, more important, we should—do better than this. “This process stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan efforts led by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Patty Murray on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to find principled solutions to stabilize the health care exchanges in all 50 states. If my Republican friends are motivated to work on health care legislation, we should build on those efforts. “It’s not surprising that a flawed process has produced a flawed product, but we can change course. I implore Chairman Hatch and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Let’s go back to the drawing board and start anew on a real bip… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-op-ed-try-bipartisan-tax-reform-it-worked-for-reagan | ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: “Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.” | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.17 ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: “Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.” WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in The News Journal about his concerns with the GOP tax bill and what he believes we should do instead to pass bipartisan, revenue-neutral tax reform. The News Journal: Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan. By Chris Coons As you may have heard in the newspaper or on TV, the conventional wisdom in Washington, DC is that bipartisan tax reform is too hard. According to the skeptics, the parties are simply too far apart to come together to make our tax system better for working Americans. I disagree. Back in 1986, the conventional wisdom was the same. Even though our tax system was broken then, too, the skeptics assured us that it couldn’t be fixed. But then, something unexpected happened: Republican President Ronald Reagan, Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, and members of Congress from both parties worked together to get the job done. Even though fixing the tax code was complicated, their approach was simple. They knew they had strong disagreements, but they held lengthy public debates, compromised on both sides of the aisle, and eventually passed a major tax reform bill that was bipartisan and did not add to our deficits and national debt. Now, thirty-one years later, our tax code is once again in need of a major overhaul. Our tax system is complicated and full of loopholes, our business tax laws are making us less competitive, and the middle class is overdue for a tax cut. Unfortunately, this time around, Republicans in Congress and the White House are taking the exact opposite approach that President Reagan and congressional leaders took the last time we passed real tax reform. I think that’s a big mistake. The full column is available here. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=219A1084-2EA0-4E11-8D22-DA1A820BDFE7 | EPW Hearing Statement: Promoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation | 2017-11-15 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Promoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “I would like to thank the Chairman for having this hearing today. I believe that improving the understanding and celebrating the role that technological innovation plays in helping the country meet our clean air and climate challenges is very important, and I hope we can have more hearings like this. I also thank our witnesses for being here today. “Abraham Lincoln famously said that the role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do for themselves. One of those tasks, I believe, is for government to help create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation. Our government also has an obligation to help protect the health of the public to ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty and happiness. Luckily, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, history shows that cleaner air is good for business. “Today, our country is undergoing a clean energy revolution. That didn’t happen by accident. Over the past eight years, starting with the Recovery Act, the federal government has provided economic incentives, environmental targets and has supported market development to encourage investments in the clean energy of the future. This carrot and stick approach resulted in more than $507 billion dollars of investment in the clean energy sector over the last decade and in our country becoming a leader in exporting clean air and clean energy technologies. Thanks to our investments, consumers are paying less for energy, and jobs are being created here at home to keep up with the demand for the products that these technologies enable. In 2016 alone, one out of every fifty new jobs added in the United States was created by the solar energy industry. “Today, we will hear from one of our witnesses about a particular manuf… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-flake-booker-isakson-statement-on-the-situation-in-zimbabwe | Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe | 2017-11-15 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.15.17 Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Africa subcommittee, released the following statement on the current situation in Zimbabwe. “For nearly four decades, Zimbabweans have suffered under the authoritarian rule of President Robert Mugabe, a dictator who has repressed his people and presided over the economic deterioration of his country. While a change in leadership is long overdue, we are concerned about the military’s actions. We urge the leaders of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces to ensure the protection of all citizens and a transparent return to civilian control. As the country grapples with a new political reality, Zimbabwe’s leaders must adhere to democratic processes and establish a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power that is consistent with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the will of its people. Finally, we urge the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to mediate a democratic process that reinforces the rule of law, promotes economic reforms, and respects the human rights of all Zimbabweans.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit (Coons) at Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/senator-coons-speaks-at-the-iam-patent-policy-event | Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 11.14.17 Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/corker-coons-bill-to-improve-accountability-and-effectiveness-of-us-role-in-international-organizations-passes-committee | Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.14.17 Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee Multilateral Aid Review Act Establishes Interagency Task Force to Evaluate Performance of Multilateral Institutions WASHINGTON – The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the committee, to review and improve the accountability and effectiveness of U.S. participation in international organizations. The Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017 (S.1928) would establish an interagency task force with peer review to conduct regular evaluations of how well multilateral institutions carry out their missions and how they serve American interests and taxpayers. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). “American taxpayers deserve to know how our involvement in these organizations benefits this country,” said Senator Corker. “Establishing a rigorous, thoughtful review process will give us a better way to evaluate the performance of these institutions. From there, we can make more informed decisions about how to prioritize scarce resources and demand better outcomes. I thank our cosponsors and the committee for supporting this good governance initiative that we believe can protect taxpayer dollars and be a useful tool for advancing U.S. interests abroad more effectively.” “It is in our nation’s best interest to provide transparency and to maximize the impact of what we spend overseas,” said Senator Coons. “Multilateral organizations are at the forefront of the fight to alleviate global poverty. Congress owes it to the American people to review how U.S. tax payer dollars are being spent and to make sure it’s done efficiently and eff… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9CBAE2E7-A2D9-40D5-8700-2E24DE15FADF | Carper Statement on Finance Committee Markup on Senate Republican Tax Plan | 2017-11-13 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on the committee’s markup of the Senate Republican tax plan. “For more than nine years, since I first joined this Committee, I’ve wanted to do tax reform. I’ve always believed that a sensible, equitable, fiscally responsible tax overhaul would help grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and boost wages so more families have a better shot at the American dream. “I have a great deal of respect for our Chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process used to try and force this tax bill across the finish line is not a credit to the bipartisan tradition of this Committee. We can—and, more importantly, we should—do better than this. “I was here when this Committee wrote the Affordable Care Act. I recall that our friends on the other side of the aisle objected, claiming that Congress was moving ‘too fast’ in trying to ‘remake one-sixth’ of the economy. A closer review of the process we used then suggests otherwise. We didn’t move too fast. In fact, in the year before this Committee passed the ACA, more than a dozen bipartisan hearings were held on the health reform proposal that became the ACA. We held multiple bipartisan roundtables and several bipartisan options papers were published. In addition, there were detailed, exhaustive negotiations with three senior Democratic members and three senior Republican members of this Committee that lasted for months. “Unfortunately, we’ve had no hearings on this tax reform proposal. None. We’ve held no bipartisan negotiations. None. We’ve held no bipartisan roundtables. None. The proposals in this bill, which was released just four days ago, attempt to remake 100 percent of the economy. Meanwhile, the public has been told next to nothing about how this legislation affects them. “A truly bipartisan effort would not involve ramm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CB1BC94C-5379-465F-B63B-096D3E95D22A | Honoring our student veterans by closing the 90/10 loophole | 2017-11-10 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | This Veterans Day weekend, as we honor those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, we remember our continual obligations to our veterans. We owe it to our veterans to ensure they have access to high-quality health care, a place to call home and the skills they need to have a successful life as a civilian. We also owe our veterans the opportunity to obtain a world-class education that will lead to a fulfilling career and a productive life. After serving in the U.S. Navy for five years in a hot war in Southeast Asia, I returned home to a GI Bill that provided me $250 per month, enabling me to earn my MBA at the University of Delaware. Today, veterans have access to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the most generous GI Bill in the history of our country that fully covers tuition, fees, books and housing at many of our nation’s colleges and universities, like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, for veterans and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill affords veterans the invaluable opportunity to attain a high-quality education here at home after their service, and they deserve nothing less. Since 2009, more than 1.7 million service members, veterans and their families have financed their higher education using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, over the past seven years, 40 percent of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit colleges, even as questions are raised about these institutions’ graduation, default and job placement rates. Today, many of the top recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are currently under investigation for deceptive and misleading recruitment practices or other possible violations of state and federal law. The 90-10 Rule is a bipartisan federal law passed by Congress in the 1990s that requires for-profit schools to derive at least 10 percent of their revenues from sources other than the federal government. However, a loophole exists that allows for-profit schools to count military and veteran education assistance as non-federal revenue. As a result… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=16CA61FD-F7BD-4F7A-B414-2F0AFCE268CB | Senators Reintroduce Military and Veterans Education Protection Act with Groundbreaking Support from Veterans Service Organizations | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) reintroduced the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act, legislation that would close a loophole that allows for-profit schools to avoid having to secure at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources. More than two decades ago, Republican President George H.W. Bush signed a bipartisan law that limited how much federal funding for-profit schools may receive from taxpayers. Now called the 90/10 rule, this limit requires for-profit schools to obtain at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. However, a loophole in the law excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) education funds, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA), from being counted as federal funds. Some for-profit schools exploit this 90/10 loophole by using aggressive recruitment practices and deceptive marketing tools to enroll servicemembers, veterans and other GI Bill beneficiaries. The Military and Veterans Education Protection Act would close the 90/10 loophole by counting VA and DOD funds as federal dollars. “While not all for-profit schools are bad actors, one veteran misled or mistreated by a for-profit school is one veteran too many,” said Senator Carper. “Unfortunately, too many for-profit schools are taking advantage of the 90/10 loophole and exploiting our veterans and service members for their generous education benefits. Meanwhile, schools like ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges, which together received over $1 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, went bankrupt and closed their doors for good, leaving taxpayers and thousands of veterans in the lurch. Closing the 90/10 loophole and counting G.I. Bill dollars as federal dollars, which they are, is a commonsense fix that will help us improve educational outcomes for veterans and protect taxpayers.” “This bill is one of many commonsense reforms we … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6AC935E5-7AC7-47E3-804F-E114FABA0B40 | Senator Carper Decries Senate Confirmation of Bill Wehrum | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to voice his strong opposition to the nomination of Bill Wehrum to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation – a position to which Mr. Wehrum was nominated in 2005, but failed to win Senate confirmation because his views were too far outside the mainstream. Senator Carper highlighted Mr. Wehrum’s prior work at EPA to undermine clean air protections, disregard the rule of law and actively prevent progress to reign in mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Despite Mr. Wehrum’s dangerous record, Senate Republicans voted to confirm Mr. Wehrum by a vote of 49 to 47. Every Democrat, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), voted against Mr. Wehrum’s nomination. Below are excerpts from Senator Carper’s closing statement. Senator Carper also spoke earlier in the day on Mr. Wehrum’s previous work at EPA to undermine rules to cut mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Last night, Senator Carper spoke on Mr. Wehrum’s record, including his work suing the EPA on behalf of his industry clients and fighting against critical worker safety protections. “Mr. President, as we prepare to vote on this nominee, I implore my colleagues to take one last moment to think about the decision before them. I ask them to recall the words I said just a bit earlier this morning from that hymn my wife, Martha, and I heard at church one Sunday morning this spring: ‘For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.’ “That powerful message reminds me of the incredible responsibility we have in this body to serve and protect the people who sent us here. We must serve as stewards also of this planet that has been entrusted to us and care for the most vulnerable among us. For me, that is not just my responsibility as a parent or as an officia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=749540A6-B242-4393-BCD2-E9B14EC453BA | Carper, Colleagues Introduce Assault Weapons Ban | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and 20 colleagues in introducing the Assault Weapons Ban of 2017, a bill to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. “Congress cannot ignore our country’s gun violence epidemic. The names of too many American communities and cities—from Sutherland Springs to Las Vegas, Orlando to San Bernardino, Newtown to Aurora—invoke painful memories of murder and mayhem inflicted by these deadly weapons,” Senator Carper. “In the wake of these tragedies, it's time to renew the ban on military-style assault weapons. These deadly weapons were designed for the battlefield—they have no place in our neighborhoods.” Joining Senators Carper and Feinstein on the bill are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Key provisions Bans the sale, manufacture, transfer and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners can keep existing weapons. Bans any assault weapon that accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and has one or more military characteristics, including a pistol grip, a forward grip, a barrel shroud, a threaded barrel or a folding or telescoping stock. Owners can keep existing weapons. Bans magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, which allow shooters to quickly fire many rounds without needing to reload. Owners can keep existing magazines. Exemptions to bill The bill exempts by name more than 2,200 guns for hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-forced-resignation-president-trump-is-signaling-that-he-is-asserting-his-authority-over-the-department-of-justice | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: “President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice” | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.09.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: “President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice” Sen. Coons: “I am concerned about an abrupt action by the president given ways that this investigation is closing in on his inner circle.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined Hardball with Chris Matthews to discuss his letter to Attorney General Sessions on the forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. “I’ll remind you that when the former FBI Director James Comey was fired initially there were offered reasons that had to do with his handling of Hillary Clinton's e-mail investigation. Then President Trump himself went on national television and said it had to do with the Russia thing,” said Senator Coons. “The reason I sent a letter questioning the timing and the reasons behind the resignation of Dana Boente was because of this now-increasing pattern of behavior by the president of trying to interfere in this ongoing investigation. It's possible that this is entirely without reason for alarm, but I think the circumstances around the departure of Dana Boente raise legitimate questions.” Full video and audio available here. Senator Coons on Dana Boente: What concerns me, Chris, as I mentioned in the letter that I just sent to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein is a whole series of things surrounding the abrupt firing of Dana Boente, a popular, successful career federal law enforcement official, Eastern District of Virginia, a U.S. Attorney. According to public reports, he had a grand jury that had issued subpoenas against both Paul Manafort and former National Security Adviser Flynn, and the timing, the proximity to when there were indictments handed down and the fact that it was directed at just him rather than others having been let go left me w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30FF929F-CF2B-4705-BF9E-F67C2EF4C327 | EPW Hearing Statement: Nominations of Ms. Kathleen Hartnett White of Texas to be Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Mr. Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Hearing on the Nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality and Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Let me begin by thanking both of you for appearing before us today. Before I discuss your nominations, I must once again note my concern that Administrator Pruitt has yet to appear before this Committee to testify on the EPA budget request, more than a month after the start of the fiscal year. It turns out that this week, he’s reportedly headed to a luxury resort in South Carolina, on yet another taxpayer-funded trip, rather than appearing before the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Mr. Pruitt has also yet to make additional progress in answering the mail; of the 30 public letters requesting information led by Democratic Members of this Committee, he has provided satisfactory responses to only ten. More effort must be made before I can agree to support the confirmation of any EPA nominees. “Turning to today’s hearing, we have two nominees before us who have been nominated to serve in very important capacities. The Council on Environmental Quality is led by the White House’s top environmental official. C.E.Q. has historically played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all federal agencies on cross-cutting and important environmental issues. For example, C.E.Q. co-chaired President Obama’s Climate Adaptation Task Force to help communities strengthen their resilience to extreme weather and prepare for other impacts of climate change. “C.E.Q. leads the office of Federal Sustainability, which develops policies to modernize federal property and save money through increased energy efficiency and other purchasing requirements. C.E.Q. also plays a key role in identifying ways to make sure federal agencies work together we… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-presses-ag-sessions-on-forced-resignation-of-us-attorney-dana-boente | Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.08.17 Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente In letter, Sen. Coons relays concern about proximity of forced resignation to indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller and connection between Boente’s Office, Russia investigation WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter yesterday afternoon to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein requesting additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is reportedly connected to the Manafort and Flynn investigations and also has a record of handling sensitive national security cases, with jurisdiction over the Pentagon, the CIA, and Dulles airport. The text of the letter is below: Dear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein: I am writing to request additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente. I was disappointed to learn that Mr. Boente submitted his resignation to the President last week, but since that news, I have become deeply concerned by reports that Mr. Boente wanted to remain in his position but was forced to resign by President Trump. I recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents. However, this reported demand for a single U.S. Attorney’s resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this is … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-resignation-it-makes-me-concerned-about-robert-mueller | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: “It makes me concerned about Robert Mueller” | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.08.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: “It makes me concerned about Robert Mueller” Sen. Coons on yesterday’s election: “It will make it clear to the president or at least members of his team that if they don't begin some real outreach to Democrats on tax reform and other priorities they have, they will not get their legislative agenda through.” WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss yesterday’s election results, the latest on tax reform, and the resignation of Dana Boente. “I just was troubled that immediately following the release of indictments given reporting that has suggested Mr. Boente was running a fairly active component of the Mueller investigation that he was fairly abruptly asked to resign,” said Senator Coons. “I just wanted to ask some questions about the timing given the troubling pattern of the president's personal intervention by interviewing candidates for U.S. Attorneys in several key jurisdictions and given everything else going on, it makes me concerned about Robert Mueller and his security. Dana Boente would have been the fourth in succession in the Department of Justice. I think it's an important feat and an important role that he played that deserves some oversight.” Video and audio available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Trump’s trip to Asia: I’m encouraged by the tone and tenor of the trip, obviously the self-promotion notwithstanding to have President Trump move towards a more diplomatic tone after some early bluster. Now that we have prepositioned three aircraft carrier groups, personnel, and material in the region, I think that President Trump is striking the right balance between having previously being overly threatening and now pursuing diplomatic alternatives – there has to be an off-ramp for North Korea to cons… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E31581F9-80B5-407C-BA5A-4D7FAB15C2BA | Carper Leads Letter Requesting FTC Investigate and End RIN Market Manipulation | 2017-11-07 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, highlighted concerns regarding possible market manipulation in the compliance system used for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, known as the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market. In a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acting Chairman Maureen Olhausen, Delaware’s congressional delegation of Senators Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.), as well as Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), asked the agency to investigate and end any possible RIN market manipulation under the jurisdiction of the Commission’s Petroleum Market Manipulation Rule. The lawmakers wrote, “Over the past four years, RIN prices have fluctuated wildly. Since earlier this year alone, they have spiked over 200 percent. This price volatility creates great uncertainty for obligated parties, especially for merchant refineries like the ones along the East Coast that have limited capability to blend biofuels into their products and need RINS to comply with the RFS program’s requirements. East Coast refineries already face slim profit margins, in part, due to their dependence on international markets for crude feedstocks, high gasoline inventories and the competition they face from global refiners. Volatility in the RIN market only adds to the East Coast refineries economic concerns. They continued, “RIN market manipulation hurts all parties and directly harms our constituents. That is why we urgently request that the Federal Trade Commission use its authority to address RIN market manipulation.” The text of the letter is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reuters-sen-coons-seeks-explanation-for-career-prosecutor-boentes-abrupt-resignation | Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation | 2017-11-07 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.07.17 Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation Reuters: Senator seeks explanation for career U.S. prosecutor's abrupt resignation https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-prosecutor/senator-seeks-explanation-for-career-u-s-prosecutors-abrupt-resignation-idUSKBN1D735P WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic Senator said on Tuesday he wants answers from top Justice Department officials about why a career prosecutor was asked to resign days before a special counsel unveiled the first criminal charges in an investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. Election. Dana Boente was asked to quit in late October as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, whose district has played an important role in the investigation. Just days later, Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators charged President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another aide, Rick Gates, with conspiring to launder money and other charges. It was also announced on Oct. 30 that a third former Trump adviser, George Papadopoulos, had pleaded guilty earlier in the month to a charge of lying to the FBI. U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was writing to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to ask if Boente’s departure was “normal or justified.” “I‘m concerned about the abrupt departure of Dana Boente after a career as a federal prosecutor ... There’s a lot of circumstances that connect the ongoing Mueller investigation to the Eastern District,” Coons said in an interview. A Department of Justice spokesman said the agency does not comment on personnel matters. Boente could not immediately be reached for comment. Investigations into whether Republican Trump’s campaign associates colluded with Russia last year to help him defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the presidency arose after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia carried out a campai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-president-trumps-trip-to-asia | Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump’s trip to Asia | 2017-11-07 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.07.17 Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump’s trip to Asia WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s trip to Asia. “President Trump is in the midst of a trip to Asia with several important goals, including addressing the threat of North Korea’s nuclear program and promoting U.S. exports throughout the region. We have been pleased to see the President reaffirm our economic and security partnerships with our allies in Japan and South Korea. In the coming days, the President will also visit China, Vietnam, and the Philippines – three countries that fail to respect the human rights of all their citizens. In China, activists are detained and the political opposition is silenced. In Vietnam, basic rights such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion are restricted. In the Philippines, a 'war on drugs' has resulted in over 7,000 deaths, many via unlawful executions and extrajudicial killings. As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we urge President Trump to raise these human rights concerns and to promote the United States’ commitment to human rights and democratic values during his meetings with President Xi Jinping in China, President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam, and President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. The United States must continue to stand up for the oppressed around the world.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-i-do-think-trump-should-sit-down-with-vladimir-putin | [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin” | 2017-11-07 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.07.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin” Sen. Coons: “Without help from China and Russia, we don't stand a chance of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with North Korea” Sen. Coons on the Texas shooting: “It's important for us to try to honor the tragedy here, the loss here, by finding a way to come together as a country and address the very real mental health, public safety, and gun safety issues that our Congress and federal government has failed to address so far” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, yesterday joined CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront to discuss the Texas shooting and President Trump’s trip to Asia. “The last time President Trump met with Putin, it was on the sides of a major conference. He did so without anyone else from the US government, without the use of a translator. I don’t think he should follow that pattern,” said Senator Coons. “I think he should have his aides with him. But, I do think he should sit down with Vladimir Putin to make clear to him directly that if he interferes in our next election the way he interfered in our last election, he will face serious consequences. And, I do think it's important for President Trump to call on Vladimir Putin to work with Xi Jinping from China and the United States and our allies to bring North Korea to account for its reckless aggressive actions with its missile program and its nuclear weapons program. Without help from China and Russia, we don't stand a chance of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with North Korea. So, I'm one Democrat who will say I think he should try to engage with Vladimir Putin, but do it in a responsible and measured way." “I think it's important that as we all try to come to grips with this one of the most brutal shootings in a house of worship in America’s history, that we also look straight-on at the fact that Congress should not be paralyzed and unable to act in the f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-call-for-trump-administration-to-support-additional-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic | Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic | 2017-11-06 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.06.17 Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic WILMINGTON, DE – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) signed on to a letter to President Donald Trump with 21 other senators calling on the President to support additional funding necessary to combat the opioid epidemic. The letter, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) reads, “We appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency. While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance.” The senators continued, “Researchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic. The President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees. The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.” Earlier this year, Senator Carper joined law enforcement, first responders, health care industry leaders, addiction treatment representatives and patient advocate groups to discuss the opioid epidemic in Delaware and ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-comprehensive-approach-to-disaster-recovery | Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery | 2017-11-06 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | www.coons.senate.gov | legacy | 11.06.17 Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery WILMINGTON, DE – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) have joined Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in calling on the Trump administration to put forward a comprehensive package to help several areas of the country recover from the onslaught of natural disasters in recent months. The administration has committed to releasing such a package in the coming weeks. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Senate Democrats outlined what must be included in a comprehensive package that would ensure adequate investments in infrastructure, health, housing, education, agriculture, and conservation needs that will mitigate further damage in future disasters and make our communities more resilient. The text of the letter is available HERE: https://www.leahy.senate.gov/download/omb-supplemental-request-11-3-17. In October, the Senate passed a $36.5 billion emergency supplemental that contained $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, $16 billion for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt forgiveness, $1.27 billion for nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico, and $576.5 million to combat wildfires. In September, the Senate passed a $15.25 billion emergency supplemental package that contained $7.4 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and $450 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. In addition, the legislation provided $7.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to Carper, Coons, Schumer and Leahy, other senators to sign the letter included: Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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