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400 rows where state = "DE" and year = 2013 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
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181229/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/carper-coons-carney-to-host-kent-county-job-fair Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair 2013-12-27 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 27, 2013 CONTACT: Brian Cunningham at 302-573-6054 Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair Delegation will host first job fair of 2014 at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus DOVER, Del. – Committed to continuing to help out-of-work Delawareans find employment, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney in partnership with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, announced Friday that they will host their first job fair of the year in Kent County.  The job fair will take place on Thursday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delaware Technical Community College on the Terry Campus (North Delaware Tech Drive, Dover, DE 19904) at the Education Technology Building Conference Center. Interested companies seeking to fill positions can contact Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345 or via email at workshop@coons.senate.gov.  Businesses will be on hand at the fair to interview potential new employees. Delawareans are encouraged to come dressed for success with resumes in hand. “Last year, we held job fairs in all three counties to connect out-of-work Delawareans with good-paying jobs, and we’re doing it again in 2014,” said Senator Tom Carper. “I always say the role of government is not to create jobs, but to provide a nurturing environment for job creation and job growth, and I’ll continue my work to do just that in Washington each and every day.” “With continued gridlock in Washington making it harder and harder to pass legislation that would meaningfully help the tens of thousands of Delawareans still looking for work, this job fair is a small way to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Senator Coons said. “Like the job fairs we've hosted in previous years, our goal for these fairs is to help Delawareans connect with real job opportunities.” “Putting Delawareans back to work is my top priority. Too many qualified Delaware workers are having … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5f1e6585-cb96-4020-b587-e8afbec007ed Chairman Carper Commends Marine Corps on Clean Financial Audit 2013-12-23 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) commended the United States Marine Corps following its announcement that it received a clean financial audit for its Fiscal Year 2012 Statement of Budgetary Activity, the first step toward a full clean financial audit . The Marine Corps is the first military service to successfully complete this type of audit.   “I would like to give a loud ‘Bravo Zulu’ to the Marine Corps for this important achievement in safeguarding taxpayer funds. For many of us who served in the military, we know the Marines are often the first ones on the beach, so it is fitting that the Marine Corps is leading the way in this significant financial quest for the Department of Defense, the last federal agency yet to receive a clean financial audit. I will continue to work with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Acting Deputy Secretary Christine Fox and the rest of the administration on getting across this financial finish line. After all you can't manage what you can't measure and, in these challenging financial times, a clean audit is an important first step.   “I am a firm believer that we can always do better, so I was happy to see the Marine Corps identify several areas in the audit where they can improve and note that efforts to address these weaknesses are already underway. This is an accomplishment worthy of applause and emulation from the rest of the military.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181848/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-coons-durbin-condemn-passage-of-anti-lgbt-legislation-in-uganda Senators Coons, Durbin condemn passage of anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Senators Coons, Durbin condemn passage of anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda Measure would make “aggravated homosexuality” punishable with life in prison WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Assistant Majority Leader and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statement Friday after the Ugandan parliament approved legislation to make homosexual acts punishable with life imprisonment.  "No individual should be imprisoned simply on the basis of his or her race, religion or sexual orientation. We are deeply concerned that the Ugandan parliament has passed legislation that would place LGBT individuals at risk of life imprisonment. By criminalizing the 'promotion' of homosexuality and failure to report such activities to the police, the bill would also further open the door to additional harassment and the arrest of human-rights defenders. If signed into law, this legislation would add to a disturbing trend in Uganda of closing space for free expression and restricting dissent. We understand there are still steps President Museveni could take to try to prevent the law from taking effect, and we stand firmly with those urging him to reject this law.“ Tags: Uganda,  LGBT,  Africa,  Foreign Relations,  … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181916/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senate-passes-ndaa-with-protection-for-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions Senate passes NDAA with protection for National Guard role in cyber missions 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senate passes NDAA with protection for National Guard role in cyber missions Language authored by Senator Coons will protect Delaware’s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron WASHINGTON – A week after the bill was passed by the House of Representatives, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with language written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to protect the Delaware National Guard’s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to continue carrying out cybersecurity missions. The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature. The New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America’s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 933 of the House-Senate NDAA committee agreement, the language would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the Squadron, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard.  “From banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control systems to power grids, our nation’s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,” Senator Coons said. “Securing this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. These provisions will ensure that our nation’s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.” Cosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182131/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-votes-to-approve-national-defense-authorization-act Senator Coons votes to approve National Defense Authorization Act 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons votes to approve National Defense Authorization Act Senate approves bill including four important Coons amendments WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) voted Thursday to approve the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA), the legislation authorizing Department of Defense operations for the coming fiscal year. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week and now heads to President Obama for his signature.  The final version of the NDAA includes several measures originally authored or proposed by Senator Coons as amendments, including a provision to protect and strengthen the Delaware National Guard’s cybersecurity team, an amendment by Senator Coons and Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) to ensure that small businesses are not subject to conflicting guidance from federal agencies, and measures to promote trade with Africa and require the administration to present a strategy for stability, security, and good governance in Somalia. “The Senate has come together to pass bipartisan legislation that takes positive steps to make our nation more secure and strengthen our relationships abroad,” Senator Coons said. “The NDAA authorizes funding for U.S. military and security operations that protect the safety of Americans and promote peace at home and abroad. The bill includes a provision that will ensure the Delaware National Guard’s 166th National Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard can continue their critical mission to secure our nation’s cyber infrastructure. A rule clarification I sponsored with Senator Blunt will ensure small businesses do not receive conflicting guidance on federal contracts from the Department of Defense and Small Business Administration. Finally, two measures I have long supported will strengthen our ties to Africa – one by ensuring we have a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182150/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-sponsors-bill-to-repeal-cuts-to-military-retiree-benefits Senator Coons sponsors bill to repeal cuts to military retiree benefits 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 20, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons sponsors bill to repeal cuts to military retiree benefits Military Retirement Restoration Act would repeal and replace cuts to military retiree benefits WASHINGTON – With some military-retiree pensions now facing temporary reductions to their cost-of-living-adjustments in 2015, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) has cosponsored legislation that would repeal and replace those changes.  The Bipartisan Budget Act adopted by the Senate this week included $6 billion in savings over 10 years obtained by reducing the cost-of-living adjustments for working-age military retirees younger than 62 by 1 percent beginning January 1, 2015. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace this provision with new legislation that could raise as much as $6.6 billion over ten years by preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes through the use of foreign tax havens. “There is no question that the fiscal challenges facing our nation require shared sacrifice, but this budget unfairly singles out military families,” Senator Coons said. “I’ve said repeatedly that the budget the Senate passed this week was not perfect, and this was one of its major flaws. Fortunately it is not too late to replace these cuts with more responsible savings, and that’s what the Military Retirement Restoration Act aims to do. With a year before these changes take effect, it is my hope that Congress passes this bill and more responsibly finds the savings it needs to move forward.” The Military Retirement Restoration Act — S. 1844 — was introduced by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and now has 19 cosponsors. It has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY-24) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Tags: … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014329/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-new-reasons-to-invest-in-manufacturing-jobs Floor Speech: New reasons to invest in manufacturing jobs 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Friday, December 20, 2013 Floor Speech: New reasons to invest in manufacturing jobs As Delivered on the Senate floor on December 19, 2013 Mr. President, I come to the floor once again to talk about manufacturing jobs. This week, under Senator Amy Klobuchar's leadership, the Joint Economic Committee released a report that thoroughly and thoughtfully lays out why manufacturing jobs have such promise and how Congress can act to help spur manufacturing job creation now and into the future. The report shows that today manufacturing jobs are high-quality jobs, that they pay better than jobs in any other sector in wages and benefits, and that they help create more local service sector jobs, that they contribute more to the local economy, and that manufacturers invest the most in private sector R&D of any sector in our country.  Manufacturing, as the Presiding Officer well knows, has long played an important role in our Nation's economy, has served as our economic backbone, and has built the American middle class. But over the past 60 years, manufacturing in our country has changed, gradually and then dramatically. As our economy and the world have changed, so has the nature of manufacturing and the playing field on which we can and must compete. Due to global competition and the worst recession since the Great Depression, we lost 6 million manufacturing jobs in the United States in the first decade of this century. We are now on our way back, but we are well short of where we were in 2000. We have gained 550,000 manufacturing jobs over the last 3 years, and that gives me real hope. In just the last 6 months, we have seen new signals that our manufacturing sector continues to be on the rebound.  A new report from the Institute for Supply Management shows the U.S. manufacturing sector grew last month at its fastest pace in 2 1/2 years, and hiring has reached an 18-month high. The value of our manufacturing exports has grown 38 percent in the last 4 years, and those exports … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=c2b14ffe-69ad-4541-82b4-7d76d91b9471 Sen. Carper to Welcome CDC Director Frieden to Delaware to Discuss Diabetes Prevention at YMCA 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – On Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with Deborah Bagatta Bowles, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware, will welcome Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden to Delaware to discuss the diabetes epidemic in Delaware, as well as nationally, and the impact the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program has demonstrated in Delaware. Joining the discussion will be Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf, Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Chair of Family and Community Medicine at Christiana Care Health System, and participants from the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.                                                       The goal of this roundtable is to examine the program’s progress and explore how to create new partnerships and strengthen current partnerships throughout the state with the medical community, insurance providers, community organizations and government legislation to affect change.  WHO: Governor Jack Markell U.S. Sen. Tom Carper Deborah Bagatta Bowles, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware Dr. Tom Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rita Landgraf, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services Dr. Karyl Rattay, Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Christiana Care Health System Heather Hodge, YMCA of the USA, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention Programs  Participants from the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program WHEN: Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, 9:30 – 11 a.m. WHERE: Central YMCA, 501 West Eleventh St., Wilmington, DE 19801 RSVP: Press should RSVP to Katie Wilson at Katie_Wilson@carper.senate.gov and Sharon R Kaplan at skaplan@ymcade.org. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=33f1901b-e8b5-47b8-a90a-f64a843cec40 Senator Carper Urges the Senate to Confirm Alejandro Mayorkas 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Mr. President— During my years of public service, I’ve learned that the most important ingredient in enabling organizations to work is leadership. That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small. Part of our shared responsibility here, then, is ensuring that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government. And, it is every Senator’s constitutional role to provide advice and consent on the President’s nominations in a thorough and timely manner as part of the confirmation process. Today we have the opportunity to fill a key leadership post in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—the role of Deputy Secretary. This Department plays a critical role in protecting our nation from harm. Because of its essential mission, I have been very concerned for many months about the high number of senior level vacancies at DHS. In fact, the Department has been without a Senate confirmed Deputy Secretary since April—or eight full months—and without a Senate confirmed Secretary since early summer. Earlier this week we took an important step to address this problem by voting to confirm Jeh Johnson as the next Secretary of DHS with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now we need to keep building that leadership team by confirming Alejandro “Ali” Mayorkas as his Deputy. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas over the past year has led me to conclude that he is an exceptional candidate to be the next Deputy Secretary at DHS. Some of our Republican friends say that we cannot move forward with consideration of Director Mayorkas’ nomination until the Office of the Inspector General finishes an investigation it began in September 2012 — 15 months ago — into his management of the complex EB-5 investor visa program. And yesterday we also heard Republicans put forward a new argument that the results of an OIG audit of the broader EB-5 program should somehow disqualify Director Mayorkas. Respectfully, I disagree. We have waited long enough. First, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8870014f-ed44-44b8-974a-8fedd6dc5cd2 Senate Confirms Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate confirmed Director Mayorkas by a vote of 54 to 41. Director Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission – to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror,” said Chairman Carper. “This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, and one that requires strong leadership in key positions such as Deputy Secretary. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.  Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. I thank my colleagues for confirming Director Mayorkas and helping to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. I look forward to working with him in his new role.” Chairman Carper spoke on the floor in support of Director Mayorkas’ nomination throughout the week: December 18: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery. December 19: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery. December 20: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery. Prior to being nominated to this position, Mr. Mayorkas served as the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where he oversaw the largest immigration system in the world. He has also served as the U.S. Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice. Since his nomination, Director Mayorkas has received an outpouring of bipartisan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=91f2be72-6f85-4bc8-922d-5947975fb9a6 Sen. Carper Reminds Delawareans that Monday is Deadline to Enroll in Healthcare Insurance for Jan. 1 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) reminded Delawareans that the upcoming deadline for enrolling in a health insurance marketplace plan is Monday, Dec. 23 for coverage beginning on beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. As the Washington Post reported this week, many insurers have extended the deadline to pay premiums to Dec. 31, but participants in these plans must enroll by Dec. 23. “If you haven’t already, the time is now to review options and determine what plans work best for you and your family.” Sen. Carper said. “In Delaware, visit http://www.choosehealthde.com for more information on available health insurance plans and to enroll. “This month, I joined hundreds of thousands of Americans and many of my staff in enrolling in health insurance on the health insurance marketplace. We’re covered starting January 1 and I want to make sure you are as well. Enroll today.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=d7768a2e-e247-4428-ae1c-f620f8972e4f Diabetes Prevention Program Highlighted in Delaware 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, the YMCA of Delaware convened a group of state and national leaders, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden, Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Representative John Carney (D-Del.) at a roundtable discussion in Wilmington to discuss the impact of type 2 diabetes in Delaware and across the nation and how the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is helping to reduce diabetes rates nationwide at the Central Downtown YMCA. At the event, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA of Delaware highlighted the good work Delaware is doing to prevent type 2 Diabetes, and highlighted Sen. Tom Carper’s (D-Del.) efforts to prevent diabetes and encourage Medicare and Medicaid coverage of evidence-based diabetes prevention programs like the Y’s. “It’s going to take a coordinated approach where the public and private sector work with community-based organizations like the Y to reduce its impact,” said Matt Longjohn, MD. MPH, YMCA of the USA’s National Health Officer. “The Y thanks Senator Carper for his support in working to ensure coverage of this important program. Ys nationwide look forward to working with Congress, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others to make this program accessible to as many people as possible.” Other participants included Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf; Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay; Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Chair of Family and Community Medicine at Christiana Care Health System; Dr. Stephen Permut, American Medical Association Board of Trustees; representatives from YMCA of the USA and participants from the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, which is part of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, helps adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182214/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-legislation-to-enhance-successful-wetland-conservation-program Senator Coons introduces legislation to enhance successful wetland conservation program 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons introduces legislation to enhance successful wetland conservation program Bill will increase the Federal Duck Stamp to protect waterfowl habitat WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced legislation Thursday to restore and improve the popular and successful Duck Stamp program, which provides funding to conserve wetlands habitat needed for waterfowl. “It’s up to all of us to protect and preserve Delaware’s precious natural resources for future generations,” Senator Coons said. “Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation contribute billions of dollars each year to our local economy and enhance the quality of life of thousands in our state. The Federal Duck Stamp makes these activities possible by funding efforts to conserve critical waterfowl habitat across Delaware. This bill will ensure this effective program can continue to play an important role in restoring and preserving our wetlands.” Introduced today, the Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act would authorize the secretary of the Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, to increase the price of the stamp from the current $15 up to $25, and consider an additional increase of up to $30 in five years. The price increase, the first since 1991, will compensate for lost purchasing power due to inflation and restore the effectiveness of the program. "The federal duck stamp is an incredibly important financial tool that helps conserve critical wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Delaware and across the country,” said Louis Caputo, Jr., state chairman of Delaware Ducks Unlimited. “These funds and the work that can be done with them, will continue to assist the ducks, geese and other migratory birds to ‘Complete the Cycle’ of migration up and down the Atlantic Flyway. These areas provide necessary and es… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182229/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-praises-increase-in-us-aid-to-central-african-republic Senator Coons praises increase in U.S. aid to Central African Republic 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons praises increase in U.S. aid to Central African Republic Ambassador Power announces $23 million in additional aid WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, welcomed today’s announcement of additional humanitarian and conflict prevention funding from the United States to assist the people of the Central African Republic. “Stopping the violence in the Central African Republic requires the support and engagement of the entire global community. There are clearly no easy solutions, but we cannot stand aside as innocent civilians are targeted for slaughter. I strongly support the nearly $23 million in additional American support announced by Ambassador Power today aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs and helping end the brutal intercommunal violence in the Central African Republic. I welcome the decision to support local leaders’ efforts to build peace in their communities and to improve access to accurate information by training local journalists and helping local radio stations — many of which have been destroyed in the violence — resume operations. It is imperative that this additional support be deployed quickly to help break the spiraling cycle of violence, promote reconciliation among communities that previously lived together peacefully, and prevent mass atrocities.” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power announced that the United States would provide $7.5 million to support conflict mitigation, reconciliation, and peace-building, $15 million in new humanitarian support, and $200,000 to support justice for victims of gender-based violence. Since November, the United States has agreed to provide up to $124 million in support. More information can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/1fIHByY   CAR has experienced escalating violence and lawlessness since a Ma… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012046/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-the-nuclear-weapon-free-iran-act Statement from Senator Coons on the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Statement from Senator Coons on the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the introduction of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act on Thursday: “I share the President’s sincere hope that the interim agreement with Iran may result in a comprehensive final agreement that eliminates the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon capability and protects the national security interests of the United States and our vital allies. The bipartisan legislation introduced today, of which I am an original cosponsor, gives the administration the flexibility it needs to continue negotiating with Iran and our international partners, but also ensures Congress will have sanctions at the ready should Iran violate the agreement or negotiations fail. “After an array of classified briefings and discussions with U.S. and international leaders, I am convinced that the strong sanctions imposed by the U.S. and international community brought Iran to the negotiating table, and I remain strongly supportive of their ongoing implementation and enforcement.   This is why I support legislation proposing additional sanctions to be implemented by the administration if Iran breaches the Joint Plan of Action, takes other action inconsistent with the agreement, or if no final agreement is reached.  “The bill provides the administration with an opportunity to suspend and eventually waive sanctions for up to a year, so long as Iran continues to negotiate in good faith and does not violate the interim deal. If a final agreement is reached that dismantles Iran’s illicit nuclear infrastructure, brings Iran into compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, and satisfies other conditions, new sanctions may be suspended. “As lawmakers, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure that t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=8396f763-383e-4e4d-93cc-e47595497c52 Senator Carper's Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Mr. President— The Committee which I am privileged to chair – the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee -- is responsible for working with the Administration and others to help protect our nation’s security at home and abroad. At the same time, we strive to make sure that federal agencies work better and more efficiently with the resources we entrust to them. During my years of public service, I’ve learned that the most important ingredient in enabling organizations to work is leadership. That is the case both in government and the private sector, and in organizations large and small. Part of our shared responsibility here, then, is ensuring that we have effective leaders in place across our federal government. And, it is every Senator’s constitutional role to provide advice and consent on the President’s nominations in a thorough and timely manner as part of the Senate’s confirmation process. While Congress will soon wrap up the 2013 session with far less to show for it than many of us would have liked, the Senate will soon have the opportunity to fill a key leadership post in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—the role of Deputy Secretary. This Department, as we all know, plays a critical role in protecting our nation from harm—whether the threat relates to terrorism from abroad, home grown extremists, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. Because of the Department’s significant role in the security our country, I have been very concerned, as my colleagues well know, for many months about the high number of senior level vacancies at DHS. In fact, the Department has been without a Senate confirmed Deputy Secretary since April and without a Senate confirmed Secretary since early September. Earlier this week we took an important step to address this problem by voting to confirm Jeh Johnson as the next Secretary of DHS with overwhelming bipartisan support. That’s good news but we shouldn’t stop there. We need to ensure that Secretary Johnson has a Senate-confirmed leadership team… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=fafab49f-3f2e-4021-b460-3ff6b7e8c670 Senator Carper on the Nomination of Mayorkas, Continued 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy “Mr. President – I rise today to speak again in strong support of the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I spoke yesterday about Director Mayorkas’ impeccable credentials and experience that have prepared him for this important position. My colleague from Louisiana, Senator Landrieu, did the same. Today, I’d like to address some of the concerns about Director Mayorkas that have been raised by my friends on the other side of the aisle and set the record straight. “Now, I understand that some of our Republican colleagues believe that we cannot move forward with consideration of Director Mayorkas’ nomination until the OIG finishes its investigation begun in September 2012 into his management of the complex EB-5 investor visa program. “Respectfully, I disagree. We have waited long enough. Let me explain why.   “As I’ve said before, the Department of Homeland Security has been without a Deputy Secretary since April—eight full months. And six months have passed since Director Mayorkas was nominated. Just three days before his confirmation hearing in July, information about the OIG investigation was leaked to Congress and the media in a highly irregular manner.   “The information that was leaked indicated that in September 2012, the OIG had received allegations about conflicts of interest, misuse of position, and an appearance of impropriety by Director Mayorkas and other agency officials. We also now know that the OIG did not actually begin investigating these allegations for almost a year after receiving them. “Importantly, the OIG confirmed that this was not in any way a criminal investigation. “Let me say that again because some of my friends on the other side of the aisle seem to be confused about this: the OIG confirmed in July and reconfirmed in December that this is not, and never has been, a criminal investigation.   “To my amazement, Director Mayorkas has never been contacted by, nor interviewed by, the OIG about this inve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182324/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-passage-of-bipartisan-budget-agreement Statement from Senator Coons on passage of bipartisan budget agreement 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Statement from Senator Coons on passage of bipartisan budget agreement Senate passes budget conference committee agreement, 64-36 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, voted Wednesday to approve the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The Senate voted 64-36 to approve the budget agreement, which will now head to the President for his signature.  “Congress has finally fulfilled one of its most fundamental duties – agreeing to a budget for the federal government that reduces our deficits and invests in our long-term competitiveness,” Senator Coons said. “The bipartisan budget passed today replaces the reckless structure of the across-the-board sequester cuts with smarter savings – found through a mix of targeted spending cuts and new revenue – that allow us to continue to invest in important priorities. “This budget is by no means perfect,” Senator Coons continued. “It does not address all of our nation’s fiscal challenges and difficult debates remain over how best to restore economic certainty to our country. I also remain concerned about the 3,600 Delawareans who will lose their unemployment insurance benefits in 10 days if Congress fails to act. However, I am hopeful that the passage today of a bipartisan budget marks the beginning of a renewed effort in Congress to return to regular order and end the destructive practice of governing from crisis to crisis. The American people deserve a functional Congress and this is an important step in that direction.” The Senate Appropriations Committee, on which Senator Coons also serves, is now responsible for producing a spending bill at the levels set in the budget approved Wednesd… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140113182339/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/national-defense-authorization-requires-administration-strategy-on-somalia National Defense Authorization requires administration strategy on Somalia 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  National Defense Authorization requires administration strategy on Somalia Bill being considered by Senate includes legislation drafted by Senator Coons WASHINGTON – The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House and being considered by the Senate this week includes language from legislation written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, requiring the administration to present a strategy for stability in Somalia. The Somalia Stabilization Act, which was introduced in October, aims to promote security, stability, and good governance in Somalia by requiring a coordinated, interagency U.S. government strategy for consolidating recent security and political gains there. The legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA in November and subsequently included in an updated version of the underlying bill written by the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week. “Following the U.S. withdrawal from Somalia, and after 20 years of lawlessness, recent developments have finally given us reason for hope,” Chairman Coons said. “While African Union-led forces have deprived al-Shabaab of territory and revenue, and created much-needed space to begin building functioning state structures, significant challenges remain. The Somali people are increasingly frustrated with the government’s failure to provide basic services – such as education and health care – and the humanitarian situation remains severe. I am concerned that despite significant financial investment, the United States’ strategy has not kept pace with changing realities on the ground and would benefit from clearer benchmarks for measuring progress, as well as a timeline for implementation.” Since 2006, the U.S. has provided nearly $700 million to the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010308/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-congressional-leaders-urge-comprehensive-response-to-wildlife-trafficking Congressional leaders urge comprehensive response to wildlife trafficking 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Congressional leaders urge comprehensive response to wildlife trafficking Send bipartisan, bicameral letter to co-chairs of Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking WASHINGTON – A group of bipartisan leaders from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee have sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and Attorney General Eric Holder urging the full use of available government resources to comprehensively combat wildlife trafficking. The letter was signed by Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs Chairman Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio). “We are writing to ensure that the National Strategy the Task Force produces is bold, goal-oriented and implemented through a whole-of-government approach,” the members wrote. “We believe for the National Strategy to be effective it must include elements to dismantle illicit transnational networks, incorporate security and intelligence resources, and ensure local security forces have the capacity to combat poaching.”  Secretaries Kerry and Jewell, and Attorney General Holder are co-chairs of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, established by President Obama in July to develop a national strategy for addressing the growing problem of illicit wildlife trafficking. The task force, along with an Advisory Council made up of non-governmental experts, is working to enhance coordination among existing U.S. programs and policies to combat wildlife trafficking, and assist other nations to do the same. The national strategy is expected to be released in early 2014. Driven primarily by consumer demand in Asia, poaching of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012640/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-cosponsors-bill-to-continue-support-for-older-americans Senator Coons cosponsors bill to continue support for older Americans 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons cosponsors bill to continue support for older Americans Bipartisan bill would fund supportive services for seniors WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is working with a bipartisan group of senators to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), legislation that funds social and nutritional services for America’s seniors. First passed by Congress in 1965, the OAA has long provided critical support for meal programs, transportation services, job training, and safeguards to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older Americans. The five-year OAA reauthorization includes strengthened protections for vulnerable seniors and expanded support for family caregivers. “We owe it to our seniors to ensure they have the resources they need to age with dignity and security,” Senator Coons said. “As the population of Americans age 60 and older continues to grow, it’s imperative that we invest in the health and welfare of older Americans. The OAA funds vital programs that support seniors and their caregivers, and its reauthorization will ensure they can continue serving those in need.” The OAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 includes a number of important updates to strengthen existing OAA programs. New provisions will bolster the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which provides advocates for residents of adult care facilities, and strengthen elder abuse screening and prevention efforts. The reauthorization bill also features improvements to facilitate the efficient use of transportation services, promote the delivery of evidence-based programs, and improve coordination between programs at the federal, state, and local levels. Investments in programs for seniors yield significant cost savings for the federal government. According to one study, every $1 in federal spending on Meals on Wheels yields as much as $50 in Medicaid savings alone. Another prog… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012645/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-sponsors-legislation-to-exempt-volunteer-fire-companies-from-healthcare-mandate Senator Coons sponsors legislation to exempt volunteer fire companies from healthcare mandate 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons sponsors legislation to exempt volunteer fire companies from healthcare mandate Law is currently unclear about whether Delaware’s volunteer firefighters will be considered “employees” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) announced his support Wednesday for the Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which aims to clarify the “Shared Responsibility” provision of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that Delaware’s 6,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency responders will not be counted as “employees” in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service, potentially triggering the law’s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees. “Although the Affordable Care Act was designed to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable than ever before, unintended impacts have emerged and need to be fixed. This is one of them,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware’s volunteer firefighters do not receive compensation or financial benefits and should not be considered ‘employees’ of their departments in the eyes of the federal government. This bill would ensure that Delaware’s 60 volunteer fire companies are not considered employers large enough to qualify for the coverage mandate. It is my hope that Republicans in the Senate and House will work with us in implementing these repairs instead of clinging to their demand for repeal of the Affordable Care Act.” “The Volunteer Firefighters in the State of Delaware appreciate the work by Senator Warner, Senator Coons and all of the Senate sponsors of this important legislation,” Warren Jones of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association said. “We are greatly concerned of the possible inclusion in the PPACA, what the implications of that inclusion could be and, overall, how that would affect the communities we serve. The volunteer fire service has been part of the thread of our cou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=401793c2-31fd-48ce-b815-648b2a48c554 Sen. Carper Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Budget Act 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a vote of 64 to 36. The legislation now heads to the White House for the president’s signature. “Today I joined 63 of my colleagues to pass the Bipartisan Budget Act to return the appropriations process to regular order over the next two years. I’m hopeful this bipartisan bill will prevent another harmful and unnecessary government shutdown, like the one this fall that cost our economy $24 billion and rattled the confidence of the American people.  I applaud my Senate colleague Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) for working tirelessly with House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to broker a budget deal that could gain support from both sides of the aisle.  This deal isn’t perfect in anyone’s estimation, but it is a balanced approach to replace the draconian and thoughtless sequestration cuts and bring some normalcy back to the budget process.” “Getting our nation’s deficit and debt under control is critical for the well-being of our nation and economy. I have long advocated for a three-pronged approach to reducing our nation’s deficit and debt by raising revenues, reforming entitlement programs in a humane way that preserves these programs for future generations and adopting policies that enable federal agencies and programs to get better results for less money. “Congress and the Administration must continue to work together to sustain and strengthen our economic recovery and put our country on a sustainable fiscal path.  I hope we can build on the momentum of this small deal so that we can tackle much tougher issues in 2014 and beyond.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020111/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/opening-statement-chairing-foreign-relations-committee-hearing-on-ambassadorial-nominations Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Committee hearing on ambassadorial nominations 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Committee hearing on ambassadorial nominations As Prepared for Delivery I am pleased to chair this hearing for the ambassadorial nominees to Angola, Mauritania, Zambia, and Gabon, a post which also includes the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. All four nominees have impressive records of accomplishment in the Foreign Service and I look forward to hearing their priorities for advancing U.S. interests and goals. If confirmed, the four nominees will serve at a particularly significant moment in which the United States seeks to strengthen its economic ties with Africa and as it engages even more deeply to combat regional challenges in security, development and health.   Our first nominee is Ambassador Helen La Lime for Angola. While it is one of the largest oil producers and diamond exporters on the continent and an important regional power, Angola faces extreme socioeconomic inequality, with an astonishingly low ranking on the UN Human Development Index. It continues to struggle with the lasting ramifications of a 27-year civil war; political and economic dominance by a small, wealthy elite; lack of political will and capacity to achieve transparency and accountability in governance; and a poor human rights record. The U.S.-Angola relationship is not an easy one, and I am particularly interested in how we can promote improved governance, respect for human rights, and diversified trade while also exploring ways to strengthen ties with Angola’s relatively capable military.    For this important post, the President has nominated Ambassador La Lime, who is no stranger to diplomacy and Angola. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State with the rank of Minister Counselor, Ambassador La Lime most recently served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’ Affaires in South Africa. She also has served as Consul General in Cape Town, U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Deputy Chie… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020143/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/opening-statement-chairing-foreign-relations-subcommittee-hearing-on-crisis-in-the-central-african-republic Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing on crisis in the Central African Republic 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Opening Statement: Chairing Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing on crisis in the Central African Republic As Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon. Today, the African Affairs Subcommittee will focus its attention on the Central African Republic, or “CAR.” CAR is a resource-rich but desperately poor country that seldom catches the attention of international policy makers, but today is in the midst of an appalling manmade crisis.   The violent crisis is a stark reminder of the very real human cost of fragile states, weak governance and corruption.  To this sobering discussion, I would like to welcome my partner on the subcommittee, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona. Senator Flake brings a deep commitment to Africa and I look forward to working with him to promote lasting solutions to this multi-faceted crisis.  I would also like to welcome other members of the Committee, as well as our distinguished witnesses: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa; Earl Gast, Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID; Alexis Arieff, Africa Analyst at the Congressional Research Service; Lisabeth List, Medical Coordinator, Medecin sans Frontieres; and Mark Schneider, Senior Vice President, International Crisis Group. I look forward to hearing your insights and thank you all for being here.  The voices of the Central Africans must also inform our policy decisions, and I am grateful to have recently spoken with Central African officials for a firsthand account, which helped to inform my perspective.  While I regret that no Central Africans could join us today, I would like to enter into the record a joint statement from Archbishop Dieudonne NzapalaingaImam Omar Kabine Layama, and Rev. Nicolas Guerekoyame-Bgangou from Bangui. I would also like to enter into the record statements from Catholic Relief Services and Mercy Corps, which reflect recommendations from their experiences working in CAR.   CAR has a long history of instability and con… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221073638/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/national-defense-authorization-includes-coons-authored-protection-for-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions National Defense Authorization includes Coons-authored protection for National Guard role in cyber missions 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  National Defense Authorization includes Coons-authored protection for National Guard role in cyber missions Amendment will protect Delaware’s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron WASHINGTON – The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House and being considered by Senate this week includes a bipartisan amendment written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that would support the Delaware National Guard’s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to carry out cybersecurity missions. The New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America’s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 933 of the House-Senate NDAA committee agreement, the language would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the Squadron, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard. “From banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control systems to power grids, our nation’s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,” Senator Coons said. “Securing this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. This amendment would ensure that our nation’s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.” Cosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) the legislation was filed as an amen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222181026/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-vote-to-advance-bipartisan-budget-agreement Statement from Senator Coons on vote to advance bipartisan budget agreement 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Statement from Senator Coons on vote to advance bipartisan budget agreement Senate advances budget conference committee agreement, 67-33. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, voted Tuesday to advance the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The Senate voted 67-33 to invoke cloture on the budget agreement, clearing the way for a vote on final passage on Wednesday. “The budget we advanced today represents a commitment to compromise and shared sacrifice that has been absent from this chamber for far too long. While this agreement is not perfect, it represents a critical first step toward addressing the broader fiscal challenges facing our nation. This budget agreement will reduce our deficits, replace the harmful structure of the sequester for the next two years, and pave the way for restored funding in critical priority areas through a balance of targeted spending cuts and new revenue. “Yet, like any compromise, this agreement could not accomplish everything we hoped. I am disappointed that a week after the agreement was announced, there is still no path forward in Congress for the preservation of unemployment insurance for millions of American jobseekers. With 3,600 in Delaware scheduled to lose their benefits in 11 days, Congress must act quickly to restore this vital lifeline. I am hopeful that the bipartisan progress made today is evidence that Congress can come together once again to address this and other important priorities for the American people.” Tags: … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223015525/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/new-congressional-report-details-revitalization-of-american-manufacturing-sector New congressional report details revitalization of American manufacturing sector 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  New congressional report details revitalization of American manufacturing sector Report shows manufacturing exports up 38 percent since 2009, now exceed pre-recession peak WASHINGTON – A new congressional report released Tuesday found that after a decade of devastating declines, the American manufacturing sector is recovering, and that now is the time for Washington to invest in its confirmed growth. The report, authored by Joint Economic Committee Democratic staff, concluded that “manufacturing is the most innovative sector of the economy and is vital to U.S. competitiveness” and found that the value of U.S. manufacturing exports has surpassed the country’s pre-recession peak.  “America’s manufacturing sector is already coming back and is a critical part of our nation’s economic recovery,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), who leads the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative in the Senate. “This report makes clear why it is so important that Washington focuses on manufacturing jobs instead of manufactured crises. Manufacturing jobs are high-quality jobs — they pay more in wages and benefits, create local service jobs, and contribute significantly to the local economy. This report thoroughly and thoughtfully lays out how Congress can make a difference in helping American manufacturers grow and create these good jobs, and I appreciate the excellent work by Senator Klobuchar and the Joint Economic Committee in putting it together." “America is a country that innovates, makes things, and exports to the world, and manufacturing has long been an engine of economic growth and a key source of good jobs,” said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee. “This report highlights immediate, bipartisan actions Congress can take to strengthen American manufacturing, from cutting red tape to increase U.S. exports to boosting STEM ed… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301110623/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-silver-alert-bill-to-help-locate-missing-seniors Senator Coons, colleagues introduce Silver Alert bill to help locate missing seniors 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons, colleagues introduce Silver Alert bill to help locate missing seniors System based on AMBER Alert is designed to locate missing adults with dementia WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, introduced legislation today to help law enforcement locate missing adults and senior citizens with dementia. The National Silver Alert Act would create a nationwide network for missing seniors modeled after the successful AMBER Alert system for abducted children. The bill would provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies, similar to the Gold Alert system currently in place in Delaware.  “Every day, the families of those suffering with dementia live with the fear that their loved one will go out and forget the way home,” said Senator Coons. “Lost seniors and adults with medical conditions are especially susceptible to illness, injury, or death if they are not found within 24 hours. Since 2008, Delaware’s Gold Alert program has coordinated state and local efforts to quickly locate missing seniors and persons with disabilities. This bill will ensure law enforcement officials across the nation have the resources they need to bring lost loved ones home safely.” Each year, vulnerable adults go missing who are prone to wandering due to a physical or cognitive disability or medical condition such as Alzheimer's. As many as five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, and about 60 percent of those will wander away from their homes or health care facilities. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 50 percent of wanderers not recovered within 24 hours die or suffer serious health consequences before they are found. Using the successful AMBER Alert system as a model, the National Silver Alert Act supports the creation of a national system t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=d3b47c51-9920-4969-895d-bdeb72824463 Hearing Statement: EPW Nominations Hearing for Department of Interior, EPA and Department of Commerce 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, participated in a nominations hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. A copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows: “Before I begin, I would like to warmly welcome all of our nominees to today’s hearing and thank you for wiliness to serve and go through the nomination process.  As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee – I know how time consuming the nomination process can be for not only the nominee, but also the Committee. That’s why I would also like to thank the Madame Chairman for her tireless work to move the nominees in our Committee’s jurisdiction – like the ones before us today - forward in a timely fashion. “Today’s hearing highlights the fact that we are lacking critical leadership in numerous positions in just about every agency, undermining the effectiveness of our government. This has been a problem that has plagued the executive branch through both Democratic and Republican administrations – a problem so prevalent that I’ve started referring to it as ‘executive branch Swiss cheese.’ While Congress and the Administration have taken steps to address this problem, the fact remains that we still have more work to do to ensure that we have talented people in place to make critical decisions. “That’s one of the reasons why today’s confirmation hearing is so important.  I believe all of the nominees before us are extremely qualified and look forward to working with all of them in their respected agencies if confirmed. “I especially look forward to working with Ms. Rhea Sun Suh, who, if confirmed, will oversee two very important divisions within the Department of Interior – the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. Wildlife conservation is important to me and to all Delawareans, and we’ve been particularly thankful to the Fish and Wildlife Service for undertaking extensive plans to overhau… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5770fe3d-2ef3-49af-a230-eb80aac6c043 Chairman Carper Highlights FY 2013 Medicare and Medicaid Improper Payments 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, highlighted the FY 2013 Improper Payments Rates for the Medicare and Medicaid programs, released in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) FY 2013 Agency Financial Report. The numbers show that both Medicare and Medicaid remain at risk of improper, or mistaken, payments. The report found that $49.9 billion in Medicare payments in 2013 can be considered improper, an increase from $44.3 billion in 2012. The Medicaid program, however, has shown progress in cutting improper payments from $19. 2 billion in 2012, to $14.4 billion in 2013. “Today’s disclosure by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is an important reminder that these programs remain at risk of improper payments,” said Chairman Carper. “While I’m encouraged that the Medicaid program has taken significant steps to cut down on mistaken payments, I’m concerned that there has been an increase in the improper payments made in Medicare. I often like to say that the road to improvement is always under construction, and the same is true for improving accuracy in Medicare and Medicaid payments. Just last week my colleagues on the Finance Committee approved legislation, based largely on the bipartisan PRIME Act, which I introduced with Dr. Coburn, that would help cut down on waste, fraud and abuse. I’m hopeful that we can soon enact these bipartisan reforms to help Medicare better manage its funding in the long run.” The PRIME Act was introduced by Senators Carper and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Ranking Member  of the Homeland Security and Government Committee, and Representatives Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and John Carney (D-Del.) in June 2013. On December 12, 2013, the Senate Finance Committee included portions of the PRIME Act as an amendment to the SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2013. Among its provisions, the amendment would: curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223043046/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-urge-irs-to-exempt-volunteer-first-responders-from-healthcare-mandate Senator Coons, colleagues urge IRS to exempt volunteer first responders from healthcare mandate 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 16, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons, colleagues urge IRS to exempt volunteer first responders from healthcare mandate Law is currently unclear about whether Delaware’s volunteer firefighters will be considered “employees” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and seven of his colleagues wrote to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Monday to clarify the “Shared Responsibility” provision of the Affordable Care Act for volunteer first responders. Senator Coons is seeking to ensure that Delaware’s 6,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency responders are not counted as employees under the provision, potentially triggering the law’s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees. “Many combination and volunteer fire departments are lacking the necessary guidance as to how they may be affected by Employer Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA,” the senators wrote. “We believe that it is critical that volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel not be counted as employees as it relates to the ACA and any employer responsibilities to ensure the continuation of this important aspect of our public safety infrastructure.” “Nominally compensated volunteers often have other full-time jobs which offer health insurance and generally do not have any expectation of receiving health insurance in exchange for their volunteer service.” Most volunteer first responders have other full-time employment, and few receive even nominal compensation or financial benefit. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers, nor do most volunteer first responders expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service. “The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and section 457(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allow volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel to be nominally compensated for their se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=607bd4a4-fbde-4801-9e4e-0e6ff01a3a89 Senate Confirms Jeh Johnson as DHS Secretary 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Jeh Johnson as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed Mr. Johnson by a vote of 78 to 16. He is the fourth Secretary of the Department, which was established in March 2003. Chairman Carper released the following statement after Mr. Johnson’s confirmation: “As we all know, the President has asked Jeh Johnson to take on a difficult and demanding job,” said Chairman Carper. “Fortunately, for our nation, he is a strong leader and well-prepared to face the challenges that await him. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for quickly confirming this critical nomination. He brings experience from the public and private sectors, as well as an impeccable character. He served as the top lawyer for both the Air Force and the entire Department of Defense. There, he was a major player in the management team that ran the Defense Department, where he provided key advice to two exceptional Defense Secretaries – Bob Gates and Leon Panetta – giving him invaluable experience for the huge task to which he has been nominated. I appreciate his willingness to serve the people of this country and look forward to working with him in his new role.” Chairman Carper spoke on the Senate floor in support of Mr. Johnson’s nomination earlier today. To watch his floor speech, click here. To read a copy of his remarks, as prepared for delivery, click here. In November, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held the nomination hearing on Jeh Johnson. Mr. Johnson has received bipartisan support and letters from a number of prominent former government officials, including former DHS Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, former DoD Secretaries Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, former Homeland Security Advisor for President Geor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=1e5c4c47-8d80-491a-90cf-8f8fbd3f0ca2 Sen. Carper's Saturday Events 2013-12-14 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be in Delaware for the following events:                                                   Sen. Carper will attend the groundbreaking of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare. Beebe received federal funding championed by Sen. Carper to help with the $10 million building expansion and renovation that will help address the regional shortage of nurses, and provide classroom and clinical experiences for the students. Time: 1 p.m. Location: 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, Del. Sen. Carper will attend the Citizens’ Hose Company No. 1 Annual Holiday Banquet at the Clayton Fire Hall. Time: 6 p.m. Location: Clayton Fire Hall, 214 Railroad Avenue, Clayton, Del. Sen. Carper will attend Delaware State University President's Scholarship Ball at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. This black-tie event benefits the DSU student scholarship fund. Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Del. Sen. Carper will attend the Harry K. Foundation Christmas Ball, which raises money for children’s nutritional programming in Sussex County. The Help Harry Halt Hunger (H4 Initiative) supports the Food Bank of Delaware. Time: 7:45 p.m. Location: Rehoboth Beach Country Club, 221 West Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Del. Sen. Carper will attend an event honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Delaware State Dental Society. Time: 10:30 p.m. Location: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030124/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-cosponsors-new-bill-to-preserve-assistance-for-jobseekers Senator Coons cosponsors new bill to preserve assistance for jobseekers 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 13, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons cosponsors new bill to preserve assistance for jobseekers Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act would extend UI benefits for one year WASHINGTON – With 3,600 Delawareans scheduled to lose their federal unemployment insurance on December 28th and another 4,800 to follow within the next six months, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is cosponsoring a bill to preserve vital assistance for jobseekers. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Extension Act of 2013 would provide relief for states and struggling families by extending federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through 2014. “Americans who have lost their jobs should not be left to slip into poverty as they search for employment,” Senator Coons said. “Unemployment insurance provides jobseekers and their families with a lifeline, so they can maintain their financial stability and get back to work faster. It is unfortunate that the budget agreement reached by Senator Murray and Representative Ryan did not include an extension of UI benefits, but now Congress must act to ensure millions of Americans and thousands of Delawareans do not face unnecessary hardship. Preserving UI benefits is the right thing to do for our economy, our businesses, and our middle class, and I am glad to join my colleagues in this important effort.” Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.  The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who have lost their jobs and are seeking employment. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. Failure to preserve UI will hurt 1.3 million American families, who will be cut off at the end of the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175522/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-congressional-leaders-push-to-increase-effectiveness-of-agoa-landmark-legislation-to-boost-us-africa-trade Bipartisan congressional leaders push to increase effectiveness of AGOA, landmark legislation to boost U.S.-Africa trade 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 12, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Bipartisan congressional leaders push to increase effectiveness of AGOA, landmark legislation to boost U.S.-Africa trade WASHINGTON – Today, a group of bipartisan leaders from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Comptroller General requesting a study to examine the effectiveness of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in an effort to better increase investment, trade and job growth between African countries and the United States. The landmark AGOA legislation, passed in 2000, provides economic opportunities to countries that show a commitment to good governance and democratic principles.  As the law comes up for renewal, the group of bipartisan leaders from key committees with jurisdiction over AGOA, wrote to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro: “Issues of primary interest to policy makers include the effectiveness of AGOA in enhancing economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, the ability of African businesses to utilize the full range of opportunities available under AGOA, and the efficacy of AGOA in increasing two-way U.S.-sub-Saharan African trade.” The letter to Comptroller Dodaro is signed by: Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman; Rep. David Camp (R-MI), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman; Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman; Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), Senate Finance Committee Chairman; Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member; Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member; Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member; Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member; Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222192720/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-hosts-roundtable-with-manufacturing-industry-leaders Senator Coons hosts roundtable with manufacturing industry leaders 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 12, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons hosts roundtable with manufacturing industry leaders Discussion featured two Delawareans and focused on policies to help manufacturers grow and create jobs WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), leader of the Senate’s Manufacturing Jobs for America campaign, led a roundtable discussion with manufacturing leaders in the Capitol Thursday focused on policies to help manufacturers grow and create jobs. Chet Benham, the vice president and general manager of MEDAL, a subsidiary of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies in Newport, and David St. Clair, chairman of Sanosil International in New Castle, were among the participants who shared their perspectives on how best to capitalize on recent growth in America’s manufacturing sector. Participants detailed the challenges they face in growing and remaining profitable, including the shortage of skilled labor and difficulty accessing the capital they need to expand their businesses. “Manufacturing jobs are high quality jobs that pay more in wages and benefits and contribute more to local economies than jobs in any other sector,” Senator Coons said. “With targeted policy action, we can help facilitate robust growth in the manufacturing sector that will create new jobs and accelerate our economic recovery. I am thankful to all the industry leaders who participated in today’s conversation for lending their insights to this effort.” The roundtable discussion centered on Manufacturing Jobs for America’s four primary focus areas: opening markets abroad, investing in skills training, expanding access to capital, and creating the conditions necessary for growth. David St. Clair, whose company, Sanosil International, manufactures widely used disinfectants, shared his enthusiasm for the Startup Innovation Credit Act. The bill, introduced by Senator Coons, would help startup manufacturers access the R&D tax credit.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=280b5090-0cbf-4920-9e14-53768a9c9a6b Hearing Statement: "Senate Finance Committee Markup of Medicare Physician Payment Legislation" 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, participated in the Senate Finance Committee markup hearing of the Medicare physician payment legislation, including the repeal and replace of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). A copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows: I would like to thank Chairman Baucus, Ranking Member Hatch, and their staffs for the enormous work they have all done to get our committee to this markup of a permanent bill to repeal and replace the SGR. I think almost all of us on this committee have long argued for the need to move away from fee-for-service payments towards performance-based payments in Medicare as quickly as possible. This bill does just that by encouraging our country’s health care providers to participate in Accountable Care Organizations, patient-centered medical homes and other innovative payment and delivery models. Instead of paying physicians and other health care providers for the number of services they provide, this bill encourages our country’s health care providers to improve health outcomes and drive down costs by keeping patients as healthy as possible. We cannot afford to continue to kick the can down the road on the issue of physician payment. I also want to thank the Chairman and his staff for including some of my amendments in the revised mark, including important legislation to curb waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.  The Committee has accepted most of the provisions of the bipartisan “Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act” or PRIME Act. This amendment is based on legislation coauthored by Dr. Coburn, and cosponsored by 25 of our colleagues including Senators Bennet, Enzi, Isakson, Nelson and Thune.  I look forward to continuing work with the Committee on measures to save taxpayer dollars through stronger program integrity efforts. I have some other waste and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=27490378-6e3b-4c0b-b34d-82c75b838cd1 Chairman Carper Commends DHS on First Clean Financial Audit 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) commended the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following its announcement that it will pass a clean financial audit for the first time since its establishment in 2003. “Today’s announcement is a milestone for the Department of Homeland Security and represents an important step in helping the Department be a responsible steward of taxpayer funds,” said Chairman Carper. “Given the size of the Department, the fact that it encompasses 22 separate agencies, and the scope and importance of its mission, producing a clean financial audit is no small task. I credit the Department’s past and current leadership for making financial management a priority and taking the steps necessary to realize this important goal.” For years, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has worked with DHS, the Administration and members of Congress to improve the Department’s financial management systems. In 2011, Chairman Carper joined Senators Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Ron Johnson (R- Wisc.) in introducing the DHS Audit Requirement Target (DART) Act, which requires DHS to obtain and pass full audits for its financial statements. By earning this clean bill of health from an independent auditor, DHS is now in compliance with this law and is on track to continue to do so. The Department of Defense is now the only large federal department that is unable to conduct a financial audit. The formation of DHS in 2003 involved merging 22 agencies, each with its own way of conducting financial reports and practices. This week’s financial auditing announcement is a key milestone in consolidating these practices into one, cohesive financial report. This announcement comes in the wake of a November Government Accountability Office report that highlighted key areas that DHS should target to improve its financial management. Many of the recommendations in that report have been or are being implemented by DHS. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=47f23301-dff2-40fd-a4cb-f56e0d11f7b8 Senate Finance Committee Reports Out Bipartisan Fix to Medicare Physician Payment with Several Amendments Championed by Sen. Carper 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON- Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, voted to report out of the Senate Finance Committee Medicare physician payment legislation, including the repeal and replacement of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). “Today we took a positive step forward by reporting out a bill to permanently repeal and replace the current Medicare fee-for-service system,” Sen. Carper said. “This bicameral and bipartisan bill will help improve health outcomes and drive down costs by encouraging our country’s health care providers to participate in accountable care organizations, patient-centered medical homes and other innovative payment and delivery models. Instead of paying physicians and other health care providers for the number of services they provide, this legislation encourages our country’s health care providers to keep patients as healthy as possible.  With the cost of repealing the SGR at a historic low, we cannot afford to continue to kick the can down the road on reforming Medicare physician payments. Today we took an important step towards improving and stabilizing Medicare payments to physicians, and I am hopeful that we will be able to enact this bicameral and bipartisan solution.” In addition to reporting out the SGR fix, the Senate Finance Committee approved a number of provisions to enhance the Medicare program, several of which Sen. Carper introduced or co-sponsored. They include: Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures (PRIME) Among its provisions, the PRIME Act would: enact stronger penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud; curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establish stronger fraud and waste prevention strategies within Medicare and Medicaid to help phase out the practice of "pay and chase;” take steps to help states identify and prevent Medicaid overpayments; and improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal age… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=eec4dbc9-77af-4007-80d5-f1203ed91716 Members Commend Senate Finance Committee Inclusion of PRIME Act Amendment 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON- Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Representatives Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and John Carney (D-Del.) commended the Senate Finance Committee for including an amendment to the SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2013. The amendment, titled “Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures,” is based on the bill, “Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act of 2013” (PRIME Act), which was originally introduced as a bill by Senators Carper and Coburn and Representatives Roskam and Carney in June 2013. Senators Bill Nelson (D- FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Enzi (R- WY), John Thune (R- SD), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Johnny Isakson (R- GA) joined as cosponsors of the Finance Committee Amendment. Among its provisions, the amendment would: curb improper or mistaken payments made by Medicare and Medicaid; establish stronger fraud and waste prevention strategies within Medicare and Medicaid to help phase out the practice of "pay and chase”; take steps to help states identify and prevent Medicaid overpayments; and improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal agencies and programs. “I want to thank my colleagues on the Finance Committee for including key provisions of the PRIME Act as an amendment to the bill we considered today,” said Senator Carper, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I have been working with my House and Senate colleagues on this legislation for years. I believe this measure will make some commonsense reforms to Medicare and Medicaid that will, ultimately, save taxpayers a lot of money. By cracking down on vulnerabilities that put tax dollars at risk of waste, fraud and abuse, we can ensure that these programs remain sustainable for years to come and continue to provide quality care and services to our nation’s poor, disabled, and elderly.” “I am pleased the Finance Committee included provisions o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012951/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse Floor Speech: Introducing bipartisan bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Floor Speech: Introducing bipartisan bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse As Delivered on the Senate Floor If I might, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about why I initially came to the floor today; that is, to talk about the power of children's advocacy centers. Children's advocacy centers exist across the country today in large part because this Congress, on a bipartisan basis, passed back in 1990 the Victims of Child Abuse Act--a bill that for the first time authorized funding for an important nationwide network of what are called children's advocacy centers. These centers help deliver justice, they help heal victims of violence and abuse, and we must act to continue empowering their service to our nation. Today is a time when we could work together to reauthorize that initial landmark bill from 1990 and rededicate ourselves on a bipartisan basis to something that is one of our most sacred obligations: protecting our children, protecting the victims of child abuse and delivering justice for them. That is what this bipartisan bill does that was introduced earlier today along with my colleagues, Senators Blunt and Sessions and Hirono--a great example of being able to work together across the aisle.  As parents, as neighbors, as leaders of our nation, we have no more sacred obligation than protecting our children. In most of our cases, we dedicate everything we have as parents to ensuring our children's safety, to providing for their future, and that is what this bill is all about--that responsibility. Tragically, too often, despite our best efforts, too many of our children fall victim to abuse. We cannot guarantee their safety, but what we can do is ensure that when children in this country are harmed, we can deliver justice without further harming them. Thankfully, children's advocacy centers, for which this bill reauthorizes funding, are critical and effective resources in our communities that help us perfo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013010/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse Senator Coons introduces bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons introduces bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse Victims of Child Abuse Act reauthorization would secure funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that help solve child-abuse cases while protecting child victims of violent crimes WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Though the success of these federal-state and public-private partnerships have earned them broad bipartisan support, Congressional authorization for Children’s Advocacy Centers lapsed in 2005, and most recently the President’s proposed budgets for 2013 and 2014 have zeroed out federal funding. The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would restore funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers and strengthen oversight of this critical program. “When a child is the victim of physical or sexual abuse, his or her life will never be the same,” Senator Coons said. “Seeking justice should be a part of the healing process – not a source of further trauma. Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a safe, supportive space for young victims and help law enforcement officers bring perpetrators to justice faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. These facilities are a critical asset to law enforcement, to our criminal justice system, and to the children in our community who have been the victims of truly horrific crimes. I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure they can continue to serve children in need.”  “There are 22 Child Advocacy Centers located in Missouri, which serve around 7,000 of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013017/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senators-introduce-bill-to-save-advocacy-centers-for-victims-of-child-abuse Senators introduce bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski (Coons) at 202-224-5042  Senators introduce bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse Victims of Child Abuse Act reauthorization would secure funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that help solve child-abuse cases while protecting child victims of violent crimes. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Though the success of these federal-state and public-private partnerships have earned them broad bipartisan support, Congressional authorization for Children’s Advocacy Centers lapsed in 2005, and most recently the President’s proposed budgets for 2013 and 2014 have zeroed out federal funding. The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would restore funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers and strengthen oversight of this critical program. “When a child is the victim of physical or sexual abuse, his or her life will never be the same,” Senator Coons said. “Seeking justice should be a part of the healing process – not a source of further trauma. Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a safe, supportive space for young victims and help law enforcement officers bring perpetrators to justice faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. These facilities are a critical asset to law enforcement, to our criminal justice system, and to the children in our community who have been the victims of truly horrific crimes. I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure they can continue to serve children in need.”  “There are 22 Child Advocacy Centers located in Missouri, which serve around 7,000 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014349/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-calling-for-an-end-to-partisan-obstruction-of-nominees Floor Speech: Calling for an end to partisan obstruction of nominees 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Floor Speech: Calling for an end to partisan obstruction of nominees As Delivered on the Senate Floor I came to speak to a bipartisan bill, which I hope to take a few minutes to talk about, but first I wish to comment on what is happening or not happening on the floor and the comments of the majority leader. I have been a Senator for only three years, as the Presiding Officer well knows. We were sworn in as a group of those elected to the class of 2010. I just came from an inspiring event where the Vice President, who previously held this seat on behalf of Delaware, gave an award to the former majority leader, a real patriot, a veteran, former Senator Bob Dole. They talked about how compromise, principled compromise, made it possible for Senator McGovern and Senator Dole, folks from opposite ends of the political spectrum, to work together in the interests of hungry children in the United States. Frankly, what I have seen in the three years that I have been in the Senate, the three years that we have served together on the Judiciary Committee, has been a slow walk. There are minority rights in this body, but there are also minority responsibilities. There are majority rights but also majority responsibilities. I wish to add to the comments of the majority leader that the nominees to serve on the DC Circuit, the nominees to many district court seats, whose confirmations I have either presided over or attended, were not objected to on substantive grounds. I have trouble with the idea that the three empty seats on the DC Circuit do not need to be filled.  I have listened at great length to the arguments about caseload and about workload. As the chair of the courts subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, I presided over the presentation of the Judicial Conference's report on where we need additional judgeships and where we don't. I will note briefly and in passing that Judge Tymkovich, who presented this report, did not suggest there was some … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=f44cda3a-e1b5-4ac1-a4fc-9d770f2d23a3 Hearing Statement: "Oversight Hearing on Domestic Renewable Fuels" 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, convened the joint hearing, "Oversight Hearing on Domestic Renewable Fuels." A copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows: “In 2007, our nation’s energy future did not look good. Consumption of gasoline and diesel was expected to grow exponentially and feeding this growth was oil from other nations – many of which didn’t like us very much.  “That’s why in 2007, Congress took several steps to try to change our energy future. For example, Congress increased the fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and vans for the first time in 32 years. As someone who worked very hard with Senators Feinstein and Stevens to help us find an agreement, I am very proud of this achievement.  I know our efforts laid the groundwork for future efficiency increases by the Administration. “In 2007, Congress also amended the Clean Air Act by more than doubling the domestic biofuel mandate to 36 billion gallons by 2022.  We included new incentives for advanced fuels that were better for the environment and were not derived from the food we eat or the food our chickens and cattle eat. Since 2007, we have seen a change in the energy trend lines – and our energy future looks better than it has in decades.   “Today, for the first time in two decades we are producing more oil than we are importing. That’s because production at home has increased, consumption has gone down and biofuel use has increased – replacing oil-based fuels. And finally today, we are seeing the first commercial scale advanced biofuel facilities being built – providing an alternative to traditional corn ethanol. “To keep us on the path toward a brighter, greener energy future, I believe it is important for this country to continue to invest in biofuels – especially in advanced biofuels. I believe the Renewable Fuel Standard is a crucia… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6c8972fe-a490-4087-91f8-6001cb36ccb5 Committee Reports Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS to Full Senate 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), reported out the nomination of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Director at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April. His nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration. To watch the meeting, please click here. Chairman Carper’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, can be found here. Prior to being nominated to this position, Mr. Mayorkas served as the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where he oversaw the largest immigration system in the world. He has also served as the US Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice. Since his nomination, Mr. Mayorkas has received an outpouring of bipartisan support from law enforcement agencies, former members of DHS leadership, administration officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations, former colleagues and others. In total, the Committee has received over 30 letters of support for Mr. Mayorkas. The letters of support can be accessed here. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission – to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror. This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, but it is made all the more challenging by the fact that the Department has several vacancies in critical Senate-confirmed leadership positions.  To be successful, the Department needs strong leadership and I believe that it is unacceptable to have so many vacancies, including in the Deputy Secretary position. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.  Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Directo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ca6cc5d4-5b9f-4a57-a176-a2bb9dc6b5ea Opening Remarks of Chairman Carper: Business Meeting for the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON- Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) held a business meeting to consider the nomination of Alejandro N. Mayorkas, President Obama’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. A selection of Chairman Carper’s statement follows. To read statement in its entirety, please click here. To watch the meeting, please click here. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission – to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror. This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, but it is made all the more challenging by the fact that the Department has several vacancies in critical Senate-confirmed leadership positions.  To be successful, the Department needs strong leadership and I believe that it is unacceptable to have so many vacancies, including in the Deputy Secretary position. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.  Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. It is time to move forward with Director Mayorkas’ nomination to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. It is time for this Committee to vote on the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas and send his nomination to the floor for consideration by the full Senate. I urge all of my colleagues to support Alejandro Mayorkas.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010716/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-budget-conference-committee-agreement Statement from Senator Coons on budget conference committee agreement 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Statement from Senator Coons on budget conference committee agreement WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the conference committee tasked with reconciling the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, issued the following statement on the agreement reached by conference committee chairs Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). “Congress’ inability over the last few years to agree on something as fundamental as a budget has undermined its ability to effectively confront the challenges facing our nation. The agreement announced Tuesday is the product of months of negotiation and years of political obstruction, and it is a critical first step in what must be a sustained effort to restore economic certainty, create jobs, and reduce our dangerous annual deficits. “This agreement accomplishes perhaps the most important thing it could have: temporarily curbing the destructive nature of the reckless sequester. In addition to increasing overall funding to a more responsible level while still reducing our deficit, the agreement restores our ability to prioritize investments and find savings. “While I do not agree with everything in this agreement, compromise was the only way an agreement was even possible. It is regrettable, for example, that federal workers will see their pensions trimmed as a means of finding cost savings, and that the agreement did not include an extension of unemployment insurance, but any deal that could pass in both chambers would require both sides to accept choices with which it may not agree. Shared sacrifice was inevitable and necessary, and to pretend otherwise would be to continue an unproductive trend in our recent political history.  “It is my hope that this agreement will be the first step on a positive, productive, bipartisan path forward, and that Congress wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011027/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-introduces-bill-to-fight-discrimination-against-those-with-hiv/aids Senator Coons introduces bill to fight discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons introduces bill to fight discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act would encourage states to repeal outdated laws WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at helping end the stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (“REPEAL”) HIV Discrimination Act 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 having been diagnosed with a chronic, treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,” Senator Coons said. “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, and neighbors. Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals. Our laws need to catch up to our science, and this bill would take an important step in that direction.” Thirty-two states have criminal statutes based on perceived exposure to HIV, regardless of the actual risk of transmission, and 13 states have laws that criminalize certain acts — like spitting — by people with HIV/AIDS, even though it is not possible to transmit HIV by saliva. Aside from being charged under HIV-specific criminalization statutes, people living with HIV have been charged under aggravated assault, attempted murder, and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=f62fef9f-314b-44c0-a440-d7f25f6cc775 New GAO Report Shows Agencies Can Do More to Increase Contract Savings with Reverse Auctions 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), today highlighted a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled, “Reverse Auctions: Guidance Is Needed to Maximize Competition and Achieve Cost Savings.”  In the report, GAO found that agencies can save money by better utilizing reverse auction services, a tool that, when used properly, can increase competition and drive down prices. While GAO found that 65% of the auctions conducted by the Army, Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Interior, and Department of Veterans Affairs involved some level of interactive bidding where multiple vendors submitted multiple bids, GAO also found one third of the reverse auctions did not have fully interactive bidding, meaning that the potential benefits of competition weren’t fully realized. For example, the report also shows agencies conducted 3,617 auctions costing $1.7 million in service fees where only one vendor participated and submitted only one bid. “Reverse auctions are a promising, innovative way for agencies to save taxpayer dollars. As with any tool, though, there is a right way and a wrong way to use it,” said Chairman Carper. “Today’s Government Accountability Office (GAO) report makes it clear that agencies need better, government-wide guidance to eliminate confusion on when reverse auctions should be used and to ensure that reverse auctions are used properly to maximize competition and savings.  I look forward to working with the Office of Management and Budget to see that it implements GAO’s recommendations and issues guidance in a thorough and timely manner.” “Today’s report shows that while reverse auctions are one of the many valuable tools available to assistant agencies in saving taxpayers millions of dollars when awarding contracts, much more work is needed to ensure this tool is used the right way,” Dr. Coburn said.  “Agencies should always weigh the potential savings … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8bdd99ce-5b60-4460-9aba-8337190f4edc Sen. Carper Highlights Report Detailing Positive Impact of Farm Bill Conservation Practices on Chesapeake Bay Watershed 2013-12-09 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, DE – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which shows voluntary conservation practices being adopted by Chesapeake Bay farmers have led to a drastic reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment leaving cropland.   Throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed since 2006, runoff levels have decreased 26 percent for nitrogen, 46 percent for phosphorus, and about 60 percent for eroded soil. Through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), the report noted the majority of the conservation practices we made possible by the Farm Bill, now expired.   “I’m incredibly proud of all the work Delaware farmers do to not only help feed the world but also for their efforts to be true environmental stewards for themselves, their neighbors, and future generations,” said Sen. Carper. “USDA's report shows what my Chesapeake Bay colleagues and I have known for a long time - agriculture conservation practices work and are crucial for the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay. That is why we have fought so hard to ensure the federal government continues to invest in these projects - and why we support the Senate Farm Bill language that continues these investments in the Bay. I urge my colleagues to work in a bipartisan fashion so we can pass a Farm Bill that will continue funding conservation practices like these because when we all work toward a common goal, together we can generate results and continue to improve the environmental and economic health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and areas like it all across this country.”   Sen. Carper has long supported the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, a program launched in 2008 that helps direct funding to priority watersheds and conservation practices that would have the biggest impact on overall watershed health. And as Governor of Delaware, Sen. Carper started a nutrient management commission, bringing together the agriculture, governme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=c6f57e59-e021-4f12-95ed-a33adf806588 Delaware, seven other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states seek to curb air pollution from upwind states 2013-12-09 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy DOVER (Dec. 9, 2013) – With Delaware at the forefront, eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States today petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require upwind states to reduce air pollution generated within their borders, which causes asthma, respiratory disease, and other public health problems downwind. The multi-state action is aimed at requiring nine upwind states – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia – to reduce air pollution emissions that are carried by prevailing winds and contribute to the formation of ozone to the north and east. The petition seeks long-overdue commitments from the upwind states to protect the health of downwind residents and to level the playing field for businesses. "Delaware’s air quality remains overwhelmed by air pollution from upwind states – even though we have reduced emissions within Delaware of ozone-forming pollution by more than 70 percent since 1990," said Governor Jack Markell.  "While Delaware's in-state sources are well-controlled with state-of-the-art technology, this is simply not true of our upwind neighbors. As a result, Delaware pays more for healthcare resulting from respiratory illnesses and our industries are forced to do more than those in the states causing the pollution, and that's  simply unfair. We need a level playing field among states to ensure that all states can enjoy healthy air." The petition cites decades of inaction by the upwind states during which time the eight Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states have spent tens of billions of dollars to reduce their own air emissions. The petition asks EPA to require the nine upwind states to join them in what is known as the “Ozone Transport Region” (OTR).  Under the federal Clean Air Act, states added to the OTR would have to take actions consistent with the air pollution efforts of the downwind states through use of readily available control technologies and reliance on cleaner fuels to generate power. States filing the pet… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=61bfad98-e609-47d8-ae8b-71f6f17914e0 The Delaware Way 2013-12-07 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy It was 226 years ago, on December 7, 1787, that a group of 30 elected delegates met at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover to decide the future of Delaware and our nation. On that day, Delawareans made the unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution and officially become the First State of our new nation. Today, from Wilmington to Georgetown and everywhere in between, Delawareans continue to work together to find ways, regardless of political party, to build bridges across partisan divisions to find a path forward and do what’s best for our state and Delawareans. It’s a tradition started all those long years ago that I like to refer to as the "Delaware Way". In Washington, we strive to live up to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, but lately we haven’t done such a great job. I remain determined to to work together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to communicate and compromise and, I hope, bring a bit more of Delaware to our nation’s capital. Happy Delaware Day, 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222182151/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-urges-preservation-of-assistance-for-delaware-jobseekers Senator Coons urges preservation of assistance for Delaware jobseekers 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 6, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons urges preservation of assistance for Delaware jobseekers 3,600 Delawareans will lose their federal unemployment insurance on December 31 WILMINGTON, Del. – With 3,600 Delawareans scheduled to lose their federal unemployment insurance at the end of the month and another 4,800 to follow within the next six months, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is urging Congress to take action to preserve this critical support for jobseekers. In a letter sent to Senate leadership Friday, Senator Coons, Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and 30 of their colleagues called for the continuation of federal unemployment insurance through next year. With just 23 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the senators wrote: “We are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy. As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans.”  The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who have lost their jobs and are seeking work. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. Failure to preserve UI will hurt 1.3 million American families, who will be cut off at the end of the year, and nearly 1.9 million more who will be denied access to the emergency program during the first six months of next year. If Congress does not renew the law, individuals who file for unemployment next year will qualify for state benefits only, which last a maximum of 26 weeks. Although the economy has been expanding for over four years, unemployment remains unacceptably high. A new report by th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=0d7f77d6-467b-4968-bd73-ce9bb83d66d8 Friday: Sen. Carper in Middletown 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy MIDDLETOWN, Del. – On Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will be in Middletown for the following event:                                                     Sen. Carper will talk to seniors about Medicare Part D benefits and open enrollment, which ends tomorrow, Dec. 7, at the Middletown Senior Center. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap – or “donut hole” – as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments. Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location: Middletown Senior Center, 300 S Scott St, Middletown, Del. Sen. Carper will tour Christiana Care’s Middletown Emergency Department facility. The $37 million, 36,500-square-foot facility opened last spring. The facility includes 18 treatment bays and eight observation-unit beds staffed by board-certified physicians and specially trained nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The emergency department serves a population of approximately of 86,000 residents of lower New Castle County and upper Kent County.   Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Location: 621 Middletown Odessa Road, Middletown, Del. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=355f34e9-3059-4ef7-a78a-81bc87a0caf5 Markell, Carper, Coons and Carney Announce $1 Million for Delaware Historic Properties Damaged by Superstorm Sandy 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy DOVER, Del. – Today, Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, along with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs announced that the National Park Service has awarded $1 million in federal funds help Delaware historic properties that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. “I thank the Congressional Delegation for their continued and tireless advocacy to ensure we have the resources necessary to address Hurricane Sandy’s devastation, from our beaches and dikes to our invaluable historic properties,” said Governor Markell. “The types of sites served by this grant not only preserve our storied past, but are a vital part of our culture today, while offering lessons and inspiration for generations to come.” “This federal funding will help restore Delaware’s important historic landmarks, which takes a group effort of local, state, federal leaders and concerned citizens to keep alive,” said Sen. Carper. “I’m proud of the hard work Delaware’s Congressional Delegation put in to secure this funding to restore the damage to Delaware created by Superstorm Sandy so that these landmarks can be preserved for years to come.” “Delaware’s identity is entwined with Delaware's history,” said Sen. Coons. “Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage in Delaware, and thanks to the response from my Congressional colleagues, this award will help us rebuild and repair those historic sites so that Delawareans and non-Delawareans alike can continue to be inspired by our rich history.”   “Historical landmarks in our state are not only meaningful to Delawareans, but shed light on important chapters in the story of our nation,” said Congressman Carney.  “Thanks to this funding, sites that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy will be restored and preserved so that visitors today and for many years to come can learn from Delaware’s history and appreciate the many contributions we have made to our nation.”   Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Grants for Historic Properties are funded und… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175553/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-passing-of-former-south-african-president-nelson-mandela Statement from Senator Coons on passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Statement from Senator Coons on passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement on the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela: “The world has lost a true hero. It is hard to overstate Nelson Mandela's transformative impact on his country and the world. The lesson of his personal determination in the face of decades of imprisonment and oppression, followed by his unwavering grace and forgiveness towards his former captors is one of the great reconciliation stories in human history.  “In my work with the South African Council of Churches in the 1980’s, I saw firsthand the terrible cruelty and fundamental injustice of an apartheid system that attempted to determine the destiny of South Africans based on the color of their skin. Nelson Mandela refused to accept the destiny that was handed to him, and instead led a movement to remake South Africa into a flourishing, multiracial democracy. His integrity and personal commitment to the progress of that democracy was exemplified in his willingness to relinquish power after just one term as president of a post-liberation South Africa, which set an important standard for democratic leaders in Africa and around the world. “Long after his presidency, he continued to inspire people seeking freedom and justice around the world. He helped forge renewed bonds between the United States and South Africa, which remains part of his enduring legacy. Today, the American people join with the South Africans in grieving the loss of this extraordinary man, and in remembering the legacy of freedom, justice and equality he leaves behind.” Tags: … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175625/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-applauds-un-security-council-action-on-central-african-republic Senator Coons applauds U.N. Security Council action on Central African Republic 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons applauds U.N. Security Council action on Central African Republic WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, welcomed the unanimous decision by the U.N. Security Council on Thursday to strengthen efforts to establish peace and civilian protection in the Central African Republic (CAR). “For nearly a year, the people of the Central African Republic have been caught in a brutal cycle of violence between armed groups. Efforts by countries in the region to stop the violence are commendable, but have lacked essential capacity and resources. The international community has been slow to awaken to the severity of the governance and humanitarian crisis there, and I welcome the unanimous decision by the U.N. Security Council to bolster the international response to this grave and growing conflict.   “The Security Council resolution imposes an arms embargo on the CAR, creates a commission to investigate violations of human rights, and authorizes France to provide military support to the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). These are critically important steps to establishing sustainable peace and security, and I welcome the commitment demonstrated by our African Union and French partners.” The Central African Republic has experienced expanding violence and lawlessness since a March 2013 coup. The violence, which is increasingly intercommunal and interreligious, has forced at least 460,000 to flee their homes, many hiding in the bush or taking refuge in dangerous conditions around churches and schools. More than a quarter of CAR’s population of 4.6 million is seriously food insecure, and a lack of security has impeded delivery of humanitarian relief. In addition to providing authorization for MISCA and French activities, the U.N. Security Council resol… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011910/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-applauds-extension-of-energy-efficiency-initiative Senator Coons applauds extension of energy efficiency initiative 2013-12-04 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 4, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons applauds extension of energy efficiency initiative WASHINGTON – Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) applauded the decision by the Obama Administration Tuesday to extend President Obama’s federal buildings energy efficiency initiative. The Administration announced yesterday that federal agencies will “work with the Energy Department’s Federal Energy Management Program in early 2014 to identify a pipeline of additional project commitments to further reduce energy use through 2016.” Gardner, Welch, Coons, and Boozman –  joined by 118 House colleagues and 26 Senate colleagues – sent a letter last month to President Obama requesting an extended residential initiative setting a goal of $1 billion a year for the next five years for the federal government to utilize performance contracts to achieve energy savings. "Investments in energy efficiency upgrades promote energy independence, help our environment, and support American jobs," Senator Coons said. "Outdated federal facilities spend billions in taxpayer dollars every year on energy use alone. In just two years, the federal buildings energy efficiency initiative has already yielded significant energy and cost savings for the federal government, and I am pleased the administration has chosen to extend this valuable program."  “Americans are tired of a Congress that has a seemingly endless inability to work together,” Rep. Gardner said. “A growing bipartisan group of Members of Congress have come together to achieve a simple goal: save taxpayer money, and reduce the amount of energy the federal government uses. I am glad the Obama Administration had made the decision to extend this commonsense initiative.” “Energy efficiency is a practical idea that cuts through partisan gridlock in Washington and achieves real progress for the American p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011923/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-urges-epa-administrator-mccarthy-to-reduce-use-of-harmful-climate-change-causing-pollutant Senator Coons urges EPA Administrator McCarthy to reduce use of harmful climate change-causing pollutant 2013-12-04 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 4, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons urges EPA Administrator McCarthy to reduce use of harmful climate change-causing pollutant WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined a group of 16 lawmakers, led by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, and Representative Scott Peters (CA-52), who signed a bicameral letter urging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to use the agency’s authority to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) compounds. The use of HFCs could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. Other signers of the letter include Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Cal.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). “We are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.  We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down…Recognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.  We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.  The agency should look to where market transitions are al… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9ba17d67-633c-466f-92c9-6827a6a205e3 Members of Congress Urge EPA Administrator McCarthy to Reduce Use of Harmful Climate Change-Causing Pollutant 2013-12-04 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), led a group of 16 lawmakers who signed a letter in a bicameral effort urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to use the agency’s authority to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) compounds which could account for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. Signers of the letter included Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Cal.), Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). “We are writing to ask your agency to pursue commonsense policies that accelerate the replacement phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in this country and globally.  We believe the agency can ensure we continue to have affordable, safe refrigeration and air conditioning, while also driving greenhouse gas emissions down…Recognizing that it may take some time to amend the Montreal Protocol and incorporate those changes into US regulations, we believe the EPA does not need to wait to implement smart policies that can help accelerate these transitions in the United States and globally.  We encourage you to focus your agency on HFC applications where technology solutions and alternative products are already available or soon to be in the market, similar to what the European Union has done with their Mobile Air Conditioning Directive.  The agency should look to where market transitions are already underway and where EPA action could hasten the pace of those transitions, both domestically and elsewhere. We think that such actions would not only have significant cost-effective environmental benefits but w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=ae41e742-3874-4b06-be70-5e406458f705 Tuesday: Sen. Carper in Sussex County 2013-12-03 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy GEORGETOWN, Del. – On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Sussex County:                                                Sen. Carper will talk to seniors about Medicare Part D benefits and open enrollment, which runs now until Dec. 7, at the Long Neck CHEER Center. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap – or “donut hole” – as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments. Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location: CHEER Center, 26089 Long Neck Road, Long Neck, Del. Sen. Carper will visit Shields Elementary School, a newly designated Blue Ribbon School. Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. Time: 1-2 p.m. Location: 910 Shields Avenue, Lewes, Del. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=9527b8fb-aa7b-4aae-afe4-2db16ec1b942 Monday: Sen. Carper in Kent County 2013-12-02 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy DOVER, Del. – On Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Kent County:                                                  Sen. Carper will host his annual Farm Bureau Breakfast.  Sen. Carper will address the crowd of approximately 100 people from the agriculture community and take questions from attendees. Time: 7:30 – 9 a.m. Location: Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave., Dover, Del. Sen. Carper will visit the Milford Senior Center and talk to seniors about Medicare Part D open enrollment, which runs now until Dec. 7. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap – or “donut hole” – as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments. Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location: 111 Park Avenue, Milford, Del. Sen. Carper will ring the Salvation Army Bell at Acme as part of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign runs from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve and is the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind. It provides toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army volunteers throughout the country ring bells and solicit donations to the red kettles. Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Location: Acme, Route 13, Dover, Del. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=106473a3-252e-413b-9190-671c16426d34 Sen. Carper Highlights Medicare Open Enrollment Season 2013-12-02 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) reminded seniors that Medicare’s open enrollment season ends on Dec. 7, 2013, and encouraged those with Medicare to review drug and health plan coverage options for 2014. During the open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage to find the plan that will work best for them. Medicare beneficiaries will need to make their benefit elections by Dec. 7, 2013. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, since 2012 Medicare benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware included lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap – or “donut hole” – as well as wellness checkups and access to certain preventive care with no copayments. As a result, Medicare beneficiaries have been able to get free preventive screenings for heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic conditions. In 2012, an estimated 34.1 million people benefited from Medicare coverage of preventive care with no cost-sharing. And in the first six months of 2013, 16.5 million people with traditional Medicare took advantage of at least one free preventive service. “December 7th marks the end of Medicare’s Open Enrollment period,” said Sen. Carper. “Now through Saturday, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage to find the plan that will work best for them in 2014. This is a critical time of year for Delaware seniors to make sure they are getting the best benefits Medicare has to offer.”  Beneficiaries should review the 2014 Medicare & You handbook before making benefit elections. It is accessible online at http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf. To protect against Medicare fraud and identity theft during the Open Enrollment Period, beneficiaries should treat their Medicare number as they do their Social Security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninv… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e7410c57-4471-41b0-ab05-089787efcfa0 Chairman Carper's Reaction to DHS OIG Report on Information Security at the Department 2013-12-02 2013 2013-12 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Senator Carper works hard to ensure that Delawareans are kept informed of the debates and decisions that are made in our nation's Capitol, as well as the work he does for the First State every day.  This section offers a variety of resouces to stay up to date with Senator Carper's work in Delaware and Washington, D.C. You will find press releases, upcoming events, op-eds, pictures, videos and notable articles from the state and national media. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=2f34f1d6-54eb-4492-935c-6c8c68d8b326 Sen. Carper's Thanksgiving Day Schedule 2013-11-28 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – On Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend two longstanding traditions in Wilmington:                                               Sen. Carper will run in the 35th Annual PNC Bank Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk for Multiple Sclerosis. Time: 9 a.m. Location: PNC Bank, 222 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE   Sen. Carper will serve Thanksgiving meals to those most in need at Emmanuel Dining Hall. Time: 12 – 1:15 p.m. Location: Emmanuel Dining Hall, 121 North Jackson Street, Wilmington, DE 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=54adf075-806d-4f7f-a5b4-d5b1675c53d6 FOX News: The Speaker's Lobby: Whatisthebitcoin? 2013-11-28 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy By Chad Pergram Whatisthebitcoin? Unfortunately, no one can be told what Bitcoin is. You have to see it for yourself… Wellll…..not quite. But Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) sure wants to learn more. “Virtual currencies, perhaps most notably Bitcoin, have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others and confused the heck out of many of us,” Carper said. “Including me.” Carper gaveled the first ever Congressional hearing on Bitcoin to order last week. No, he didn’t invite attendees to take the red pill or the blue pill as the panel explored the dangers and risks posed by computer-generated cryptocurrencies. The signature “Matrix” green lines of computer code didn’t drip down the committee room walls during testimony from witnesses. Nor did Agent Smith work security at the door. But Carper certainly probed a virtual marketplace of determining what’s real, what ‘s valuable and what lurks in the shadows of digital money. In the movie “The Matrix,” the character Morpheus asks “What is real? How do you define real? If you’re talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electronic signals interpreted by your brain.” And that’s the question which lingers around Bitcoin. How real is it?  Is it a currency which can be used in financial transactions? Or is it a commodity which can be mined and monetized at a market rate? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First of all, an explanation on Bitcoin. Created four years ago, Bitcoin is essentially very complex computer code, thus assigning it value. The algorithm is set up to continue to “mine” additional Bitcoins between now and 2140. That limits the potential for “inflation” and imposes traditional “supply and demand” rules of the market.  People who acquire Bitcoins may store them in a digital “wallet,” accessing the currency much the way people would access traditional reserves in their bank account, protected by p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=ad0f2a5e-ceb3-491e-bef5-3243c68205b4 This Thanksgiving... 2013-11-27 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy This Thanksgiving, it’s easy to get caught up in the food, football and shopping, but it’s important to not lose sight of this day’s true meaning. To me, it means giving back to the community that I call home. Each year, I head down to the Emmanuel Dining Room in Wilmington and make sure my neighbors are able to partake in not only a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but also invaluable fellowship. During Thanksgiving, let’s take time to reflect on our own lives, be thankful for what we’re lucky enough to have, and ensure our families, friends, and neighbors have plenty to be thankful for as well. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season, 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=64fc55d8-b1b2-4f8e-b124-053f10d4f307 Wednesday: Sen. Carper in Kent County 2013-11-27 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Dover, Del. – On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events in Kent County:                                                    Sen. Carper will join Kent County representatives to see the UH-1 Huey Helicopter that he helped secure for the Veterans Memorial Park in Dover. Although formally dubbed the Iroquois, this workhorse of the Indochina war was more familiarly known as the “Huey,” primarily because of its original Army designation as a “helicopter, utility” or “HU-1.” Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m. Location: Carey’s Diesel, 168 Denny St., Dover, Del. Sen. Carper will visit several Downtown Dover businesses to support the fourth annual Small Business Saturday initiative. Small Business Saturday is a national movement that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to encourage folks to shop at local, independently-owned merchants.  Time: 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Location: Tour will begin at Parke Green Gallery/Delaware Store, 325-331 S. State Street, Dover, Del. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011045/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-to-introduce-bill-to-combat-discrimination-against-those-with-hiv/aids Senator Coons to introduce bill to combat discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS 2013-11-26 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons to introduce bill to combat discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act would encourage states to repeal outdated laws WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will introduce legislation aimed at helping to end the stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS, the senator announced Tuesday. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (“REPEAL”) HIV Discrimination Act, which would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV, will be introduced when the Senate reconvenes in December.  “It’s simply not fair that someone having been diagnosed with a chronic, treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,” Senator Coons said. “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, and neighbors. Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals. Our laws need to catch up to our science, and this bill would take an important step in that direction.” Thirty-two states have criminal statutes based on perceived exposure to HIV, regardless of the actual risk of transmission, and 13 states have laws that criminalize certain acts — like spitting — by people with HIV/AIDS, even though it is not possible to transmit HIV by saliva. Aside from being charged under HIV-specific criminaliza… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=31836fd3-2e89-4625-9246-3e8ae81199aa Sen. Carper Encourages Shoppers to Buy Local this Holiday Season 2013-11-26 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Sen. Carper stopped by Mod Cottage on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, in Rehoboth Beach to purchase holiday gifts. Owners Brad Holsinger and Ed Moore will participate in Small Business Saturday this Nov. 30. REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – This week, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) encouraged Delawareans to remember to “shop local” this holiday season by checking out Delaware’s many small businesses in Sussex and Kent Counties. In its fourth year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to encourage folks to shop at local, independently-owned merchants.  “In communities up and down Delaware, we’re lucky to have many locally-owned businesses to visit as the holiday shopping season approaches,” said Sen. Carper. “I encourage shoppers to visit their neighborhood small businesses in Delaware every day, but especially November 30, Small Business Saturday. We need to boost our national economy, but we can’t forget to also lend a hand to the main street businesses right here in the First State.” Nationwide, small businesses employ more than 49 percent of the employees in the private sector. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 247 million shoppers spent $59.1 billion on consumer purchases during Thanksgiving weekend in 2012. By designating Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday, shoppers are encouraged to make purchases from small businesses, increasing the share of the profits small businesses will enjoy. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5fcc5058-0759-4322-a74e-1cd0c832e963 Sen. Carper announces Delaware seniors saved more than $40 million on prescription drugs since Affordable Care Act was enacted 2013-11-26 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. - Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare prescription drug plan coverage in Delaware saved $40,950,471 on prescription drug costs thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to new data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  Today, Sen. Carper spoke to seniors at St. Anthony’s Senior Center about Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) open enrollment, which ends Dec. 7, and the important benefits they are eligible to receive. “The Medicare Part D program provides substantial assistance to seniors with high out-of-pocket drug costs,” said Sen. Carper. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors who fall into the Medicare ‘donut hole’ of coverage are saving 50 percent on prescription drugs and 7 percent on generic drugs. Those discounts will increase every year until the ‘donut hole’ is completely filled in and those costs are eliminated in 2020. I encourage all Delawareans eligible for this program to make sure they are not leaving any money on the table when it comes to benefits for next year.” For many people enrolled in Medicare Part D, the Medicare “donut hole” is the gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit before catastrophic coverage for prescriptions takes effect. Without assistance from the Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries would pay out-of-pocket for the entire cost of prescription drugs once they hit the donut hole, until they reach catastrophic coverage. Thanks to the discount program in the Affordable Care Act, Medicare coverage will gradually increase until 2020, when the donut hole will be closed. In 2010, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan who reached the prescription drug donut hole got a $250 rebate, and beginning in 2011, beneficiaries who landed in the donut hole began receiving discounts on covered brand-name drugs and savings on generic drugs. Since the Affordable Care Act was enacted, more than 7.3 million seniors and people with disabi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=7886a3b4-261c-423e-b47f-57bb86544693 Monday: Sen. Carper in Sussex County 2013-11-25 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy SELBYVILLE, Del. – On Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will attend the following events:                                                    Sen. Carper will join 300 volunteers to pack boxes at Mountaire for its Thanksgiving for Thousands initiative. Mountaire Farms’ 19th Annual Thanksgiving for Thousands will provide 7,500 boxes of food to feed more than 50,000 people in need in Delaware and Maryland. Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: Mountaire Warehouse, Railroad St. and Hosier St., Selbyville, Del. Sen. Carper will visit several Rehoboth Beach businesses and encourage Delawareans to shop local this holiday season as a part of the 4th Annual Small Business Saturday initiative. He will join representatives from the Small Business Administration and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and make stops along Rehoboth Avenue, starting at Mod Cottage. Sen. Carper recently signed on to a Senate Resolution to mark Nov. 30, 2013, as Small Business Saturday. Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Location: Mod Cottage, 247A Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Del. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=e3eb8ac3-ced0-49b3-bd2f-3583c3b580be The Huffington Post: Op-Ed: November Reminds Us to Invest in America by Recycling 2013-11-25 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy By Sen. Tom Carper and Sen. John Boozman Every year as summer turns to fall, it's hard not to stop, look around, and contemplate the beauty of our country. From the splendor of the forests and farmlands of Arkansas and the Southeast, to the cool, crisp scenes of Delaware and the mid-Atlantic, the U.S. is filled with natural beauty and it's important to keep it that way. That's why every November, folks across the nation take part in an effort to maintain America's natural beauty by participating in America Recycles Day -- a time to think about what each of us can do to be better environmental stewards while simultaneously strengthening our economy for future generations. As co-chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, we are working with our colleagues and stakeholders to raise awareness of the many benefits of recycling. Most Americans are familiar with traditional municipal recycling efforts that encourage individuals to recycle household or office goods such as paper or soda cans and bottles. Every little bit helps when it comes to recycling and we are encouraged that municipal recycling rates are increasing year after year, and we strongly encourage further participation in these programs. But there's more to recycling than just traditional municipal recycling programs. The United States is home to robust and growing commercial recycling and re-manufacturing industries. For example, the recycling and re-manufacturing industries generated more than $236 billion in annual revenue in past years and created more than one million good-paying American jobs. Also encouraging, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries notes that scrap recycling generates $4 billion in state and local revenues annually. Increasing recycling rates and collection programs continue to contribute to the economic growth of these industries which in turn helps the larger American economy. These statistics offer a window into the benefits of recycling nationally, but we have also seen recycling success stories first hand in our h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222190915/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/statement-from-senator-coons-on-interim-nuclear-agreement-with-iran Statement from Senator Coons on interim nuclear agreement with Iran 2013-11-24 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, November 24, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Statement from Senator Coons on interim nuclear agreement with Iran WILMINGTON, Del. — U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued on the following statement on this weekend's P5+1 agreement on Iran's nuclear program. "While I welcome the progress made by the Administration and the international community in engaging with Iran to negotiate a possible end to its illicit nuclear program, I remain deeply concerned about the still-unspecified details of implementation and enforcement, as well as the interim agreement's lack of a requirement that Iran comes into compliance with mandatory U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding a suspension of all enrichment activities. Achieving a diplomatic solution that ends Iran’s efforts to achieve a nuclear weapons capability depends on the continued vigorous enforcement of current economic sanctions and retaining a credible threat of military force. The stakes are too high to take any options off the table.  "The interim agreement reached in Geneva this weekend was made possible because existing comprehensive sanctions successfully forced an economically crippled Iran to the negotiating table. Reducing these sanctions now may weaken our leverage to solidify a permanent agreement once this six-month interim period ends.  It is essential to ensure the implementation of agreed-upon safeguards and inspections in order to strictly enforce the terms of this deal. "We should pass additional sanctions to be enforced promptly if Iran violates the interim agreement or fails to reach a permanent deal, which is why I have committed to working with Senator Menendez and others to pass a new sanctions bill in December. The bill should include a conditional waiver for the Administration within this six-month window as it attempts to negotiate a final agreement that aims to dismantle Iran’s enrichment infrastr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=931e8945-eebc-42e4-b126-3b93f01c71a2 Friday: Sen. Carper in New Castle County 2013-11-22 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – On Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, U.S. Sen. Carper (D-Del.) will be at the following events:                                                     Sen. Carper will speak at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Policy Makers Speaker Series. Time: 8 – 9 a.m. Location: Sheraton Wilmington South, 365 Airport Rd., New Castle, DE Sen. Carper, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, will tour Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s new Materials Recovery Facility. This facility handles all of Delaware’s recycling and has been made possible by the Universal Recycling Law.  Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Location: 1101 Lambsons Lane, New Castle, DE Sen. Carper will attend the departure ceremony for the 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Delaware Army National Guard.  This 62-member unit is deploying to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Location: Army Aviation Support Facility, 33 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE Sen. Carper will tour the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Newark. He will meet with staff and see the facility, which opened last year. Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Location: 1001 Ogletown Rd., Newark, DE 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131213061140/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-votes-to-end-gridlock-on-nominations Senator Coons votes to end gridlock on nominations 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons votes to end gridlock on nominations WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted on Thursday to end Republican obstruction of President Obama’s nominees. After filibustering two highly qualified and non-controversial nominees for the D.C. Circuit Court last week, Senate Republicans blocked a third on Monday. He released the following statement: “Americans expect and deserve a Senate that is capable of performing — at a minimum — its constitutional responsibility of voting on the president’s nominees. Right now, the Senate is broken. The Senate has a proud tradition of respecting minority rights, and with rights come responsibilities.  Republicans have so badly abused the rules that govern the Senate’s operations that to let this continue would be an historic disservice to the nation. I’d hoped that respect for the institution, reverence for the Constitution, and basic fairness would make reforms to the basic processes of the Senate unnecessary, but sadly, the gridlock has only worsened. It has to end. “Over the past several years, we have seen nominees for the cabinet, agencies, judgeships, and even ambassador filibustered and threatened with filibuster time and again. In just the last month, simple up-or-down votes have been blocked on Patricia Millett, Nina Pillard, and Robert Wilkins — three eminently qualified and politically non-controversial nominees for the D.C. Circuit Court — and on Congressman Mel Watt’s nomination to run the Federal Housing Finance Authority. No serious questions have been raised about the qualifications of any of the nominees and the trumped-up caseload argument about the D.C. Circuit flies in the face of recent history when, during the previous administration, a Republican-led Senate confirmed controversial nominees on four different occasions to fill the very same seats they are n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222193929/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-statement-on-iran-sanctions Bipartisan statement on Iran sanctions 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Bipartisan statement on Iran sanctions WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. Senators today released the following statement regarding the Senate's consideration of Iran sanctions legislation: “A nuclear weapons capable Iran presents a grave threat to the national security interest of the United States and its allies and we are committed to preventing Iran from acquiring this capability.  We will work together to reconcile Democratic and Republican proposals over the coming weeks and to pass bipartisan Iran sanctions legislation as soon as possible." The statement was signed by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Bob Corker (R-TN) and John McCain (R-AZ). Tags: Nuclear Weapons,  Iran,  Sanctions,  National Security 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222193945/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-offers-bipartisan-amendment-to-protect-national-guard-role-in-cyber-missions Senator Coons offers bipartisan amendment to protect National Guard role in cyber missions 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 21, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons offers bipartisan amendment to protect National Guard role in cyber missions Amendment will protect Delaware’s New Castle-based 166th Network Warfare Squadron WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in introducing a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would support the Delaware National Guard’s 166th Network Warfare Squadron and Department of Defense (DoD) Reserve Components by ensuring their ability to carry out cyber missions in support of DoD. As part of the DoD strategy requirement in Section 945 of the Senate version of the NDAA, passage of this amendment would halt, and likely prevent, cuts to the 166th Network Warfare Squadron based out of New Castle, Delaware, as well as cyber units across the Air National Guard. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron plays a key role in our nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capability, protecting America’s critical infrastructure systems against the threat of cyber attacks. “From banks to traffic lights, and air traffic control to power grids, our nation’s economy, health, and safety depend on our cyber infrastructure,” Senator Coons said. “Securing this infrastructure against the very real threat of attacks by organized crime, terrorists, and even nation-states is one of the biggest national security challenges we face. The 166th Network Warfare Squadron and other cyber units of the Air National Guard work on the front lines of this critical mission. This amendment would ensure that our nation’s top defense planners recognize and utilize their unique capabilities to help us win the fight against cyber crime at home and overseas.” The amendment would enhance Section 945 of by requiring DoD to develop a strategy on the use of the Reserve Components in cyber missions. The amend… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=c24140d8-f681-47a0-92ee-bbf559134d38 Bit... What? 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Dear Friends, Earlier this week, I chaired the first ever Congressional hearing on virtual currencies, like Bitcoin. Like many of you, I had never heard of Bitcoin until a few months ago. To this day, I won’t profess to be an expert, but I am trying to learn as much as I can. At Monday’s hearing I learned that this technology has, at times, been co-opted by some criminals as a way to finance illegal activities online. I also gathered, though, that this new technology has a tremendous amount of potential. Click to watch Senator Carper's Opening statements at the virtual currencies hearing. One way I like to think of the current state of virtual currencies is to think of the internet itself. At the beginning, many people were concerned that the internet would be nothing more than a meeting place for tech savvy criminals. Since then, though, it has proven to be so much more. The internet has become a hub of innovation and ingenuity, it has made our everyday lives simpler, it has grown our economy and served as an equalizer to those with access. On Monday, I learned that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies may have that same user-driven value that should be cultivated, not feared. Monday’s hearing taught me that we have to approach digital currencies with a level head. We need to make sure that our government does not overreact and harm this potentially revolutionary technology. At the same time, though, it is critical that we make sure Bitcoin and other digital currencies are being used responsibly and within the framework of the law. By bringing Bitcoin out of the shadows, we can help it to grow responsibly. Monday’s hearing was a great first step. This is a formative time for this technology; how the government, and Congress, react now may affect whether Bitcoin, and the economic benefits that may come along with it, thrive here in the United States. For now, I think we all need to learn more and see what the future has in store. I'd love to hear what you have to say about this, please connect with me … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=93625940-ee00-46e7-aada-6a72d1730395 Thursday: Joint Hearing: Full Committee and Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  *Joint Hearing: Full Committee and Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety*  “Oversight Hearing: NRC’s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety” BACKGROUND: U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, will convene a joint hearing to discuss the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) progress on implementing the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force recommendations and other safeguards related to nuclear facilities.  WHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013, 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: EPW Hearing Room 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC WEBCAST:                    Webcast will be available at http://www.epw.senate.gov starting at 10:15 AM ET WITNESSES:                 (Order subject to change) Panel I: The Honorable Allison M. Macfarlane, Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Honorable Kristine L. Svinicki, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Honorable George Apostolakis, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Honorable William D. Magwood, IV, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Honorable William C. Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Just a reminder:  If you would like us to save a seat for you, please let your Senate Press Gallery know, and drop Nathan McCray a note at Nathan_mccray@epw.senate.gov to let us know you’re coming.  Please note that media are required to display current Senate press credentials.  In order to guarantee that a seat can be saved, please plan to arrive promptly, prior to the scheduled start time of the hearing. Television producers should contact the Senate Radio and TV Gallery in advance if possible to ensure that we’re ready to accommodate you. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=bf6f1644-17d1-499c-b2e3-7fd2f0ddf334 Hearing Statement: NRC's Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Safety, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, convened the joint hearing, "Oversight Hearing: NRC’s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety." A copy of Sen. Carper's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows: Thank you, Senator Boxer, for holding this very important hearing.  We are mindful of the critical role the Nuclear Regulatory Commission plays in protecting the public and the environment.  Nuclear energy provides one fifth of our nation’s electricity and as our country’s demand for electricity continues to grow, nuclear energy is also one of the cleanest energy sources available. I want to welcome our witnesses and thank them for taking time to come before us today.  Just over a month ago, we returned to work after a handful of our Republican colleagues forced the shutdown of our government. The shutdown jeopardized our economic recovery and unnecessarily caused great hardship to thousands of hard working Americans. While most of our government was shutdown and hundreds of thousands of federal workers sent home without pay, the American people could rest assured knowing that the NRC continued its 24/7 oversight of our nation’s nuclear power plants, ensuring that at least two inspectors were present at all times at each facility. We thank you for your leadership during this challenging period and thank the NRC employees for their service and for making nuclear safety the overriding priority. As we enjoy the promises of nuclear energy and work constantly to ensure that safety is its cornerstone, the catastrophe at the Fukushima-Daiichi plant in 2011 was not only devastating to the Japanese people, but it remains a powerful reminder of the need to remain ever vigilant in pursuing nuclear safety here and around the world.  While Japan works to stabilize the Fukushima p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5c28659d-e0cb-4a34-9540-0f472828b785 Sens. Carper, Boozman Lead Bipartisan Group of Colleagues in Introducing Resolution in Support of Recycling 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, introduced a sense of the Senate resolution expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing and use of recyclable materials throughout the United States. Joining Sens. Carper and Boozman on the resolution are Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.),Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.). “As co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I strive to be a friend of the environment by not only recycling in my personal life, but also by raising awareness of the economic benefits of recycling, such as the $346 million the industry contributed to our state’s economy in 2009,” Sen. Carper said. “In a smaller state like Delaware, it’s important to remember that we have a limited amount of open space and it would be a shame to waste it. Delaware has made considerable progress in improving our recycling practices and reducing what we put in our landfills. Today we divert 40 percent of recyclables from landfills, but I know we can do even better. I am proud to introduce this resolution today with my Senate colleagues to show our support for recycling and recognize its tremendous value to our economy and our environment.” “Recycling includes industrial scale recycling, retrieving rare and precious metals from electronics, recycling cans, plastics and glass, and so much more,” Sen. Boozman said. “It provides environmental and economic benefits -allowing us to reuse valuable materials while creating jobs. Promoting recycling helps encourage us all to be good stewards of the environment and drives us to explore opportunities to reinvest in our businesses.” The resolution reinforces the importance of recycling to the U.S. economy. It is estimated that the recycling industry is responsible for well over $200 billion in annual revenues nationally and more than $4 billion on the state and local level. T… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=e7519808-63f5-43f4-824b-a63b04fddd45 Senator Carper's Statement on Vote to Change Senate Rules 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released following statement regarding the vote to change the Senate’s rules: “I approached today’s vote with a very heavy heart, but with one overriding goal: I want this place to work. Whether Democrats are in the majority or the Republicans, or whether the President is a Democrat or a Republican; I just want this place to work. We’ve got to figure out how to get things done. I was hopeful this day would never come, that our Republican friends would find a way to work with us – to communicate and compromise. But it has become abundantly clear that the Senate isn’t working.  As Leader Reid pointed out, our job as Senators as dictated by the Constitution is to ‘advise and consent,’ not ‘deny and obstruct’. Filibusters should be used under extraordinary circumstances.  Instead, they’ve become ordinary and commonplace, resulting in a Senate that no longer works the way it should. “Democrats and Republicans should agree that our executive branch of government is riddled with holes. We have too many acting secretaries, too many acting deputy secretaries, and too many judgeships that are vacant.  We have failed to confirm far too many positions in leadership that need to be filled and not because the nominees weren't qualified but because some would rather score political points. This is not the right way to run our government or any kind of government. People say ‘well, this will really make matters bad,’ but, honestly, it’s hard to imagine things getting much worse. As it is, we’re not getting stuff done, even though we really need to.   “After thinking long and hard about the ramifications of such a rule change, I’ve come to the conclusion that we must fix this broken system. We need to demonstrate that we can govern, be fiscally responsible, and provide certainty and predictability in all kinds of areas. There’s too much uncertainty for families and businesses and that's bad for our country. That’s why we need to reform the rules so the Senate can work once again.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013025/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-urging-reform-of-broken-military-justice-system Floor Speech: Urging reform of broken military justice system 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Floor Speech: Urging reform of broken military justice system As delivered on November 20, 2013 I come to the floor today to speak on the tragedy, on the ongoing crisis of sexual assault in our armed forces and what I believe we must do. There are several options before us, each of which have been the subject of lengthy and passionate debate, a debate that I think is healthy, and needed, and welcome in this chamber. I commend my many colleagues, Chairman Levin and Senator Inhofe, Senator McCaskill and Senator Ayotte, for the very real progress, the very significant steps taken both in the base bill, the NDAA and in the amendment offered by Senators McCaskill and Ayotte. Serious and important steps forward to protect victims, to ensure that commanders are held accountable and to criminalize retaliation. A wide range of important and significant reforms that will make real progress towards addressing the ongoing decades-old scourge of sexual assault in the United States military. As was said recently on the floor by another of my colleagues, this disagreement today is over one of more than a dozen important and needed reforms. But in the end, we have to decide, and I believe the measure offered by Senator Gillibrand of New York, of which I am a cosponsor, is the right additional path forward. Because at the end, here's the bottom line: sexual assault has been a disease, a corrosive and widespread and horribly negative influence on our military that has simply not been effectively treated. And I think this significant, this dramatic step is the needed driver for extensive reform. I understand that the chain of command is essential, that it is central to the proper functioning and order of the military, especially during wartime. In fact, the chain of command is nearly sacred. But ensuring that our spouses and our siblings and our children can serve with honor and not have to face another enemy within our ranks is sacred.  This is, in the end,… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013706/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-works-to-boost-hiring-of-veterans Senator Coons works to boost hiring of veterans 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 CONTACT: Jamie Serlin at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons works to boost hiring of veterans Delaware-based JPMorgan Chase representative joins senators in conversation about efforts to hire more veterans WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) participated in a roundtable discussion in the Capitol on Wednesday focused on initiatives to expand career opportunities for veterans. The meeting featured leaders from businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to employing veterans and providing them with the resources and support necessary for success. Maureen Casey, JPMorgan Chase’s Director for Military and Veterans Affairs, was among the participants and briefed senators on the company’s successful practice of hiring veterans as part of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, a coalition of companies committed to providing job opportunities for veterans. Other participants shared their perspectives on how private organizations can work with the Senate to strengthen programs that help veterans successfully transition to civilian employment.  “America’s highly trained veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the civilian workforce,” Senator Coons said. “Yet too many veterans come home to find their opportunities limited rather than enhanced by their time spent serving our nation. No veteran should return from defending our country abroad only to face unemployment or underemployment at home. Today’s discussion highlighted successful programs that have helped businesses, like JPMorgan Chase in Delaware, recruit more of our nation’s talented veterans. I look forward to working with my colleagues to build and expand upon these important efforts so we can get more of our veterans back to work.” At 10 percent, the national unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans is significantly higher than the overall national rate of 7.3 percent. In October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014358/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/statements_and_speeches/floor-speech-offering-amendments-to-support-job-creation-national-security Floor Speech: Offering amendments to support job creation, national security 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Floor Speech: Offering amendments to support job creation, national security As delivered on November 20, 2013 Mr. President, if I might, I’d like to speak about three bills that I’m offering as amendments to the NDAA that all relate to a topic that I’ve spoken to many times here on the floor – to manufacturing and manufacturing jobs. The first is the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, a bill I introduced last week with Illinois Senator Mark Kirk that enjoys the support of the Presiding Officer as well as Senators Blunt and Stabenow. It has a simple but important objective: to require the creation of a national manufacturing strategy. We need to know our country's direction, as we try to support the growth of manufacturing. We’ve grown more than half a million manufacturing jobs in the last three years – an encouraging sign, but one we need to strengthen and support with a coordinated strategy between the federal government, state governments, and private sector to align our investments in research and development, in new skills, and in new infrastructure to make sure they're all heading in the right direction. Our leading competitors all have successful and well-deployed national manufacturing strategies, whether Germany, China, India, South Africa, Russia, they've all got thoroughly developed, deeply researched, and prominently successful strategies, which we lack. Our amendment would require that every four years the Secretary of Commerce, advised by a board of 15 different folks, pull together and think through research and then deliver a national manufacturing strategy. This amendment is bipartisan, simple, does not cost the federal government a dime, and does not create a new program. Like the next two amendments I plan to speak about, it is a common sense measure I hope we adopt. Second, I’d like to speak on the amendment I’m cosponsoring with Senator Blunt to ensure small businesses are not subject to conflicting guidance … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222183608/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/bipartisan-coalition-of-117-house-members-and-22-senators-push-to-extend-2011-energy-efficiency-initiative-in-federal-buildings Bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 senators push to extend 2011 energy efficiency initiative in federal buildings 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042 Bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 senators push to extend 2011 energy efficiency initiative in federal buildings WASHINGTON — Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rep. Peter Welch, (D-VT), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), joined by 117 House colleagues and 22 Senate colleagues, are calling for a 5-year extension of President Obama’s federal buildings energy efficiency initiative.  In 2011, the President kicked off a 2-year initiative to achieve $2 billion in energy savings in federal buildings. The bipartisan, bicameral coalition of legislators is calling on the President to continue the successful use of performance contracting in federal facilities by launching a 5-year, $5 billion extension of the 2011 initiative. The 2011 executive order employed the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) to achieve energy savings in federal buildings. Under an ESPC or UESC, an energy services company or a utility negotiates a contract with a federal agency that specifies the amount of energy savings it will achieve through retrofits and other measures. The company or utility is then paid for its performance out of the savings it achieves rather than through appropriated funds.  The federal government spends over $6 billion annually on energy use in federal facilities.  Rep. Gardner, Rep. Welch, and Senator Coons have introduced legislation (H.R.2689 and S.1308) to advance the use of ESPCs and UESCs in the federal government that mirrors the expansion proposed in the coalition’s letter to the President.  The legislators point out in their letter that the 2011 initiative has led to “a substantial increase in federal facility upgrades carried out by private-sector entities without any upfront cost to the taxpayer … There is still substantial potential for achieving more savings and the success of the past two … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=106b347c-223f-42be-ba51-aab55df0da7e Committee reports Secretary of DHS Nomination to Full Senate 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON— Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a business meeting to consider Jeh C. Johnson’s nomination to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) highlighted the Committee’s decision to favorably report out this important nomination by voice vote. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration. “Jeh Johnson’s nomination comes at a critical time for the Department of Homeland Security and for our nation and I thank my colleagues on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for approving his nomination,” said Chairman Carper. “If confirmed by the full Senate, Mr. Johnson will be met with the dual challenge of combating threats to our nation while also working to further strengthen management at the Department and encourage more cohesion among the Department’s components. This is no easy task, but I am confident that we have a nominee who is up to the challenge. I know this because Mr. Johnson has already served our nation with distinction in difficult jobs -- once as the Air Force’s top lawyer and once as the top lawyer for the entire Department of Defense.  He now brings the skills and experiences that helped him excel in those roles to the top post at the Department of Homeland Security, where I am certain that he will be a strong and effective leader. I now urge my colleagues in the full Senate to swiftly take up, and approve his nomination so Mr. Johnson can get to work.” “Mr. Johnson is well-equipped to face the enormous task of DHS Secretary,” Dr. Coburn said.  “With so much at stake and with limited financial resources, DHS must work with Congress to ensure that spending on counterterrorism and intelligence programs makes us safer.  The DHS Secretary is integral to this process and is tasked with balancing freedom, privacy and civil liberties with security.  Mr. Johnson demonstrates the qualifications necessary to work side by side with C… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3f3c7803-b799-4d0c-8ff3-fa1faa7e7585 Statement: Sen. Carper Lays Out Delaware Priorities at WRDA Conference Committee Meeting 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) delivered the following statement at the Meeting of Conference Committee for the Water Resources Development Act, known as WRDA. Chairmen Boxer and Shuster, Ranking Members Vitter and Rahall, fellow Conferees, I’d like to start by thanking you for all that you’ve done to bring the Water Resources bill to this point. In today’s political environment, it’s a testament to your leadership and bipartisanship that we are meeting today to begin working out a final piece of legislation to send to the President. My state of Delaware is situated between the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Delaware River and Bay. Along with our inland bays, smaller rivers, and tidal marshes, we are blessed with tremendous water resources, and the Army Corps of Engineers is a valued partner in managing them. We have every type of project in Delaware – navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration. Whether the Corps is at work deepening the main channel of the Delaware River, restoring and improving valuable coastal environments along our Bayshore, or constructing vital protective barriers against coastal storms, these projects offer benefits to all Delawareans in one way or another. However, I often say, everything I do, I know I can do better, and the same is true of the Army Corps. Both the House and Senate legislation offer many ideas for how the Army Corps can complete its mission more effectively, efficiently, and cost-effectively. As we work through these provisions, it’s important for us to pay close attention to the changing needs of coastal states like mine. As we have so tragically witnessed during Hurricane Sandy and numerous other disasters, Delaware and other coastal states are at the mercy of severe coastal storms. We depend in part on flood protection projects built by the Army Corps and funded jointly with state and federal funds. These projects have spared many lives and protected hundreds of millions of dollars worth of my constituents’ property.  The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ca710796-a487-4d69-ae8b-72ff71532bec Sen. Carper Reminds Delawareans of Holiday Air Travel Tips 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del), chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, reminds Delawareans about the steps they can take to be prepared for airport security this holiday season. The Transportation Security Administration screens approximately 1.8 million passengers daily at more than 450 airports across the country. During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, 25 million people are expected to travel by air, a 1.5 percent increase over 2012. “Traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays should be a hassle-free experience,” said Sen. Carper. “By checking TSA’s guidelines in advance, travelers can expedite the security screening process and enjoy their trip.” Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. To alleviate misunderstandings at the security checkpoint, TSA is reminding travelers of the following tips: 3-1-1 for liquids: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all bottles must fit in 1 quart size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Gifts: While wrapped gifts are allowed, security officers may need to unwrap a gift to resolve an alarm. TSA recommends passengers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them ahead of time to avoid the possibility of having to open them during the screening process. Small snow globes are allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in a passenger's plastic 3-1-1 bag. Food: Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance. For more detailed information, visit: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-food-or-gifts Check for prohibited items: Travelers can use the “Can I bring my...” app on www.TSA.gov or www.TSA.gov/mobile to check what items are allowed/not allowed in carry-on… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=2e8620cb-a991-4da3-add3-403318432a35 The New Yorker: Why Regulate Bitcoin? 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy “We do not think that it is in anyone’s best interest for digital currency to become an offshore industry or an industry dominated by China,” said Jeremy Allaire, the founder of a startup called Circle Internet Financial, in written testimony provided as part of his appearance, on Monday, at a hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the risks and benefits of digital currencies such as Bitcoin. He and other U.S. entrepreneurs are right to be concerned about their role in the growing market for digital currency—that is, bits of code that function like cash and can be exchanged over the Internet. About a third of the world’s bitcoin transactions now flow through a single exchange, BTC China, which is open only to Chinese users, according to Bitcoin Charts, a Web site that provides bitcoin data. BTC China recently unseated the Tokyo-based Mt. Gox as the world’s largest exchange by trading volume. Recently, the exchange value of the cryptocurrency has climbed, a trend that continued Monday after news broke that BTC China had raised five million dollars of investment capital. By one o’clock on Tuesday morning in Beijing, the value of a single bitcoin had hit a record of nearly four thousand three hundred yuan, or about seven hundred dollars. “The main reason Bitcoin has become big in China is because Chinese people are savers, and more people are seeing Bitcoin as a way to store and invest their money,” Linke Yang, the vice-president of BTC China, told Agence France-Presse on Friday at Bitcoin Singapore, a conference on the cryptocurrency. There are other reasons. Last month, Baidu, an Internet company that operates the most popular search engine in China, began accepting bitcoins for some services offered by its subsidiary Jiasule. Also, Chinese people who chafe at strict government control of the yuan may see bitcoins as a way to speculate on currencies. It may come as a surprise, given China’s tight regulations on businesses and Bitcoin’s subversive potential, that t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/otherstatements?ContentRecord_id=c80f2541-27d5-4a0a-8549-805d519db130 Hearing Statement: Beyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats, and Promises of Virtual Currencies 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) convened a hearing titled, “Beyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats, and Promises of Virtual Currencies”. For more information on the hearing or to watch a webcast of the hearing, please click here. Chairman Carper’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, follows: “Over the past several months, this Committee has engaged in an investigation into the potential implications of virtual currencies.  During the course of this inquiry, we’ve examined the issues and potential risks and threats that virtual currencies pose, as well as some of the potential promises that some believe they can bring. “In addition, we have explored with several departments and agencies throughout government how they are approaching virtual currencies as an emerging technology.  This has included looking at how they are coordinating together to develop a “whole of government” approach that is consistent and informed. “Virtual currencies, perhaps most notably Bitcoin, have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others, and confused the heck out of many of us.  Indeed, based on conversations my staff and I have had with dozens of individuals both inside and outside of government, it is clear that the knowledge and expectation gaps are wide. Fundamental questions remain about what a virtual currency actually is, how it should be treated, and what the future holds. “Virtual currency can best be described as digital cash.  It is generated by computers, lives on the internet, and can be used to purchase real and digital goods across the world. “Some proponents believe virtual currencies can prove valuable to those in developing countries without access to stable financial systems.  Others believe it could prove to be a next generation payment system for retailers both online and in the real world. “At the same time, however, virtual currencies can be an effective tool for those looking to launder money, traffic … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=95d57855-6d10-41ed-a52e-87de47ba3161 Key Senate Committee Holds First Congressional Hearing on Virtual Currencies 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) held the first-ever Congressional hearing on the emerging technology of virtual currencies. The hearing, “Beyond Silk Road – Potential Threats, Risks, and Promises of Virtual Currency,” explored the potential promises and risks related to virtual currency – “digital cash” that can be used and transferred nearly anonymously – for the federal government and society at large. “Virtual currencies have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others, and confused the heck out of many of us,” said Chairman Carper. “Fundamental questions remain about what a virtual currency actually is, how it should be treated, and what the future holds. It’s clear that this technology presents some new and unique risks, but with it, there are clearly some who believe it has great potential.  The federal government and society as a whole need to come together to figure out how to effectively deal with it, and this hearing was the first step. Congress and federal agencies must continue to stay engaged and informed to develop smart, sensible, and effective policies and to properly implement such policies. I will continue to work with Dr. Coburn and our staffs to follow up with the important work being done by the agencies we spoke with today.  I believe today’s hearing is just the beginning of the conversation regarding how our government is approaching virtual currencies.” Witnesses from government agencies including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and representatives from private industry, including the Bitcoin Foundation and the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, discussed whether or not virtual currencies are being addressed adequately across government and examined what work remains to be done. Click here for witness testimony. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-clips?ContentRecord_id=98aad3c7-8baa-4bcd-8f20-6cad3491a4a5 TIME: Bitcoin Goes to Washington: Monday's Hearing Is Just the Beginning 2013-11-17 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy By Jay Newton-Small The first congressional hearing on how to regulate virtual currencies will take place on Monday afternoon before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Called “Beyond Silk Road: Potential Risks, Threats and Promises of Virtual Currencies,” the hearing comes six weeks after federal authorities took down the Silk Road, known as the “Amazon for drugs,” and arrested its alleged founder, 29-year-old Ross Ulbricht. (It also comes less than a month after TIME’s cover story, “The Secret Web,” which explored these issues.) Though the session promises to look at all virtual currencies, it will primarily focus on bitcoin, the cryptocurrency used by the Silk Web, according to advance testimony given to TIME. Pages and pages of explanations and definitions mark the testimony. What are bitcoins? How are they made? How do they differ from centralized virtual currencies? It is clear Washington has a ways to go in understanding, let alone regulating, cryptocurrencies. The hearing is a first step in what will likely be a long process toward any kind of lawmaking. “Honestly, the environment seems to be a game of hot potato where no politician wants to be caught being pro or anti bitcoin,” says Charles Hoskinson, director of the Bitcoin Education Project. “Once the market cap gets to around $10 billion or so [it’s currently just over $2 billion], then expect real hearings and a lot of lobbying.” Over the summer committee chairman Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat, and ranking member Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, sent letters to nine U.S. agencies asking for guidance on what is already being done to deal with cryptocurrencies. Ahead of the hearing, the panel released five of the responses. The Securities and Exchange Commission reviewed whether bitcoin should be treated as a security, and the Department of Homeland Security has adopted an “aggressive posture” to address the “emerging threat and criminal exploitation of virtual currency systems.” The Treasury’s Financial Cr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=8fc7afb0-427f-42a8-9bdd-77d76ec32256 I'm rabid about recycling 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy Each fall, we get to watch the leaves change and are reminded just how beautiful Delaware truly is. During this time, it’s important to take a moment to think about what we can each do to help preserve this natural beauty for generations to come. That’s why today and every November 15th, I’m proud to join folks across the U.S. in celebrating America Recycles Day. As co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I strive to be a friend of the environment by not only recycling in my personal life, but also by raising awareness of the economic benefits of recycling, how it lowers our energy consumption and how it can help keep our environment clean. Yesterday, I was honored to join my friend, Senator John Boozman, at an event highlighting America Recycles Day. I took this opportunity to show industry leaders, experts and just about anyone else who would listen how I’m rabid about recycling! On November 14th, Senator Carper joined Senator Boozman, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus,  at an event highlighting America Recycles Day. In a geographically-small state like Delaware, it’s important to remember that we are limited for space and it’s not smart to use what we do have just for landfills. That’s why I take simple steps every day like composting at home and in my office because I know each little bit of effort can make a huge difference if we all work together. I hope you join me on America Recycles Day to think about your environmental impacts, become better stewards, and spread the word about the benefits of recycling. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/event?ContentRecord_id=02c062c0-991a-43a2-bb92-ce00b11f7047 Friday: Sen. Carper in Kent County 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy DOVER, Del. – On Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, press is invited to join U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) at the following events in Kent County: Sen. Carper will attend the Operation Caring Classroom Assembly at Welch Elementary School. Operation Caring Classroom is a week-long program that takes place the week of Veterans Day.  Now in its eighth year, OCC builds a bridge of understanding between military and civilian children in all 50 states by helping school children develop an understanding of the joys and hardships of life in a military family.  Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: Welch Elementary School, 3100 Hawthorne Dr., Dover Air Force Base, Dover Sen. Carper to visit Harvest Years Senior Center and Modern Maturity Senior Center and discuss Medicare Part D open enrollment. Time: Harvest Years, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.; Modern Maturity, 12 – 12:45 p.m. Location: Harvest Years, 30 South Street, Camden; Modern Maturity, 1121 Forrest Ave, Dover Sen. Carper will donate food to the Turkey Round-Up. Presented by the ATI Physical Therapy and First State Orthopedics, Turkey Round-Up will collect frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Food Bank of Delaware from Buffalo Wild Wings in Bear and Dover from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  Time: 1 – 1:45 p.m. Location: Buffalo Wild Wings Parking Lot, 680 S. Bay Rd., Dover Sen. Carper will visit the newly opened Dick's Sporting Goods in the Dover Mall.  Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Location: Dover Mall, 1365 North DuPont Highway, Dover 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=bd4b9764-5887-4ad6-ac1a-472e5ac14ef0 Chairman Carper Statement on Latest USPS Financial Losses 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Thomas Carper C000174 www.carper.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following reaction to the announcement that the U.S. Postal Service lost over $5 billion in the fiscal year, 2013: “Today’s announcement that the U.S. Postal Service lost over $5 billion in the fiscal year 2013 is troubling and, unfortunately, not surprising,” said Chairman Carper. “This is the seventh consecutive year that the Postal Service has reported a significant and unsustainable loss.  The sad truth is that the Postal Service continues to hemorrhage money and these losses threaten the long-term viability of this critical institution. As I’ve said time and time again, the only solution to this mess is for Congress and the Administration to come together on legislation that provides comprehensive and long-term reform. We need to right-size and modernize the Postal Service so it can thrive into the future. I remain committed to working closely with Dr. Coburn, members of our Committee, stakeholders and the Administration to find a bipartisan solution that lasts. It is critical that we complete the difficult work ahead of us and find a solution to the Postal Service’s serious but solvable financial crisis as soon as possible. Today’s financial report should underscore that sense of urgency. We can’t afford to wait any longer.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013553/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-innovative-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill Senator Coons, colleagues introduce innovative bipartisan infrastructure bill 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House DE Christopher Coons C001088 web.archive.org     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 14, 2013 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-5042  Senator Coons, colleagues introduce innovative bipartisan infrastructure bill BRIDGE Act will jump-start investment, job creation, and boost U.S. competitiveness WASHINGTON – A bipartisan coalition of ten U.S. senators that includes U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced legislation Thursday to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure. The Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment Act, or BRIDGE Act, helps to address the nation’s alarming investment shortfall in maintaining and improving its transportation network, water and wastewater systems, and energy infrastructure. The legislation would provide an additional financing tool for states and localities, which can create new jobs here at home while also increasing our nation’s economic competitiveness. "Investments in America's infrastructure are investments in American jobs," Senator Coons said. "Construction jobs, production jobs, and jobs at nearly every American business all depend on functioning infrastructure. Our country needs to be investing more in its infrastructure, not less. The bipartisan BRIDGE Act is an innovative approach to getting the funding we need to sustain and strengthen America's critical infrastructure." America currently spends roughly 2 percent of its GDP on infrastructure — about half what it did 50 years ago. By comparison, Europe spends around 5 percent, and China spends 9 percent of GDP on infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, the United States currently ranks 19th among 148 countries surveyed in quality of overall infrastructure compared to our global competitors.  “We put off and put off these investments because it’s politically convenient, but when we do, we’re o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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