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://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-returns-to-washington-to-override-ndaa-veto,Senator Coons returns to Washington to override NDAA veto,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a
member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, returned
to Washington today for a vote to override President Donald Trump's veto of the
National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. ""I expect we will override President Trump's veto of
the military bill,"" Sen. Coons said, ""which means several good things
for Delawareans and the country writ large including a pay increase for our
troops and more investment in cybersecurity, both steps that we should be taking
to reward the sacrifice of our military and keep our country safe."" The override of a
veto, the process by which each chamber of Congress votes for
a second time on a bill rejected by the president, requires a two-thirds vote
in each the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress has historically overridden fewer than
10% of all presidential vetoes. The Senate is scheduled to convene and resume consideration of
the veto message on the NDAA for FY21 at noon tomorrow. The final override will
get a vote sometime in the next few days. To check the Senate's schedule and watch live floor proceedings,
visit www.senate.gov/floor/.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-coons-discusses-900b-relief-package-ndaa-cybersecurity-threats,"[AUDIO] Coons discusses $900B relief package, NDAA, cybersecurity threats",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Today, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Mary Cummings-Jordan ofWHYY's Radio Timesto discuss the$900 billion COVID-19 relief package, which passed along with the $1.4 trillionannual appropriations billthat funds the federal government.
Additionally, Coons discussed theNational Defense Authorization Act, which passed Congress on Dec. 11 and was subsequently vetoed by the president. Coons concluded the interview by talking about Russian hacking threats.To listen to the full interview, visitwhyy.org/episodes/regional-roundup-12-28-20/.   
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-sen-coons-on-pres-trumps-threat-to-block-covid-19-relief-deal-yes-he-could-tank-the-bill,"[AUDIO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trumps threat to block COVID-19 relief deal: Yes, he could tank the bill",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee,joinedNPR's Morning Edition with Noel King to discuss President Trump's complaints on the COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress on Monday. When asked if President Trump could block the COVID-19 relief bill, Senator Coons said,Yes, he could tank the bill. One of the challenges of legislating in the era of Trump is that we never really know what he's going to do right up until he does it. Because Congress has now gone home to their districts and states all over the country, it's not easy to bring us back. I think we should call his bluff and by offering to pass by unanimous consent  which can be done without all the members of Congress present  an increase to the dollar amount he's asking for. Democrats would support this. Let's see if Republicans will. Senator Coons added, this is not the last relief bill we'll need, but it is the bill we need right now. It's going to provide rental assistance, unemployment extension, hundreds of billions in small business support, support for those who are hungry through nutrition programs, support for schools and for vaccine distribution. It is a large relief package. We should test the president's bluff and offer to add an increased individual stimulus payment or family stimulus payment and see what happens. Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package on Monday. To see a breakdown of the package's provisions, clickhere. Full audio availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: What do you think of the President calling for changes after Congress spent 7 months working toward this moment? Sen. Coons:Noel, I'm just speechless. It is yet another example of how President Trump has engaged the role of president. He stayed out of these negotiation for weeks. He did not press for a bigger package in the final days before it was enacted, and once the bill has finally been passed by the House and Senate and the entire Congress has gone home, he announces he wants a bigger bill than Republicans were willing to accept in the Senate. I'll remind you, a few days ago before this happened, we passed our annual defense authorization bill, which provides a pay increase for our troops and funds stronger cybersecurity. That bill President Trump has specifically threatened to veto because it doesn't do something that's not directly relevant to defense, but that he wants to do to social media companies, so we already had a veto threat on the table  Q: Hang on. As Ayesha pointed out, the president very notably did not use the word veto in the video last night. Sen. Coons:Correct. Q: Do you have any real concern that he could tank this bill? Sen. Coons:Yes, he could tank the bill. One of the challenges of legislating in the era of Trump has been that we never really know what he's going to do right up until he does it. Because Congress has now gone home to their districts and states all over the country, it's not easy to bring us back. I think we should call his bluff and by offering to pass by unanimous consent which can be done without all the members of Congress present  an increase to the dollar amount he's asking for. Democrats would support this. Let's see if Republicans will. Q: Well, yes, this is interesting. Some Democrats have responded to the president's argument that direct payments should be $2000 to give people more money. Nancy Pelosi came out on Twitter and said and I quote Let's do it. It sounds like you agree, and it sounds like you think many Democrats would agree. Sen. Coons:Look. Democrats who control the House passed a much larger stimulus, a much larger COVID relief bill months and months ago. It was in the Senate that the Republican majority leader and the caucus that he leads refused to take up a bill that was higher than$500 billion, and it took weeks of disciplined engagement by a bipartisan group of eight senators to get us to this point. Last night, I texted two of my Republican colleagues  folks I've worked with to get bills into this package to say seriously, do you seriously think your president, our president is going to veto this bill? And I got little dots, little dots, little dots. And after a few minutes, I have no words, from one of the other senators. Q: I was going to ask you, what do the little dots tell you? No one wanted to give you an answer? Sen. Coons:They just didn't know what to say  because this is not the last relief bill we'll need, but it is the bill we need right now. It's going to provide rental assistance, unemployment extension, hundreds of billions in small business support, support for those who are hungry through nutrition programs, support for schools and for vaccine distribution. It is a large relief package. We should test the president's bluff and offer to add an increased individual stimulus payment or family stimulus payment and see what happens. Q: You know earlier this week  you mention people having a hard time  I talked to a restauranteur in Los Angeles. You know she's self-made, and she had to close three of her four restaurants and layoff 100 people. She's worried right now that the last restaurant might not survive. Let's listen to her: [Clip, Brooke Williamson]: We're losing money right now. We're definitely not breaking even. We are losing money, and we have a little bit of money in the bank to do so for a few weeks, but beyond that, it's pretty grim. Q: What's in this bill that's going to help this woman, Brooke Williamson, and other small business owners who say this aid might come too late and now it looks like it might be even later? Sen. Coons:Well, Noel, I'm on the Small Business Committee and one of the most effective and popular pieces of the CARES Act from 9 months ago gave small businesses like hers loans that became grants if they spent it mostly on payroll. We have expanded that program. There's nearly $300 billion for a next round of Paycheck Protection Program checks to go out, and they are specifically larger for those who operate hotels or restaurants that can show they had a 25% drop in revenue any quarter of this year over any quarter of last year. I'm sure she would qualify, and we are primed to get those checks out quickly. Q: President-elect Joe Biden called this relief package a down payment. His words. And he said providing more relief is a top priority of his. Have you talked to Biden about the next round and what should be included in the next relief bill? Sen. Coons:We have talked about how broad it will need to be because we're going to need to both continue response to the pandemic and to the economic wreckage that's been caused by President Trump's mishandling of this pandemic, and we're going to need to help build back better the American economy by investing in infrastructure, investing in American manufacturing, investing in things that will create better long-term jobs to bring back our country, and to bring us together. Q: And hopefully in the seconds we have left, it won't take another 7 months Sen. Coons:It won't because we're going to have an engaged and effective president involved in the negotiations after January 20th. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-highlights-programs-to-support-delaware-manufacturing-jobs-and-research,"In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons highlights programs to support Delaware manufacturing jobs and research",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, fought to secure funding for well-paying materials and manufacturing jobs in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations package, which passed Congress this week. Specifically, the bill includes support for research at HBCUs like Delaware State University and adds $160 million above the president's request for upgrades to the Army's Chinook Block II helicopter program that employs hundreds of Delawareans across the Delaware Valley. Delawareans have long been employed by some of the top manufacturing and materials producers in the country. This year's spending package clearly recognizes the role our state plays in producing some of the highest quality defense-related research and aircraft in the world,said Senator Coons.I'm glad that the new defense bill bolsters more of the programs that have provided well-paying jobs to Delawareans in our state and across the region and continues to support our Delaware Air National Guard and our military. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly support Delaware jobs including: Strong funding for Department of Defense-related research at HBCUs like Delaware State University.  Strong funding for research programs that the University of Delaware participates in, and which help create well-paid materials and manufacturing jobs.$160 million above the President's request for the Army's Chinook Block II helicopter upgrades and $29 million for advance procurement. This program employs hundreds of Delawareans across the Delaware Valley.Funding for six additional aircraft in the V-22 program, which is another important source of jobs for Delawareans.$259 million in upgrades to C-130H aircraft, used by Delaware's Air National Guard. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-to-invest-in-national-service-hbcus-and-public-health,"In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding to invest in national service, HBCUs, and public health",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, applauded the passage of the $1.4 trillion federal funding bill for Fiscal Year 2021 that invests in education and public health, bolsters national service programs that have been supporting community needs amid the COVID-19 response, and supports research on diseases like ALS and pancreatic cancer. The package passedCongressthis week. As we continue torespondtothe toll COVID-19 has takenon our country including our health and education systems  community-based programsremain essential. This year's appropriations package recognizes this by supporting our HBCUs, community health centers, and other local groups while setting a course for a community-led recovery through national service programs like AmeriCorps,said Senator Coons.I'm also thrilled the bill includes key long-range research investments in ALS treatments  a priority for the Senate ALS Caucus  and in pancreatic cancer, a matter of personal importance to my family and to so many families across the country. The federal funding bill includes provisions that will support health, education, and public service in Delaware and across the country, and provides: A $57.2 million increase in Community Health Center funding, which will support centers  including Westside Family Healthcare, La Red Health Center, and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center  that provide Americans with critical health care, including testing and treatment of COVID-19 A $13 million increase to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Delaware State University $23.6 million to support Special Olympics education programs A $40 million programmatic increase for AmeriCorps, which supports the efforts of more than 500 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in Delaware $40 million in funding for ALS research programs at the Department of Defense, which will support impactful research that is instrumental to the development of new therapeutics for ALS $15million in critical funding for pancreatic cancer research,a 250% increase,to support discovery and innovation in treatments for a disease that was the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Delawareans in2020. In addition to the health and education provisions within the 2021 funding bill, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package on Monday. To see a breakdown of those provisions and other elements of the COVID-19 relief package, clickhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-carper-bill-extending-bankruptcy-judgeships-to-be-signed-into-law,"Coons, Carper bill extending bankruptcy judgeships to be signed into law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  On Monday evening, theU.S.Houseof Representativespassed a bill introduced by Senator Chris Coons, a member of theSenateJudiciary Committee, andSenatorTom Carper (both D-Del.) to extend25 temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country for five years, including all seven temporary judgeships in Delaware.These extensions come at a critical time to ensure bankruptcy courts have the judges necessary to provide relief to companies and their employees facing reorganization the wake of COVID-19. Businesses and individuals are facing profound financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill will ensure they can go through bankruptcy efficiently,said SenatorCoons. When they can't, jobs and revenue are lost. Delaware has earned its reputation for having one of the most highly regarded bankruptcy courts in the country, and this law ensures that our court has the resources it will need to manage pressing caseloads and provide relief to businesses and employees. In these challenging times, our legal system shouldn't be another source of uncertainty for businesses and workers. This common-sense bill will ensure our courts including those in Delaware, have the adequate resources to fairly and expeditiously process bankruptcy cases,said Senator Carper. Specifically, this bill will maintain the number of judgeships in Delaware's bankruptcy courts, which remain some of the busiest and handle some of the important cases in our country. I thank Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to pass this important piece of legislation. The billpreviouslypassed in the Senate on Dec. 9, 2020, and it will now head to thepresident's desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan bill was co-introduced bySen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Additional co-sponsors includeSens.Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). This legislation will better equip our bankruptcy system, helping courts, businesses and consumers by allowing these cases to be addressed in a timely manner,said Senator Graham.I'm glad to see these important changes passed into law. As America's businesses struggle with the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability for businesses to efficiently reorganize in bankruptcy is critical,SenatorRubio said.Any obstacle to resolving these cases is an undue burden for both our judicial system and businesses. This legislation ensures that our courts have the resources necessary to manage these critical caseloads. This legislation will ensure that Marylanders have continuing access to our bankruptcy courts during the ongoing pandemic,saidSenator Cardin.Congress must provide our courts with the judges and resources they need to serve Maryland companies, employees, and individuals who have been impacted by severe economic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous strain on American businesses and the economy. As we fight to preserve lives, we must also take steps to protect our livelihoods. This legislation will ensure that our bankruptcy courts can provide relief to American businesses and employees to get them back on their feet,saidSenatorBlackburn. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-delaware-manufacturing-institute-amtrak-housing-and-small-businesses,"In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for Delaware manufacturing institute, Amtrak, housing, and small businesses",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bills for key economic, workforce development, housing, and transportation infrastructure priorities. The bill includes an historic increase in IRS funding, as well as funding for Amtrak, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, small businesses, advanced manufacturing, and more. The bill passed Congress Monday evening. I've been working hard on the Appropriations Committee and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to ensure the final federal spending bill continues to make critical investments in Delaware's communities,said Senator Coons.In this bill, we have made significant progress in reversing the decades-long trend of underfunding the IRS, which unfortunately has limited the quality of service taxpayers receive. This bill alsosupports programs that boost economic and workforce development, like the Manufacturing USA program and the Small Business Administration, and provides funding for key housing and transportation priorities, like Amtrak and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. After such a challenging year for businesses and families up and down our state, I'm pleased that Republicans and Democrats worked together to deliver the funding and resources that Delawareans deserve. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will directly benefittaxpayers, manufacturers, railpassengers, renters, small businesses, and workers: The bill provides $11.9billion for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is $409 million more than the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level and the highest level of funding provided for the agency in a decade. This increase will allow the IRS toprocess returns and fulfill other customer servicesmore quicklyand effectively. As important, additional resources will allow the IRS to make progress of reducing the tax gap, the difference between taxes owed and taxes actually collected, which is estimated at almost $500 billion annually.The bill provides $2 billion in funding for Amtrak, of which $700 million is for the Northeast Corridor that runs through Wilmington, Delaware.The bill includes $1.35 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and $3.45 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program.The bill provides $16.5 million for the Manufacturing USA program, which is $500,000 above Fiscal Year 2020. Of the $16.5 million, $10 million is specifically directed towardstheNational Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals(NIIMBL), one of the nation's 14 Manufacturing USA Institutes, whichisbased in Newark, Delaware.The bill includes $150 million for the NIST HollingsManufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program, so it can continue to carry out its important mission and further support small manufacturers with new cybersecurity and digitalization challenges.The bill provides $270 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund to promote economic and community development in low-income communities, an increase of $8 million more than the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level. Of this, $2 million is to continue funding the Economic Mobility Corps, an initiative championed by Senator Coons to place AmeriCorps national service members at certified CDFIs.The bill provides $922 million for the Small Business Administration. Within this funding, $15 million is included to fully support the 7(a) loan guarantee subsidy to ensure the program will continue to supportsmall businesses and lenders. The bill also provides $272 million for Entrepreneurial Development grants.The bill includes $185millionfor the Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship Program, which is $10 million more than what was included in the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-investments-in-protecting-oceans-combatting-wildlife-trafficking-and-supporting-the-environment-and-agriculture,"In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures investments in protecting oceans, combatting wildlife trafficking, and supporting the environment and agriculture",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware senator in more than 40 years to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee, secured funding for agriculture and environmental priorities in the federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed Congress late Monday. Delaware's natural resources help drive our economy and make our state a great place to live, work, and visit,said Senator Coons. I'm pleased that we secured funding for conservation programs that will have a direct impact on our region  protecting our land, water, and wildlife, and supporting our agricultural community. As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, I'm also glad this bill invests in proven programs like ARPA-E to supportresearch in Delaware andthe development of advanced energy technologies that will reduce carbon pollution. This funding will help create a cleaner environment and a stronger local economy in our state, and I'm glad my colleagues came to a bipartisan agreement on this bill so we can support Delawareans and Americans across the country. The federal spending bill includes funding for agriculture and environmental priorities that will directly benefit Delawareas well as international and ocean conservation efforts: Provides $75 million to address ocean plastic pollution and directs the U.S. government to establish a newglobal fundto address ocean plastic pollution, as called for in theUNITE for our Oceans Actwhich Senator Coons recently introduced with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). This is a significant increase from prior funding of $5 million to address marine debris.Provides strong funding for the Department of State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and related agencies tocombat wildlife trafficking.Provides a full-time position to support the Interagency Working Group on Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing, established in Senator Coons and Roger Wicker's (R-Miss.)Maritime SAFE Act.Includes $46.5 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund to protect wetland habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife species.Provides $87.5 million for to help restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, as well as $1.75 million for efforts to remove invasive species in the region.Provides $10 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program to improve water quality and management, support restoration and conservation of critical habitats, and improve opportunities for recreation.Supports the United States Geological Survey's efforts to monitor, map, and study the Delaware River Basin.Funds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in Delaware that protect coastal communities and support the maintenance and navigability of the Port of Wilmington and the C&D and Lewes and Rehoboth canals.Helps farmers in Delaware and across the country practice sustainable agriculture and protect the environment by providing strong funding for programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service.Includes $63 million for Avian Health programs, which fund critical monitoring and research to prevent and control the spread of poultry diseases in the commercial poultry industry.Supports research and public outreach by Delaware universities on agriculture, nutrition, and renewable energy by providing $435 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.Provides $11 million for the Water Resources Research Act, which supports critical water research at the University of Delaware.Provides $75 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant program, which supports important marine research at the University of Delaware.Supports energy research at Delaware universities by providing $25 million for the Department of Energy's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and increased funding of $427millionforthe Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).Includes $5 million to supportsustainablechemistry research and developmentat the Department of Energyandencourages the incorporation ofsustainable chemistry intomanufacturing processes.Senators Coons and Susan Collins' (R-Maine)Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Actis expected to become law shortly andpromote the use of materials that are safer for our health and the environment in everyday products.Provides $310millionfortheWeatherization AssistanceProgramto helplow-incomeDelawareans reduce their energy costsand $62.5 million to assist states with energy efficiency activities and the development of renewable energy. The appropriations package also included thefirst major overhaul of U.S. energy policyin over a decade, which included a number of key provisions to support clean energy jobs, combat climate change, and deliver cost savings to Delawareans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-celebrates-passage-of-legislation-to-support-clean-energy-jobs-combat-climate-change,"Sen. Coons celebrates passage of legislation to support clean energy jobs, combat climate change",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, theEnergy Act of 2020passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 spending bill, marking the first major overhaul of U.S. energy policy in over a decade. The landmark energy legislation includes a number of bipartisan measures led by U.S. Senator ChrisCoons (D-Del.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, that will save energy, support jobs in therenewable energy sector, address climate change, and deliver significant cost savings to Delawareans. Investment in energy innovation is critical to addressing climate change and aiding in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a significant toll on the energy sector in Delaware and around the country,said Senator Coons. TheEnergy Act of 2020brings together dozens of bipartisan proposals that will spur innovation, accelerate development and deployment of new technologies, and ensure the United States continues to be a global energy leader. This bill is the most significant action we have taken for climate this Congress and its passage is strong evidence that there is bipartisan support for working together on climate solutions and investing in advanced energy technologies while also caring for our nation's most vulnerable citizens. The energy package includes several provisions from legislation introduced by Senator Coons. Specifically, the bill: Reauthorizes and updates the Weatherization Assistance Program, which reduces energy costs for low-income households by providing home energy retrofits to make homes safer and more energy efficient. Thousands of low-income Delawareans, particularly children, seniors, and disabled individuals, have benefitted from the program, with many cutting their energy bills by 30 to 50 percent. Senator Coons was the lead sponsor of theWeatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act of 2019,along with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.). Their bill's provision to create a competitive innovation grant program for non-profits to access the Weatherization Assistance Program is also included in the package.Establishes and expands programs that support the commercialization of clean energy technologies at the Department of Energy and authorizes the use of small business vouchers that spur innovation and collaboration by granting small businesses access to premier facilities at national labs. Senator Coons was the lead sponsor of theEnergizing Technology Transfer Act of 2020in the Senate along with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.).Encourages the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts and Utility Energy Savings Contracts in federal buildings, which increase energy efficiency and save taxpayer dollars through public-private partnerships. Senator Coons joined Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) in introducing theEnergy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act of 2019.Supports nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration and international coordination to improve the long-term sustainability, safety, and economic viability of the current U.S. nuclear fleet. Senator Coons was the lead sponsor of theNuclear Energy Renewal Act of 2019along with Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.).Incentivizes the research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas, which is the source of the majority of Delaware's electricity, to keep energy bills low, maintain U.S. energy security, and protect the environment through near-term reductions of emissions. Senator Coons joined Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) in introducing theLaunching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act of 2019. The omnibus alsoincludestax incentives to support solar and wind energy projects, as well asa separate measure to initiate a 15-year phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class ofpotent greenhouse gases commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration.Senator Coons applauds Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) for their leadership in aligning the United States with the goals of the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, and was proud to cosponsor theirAmerican Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of2019. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-bill-extending-bankruptcy-judgeships-to-be-signed-into-law,"Sens. Coons, Graham bill extending bankruptcy judgeships to be signed into law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On Monday evening, theU.S.Houseof Representativespassed a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to extend25 temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country for five years, including all seven temporary judgeships in Delaware. These extensions come at a critical time to ensure bankruptcy courts have the judges necessary to provide relief to companies and their employees facing reorganization the wake of COVID-19. The bill was cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Businesses and individuals are facing profound financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill will ensure they can go through bankruptcy efficiently,said Senator Coons. When they can't, jobs and revenue are lost. Delaware has earned its reputation for having one of the most highly regarded bankruptcy courts in the country, and this law ensures that our court has the resources it will need to manage pressing caseloads and provide relief to businesses and employees. This legislation will better equip our bankruptcy system, helping courts, businesses and consumers by allowing these cases to be addressed in a timely manner,said Senator Graham.I'm glad to see these important changes passed into law. In these challenging times, our legal system shouldn't be another source of uncertainty for businesses and workers. This common-sense bill will ensure our courts including those in Delaware, have the adequate resources to fairly and expeditiously process bankruptcy cases,said Senator Tom Carper. Specifically, this bill will maintain the number of judgeships in Delaware's bankruptcy courts, which remain some of the busiest and handle some of the important cases in our country. I thank Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to pass this important piece of legislation. As America's businesses struggle with the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability for businesses to efficiently reorganize in bankruptcy is critical,Senator Rubio said.Any obstacle to resolving these cases is an undue burden for both our judicial system and businesses. This legislation ensures that our courts have the resources necessary to manage these critical caseloads. This legislation will ensure that Marylanders have continuing access to our bankruptcy courts during the ongoing pandemic,said Senator Cardin.Congress must provide our courts with the judges and resources they need to serve Maryland companies, employees, and individuals who have been impacted by severe economic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous strain on American businesses and the economy. As we fight to preserve lives, we must also take steps to protect our livelihoods. This legislation will ensure that our bankruptcy courts can provide relief to American businesses and employees to get them back on their feet,said Senator Blackburn. The billpreviouslypassed in the Senate on December 9, 2020, and it will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-legislation-to-fight-illegal-streaming-by-criminal-organizations-to-be-signed-into-law,Bipartisan legislation to fight illegal streaming by criminal organizations to be signed into law,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, bipartisan legislation by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and David Perdue (R-Ga.) that will punish large-scale criminal streaming services that willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain offer to the public illicit services dedicated to illegally streaming copyrighted material will be signed into law.TheProtecting Lawful Streaming Actwas included in the year-end spending package that is expected to be signed intolaw this week. The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act will apply only to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services. The law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities, or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorized copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected. Americans increasingly rely on streaming to enjoy their favorite music, sporting events, movies, television shows, audiobooks, and other forms of entertainment content, particularly during this pandemic,said Senator Coons.For too long, large-scale, criminal enterprises have taken advantage of a loophole in CD and DVD-era copyright laws to engage in unprecedented digital piracy, which costs our economy billions of dollars and threatens the livelihoods of our creative community. I am proud that Congress passed this targeted bill, which empowers the Department of Justice to prosecute large-scale, for-profit streaming piracy services, and I appreciate the collaborative effort by content owners, technology companies, public interest groups, and others to ensure that this legislation cannot be used to target internet users or legitimate streaming platforms. The shift toward streaming content online has resulted in criminal streaming services illegally distributing copyrighted material that costs the U.S. economy nearly $30 billion every year, and discourages the production of creative content that Americans enjoy,said Senator Tillis. I am proud this commonsense legislation that was drafted with the input of creators, user groups, and technology companies will become law so we can target criminal organizations and ensure that no individual streamer has to worry about the fear of prosecution. I want to thank Senator Leahy and Representatives Martha Roby and Ben Cline for their early partnership on this important issue. At a time when an unprecedented number of Americans are streaming movies and TV shows, music and books, criminal organizations are exploiting a loophole in copyright law to steal online content at an unprecedented rate and with hardly a consequence,said Senator Leahy.Commercial piracy costs the economy billions of dollars and hurts both the creative community and consumers. This narrow bill closes this loophole by targeting only commercial, for-profit criminal piracy, and I am proud to have supported it. Large-scale digital piracy costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year. Because our laws failed to keep up with technology, perpetrators of this crime avoided serious consequences,Senator Hirono said.I'm glad to have worked with my colleagues to bring piracy laws into the modern age, and protect our creators without harming internet users. This bipartisan legislation will close loopholes that allow commercial piracy services to illegally stream billions of dollars in copyrighted content each year,said Senator Cortez Masto.I'm proud to support common sense legislation that will hold these bad actors accountable while protecting individual internet users and legitimate streaming sites. This year especially, Americans have benefited from being able to accessa wide range of movies, TVshows andeducationalcontent from theirownhomes,said Senator Loeffler.Unfortunately,the ease and availability of this programmingarethreatened by large-scale criminal enterprises thatillegallystream copyrighted materials atthe cost to the economy of billions ofdollars a year. I am glad this commonsense agreement is set to pass Congress and become lawbefore the end of thisyear. Bill text is availablehere. Background: Streaming has become the primary way that audiences consume entertainment. It has also become a major form of piracy. Last year, one study reported that digital video piracy costs the U.S. economy $29.2 billion a year. Streaming piracy touches numerous creative sectors, including major motion pictures, television programs, music, audiobooks, live sports, and pay-per-view programming. Under current law, only violations of the reproduction and distribution rights of copyright owners can be charged as felonies, while criminal infringement via streaming (or publicly performing) can only be charged as a misdemeanor. This is known as the streaming loophole  and it is particularly harmful to the U.S. economy because streaming has become the most common form of criminal copyright infringement. This bipartisan, consensus legislation will provide the Department of Justice with the authority to bring felony charges against a digital transmission service that: is primarily designed or provided for the purpose of streaming copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law; orhas no commercially significant purpose or use other than to stream copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law; oris intentionally marketed by or at the direction of that person to promote its use in streaming copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delaware-delegation-celebrates-major-wins-for-the-first-state-in-water-infrastructure-legislation,Delaware delegation celebrates major wins for the First State in water infrastructure legislation,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, as well as U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020) as part of legislation to fund the government. From improving and expanding water infrastructure to investing in disadvantaged communities, replenishing beaches, and improving coastal resilience, WRDA 2020 delivers major wins for Delaware. In Delaware and across the country, our nation's water infrastructure keeps our economy moving forward. This year's Water Resources Development Act authorizes funding to improve our ports, like the Port of Wilmington. It also implements several much-needed reforms to fortify our most vulnerable communities in the First State from the impacts of climate change and rebuild our beaches,said Senator Carper, who co-authored the legislation with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY). I'm proud that my colleagues in Congress came together to get this critical bill across the finish line. Our bipartisan legislation will create and sustain jobs and help secure a better future for the American people. Delaware is the country's lowest-lying state, and our economy and ecosystems rely on the protection of coastal communities and navigability of our waterways,Senator Coons said.I'm pleased that WRDA 2020 includes critical priorities for the First State: safeguarding Delaware's beach communities, enhancing resiliency in the face of climate change and rising sea levels, and facilitating important projects to support the men and women who work at the Port of Wilmington. I'm glad to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate  particularly Senator Carper who played a leading role in these negotiations  to deliver water infrastructure updates that meet the unique needs of our state. We know that one of the most important aspects of infrastructure is maintaining our waterways and systems. This year's WRDA, led by Delaware's Senator Carper makes those critical and necessary investments,said Representative Blunt Rochester. As the state with the lowest mean elevation in the country, Delaware is on the front lines of climate change  from eroding shorelines, to changing growing seasons, to flooding neighborhoods. The bill prioritizes rebuffing the impacts of climate change along with improving our overall water infrastructure. I thank Senator Carper for his leadership in getting this bipartisan bill passed. Among its provisions, WRDA 2020 will: Protect Delaware's beaches from storm damage and assist with their re-nourishment;Promote resiliency projects in communities throughout the First State to address the impacts of climate change; andEnsure the operation and maintenance of Delaware's ports and waterways, including the Port of Wilmington and Indian River Inlet. Clickherefor more in-depth background information on WRDA 2020, and clickherefor additional background about the major wins for Delaware in WRDA 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-intellectual-property-protections,"In 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures intellectual property protections",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations and Judiciary committees, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bill to protect intellectual property (IP) rights. The omnibus bill set to be passed by the Senate on Monday features three pieces of legislation that serve to protect American innovation through changes to the law on trademark registration, streaming services, and copyright disputes. Promoting and protecting American innovation is critical to our economy, our national security, and our global standing. That's why I'm glad that our bipartisan work on three critical intellectual property priorities will soon be signed into law in this year's spending bill,said Senator Coons.I am especiallypleasedit includestheTrademark Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill with Senator Tillis, which will help ensure that consumers can have confidence in the source of the branded products and services they buy. TheTrademark Modernization Act (S.3449)establishes new mechanisms for challenging fraudulent trademark registrations and filings atthe United States Patent and Trademark Office and ensuring that federal trademark registrations correspond to actual use in commerce. Senators Coons and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the bill as a companion tobipartisan House legislation. The Trademark Modernization Act will protect consumers by making it easier for legitimate brand owners to prevent others fromusing confusingly similar marks that could mislead the public about the source of goods or services. TheProtecting Lawful Streaming Actempowers the Department of Justice to prosecute large-scale criminal streaming services that undermine legitimate sources of copyrighted content. Senator Coons cosponsored and helped lead this legislative proposal drafted by Senator Tillis. The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act modernizes the law by harmonizing the penalties for illicit streaming with those for copying and distributing unauthorized content on physical media like DVDs. This legislation was drafted with input from creators, public interest groups, and technology companies to ensure that only criminal enterprises are targeted and not individual streamers or consumers viewing content online. TheCASE Act (S.1273)establishes a small-claims tribunal within the Copyright Office to resolve disputes involving copyright infringement. Senator Coons cosponsored the legislation introduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and John Kennedy (R-La.). The bill provides an alternative to federal litigation, which is simply too costly and complex for many musicians, photographers, artists, writers, and other creators whose livelihood depends on their ability to protect and commercialize their creative works. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-fiscal-year-2021-spending-bill-sen-coons-secures-funding-for-national-security-and-international-development-priorities,"In Fiscal Year 2021 spending bill, Sen. Coons secures funding for national security and international development priorities",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bill to ensure the United States restores its global leadership role by investing in programs to promote national security and international development and provide global health assistance to fight the pandemic. Senator Coons worked on a bipartisan basis to reject the president's proposal to slash funding for U.S. national security and development agencies by 30 percent for the fourth year in a row. The Senate voted to pass these provisions on Monday as part of a $1.4 trillion annual spending package, and they are soon expected to become law. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard in the United States,and we must remember that our allies and partners face similar challenges. It is in the United States' interest and consistent with our values to lead the global response to this disease. This year's bipartisan spending deal represents an initialdownpayment on what will need to be a more aggressive response to the health crisis and economic consequences of the pandemic.said Senator Coons.I am pleased that the package includes provisions that will provide $4 billion to a public-private partnership that can help ensure swift distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to low income countries.I am also pleased to see two of my major authorizing bills, the Sudan Claims Resolution Act and the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act included in the package. The federal spending bill includes provisions that will ensure the United Statesremainsa global leaderand continues to safeguardU.S.interests and values around the world, including: $50 million for the establishment of the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Fund to support venture capital investments in Palestinian entrepreneurs andpeople-to-people ties between Israelis and Palestinians. The Sudan Claims Resolution Act, whichwillrestore Sudan's sovereign immunity and resolve longstanding terrorism-related claims against the countryto help transform the U.S.-Sudan relationship, support the country's civilian-led transition to democracy, and help reestablish Sudan's place in the international community.Over$100million for implementation of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act,legislationled by Senator Coons that addresses the root causes of violenceand extremismaround the world before countries fall into crisis.Over $800 million for theU.S.Development Finance Corporation, a federal agencyestablishedbylegislation led bySenator Coons to supportprivate-sectorinvestment indevelopingcountries.Increased funding to implement Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions around the world.Fundingto continuethe Young African Leaders Initiative to cultivate the next generation ofchange makers on the African continent. This program supports a cohort of fellows at the University of Delawareeachyear.An increase in funding to support Fulbright scholarships in Africa and for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  $150 million for the humanitarian, development, and security needs of the Palestinian people.Robust military assistance for Israel, as agreed to in 2016 by then-President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu and as authorized in theUnited States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act,which Senator Coons co-authored. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-sudan-legal-peace-legislation-included-in-year-end-spending-package,Sen. Coons Sudan legal peace legislation included in year-end spending package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Foreign Relations, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees, celebrates the inclusion of the Sudan Claims Resolution Act in the year-end spending package that Congress will vote on today. Thehistoriclegislationrestores Sudan's sovereign immunity,resolves longstanding terrorism-related claims against the countryandprovides accountability and compensation tohundreds of terrorvictims and family members,andprotects the rights of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.Passage of the Sudan Claims Resolution Act follows the removal of Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, both critical steps to the full normalization of relations between the United States and Sudan and Sudan's reentry into the international community. The spending package also includes over $900 million in economic assistance to Sudan to stabilize the economy and civilian-led democratic transition, support the Sudanese people, and provide urgently needed debt relief and restructuring. The passage of this bipartisan legislation will provide a small measure of justice to the families of the East Africa Embassy bombings who have devoted over two decades to their unwavering quest to seek accountability for the attacks that changed their lives forever on August 7, 1998,said Senator Coons.The legislation will also help Sudan  a country of 44 million people at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East  reenter the global economy after 27 years on thestate sponsors of terrorismlist, promote foreign investment and economic growth in the country, and support the civilian-led transition to democracy. Iappreciate the commitment ofmy colleagues on both sides of the aisle, namely Senators Schumer, Menendez, Feinstein, Graham, and Risch, to reach abipartisanagreement on thishistoriclegislation that protects the rights of all victims of terror while granting Sudan urgently needed relief. I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis to further strengthen and deepen the U.S.-Sudan relationship. The Sudan Claims Resolution Act: Implements the claims agreement negotiated between the U.S. State Department and the Government of Sudan for the 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,the 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Yemen, and the 2008 murder of John Granville. The agreementwill provide justice, accountability, and compensation toover 700hundred terror victims and family members.Restores Sudan's sovereign immunity while protecting the rights of victims of the 9/11 community, which will allow Sudan to fully participate in the global economy without fear of asset seizure, foster foreign direct investment in the country, create jobs and economic growth to support the Sudanese people, and help stabilize Sudan's civilian-led democratic transition following the country's removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list after a peaceful revolution in 2019 to oust brutal dictator Omar al-Bashir.Ensures naturalized U.S. citizens are compensated at the same rate as natural-born U.S. citizens involved in the attacks.Extends the authorization of the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSSTF) for nine years through 2039 to allow all terror victims eligible for the USVSSTF to recover additional damages. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-votes-to-pass-900b-covid-19-relief-package,Sen. Coons votes to pass $900B COVID-19 relief package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the top Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, voted to pass a roughly $900 billion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The billis expectedto become law quickly. Today, Republicans and Democrats finally upheld our responsibility to the American people and worked together to pass a $900 billion relief package that will help Delawareans in a time of great need. This package will provide prompt aid to our small businesses, especially those hardest-hit by this pandemic; to working Delawareans who were laid off through no fault of their own; and to our families that are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table. It will also help deliver the resources we need to swiftly produce and distribute a vaccine so we can finally combat this pandemic once and for all,said Senator Coons.This must not be the last relief bill, but it's a strong compromise that will deliver relief to the Delawareans who need it before the holidays. The roughly $900 billion stimulus package includes: An expansion of the unemployment insurance program. The package includes a $300 per week federal supplement to weekly state benefits through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum number of weeks an individual may claim benefits through regular state unemployment plus the PEUC program, or through the PUA program, to 50 weeks.Direct financial support to American working families. The package provides $600 in direct payments for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. The package also ensureshouseholds with individuals of mixed immigration statuswill receive payments.$325 billion to small businesses. The package includes two small business proposals first introduced by Senator Coons: $284 billion for asecond round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans-to-grantsprioritized for businesses hit hard by the pandemicand a $3.5 billionextension of the Small Business Debt Relief Program, which has already delivered $8 billion in debt relief, automatically, to more than 320,000 credit-constrained small businesses nationwide and nearly 900 in Delaware.$12 billion in support for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions, of which $3 billion is for grants through the CDFI Fund program and $9 billion is for Treasury Department capital investments.CDFIs are mission-driven financial lenders that deliver responsible, affordable lending to low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities. Over 300 CDFIs have served as PPP lenders, helping to reach some of the hardest-hit minority-owned small businesses.$1 billion to help cover Amtrak's operating losses during the unprecedented drop in ridership levels.$25 billion in rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an eviction moratorium extension through January 31, 2021.$10 billion in additional funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant to provide child care assistance to families, and to help child care providers cover their increased operating costs during the pandemic.$69 billion for vaccines, testing and tracing, community health and health care provider support. The bill provides roughly $20 billion to BARDA to procure vaccines and therapeutics, $9 billion to the CDC and states for vaccine distribution and more than $3 billion for the strategic national stockpile. The bill specifically directs a total of $2.8 billion to high-risk and underserved areas for distribution, including communities of color. The bill provides more than $22 billion for testing, tracing, and COVID mitigation programs. Lastly, the bill provides $4.5 billion in mental health funding, $9 billion in support for health care providers, and more than $1 billion for NIH to research COVID-19.$82billion in support to school systems and higher education institutions. This funding includes $1.7 billion for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions like Delaware State University.$13 billion to assist people facing hunger, including increased SNAP benefits and additional funding for food banks and senior nutrition programs.$13 billion to support farmers who have suffered losses during the pandemic. The bill includes a provision that Senator Coons fought for as a co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus to extend assistance to contract poultry growers and growers who have been forced to depopulate in Delaware and around the country.$300 million for fishermen and seafood producers hurt by the pandemic, including a provision that Senator Coons championed to provide a minimum of 1% of total funding to each state.$4 billion for global health programs and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to support equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-menendez-rubio-leahy-shaheen-celebrate-expected-passage-of-robert-levinson-hostage-recovery-and-hostage-taking-accountability-act,"Sens. Coons, Menendez, Rubio, Leahy, Shaheen celebrate expected passage of Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), joined SFRC Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) andSenators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), andJeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)in releasing the following statements on securing passage of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (S.712) as part of the end-of-year funding legislation approved by the Senate today: The passage of this bipartisan bill is an important step in seeking justice for the unlawful detention and death of Bob Levinson, an American who was taken hostage by Iran over a decade ago and died in Iranian custody,said Senator Coons. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act honors Bob by strengthening our ability to bring Americans detained abroad home safely and hold their captors accountable. Earlier this year, we learned that Bob Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history, died while in Iranian custody, far from his loving family, friends and colleagues. In March 2007, after decades of service to the United States, Bob Levinson was cruelly and mysteriously taken from his family, who have spent the past 13 years tirelessly fighting for his safe return home. Their indefatigable dedication to Bob has inspired me and my colleagues over the years to pursue various legislative efforts, leading to the passage of this bill to ensure that the United States has the resourcesto safeguard American lives abroad and reunite hostages with their loved ones,said Senator Menendez.I commend my colleagues for helping enact this bill, and I continue to stand with the Levinson family in the long march towards achieving justice for Bob. This bipartisan bill, named in honor of Floridian Bob Levinson, the longest held American hostage who is believed to have died while detained by the brutal regime in Tehran, strengthens our nation's resources to bring back American hostages,said Senator Rubio. We must ensure that no American family will ever endure what the Levinson family went through. I am proud to have co-led this legislation and I look forward to it becoming law. This bill is a fitting tribute to Bob Livingston, who gave his life for this country, and to his family who did everything humanly possible to try to save his life. Americans wrongfully imprisoned overseas deserve whatever support and assistance our government can give them. This bill, which I am very proud to have taken part in drafting, will help ensure that future victims and their families receive that help,said Senator Leahy. Any time an American citizen is unjustly held against their will, the U.S. government must do everything in its power to bring them home. Too many lives have been taken and too many Americans remain unjustly imprisoned around the globe today, which is why our legislation is so urgently needed,said Senator Shaheen. Our bipartisan effort reaffirms U.S. commitment to secure the freedom of Americans detained abroad and enhances diplomatic authority for the President and administration to force their release. I'm glad Congress is clearing this legislation and delivering it to the President's desk to be signed into law. This bill is a fitting tribute to Robert Levinson, an FBI agent who was detained by the Iranian regime and died in their custody. He will not be forgotten and through this legislation, we will help ensure Americans who are still unjustly held are not forgotten either. Every tool must be at our disposal to bring Americans home. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act is a bipartisan bill to bolster U.S. government resources to bring back Americans held hostage or unlawfully detained abroad. The legislation fortifies existing programs to address hostage-taking and equips the U.S. government with new tools to perform rescues, punish captors, and provide critical information and support to hostages and their families. The bill is named in honor of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who is presumed to have died in Iranian custody this year. Lasting more than twelve years, Levinson's unlawful detention by the Iranian regime is recognized as the longest-held hostage in American history. Bill text is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/carper-meets-with-president-elect-biden-s-nominee-for-defense-secretary,Carper Meets With President-elect Bidens Nominee for Defense Secretary,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C  U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the Navy and the Naval Reserves, released the following statement after meeting with General Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden's intended nominee to lead the Department of Defense.
I had the opportunity to meet with General Lloyd Austin, a highly respected leader, decorated veteran, and an excellent and historic choice to be the next Secretary of Defense. As the former Commander of CENTCOM, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and with more than four decades of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, General Austin has a deep understanding of the organization he will lead, and of the ever-evolving national security threats our nation faces. In particular, his deep understanding of the counterterrorism and security challenges we face in the Middle East will be an asset as we confront a shifting threat landscape in that region. What's more, General Austin's philosophy of strategic patience, combined with his unique understanding of the many tools in our defense arsenal, will serve our nation well as we prepare to confront and deter aggression and unconventional threats posed by near-peer adversaries around the globe. 
Having led our men and women in uniform, General Austin possesses a deep appreciation of the sacrifices our service members and their families make on behalf of our nation. As a proud veteran and a fierce advocate of for our veteran community, I look forward to working with General Lloyd Austin and the incoming Administration to fulfill our nation's most sacred duty: supporting our service members and their families at home and abroad, and ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve once they return home. In particular, I was pleased to speak with General Austin regarding my support for our military and veteran students, and making sure they get the most out of their hard-earned benefits.
During our conversation, General Austin expressed his strong belief that we must rebuild alliances and lead with diplomacy because no one country can confront the many challenges our world faces alone. In roles he has held throughout his career, General Austin has ably represented the United States to other countries around the globe. I am confident that he will continue to advocate for an approach based in diplomacy, statesmanship, and international cooperation, avoiding unnecessary confrontation wherever possible. 
There are individuals who have not worn the uniform for decades who would not have the experience, the acumen or the temperament to succeed in this critical post.My priority is ensuring that we confirm the right person for this job in this moment, and I believe that General Austin is that person. General Austin is a tested leader and a patriot, and President-elect Biden's confidence in his leadership speaks volumes. We are lucky that he is ready and willing to serve his country once again. I believe that with General Austin as our Secretary of Defense, our service members and their civilian leadership at the Pentagon will have an advocate who can provide thoughtful, steady leadership and appropriate consultation with Congress when it comes to addressing the most pressing threats to our national security.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-applauds-new-covid-19-relief-deal,Sen. Coons applauds new COVID-19 relief deal,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded the $900 billion agreement reached by the Senate and House to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to the American people. The agreement includes unemployment aid, rental assistance, direct payments, support for schools, vaccine distribution, and more. It also extends the Paycheck Protection Program and includeslegislation to support small businesses authored by Senator Coons. Congress has finally reached an agreement to provide desperately needed relief to people in Delaware and across the country,Senator Coons said. I am grateful to my colleagues  both Republicans and Democrats  who worked together for weeks to delivercompromise legislation after too many months of inaction.We cannot wait any longer. Families and small businesses in Delaware need this help now. The bipartisan package supports small businesses with a range of grant and loan programs. It includes two proposals first introduced by Senator Coons: $284 billion for asecond round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans-to-grantsprioritized for businesses hit hard by the pandemicand a $3.5 billionextension of the Small Business Debt Relief Program, which has already delivered $8 billion in debt relief, automatically, to more than 320,000 credit-constrained small businesses nationwide and nearly 900 in Delaware. The package also supports Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which are private mission-driven financial lenders that deliver responsible, affordable lending to low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities. Over 300 CDFIs have served as PPP lenders, helping to reach some of the hardest-hit minority-owned small businesses. Small business owners across Delaware and the country have been fighting to preserve jobs in their communities, without badly needed help for too long. Finally, Congress has the opportunity to enact a bipartisan bill with robust additional aid for Main Street. In particular, I applaud the bipartisan negotiators for including a second round of forgivable loans for hard-hit business, and for extending the successful SBA debt relief program,said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. ThePrioritized Paycheck Protection Programwill allow for a second PPP loan to any small business or nonprofit with 300 or fewer employees that experienced substantial revenue decline during one quarter of 2020.The relief package also makes program improvements to PPP, simplifying the forgiveness process and ensuring that no borrower loses any tax deductions as a result of participating in PPP. The extension of theSmall Business Debt Relief Programwillprovide additional payments of principal and interestfor small businesses with an SBA-backed loan. The broader $900 billion bipartisan deal also includes a $300 per week federal Unemployment Insurance supplement to weekly state benefits, $25 billion in rental assistance, $10 billion for child care assistance, $69 billion for direct pandemic response and health care systems, and $166 billion for stimulus checks of up to $600 per individual. A vote is expected in the Senate as early as Monday, December 21. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-covid-relief-im-committedto-not-leave-until-we-get-this-deal-done,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on COVID relief: Im committedto not leave until we get this deal done,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedMSNBC to discuss negotiations on a COVID-19 relief package as Congress nears an agreement. On a pandemic relief deal: We should have had this done months and months ago. Right now the very final text is being resolved and then that will go to congressional offices. It is always the case here that any one senator who has some concern can slow us down. I'm committed  many of us are committed  to not leave until we get this deal done. That could stretch out a few more days, but every signal is that we have finally addressed every last issue and we should finally be delivering this relief. I continue to hear day and night from Delawareans anxious to know whether there's going to be relief for those facing eviction, relief for those relying on the food bank, relief for those who are unemployed, support and help for small businesses. This bill will do that, but it's not everything we need to do. We will need to come back and do another relief bill early next year. On Trump's absence from COVID relief negotiations:I keep asking myself everyday: What is President Trump doing today? Is he helping by being a good role model  getting vaccinated and wearing a mask? No. Is he helping respond to this broadscale attack by Russia on all of our major government and military online databases and resources? No. In fact he's suggesting it was China, not Russia. Is he helping with delivering this pandemic relief package? No. He's frankly tweeting conspiracy theories that are baseless about an election he lost six weeks ago. I've always thought that President Trump was mostly a pretend president. Now he's not even pretending. Full audio and video availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delaware-delegation-underscores-confidence-by-taking-covid-19-vaccine,Delaware delegation underscores confidence by taking COVID-19 vaccine,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.)underscored their confidence in the remarkable work of scientists and public servants across the United States and around the world by taking the first of two doses ofaCOVID-19 vaccine. In avideo released by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware congressional delegation says,It's great news that we have multiple vaccines that aresafe, effective, and critical to beating this pandemic. We are so grateful to the scientists and researchers around the globe who have made this day possible. And to all the health care heroes who have put their own lives at risk to care for others."" To reach the other side of this pandemic, we're going to need everyone to learn the facts about the vaccine and get vaccinated too. It's about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone in our state. But don't forget, even as vaccines begin to be distributed, we can't let our guard down. Keep washing your hands, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and limiting interactions with others. If we all do, we'll all get to the other side safely together"" DPH is regularly updating their website with information about the COVID-19 vaccine athttps://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/. The representatives received the vaccination at the recommendation of the Capitol physician as part of continuity of government protocol. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/consumers,Sen. Coons introduces legislation to ensure consumers are treated fairly by algorithms,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would ensure American consumers are not being unfairly discriminated against by black box algorithms. As companies are increasingly using complex algorithms to make decisions about opportunities for education, employment, housing, health care, and more, the Algorithmic Fairness Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prevent companies from acting on algorithmiceligibility determinations that are deemed unfair because they are biased or use incorrect data. Artificial intelligence brings real benefits to society and opens exciting possibilities. However, it also comes with risks,saidSenator Coons.Companies are increasingly using algorithms to make decisions about who gets a job or a promotion, who gets into a certain school, or who gets a loan. If these decisions are being made by artificial intelligence that is using unfair, biased, or incorrect data, it has an outsized impact on people's lives. Existing civil rights laws may not be capturing these harms, and it is critical that Congress establish a framework to ensure that the United States' transition into the digital economy is rooted in ethics and our values. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and other stakeholders going forward to tackle this complex and pressing problem. The Algorithmic Fairness Act would: Require the FTC to conduct a study about the ways companies are developing and implementing algorithmic eligibility determinationsDirect the FTC to use its Section 5 authority to prevent companies from acting on algorithmic eligibility determinations that are deemed unfair under the FTC's unfairness standardRequire companies to create an audit trail for each algorithmic eligibility determination it makes about a consumer, preserving records about the data and methodology used to make the determination, how the algorithm was created and trained, and the ultimate decision renderedRequire companies to notify consumers when they have been the subject of an algorithmic eligibility determination and provide the consumer with the information the company used to make such a determination and an opportunity to correct the data that the company usedEstablish research funding and a leadership program rewarding fair, accountable, and transparent examples of data analytics Bill text is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/readout-of-sen-coons-meeting-with-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-nominee-for-us-ambassador-to-the-united-nations,"Readout of Sen. Coons meeting with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeeand the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department and foreign aid, released the following statement after meeting virtually with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President-elect Biden's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I just completed a productive conversation with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President-elect Biden's nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, in which we discussed pressing geopolitical and humanitarian challenges facing the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. In her 35 years of diplomatic experience and public service, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has tackled complex issues from finding ways to care for refugees and migrants to stopping the Ebola crisis in West Africa in 2014. Throughout these challenges, she has earned the respect of leaders and diplomats around the world, and I am confident that she will continue to represent the very best of America as our top official at the United Nations. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's nomination hearing andsupporting her swift confirmation in the Senate. Fromreestablishing U.S. leadership at the United Nations to putting our values back at the center of U.S. foreign policy, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will have important work to do, and I plan to do everything I can to support her efforts in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/readout-of-sen-coons-meeting-with-tony-blinken-nominee-for-secretary-of-state,"Readout of Sen. Coons meeting with Tony Blinken, nominee for Secretary of State",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeeand the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department and foreign aid, released the following statement after meeting virtually with Tony Blinken, President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of State. I just finished a productive conversation with Tony Blinken,President-elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of State, about the difficult challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the United States and the Biden Administration. I have known and worked with Tony for more than a decade, and I am confident that he will be a successful, effective diplomatforour country. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to Tony's confirmation hearings, and I plan to advocate for his quick confirmation with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues. Fromrebuilding confidence in American leadershiptorestoring our alliances around the world, Tony and the State Department have critical work to do, and I plan to do everything I can to support those efforts in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-whitehouse-sullivan-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-combat-ocean-plastic-pollution-and-marine-litter,"Sens. Coons, Graham, Whitehouse, Sullivan introduce bipartisan legislation to combat ocean plastic pollution and marine litter",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced legislation that would bring the international community together to address the increasing amount of plastic and trash polluting our oceans and marine environments. The Unify Nations in Trash Elimination (UNITE) for our Oceans Act would direct the U.S. government to work with international partners to finance promising projects that promote the sustainable management of materials and reduce the amount of plastic and other waste polluting the world's oceans. Each year, billions of pounds of trash  much of it plastic  makes its way into our oceans. This incredible amount of harmful material is having devastating effects not only on marine animals and ecosystems, but also on human health and economies around the world,said Senator Coons. We cannot address this problem alone. I am proud to lead this bill with my colleague, Senator Graham, to ensure the United States collaborates with the international community to address this critical issue. This is a major step forward for the United States. We're going to lead the way with a global fund to aggressively deal with plastics in our oceans,said Senator Graham.This new initiative is an effort by America to put our money where our mouth is and will be used to leverage other nations to contribute so we have an all-hands-on-deck approach to dealing with the overwhelming problem presented by plastics in the ocean. If we don't find answers fast, we'll have more tons of plastic waste in our oceans than living fish by the middle of the century. Solving that problem requires work with other nations on new international solutions,said Senator Whitehouse. I'm excited that Senators Graham and Coons, and my ocean plastics partner Senator Sullivan, have joined together to introduce this bipartisan bill to combat a massive challenge facing our oceans. The UNITE for our Oceans Act is set to build on the groundswell of bipartisan progress we've seen in Congress on tackling the global marine debris crisis,said SenatorSullivan. Complementing the important initiatives of my Save Our Seas Act and the recently-passed SOS 2.0, our legislation will establish a Marine Debris Trust Fund, increase the grants available around the world to prevent debris from entering the ocean, and encourage the reuse and recycling of plastics and the use of sustainable alternatives. I thank Senators Coons, Graham, and Whitehouse for their partnership on this global environmental challenge that not only tremendously impacts Alaska's economy and environment, but the world's. This bill demonstrates a clear bipartisan commitment to invest in a more sustainable future by tackling the plastics problem at the global level. WWF commends Senators Coons and Graham for prioritizing investments in global solutions to a global problem. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to make these and related concepts reality,said Roberta Elias,Director of Policy for the World Wildlife Fund. Marine debris is a global issue that needs an international response. The Senate and House Oceans Caucus have prioritized this issue, resulting in a number of important legislative outcomes. Senator Graham's and Senator Coons' UNITE for our Oceans Act of 2020 is a giant step forward that displays the desperately needed U.S. leadership on this issue and will provide a mechanism to leverage other countries' contributions for a truly unified approach to achieving a solution,said David Barron, Chairman of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation Group's Board of Directors. We congratulate Senators Coons and Graham for their leadership in proposing this ambitious legislation and continuing a tradition of bipartisan support on the issue. Beyond authorizing a substantial investment, the bill importantly recognizes that incineration is not a sustainable solution while also providing flexibility to direct resources at the local level where they are needed most. While we have a lot to do at home  from prioritizing the reduction or phasing out of single-use unnecessary plastics to improving our own recycling rates  this bill would provide much-needed assistance to the international community to prevent and reduce marine plastic pollution, and help keep our global ocean healthy,said Chever Voltmer, Plastics Initiative Director at the Ocean Conservancy. The Unify Nations in Trash Elimination (UNITE) for our Oceans Act would: Direct the Secretary of State to work with U.S. federal agencies, individual countries, and internationalorganizations to establish a Trust Fund for MarineDebris and Plastic Pollution' (Trust Fund). The goal of the Trust Fund is to prevent and reduce marinedebris and plastic pollution andfacilitate the sustainable production and consumption of resources. The Trust Fund would be managedby a Board of Trustees, comprised of representatives of the countries that contribute.Specify that the Trust Fund will award grants to national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and other entities to complete projects that would reduce marinedebrisand plastic pollution. These projects include efforts to reduce the amount of trashand plastics entering marine environments, encourage the use of sustainable materials, reduce the use and improper disposal of single-use plastics, and promote reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials that pollute marine environments.Direct the Secretary of State and the Board of Trustees to appoint an Administrator to manage the Trust Fund, implement standards and procedures to monitor the use of funds, and establish criteria to determine how grants will be awarded.Establish an Advisory Board to the Trust Fund to provide guidance in the development and implementation of grant projects and in leveraging contributions to the fund.Require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress outlining the goals of the Trust Fund and the criteria that has been established to determine the programs and activities that it supports.Authorize $150 million to be appropriated for U.S. contributions to the Trust Fund each year for two years. The bill text is availablehere, and a summary of the bill ishere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-inhofe-celebrate-40-years-of-the-us-african-development-foundation,"Sens. Coons, Inhofe celebrate 40 years of the U.S. African Development Foundation",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), an independent U.S. government agency that supports community development in sub-Saharan Africa. The USADF and the people that support their work are dedicated, results-oriented champions of the U.S.-Africa relationship. As the only U.S. government agency focusing 100% on the continent  and largely with Indigenous peoples  USADF's style of community development has contributed to four decades of improved relations and better livelihoods for people across Africa,said Senator Coons.Today, we celebrate 40 years of progress and look toward USADF's continued role in a more peaceful and prosperous continent. I am proud to introduce a resolution today with Senator Coons honoring the United States African Development Foundation's 40th anniversary,Senator Inhofe said.USADF has for years given local entrepreneurs resources and opportunities to develop, grow and scale their businessesimproving their lives. Africa holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to continuing to support the USADF and the U.S.-Africa relationship for years to come. Founded on December 16, 1980, the USADF has invested in a pan-African network of local implementing partners to promote entrepreneurship, food security, and economic development in underserved and hard to reach communities. USADF is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient providers of U.S. foreign assistance by the Center for Global Development. The full text of the resolution is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-condemn-irans-human-rights-record,"Sens. Coons, Tillis condemn Irans human rights record",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the SenateHuman RightsCaucus, issued the following statement. This week, the United States imposed sanctions on Iranian officials for the abduction and probable death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, officially confirming the Iranian government's responsibility for his disappearance. As co-chairs of the SenateHuman RightsCaucus, we are appalled by the Iranian government's continued violations of thehuman rights of foreigners, dual nationals, and its own citizens. In just the past few weeks, the Iranian government sent Iranianhuman rightslawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh back to prison despite her poor health and COVID-19, and executed journalist Ruhollah Zam, who played an important role in supporting anti-regime protests in Iran three years ago. Additionally, Siamak Namazi, an American-Iranian businessman, has been arbitrarily detainedin Iran for over five years, and his father, Baquer, is barred from leaving the country. These names are just a few in a long list of brave individuals who have had their fundamental rights and freedoms repeatedly violated by the Iranian government. In addition to addressing Iran's nuclear program, its ballistic missile tests, and its support for violent militant groups across the Middle East, the United States must be clear in condemning Iran'shuman rightsabuses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-welcomes-decision-to-remove-sudan-from-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list,Sen. Coons welcomes decision to remove Sudan from State Sponsor of Terrorism List,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,released the following statement on the U.S. government's decision to remove Sudan from a list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Sudan's removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list is a welcome and historic step forward in the U.S.-Sudan relationship. In 2019, after 30 years of brutal rule by the dictatorship of Omar al Bashir, the Sudanese people undertook tremendous risk and sacrifice to lead a peaceful revolution and demand a brighter future. Sudan's transitional government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamdok has continued to take steps to earn this delisting, and I am pleased to see the removal of this barrier to Sudan's ability to participate in the international community. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue to strengthen and deepen ties with Sudan to help the country build on the progress of this announcement. We should start with Congress coming together with the executive branch to pass legal peace for Sudan as soon as possible in a manner that respects the rights of all victims of terrorism. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-covid-relief-we-have-to-move-forward-on-this-748-billion-that-we-all-agree-on,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on COVID relief: We have to move forward on this $748 billion that we all agree on,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedCNN New Day to discuss the bipartisan legislationannounced Mondaythat would provide $748 billion in relief to the American people. On state and local aid, Senator Coons said,As someone who was a county-level elected leader for a decade and is close to lots of state and local elected officials around the country who I know from my service at the local level, there are nurses and teachers, paramedics, police officers who are facing layoffs in municipalities, counties and states around the country. Roughly 1.3 million have already been laid off. On COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Coons said,this group of eight bipartisan senators and two House members worked for weeks and crafted a substantial bipartisan framework for a $908 billion in relief for our country. It's only because Mitch McConnell continues to insist on a broad and extreme version of liability relief to protect businesses, no matter how irresponsibly they behave, that we are having to walk away from that 160 [billion dollars for state and local governments]. I continue to believe that if our goal is to allow businesses to reopen safely and for employees and customers to go back to businesses safely, that we can find a compromise, but we have to move forward on this $748 billion that we all agree on. We should not go home without enacting significant relief for the American people who are so much in need right now as we go into the holidays. On the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine, Senator Coons said,I think it's important for our most senior elected officials in this country and for senior community leaders  whether they are athletes or entertainers or business leaders  to strengthen the confidence of the American people in these vaccines. If we do not achieve a very high percentage of vaccination, we won't see the other side of this pandemic, and frankly, John, we need to be also committed to delivering vaccines for the rest of the world because only when the world is vaccinated will this pandemic truly come to an end. Full audio and video are availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close friend of the President-elect. Senator Coons, thanks so much for being with us. We haven't heard Joe Biden, the President-elect, use that language before. He's actually laughed off over the last six weeks some of the attacks that President Trump has made on democracy. So why was it important for the President-elect to use this more direct language last night? Sen. Coons:It's really a moment here for our President-elect to say, look, this transition period of the last couple of weeks where there's been tireless, relentless campaigning and filing of lawsuits to challenge the will of the people, it's been exhausting. You're right. He's mostly laughed it off. He's mostly moved forward and focused on a job that's ahead of him, but last night after the Electoral College confirmed his election by the American people to be our next president, I think it was important he took a moment to just look clear in the eyes of the American people and say, this is a dangerous development. We should not have more than 100 members of the House of Representatives; we should not have this many state attorneys general signing off on a baseless lawsuit to try to overturn the election. We can't just move on without looking at this for a moment. Even Vladimir Putin of Russia has congratulated Joe Biden as our next president and yet there are still colleagues of mine here who refuse to recognize that. We are making progress. There have been some direct conversations between the President-elect and senior Republicans, and I'm optimistic that we can move forward, but I think this was an important moment, John, for Joe Biden to make it clear that this was a dangerous precedent to set. Q: You brought up Vladimir Putin. What does it tell you, that Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged Biden's election victory before Senator Mitch McConnell? Sen. Coons:That's a really striking development, frankly, John. It is a gravely concerning development that the Republican Party remains so enthralled by Donald Trump and President Trump's endless refusal to accept the will of the people that it frankly puts our democracy at risk, both at home and our reputation abroad. Q: Has McConnell talked to Joe Biden yet as far as you know? Sen. Coons:Not that I know of. Q: One more question in terms of the Senate. There are House members who are agitating saying that on January 6th when the votes will be counted on the House floor before both houses of Congress that they will offer official objections to the electoral count. They would need to have a senator sign on to those objections to get a vote in each chamber. What do you think will happen with Republican senators? Do you expect that there will be Republican senators who sign on to those objections? Sen. Coons:Well, there were no Republican senators who signed on to this lawsuit, this attempt that President-elect Biden was referring to, but Senator Ted Cruz offered to argue it in the Supreme Court. So there may be one, there may be two, but frankly this is a desperate last gasp measure. John, our larger challenge here as a nation is a trust deficit. We have a real lack of trust in our political institutions, in science, in this vaccine, the second of which may now be approved that will help get us out of this pandemic. Joe Biden as our next president also sent an important message last night of reaching out, of working across the aisle, and of trying to heal the divisions of this nation. Q: So you have been working with other senators trying to put together some kind of proposal for economic relief, for economic stimulus. There is a bipartisan agreement among this group of senators now, has split the proposal in half a little bit. $748 billion which would provide enhanced unemployment benefit, small business loans, help with vaccine distribution, but it would not provide direct aid to state and local governments. It separates $160 billion. Ned Lamont, governor of Connecticut said he desperately wants that money. How much does it hurt to have to take that money and separate it from the $748 billion? How much of a compromise is that for you? Sen. Coons:Well, John, that's very difficult. As someone who was a county-level elected leader for a decade and is close to lots of state and local elected officials around the country who I know from my service at the local level, there are nurses and teachers, paramedics, police officers who are facing layoffs in municipalities, counties and states around the country. Roughly 1.3 million have already been laid off. The larger point that I'm going to choose to celebrate, though, is that this group of eight bipartisan senators and two House members worked for weeks and crafted a substantial bipartisan framework for a $908 billion in relief for our country. It's only because Mitch McConnell continues to insist on a broad and extreme version of liability relief to protect businesses, no matter how irresponsibly they behave, that we are having to walk away from that 160. I continue to believe that if our goal is to allow businesses to reopen safely and for employees and customers to go back to businesses safely, that we can find a compromise, but we have to move forward on this $748 billion that we all agree on. We should not go home without enacting significant relief for the American people who are so much in need right now as we go into the holidays. Q: Do you have any kind of promise or agreement from Mitch McConnell to even put the $160 billion on the floor for state and local governments? Sen. Coons:No. Q: No. Alright. So we will see what happens there. Senator Coons, we heard from Dr. Anthony Fauci moments ago who says he would like to see the President-elect Joe Biden and the Vice President-elect Kamala Harris receive the coronavirus vaccine now. He wants them to get the first dose now so they can get the second dose before Inauguration day on January 20th. What have you said to the President-elect on this subject? Sen. Coons:Well, look, the President-Elect has followed the advice of public health leaders throughout his campaign. He has been a role model for how to conduct yourself in the middle of a pandemic even during weeks when there was sharp criticism of him for being not as engaged publicly as he otherwise could be. The outcome was clear. The White House tragically suffered from dozens and dozens of infections; the core team of the Biden campaign, none. I think you will see Joe Biden continue to follow the advice of public health experts. He's asked Dr. Fauci to serve as one of the leaders of his COVID transition team. I expect he will follow his advice. Q: Do you want him to get the shot? Sen. Coons:I do. I think it's important for our most senior elected officials in this country and for senior community leaders  whether they are athletes or entertainers or business leaders  to strengthen the confidence of the American people in these vaccines. If we do not achieve a very high percentage of vaccination, we won't see the other side of this pandemic, and frankly, John, we need to be also committed to delivering vaccines for the rest of the world because only when the world is vaccinated will this pandemic truly come to an end. Q: Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, thanks so much for being with us this morning. Happy holidays to you, sir. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-bill,Sen. Coons statement on bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)released the following statement on bipartisan legislation announced today that would provide $748 billion in COVID-19 relief to the American people. I am grateful to the bipartisan group of eight senators who have worked for weeks to deliver a strong, balanced proposal that will provide desperately needed relief to families in Delaware and across the country. I hear from Delawareans every day who are struggling  who have lost their job, their car, their hope, and others who are now at risk of losing their home. The bill announced today will provide help for those facing eviction or foreclosure, support for those who are unemployed, as well as funding for schools, vaccine distribution, and small businesses fighting to stay afloat. With more than 16 million Americans infected and 300,000 dead, we cannot afford to wait any longer to act. This should not be Congress' last COVID relief bill, but it is a strong compromise that deserves support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. We cannot leave for the holidays without getting relief to those Americans who need it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-should-not-leave-for-the-holidays-until-we_give-a-next-round-of-relief,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: We should not leave for the holidays until we  give a next round of relief,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.On Sunday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedChuck Todd on NBC's Meet the Press to discuss the bipartisan framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief package and the immediate need for Congress to work together to pass relief for the American people. There is now, I think, real optimism because a terrific group of eight senators, a bipartisan group along with two members of the House, have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and came forward with a framework, a $908 billion framework, Chuck, for a next round of needed relief,said Senator Coons. We should not leave for the holidays until we have adopted that $908 billion framework to give a next round of relief to the millions of Americans who are facing eviction, hunger, unemployment, disease. It includes funding for vaccine distribution and $300 billion for small businesses to keep them afloat or help them reopen. I'm really optimistic we can get this done this coming week. Senator Coons concluded,we have to address the trust deficit in our country, trust in science and vaccines, trust in each other after this election. The Senate here can lead and show that we can deliver the kind of relief that will restore hope to the American people. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. Senator Coons, welcome back to Meet the Press. I want to start with something that Governor Chris Sununu said to me on Friday on Meet the Press Daily. It was about all of you guys in Congress. Take a listen, sir. Clip, Gov. Sununu: I don't think any of them deserve their jobs, frankly. None of them can stand up and say as a congressman or a senator, I led on the biggest health crisis this country has ever faced. They fell down and let politics get in the way. Shame on them. Q: Senator Coons, can you defend Congress from that criticism? Sen. Coons:Well, Chuck, thanks for a chance to be on again. First, I'm just going to celebrate the combination of two things: that nine months ago, the Senate passed unanimously the CARES Act, which provided about $2.2 trillion in support to the American people and funded much of that great work at NIH and at private firms like Pfizer that is delivering these vaccines to the American people starting this coming week. But I will agree with Governor Sununu that the fact that nine months later we don't have a next round of COVID relief is something I personally am frustrated and embarrassed about. Bluntly, I will put a lot of that responsibility at the feet of the leader of the Senate Republican majority, Mitch McConnell, because over and over as negotiations have tried to move forward over the last nine months, he's had a key red line and sticking point. There is now, I think, real optimism because a terrific group of eight senators, a bipartisan group along with two members of the House, have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and came forward with a framework, a $908 billion framework, Chuck, for a next round of needed relief. We should not leave for the holidays until we have adopted that $908 billion framework to give a next round of relief to the millions of Americans who are facing eviction, hunger, unemployment, disease. It includes funding for vaccine distribution and $300 billion for small businesses to keep them afloat or help them reopen. I'm really optimistic we can get this done this coming week, and if we don't, we deserve Governor Sununu's criticism. Q: So does this deal already have a majority support in the U.S. Senate? Is the problem that it doesn't have a majority support among Senate Republicans? Is that why Senator McConnell won't bring it to the floor Sen. Coons:That's my strong impression, but I do want to say there are Republicans working hard on coming together around this bipartisan framework. It has been a difficult negotiation and there are folks who have dedicated weeks and weeks to this effort. Even earlier this morning, I was exchanging ideas and terms with some of the Democrats about exactly how we close the last remaining gaps. Frankly, Chuck, I'm hopeful that all of us in the Senate will look back on what we accomplished nine months ago with the unanimous passage of the CARES Act, look at the need and the suffering in our states, and look forward. We are at the beginning of the end of this pandemic with nearly 300,000 Americans dead. That's a lot of empty chairs at tables at holiday time, and there's 16 million Americans infected. 850,000 filed for unemployment this past week for the first time. We have to address the trust deficit in our country, trust in science and vaccines, trust in each other after this election. The Senate here can lead and show that we can deliver the kind of relief that will restore hope to the American people. Q: I want to move quickly to the transition. One of the jobs not yet filled is attorney general. I'm curious what you think is what is the best way to ensure that the Hunter Biden investigation at the Justice Department is protected from the appearance of political interference? Do you think it needs to be a special counsel? Sen. Coons:Well, Chuck, first, you know, so many of us have just gotten used to in the era of Trump that being a normal question. Joe Biden will not run the White House as a family business as President Trump has, and he will not interfere in decisions made by senior leadership at the Department of Justice. He won't view the attorney general as his personal attorney, as President Trump clearly has viewed Attorney General Barr, so I'm confident that whoever is nominated to be the attorney general will restore the rule of law and will follow the appropriate process once they're in place. Q: I understand wanting to take your word for that but the public is pretty skeptical now, and it may not be President-elect Biden's fault, but do you think there needs to be some protection? Is it a special counsel? Is it keeping the Delaware U.S. Attorney on and letting him  making it clear publicly that he is not going to be interfered with? Sen. Coons:Either of those options may well work, Chuck, but frankly, this is news to all of us within the last week. I think we should trust that an attorney general nominated by Joe Biden will restore the rule of law to how the Department of Justice works and will be an attorney general following the Constitution for the American people, not a personal attorney for the president. Q: Senator Chris Coons, Democrat from Delaware, thanks for coming on and sharing your perspective with us, sir. I appreciate it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/carper-coons-blunt-rochester-secure-major-wins-for-delaware-in-ndaa,"Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester secure major wins for Delaware in NDAA",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) applauded the passage of the FiscalYear 2021NationalDefense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which each of them voted to support. The bill includes a3% pay raise for troops, improvements to veterans' access to care, new programs forHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), andmore. I'm proud that Congress has come together to pass the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which will ensure the men and women in our Armed Forces have the necessary resources to keep our country and our citizens safe,said Senator Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy and Naval Reserves.By working together across party lines, this year's NDAA will increase pay for our troops, invest in improving base housing for military families, and create better access to health care for our Vietnam veterans. I'm especially proud that during these hard times, we also delivered for Delawareans by securing resources for ROTC students in HBCUs like Delaware State University, support for Delaware jobs, and critical investments to modernize Delaware Air National Guard's fleet of C-130 aircraft. This bill will improve our military readiness by upholding our promise to support our nation's veterans, service members and their families. For 60 years, Congress has passed an annual defense bill to ensure the readiness of our troops and the defense of our country. I'm proud that we also secured meaningful wins in the bill for all Delawareans,said Senator Coons.The FY21 NDAA includes support for ROTC students at HBCUs like Delaware State University,better care for our veterans, support for Delaware jobs, and more. It has been a year of unprecedented challenges, and this bill helps Delawareans and Americansto meet themat home and abroad. One of the most serious and consequential obligations of our Congressional Delegation is working together to secure key provisions in the annual National Defense Authorization Act,said Representative Blunt Rochester. This year, working with Senators Carper and Coons, I'm proud to say that we have managed to secure vital care for our veterans, increase pay for our men and women in uniform, and create new opportunities for students at our incredible HBCUs like Delaware State University. I look forward to continuing to work together to advance our national security interests and Delaware's interests. The annual defense bill passed today includes: Increasing pay for troops:TheNDAA supports a 3% pay raise for our military, a 10% increase to hazardous duty pay, and over two dozen types of bonuses and special pay for troops.  Ensuring access to care for Vietnam veterans: The NDAAprovidesa presumption of service-connection for bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism in veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Based on theFair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act,which Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester cosponsored, the larger piece of legislationwill ensure that more Vietnam veterans access care without burdensomedelays.  Delaware jobs: The NDAA provides an additional $165 million to the CH-47 Chinook helicopter program for five CH-47F Block-II aircraft and advance procurement for future aircraft.This heavy-lift aircraft is critical to the Army and national security. The bill also authorizes additional support for four more V-22 Osprey aircraft. The funds are a win for the hundreds of Delaware Boeing employees at Ridley Park.  Remediation forharmful chemicals known as PFAS: The NDAA builds on provisions in last year's defense bill to increase funds for ongoing studies related to PFAS contamination in drinking water, a problem that has affected the Dover community.It also requires a survey on and research into firefighting technologies to phase out the use of foams containing PFAS and an interagency working group to coordinate research and other activities related to PFAS.  Two new programs for HBCUs like Delaware State University: The NDAA includes provisions from theFLIGHT Act, bipartisan legislation led by Coons and Blunt Rochesterand supported by Carper,to provide new resources for Reserve Officers' Training Corps students at HBCUs like Delaware State University. The bill will help improve diversity in our military ranks and ourpilot workforce.  Improving base housing for military families: The NDAA authorizes an additional $60 million for oversight and improvement of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) program and to continue addressing environmental and maintenance issues in government-owned family housing. This year's bill also updates minimum health and safety standards for all military base housing, requires transparency for private housing company contract performance fees, and requires a report on the status of other military housing reforms.  Modernizing Delaware Air National Guard's fleet of C-130 aircraft: The NDAA rejects the Trump Administration's request for cuts to the Air National Guard's C-130 airlift capacity. Thanks to the work of the Delaware congressional delegation and Governor John Carney, the NDAA provides funding to maintain and upgrade airlift capacity, including $55 million to support propulsion and propeller upgrades for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve C-130H airlift aircraft, $79 million for C-130 engine upgrades, and funding for seven additional C-130J aircraft. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-sustainable-chemistry-to-become-law,Senator Coons bipartisan bill to promote sustainable chemistry to become law,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today includes the bipartisanSustainableChemistry Research and Development Actof 2019, ledbyU.S. SenatorChris Coons (D-Del.)and cosponsored by SenatorsSusan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.). The bill will support American manufacturing and American jobs while also protecting human health and the environment by helping to realize the full innovation and market potential of sustainablechemistry technologies. The bill now heads to the president's desk and is expected to become law this week. Thechemical sector is an integral part of Delaware's economy, andI am proud thatthislegislation will support greenchemistryinnovation,create new companies and jobs, andpromote sustainable use of resources,said Senator Coons. By creating a cohesivenationalvision for sustainablechemistry researchanddevelopment, improving training ofchemists and other professionals,and building new partnerships with the private sector,this billis an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of ourchemical enterprise for years to come. Having worked closely with industry and academia to further sustainable technology innovation, DESCA is excited to see the passing of the SustainableChemistry R&D Act to coordinate the efforts of government in concert with these sectors for a cohesive strategy to drive innovation, build and strengthen talent, and ultimately drive economic growth. Critically, coordinating efforts in education and training as well as technology development, removing barriers to technology commercialization, and eliminating duplicative funding and research efforts will be among the key drivers of the success of this initiative,said Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, Delaware SustainableChemistry Alliance. By advancing sustainablechemistry research, education, training and commercialization, this legislation will provide critical benefits for people and the environment in the U.S. and globally,said Professor LaShanda Korley, director of the University of Delaware's new Center for Plastics Innovation. The center is working on catalytic and functionalization approaches to transform plastics into fuels and other valuable products. The passage of the SustainableChemistry R&D Act opens the door to accelerated US innovation that can deliver the safer, more sustainablechemicals and materials the global market is demanding for products in virtually every sector. Representing more than 125 companies across the entire value chain working to deliver products with more sustainablechemical ingredients, the GC3 has supported this bill for more than a decade. The SustainableChemistry R&D Act is smart policy that can catalyze faster progress with focused, coordinated federal action. The end result is accelerated research and innovation, expanded manufacturing capacity, enhanced market opportunities, and high-value jobs in better, more sustainable products,said Michele Jalbert, Chief Operating Officer, GC3. ACS applauds the passage of the SustainableChemistry Research and Development act as part of the NDAA. This legislation, representing over a decade of work, will increase innovation, coordination and investment in green and sustainablechemistry. We appreciate the strong leadership of Senators Coons and Collins, as well as Representatives Moolenaar and Lipinski, to boost science and ensure a sustainable future,said Glenn Ruskin, Vice President, External Affairs and Communication, AmericanChemical Society. The AmericanChemistry Council and our members congratulate Sen. Coons, along with Sens. Susan Collins, Shelley Moore Capito and Amy Klobuchar, on final passage of the SustainableChemistry Research and Development Act. Sustainablechemistry research and development is the instrument that will make solutions to global challenges possible. Through R&D investments and innovations, thechemical industry is developing the products and technologies that help save energy, enable renewable energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, advances in research and development also will help enable our member companies to continue to produce more sustainablechemistries with enhanced risk profiles, improve product quality while using less materials, divert materials traditionally considered waste into new and innovative uses, and design packaging and products that can be more easily recycled and reused,said the AmericanChemistry Council. Many years in the making, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act provides a model for how we can address a transition to safer chemicals as we grow business and job opportunities. The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and the over 250,000 businesses and investors we represent, applaud the leadership of Senator Coons, for having the vision and willingness to work across party lines for the benefit our health, economy and our country,said David Levine, ASBC President and co-Founder. TheSustainableChemistry Research and Development Act of 2019is endorsed by the GC3 SustainableChemistry Alliance, the AmericanChemical Society, Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC), the AmericanChemistry Council, the American Sustainable Business Council, 3M, Ashland, BASF,Beautycounter, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO),Chemours, Delaware SustainableChemistry Alliance, The DowChemical Company, DuPont, Environmental Working Group, The LEGO Group,NohboLLC, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Delaware. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-blunt-and-reps-fitzpatrick-castro-celebrate-passage-of-global-child-thrive-act,"Sens. Coons, Blunt & Reps. Fitzpatrick, Castro celebrate passage of Global Child Thrive Act",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), celebrated the passage of the Global Child Thrive Act, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan legislation strengthens the implementation of policies that advance early childhood development internationally, which includes learning and physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development for children younger than eight years old. With nearly 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries suffering from poor development due to poverty and stunting alone, it's critical that that we do everything possible to support children in meeting their developmental milestones,said Senator Coons.I'm pleased that the Senate passed the bipartisan Global Child Thrive Act, which I have been proud to champion with Senator Blunt. Together, we understand the value of investing in the reduction of preventable child deaths worldwide and ensuring the healthy development of future generations. Children who experience poverty and hunger in their earliest years face developmental challenges that could shape their entire lives,said Senator Blunt.This bill would strengthen our country's childhood development policies across the world, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children. I've been proud to work with Senator Coons and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Castro on this bill, and I appreciate our colleagues' support on this critical issue. I am thrilled to see our bipartisan and bicameral Global Child Thrive Act in this year's NDAA. One of my greatest concerns has always been the welfare of children, not just children in the United States but children across the globe,said Congressman Fitzpatrick.I would like to thank Rep. Castro, Sen. Coons, and Sen. Blunt for their partnership on getting our legislation over the finish line. It is of the utmost importance that we help other countries help their children. As we all know, focusing on children is focusing on our future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children are more vulnerable than ever before. This bipartisan legislation is a robust measure to elevate, educate, and empower vulnerable children around the world,said Congressman Castro.I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who co-wrote this important legislation, and thank Senators Roy Blunt of Missouri and Chris Coons of Delaware for partnering with the House on this bill. ""It was an honor to work with Senators Blunt and Coons and their staff on the Global Child Thrive Act. Thank you Senator Blunt for your life-long dedication to the well-being of children and Senator Coons for your passion for Africa, especially for its children. We at CRS are grateful to you both for your bipartisan leadership, which will ensure hundreds of thousands of the world's most vulnerable children reach their God-given potential-- an outcome that benefits us all,""said Bill O'Keefe, EVP of Mission Mobilization and Advocacy at Catholic Relief Services. The Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005 created the U.S. Government Special Advisor on for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, who is tasked with coordinating all U.S. assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children among U.S. departments and agencies, among other responsibilities. The Global Child Thrive Act builds upon that foundation by strengthening the implementation of policies that advance early childhood development internationally. The bill expands the number of agencies over which the Special Advisor has explicit authority to coordinate early childhood development policies. It also directs the U.S. Agency for International Development to engage relevant executive agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programming over the next five years. To incorporate early childhood development into current programming, the agencies would: build on the evidence and priorities outlined in Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity: A U.S. Government Strategy for International Assistance 2019-2023';identify evidence-based strategic priorities, indicators, outcomes, and targets to support inclusive early childhood development;support the design, implementation, and evaluation of pilot projects in partner countries, with the goal of taking them to scale;support bureaus, working groups, and task forces implementing relevant sector strategies and public laws; andfocus on improving coordination with foreign governments and international and regional organizations with respect to official country policies and plans for early childhood development. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-rubio-praise-passage-of-their-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-us-israel-strategic-alliance,"Sens. Coons, Rubio praise passage of their bipartisan bill to strengthen US-Israel strategic alliance",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and MarcoRubio(R-Fla.) applauded the passage of their bipartisanUnited States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act(S.3176), which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan bill will strengthen the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance by authorizing $3.3 billion in annual security assistance consistent with the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding and ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and address both conventional and emerging threats. A strong U.S.-Israel relationship remains a bipartisan priority. The $3.3 billion in annual security assistance codified today was agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding negotiated and signed by President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2016,Senator Coons said.Tensions in the region continue to threaten Israeli security, and I'm proud that Congress is deepening the strategic U.S.-Israel alliance and bilateral non-security cooperation in the face of these challenges. The inclusion of this important and bipartisan bill in this year's NDAA reaffirms our nation's unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East: the Jewish State of Israel,Senator Rubio said.As Israel faces unprecedented threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other malign actors, we must continue to advance initiatives that protect and support our mutual security interests. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-scott-bill-to-strengthen-partnerships-between-hbcus-like-dsu-and-federal-agencies-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-become-law,"Sens. Coons, Scott bill to strengthen partnerships between HBCUs like DSU and federal agencies heads to presidents desk to become law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the Senate passed the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). The bill, previously passed in the House of Representatives, is now headed to the President's desk for signature.If signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country's more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the president's 2017 executive order on HBCUs and provides pathways for Congressional oversight and public engagement. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation in those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised. HBCUs like Delaware State University play a critical role in helping to ensure that every American has access to higher education, and I'm so proud that our bipartisan bill to support the missions of HBCUs is one step closer to becoming law, said Senator Coons. We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and HBCUs are an important part of that work,said Senator Coons. OurHBCUs have unlocked opportunities for generations of students, especially in underserved communities, and I am excited that this bipartisan bill is making its way to thePresident's desk,said Senator Scott. TheHBCU PARTNERSAct is a great step forward for these schools and their students.Ilook forward tothis criticallegislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies. ""Once again, Delaware's Congressional Delegationhasshown unparalleled commitment in working for the passage of the HBCU Partners Act,""said Delaware State University President Tony Allen.""This time, Senator Coons, in particular, made the fundamental case, 'excellence requires access.' The PARTNERS Act opens the door to a new level of access toresearchand funding opportunities. We expect it will be a significant catalyst toward propelling the first HBCU into research one status in history. This is a momentwhose time has come, and Senator Coons led the wayagain."" The HBCU PARTNERS Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Chris Van Hollen (DMd.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (D-Ver.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (N.C.-12) and Mark Walker (N.C.-06). Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are agents of access and equity in this country,said CongresswomanAdams. TheHBCU PARTNERS Actrecognizes these contributions in the most important way possible: by affording these institutions the ongoing support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work. This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate, on an annual basis, their efforts to strategically engage with and invest in HBCUs. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed.Advancing the mission of HBCUs and the success of the communities they serve must be on the minds of our country's leaders, and more importantly, it must be part of their agendas. Thank you to my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their support, as well as all of the organizations that are tireless advocates for HBCUs, in getting this bill passed. Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America's HBCUs is essential for Congress' shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina's HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw  proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support,CongressmanWalker said.With this bipartisan legislation passed through Congress and on its way to the president's desk, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation's commitment to these vital educational institutions. Full text of the bill is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-reps-brown-blunt-rochester-murphy-celebrate-passage-of-bill-to-train-pilots-support-rotc-students-at-hbcus,"Sens. Coons, Tillis, Reps. Brown, Blunt Rochester, Murphy celebrate passage of bill to train pilots, support ROTC students at HBCUs",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today includesThe Fostering Leadership and Inclusion by Growing HBCU Training (FLIGHT) Act of 2020, legislation led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and U.S. Representatives Anthony Brown (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.).The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.).The FLIGHT Act will provide new resources for Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority institutions, with special emphasis on support for flight training. The bill now heads to the president's desk for signature. I am proud that the NDAA includes the bipartisan FLIGHT Act, which will help ensure our leaders and role models in Delaware and across the country reflect the diversity of America itself,said Senator Chris Coons. Our service members come from all walks of life, but people of color remain underrepresented at the military's highest levels. Our current officers in uniform will become our policy experts, our CEOs, and often our political leaders, and the FLIGHT Act is just one of many steps we must take to ensure that those who lead our country also fully represent it. A diverse military makes this country stronger. Through new partnerships with military installations and actively encouraging participation in ROTC and flight training, we'll tap into the exceptional talent at HBCUs and minority institutions,said House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Anthony Brown.Minority groups are severely underrepresented in our officer corps, and even more so among military pilots and other critical units. The FLIGHT Act is an important step forward for diversity and inclusion in our armed services and I look forward to seeing the next generation of pilots earn their wings. I am thrilled that today's passage of the NDAA includes the FLIGHT Act. I've long talked about the need to ensure that America's promise and opportunity is available to all of its citizens, and with the passage of the FLIGHT Act, we've taken an important step in that direction,said Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester.This legislation not only provides students at our nation's HBCUs like Delaware State with a unique opportunity to learn and grow, but also provides our nation's military with access to new and exciting talent that can help advance our national interests and enhance our security. I'm grateful to all of our partners in this effort, including my dear friends, Senator Coons & Representative Anthony Brown, and look forward to seeing the new heights our students can reach because of the FLIGHT Act. This is an outstanding opportunity to boost diversity in our military,saidSenator Thom Tillis.This legislation will allow HBCUs, like Elizabeth City State University, to invest additional resources for ROTCprograms andincrease training opportunities for students. I'm proud to work across the aisle to support this bipartisan legislation that will provide more access to pilot training and help advance the promising military careers of young men and women who are serving our nation. The FLIGHT Act's inclusion in the FY2021 NDAA is a major victory. Lowering barriers to entry into aviation for minority students is a win-win for our state and our nation. I'm especially excited about the implications for Elizabeth City State University in my district. ECSU is the only 4-year institution in North Carolina to offer a flight program and one of the few HBCUs in the country to do so. They do a tremendous job in their mission to help more minority students achieve their dreams of becoming pilots. I am very pleased this year's NDAA will aid them in that mission,said Representative Greg Murphy. America's military is more resilient now because of the recent commitments we've made to improve readiness, while diversifying our ranks,said Senator Tim Scott.HBCUs are filled with strong leaders ready to serve our nation in uniform and build upon the strength of our diverse armed services. Like many others who've had the privilege of leading men and women in our armed forces, I know our people are our military's greatest assets and diversity is a source of enduring strength. That's why I'm proud to see the FLIGHT Act included in this year's NDAA. With the FLIGHT ACT, we are breaking down barriers and building a diverse leadership corps by investing in the training of ROTC students at Delaware State University and other HBCUs across the country,said Senator Tom Carper.As a ROTC student who went on to proudly serve as a naval flight officer, I know the skills these students will learn as part of their aviation and ROTC training will not only contribute to our national security, they will also be an invaluable foundation for success in their military and civilian careers as well. I thank Senator Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester for their work on this bill and I look forward to making sure that students who are eager to take flight and serve their nation will reap the benefits. People of color are underrepresented in American military leadershipparticularly at higher ranks and in high-investment, training-intensive specialties like aviation. As a whole, the Air Force is almost 20% African-American. But that diversity is deceptive: only 1.7% of Air Force pilots (and less than 3% of civilian pilots) are Black. Similar asymmetries affect other branches of the Armed Forces. Aspiring military aviators can significantly improve their career prospects with undergraduate pilot training, but ROTC scholarships do not cover flight training costs. This makes it more difficult for low-income students to become pilots. The FLIGHT Act establishes two pilot programs, with the goals of: Lowering the barriers to ROTC participation for students at HBCUs and minority institutions. Many ROTC students at HBCUs must commute to host institutions for classesoften over long distances. This bill would provide funding and resources to mitigate that inconvenience, in part by encouraging partnerships between the institutions and nearby military bases.Supplementing flight training costs for ROTC members enrolled at HBCUs. While these funds can be used at commercial flight schools, priority is given to students who would also receive their flight training at HBCUs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-and-tillis-reps-lowenthal-and-pocan-introduce-resolution-honoring-human-rights-day,"Sens. Coons and Tillis, Reps. Lowenthal and Pocan introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Representatives Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) today introduced resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 72ndanniversary of the United Nations' ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and 47 Representatives also joined the resolutions. As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I am proud to introduce this resolution on the occasion of Human Rights Day,said Senator Coons.Inthe face of growing illiberalism and authoritarianism around the world, let us celebrate the brave individuals striving for fundamental rights and freedoms, and fight for those who suffer from violence and oppression. Looking to the future, we must rededicate ourselves to the principles outlined in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights 72 years ago. It's an honor to co-chair the Senate Human Rights Caucus with my good friend Sen. Coons,said Senator Tillis.The mission of the Caucus is to defend and promote internationally recognized human rights norms around the world and contribute to global leadership in advocating for and protecting human rights. At the end of this difficult year, it is important that we take time to recognize these universal values as well as the courageous individuals who have dedicated their lives to upholding them by honoring the 72ndanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seventy-two years ago, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted, acknowledging every person is of equal worth and deserves equal dignity,""said Senator Lankford.The United States should continue to stand for fundamental human rights the right to life, the right to freely speak and access information, and the right to freely practice your faith, change your faith or have no faith at all. I'm proud to reaffirm that commitment today. ""Since I joined Congress in 2013, I have joined with my colleagues in introducing this resolution each December to remind us of the basic rights and freedoms we as Americans enjoy, but that are denied to so many people around the world,said Congressman Lowenthal. Our nation was founded on the basic principles of life, freedom, and humanity that are enshrined in the UDHR, and we must remain a beacon of freedom and hope throughout the world. It is our duty and responsibility to continue to advocate and fight for the universal protection of human rights."" Now more than ever, it is imperative that we affirm global human rights and the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights,said Congressman Pocan. As authoritarianism creeps into democracies across the globe, we must keep fighting to ensure freedom, equality and basic human rights for all people. I am proud to introduce this resolution honoring Human Rights Day and the 72ndanniversary of the United Nations' ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ""As a Jewish organization working for Palestinian rights, we deeply understand that every person - with no exceptions - must live in freedom, equality, and with full human rights. This is at the core of ensuring justice and liberation for us all. JVP Action is proud to endorse this resolution to recommit to supporting human rights across the world,said Stefanie Fox, Executive Director Jewish Voice for Peace Action. Championed by former UNA-USA board chairwoman Eleanor Roosevelt, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law and has helped countless people achieve greater freedom and dignity across the globe. We sincerely thank Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Sen. Chris Coons, and Sen. Thom Tillis for helping commemorate the UDHR's 72ndanniversary and honoring the core American values that underpin this historic document,said Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director, UNA-USA. Human rights are universal and indivisible. At AJWS, we have repeatedly spoken out against assaults on human rights around the world because we believe in the Jewish value of the inherent dignity of every individual, which is completely aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We look forward to working with champions in Congress to rebuild and reinvigorate U.S. foreign policy with universal human rights at its core,said the American Jewish World Service. The international community must always rememberthathuman rights are a fundamental part of our mutual humanity and it's up toeach and every one of us to fight for them to be respected, protected, and fulfilled for all.Generations of people growing up in this country, many from different cultures and backgrounds from around the world, will now affirmand perhaps even take for grantedthe values of interdependence, inclusion, non-discrimination, and accountability -- which generations before them came togethertodeclare. We must never forget the pain and tragedy from which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights first arose, nor how powerfully the document has guided us like a candle in the dark through many difficult moments, filling us with hope, community, and compassion in the face of cruelty, oppression, and injustice. The human experience knows no political affiliation nor no nationality - we are all part of the human family and we must cherish each other's rights,saidJoanne Lin, Amnesty International USA's National Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs. The resolution is endorsed byAmerican Jewish World Service, Amnesty International USA, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), and Freedom House. The text of the resolution is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-sen-coons-breaks-down-stimulus-negotiations-on-wdel,[AUDIO] Sen. Coons breaks down stimulus negotiations on WDEL,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedPeter MacArthur on WDEL to discussbipartisan COVID reliefnegotiations and what theycould mean for Delawareans. Senator Coons said,I'm in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It's $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccine. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment on getting us through the next couple of months. What matters to me is the calls I get from Delawareans every single day  folks who were calling in, crying on the phone, saying I've lost my job,' I've lost my car,' I may lose my apartment or my house,' how do I care for my kids?' I don't see how we go home for the holidays particularly as the virus is getting  we are at theworst point of this pandemic, more than 40,000 Delawareans infected, more than 800 who passed away,Senator Coons said. Full audio is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Let's check in with U.S. Senator Chris Coons to talk about where things stand now, Senator, and where you see them going from here. Sen. Coons:Good morning, Peter. It's great to be with you. I'm in Washington this week, and we are trying hard to negotiate a bipartisan compromise package. It's $908 billion and it would provide support and relief for small businesses, restaurants that have closed or are suffering real revenue loss. It would provide more money for the distribution of the vaccines. It would provide support for schools and for childcare, support for state and local governments, and another round of $300 a week unemployment checks that would last 13 weeks, so I support this framework. I think it is a badly needed down payment on getting us through the next couple of months. But these negotiations are hard. There are some points on which my Republican colleagues are not so far agreeing to bend. Q: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is not so much in favor of the money you're talking about for local and state governments. What seems to be the hold up there? Sen. Coons:Well, I was texting back and forth with Governor Carney last night. Many in the Republican majority are concerned that state governments have already received money, and they don't see the additional need. I hear from both our governor and from other state leaders, and from senators who are former governors themselves, that there are many states that have had COVID expenses that have exceeded what they've received federally, and where they may have made it through this year, but the revenue losses they're seeing as a state really makes them worried about next year  about their ability to continue to employ teachers and paramedics and public health officials. So it's a disagreement over whether or not states need another round of relief. Q: Clarify for me the $300 that you mentioned  is that a tack on for people who've run out? Is it in addition to people who were currently receiving unemployment? How does it work exactly? Sen. Coons:Yes  two things. The CARES Act, which we passed now nine months ago, provided a federal $600 a week on top of state unemployment assistance, and it provided unemployment assistance for groups of folks who don't otherwise get state unemployment  so-called gig workers  people who might have several different part time jobs. It extends both, and it extends them into early next year. Q: I expect that you're doing a ton of work behind the scenes above and beyond what a lot of people might realize. Obviously, you were very much in the mix for Secretary of State, and the understanding is the President-elect told you, I need you in the Senate,' and Politico this week, Senator, I'm sure you've seen the article, labeled you as possibly the most critical individual Democrat on Capitol Hill in terms of, I believe, reaching across the aisle to work with Republicans. Does that perception add to the pressures of the obligations you feel as you work through this economic recovery package? Sen. Coons:Peter, it does  you know, that was a very kind article, but it misses the point that there are many other Democrats who are good friends to the President-elect and who are also working hard alongside me. Obviously, Senator Carper is also someone who has a lot of experience, a lot of relationships, and works well across the aisle. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is very close to the President-elect, is also helping out. There's a lot of folks here who are pitching in to try and solve this. We've had an impasse on whether or not there will be another round of state and local aid for more than nine months, so trying to solve it in one week is a steep challenge. But we have been trading back and forth draft ideas. I'm currently negotiating with Senator Graham of South Carolina, and he's someone who's an experienced lawyer. He understands the Republican position; I understand the Democratic position. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is doing a lot of the hard work, and we're also doing a lot of talking with Mike Crapo of Idaho. Anyway, it's a group of senators. We're trying to hammer out a compromise. What matters to me is the calls I get from Delawareans every single day  folks who were calling in, crying on the phone, saying I've lost my job,' I've lost my car,' I may now lose my apartment or my house,' how do I care for my kids?' I don't see how we go home for the holidays particularly as the virus is getting  we are at the worst point of this pandemic, more than 40,000 Delawareans infected, more than 800 who have passed away. I think Governor Carney has done a strong job of managing this in our state, but nationally this is a public health crisis. There is hope on the horizon because of three very promising vaccines, but we've got a tough couple of months from here to when those are widely publicly available. Q: Finally, Senator, does the transition period play into the difficulties in reaching a settlement here, or do you think that might be overstated? Sen. Coons: I think that may be overstated. Look, it's been very hard to work positively in a Senate where every Democrat recognizes Joe Biden as the President-elect and Kamala Harris as the Vice President-elect, and very few Republicans recognize that. A number of them privately called me to say, you know, please compliment the President-elect on his win, I look forward to working with him,' but they haven't publicly acknowledged he's going to be the President-elect. Once we get past the electoral college, all of them recognize that it'll be time to move forward. The Supreme Court very brusquely dismissed the last significant legal effort by President Trump's lawyers. I think there's no question that Joe Biden is the next President of the United States, and there's a lot of interest and engagement around who's being nominated for what position. I'm enjoying working with the transition team and look forward to supporting the nominees that the President-elect is putting forward. Q: Well, Senator, as new developments come up with the relief package, you have an open door here to come on and let us know what those are and let Delawareans know where things stand. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Peter. Great to be on with you. Q: Alright, take good care. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-opposes-sale-of-new-advanced-military-equipment-to-uae,"Sen. Coons opposes sale of new, advanced military equipment to UAE",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after his votes to support two Senate resolutions disapproving of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Today, after much deliberation, I voted to support resolutions disapproving of the sales of F-35 fighter jets and armed drones to the United Arab Emirates. Congress must preserve its role in reviewing arms sales. In this case, there has not been a thorough review process and the Trump Administration has not provided adequate consultations and answers to Senators' questions. In a recent classified briefing, the Administration failed to address a number of my concerns. In particular, I am concerned about the UAE's ability to safeguard sensitive American technology and their role in the conflicts in Libya and Yemen. I am grateful for the UAE's bold leadership in normalizing relations with Israel, avoiding annexation of the West Bank, and paving the way for a broader and more stable peace in the region. I also appreciate the Emirati military's role in standing up to Iran's malign activities and their deployments alongside U.S. service members in Afghanistan and against terrorist groups around the region. Even so, in the absence of a thorough review process and without assurances that the use of these weapons will be consistent with U.S. interests and values, I cannot support the sales at this time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-braun-coons-introduce-bipartisan-climate-legislation-to-support-global-trillion-trees-initiative-and-combat-deforestation,"Sens. Braun, Coons introduce bipartisan climate legislation to support global Trillion Trees initiative & combat deforestation",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, introduced legislation to support U.S. leadershipin reducing carbon in the atmospherebyrestoring and conserving forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-Maine) cosponsored the bill. As a lifelong conservationist, I believe that Trillion Trees is a common sense proposal to help improve our land, water, soil, and air, without imposing onerous Washington regulations,said Senator Braun. I am proud to come together with my colleagues on this bipartisan solution to help advance a key objective that President Trump called for in his State of the Union Address. The wildfires and severe stormswe've experienced this yeararea devastating reminder of how climate change is impacting our lands  and a clear signal that we need to act now to protect them for future generations,said Senator Coons. Removing carbon from the atmosphere is one of the many critical steps we should take to mitigate climate risks. I'mglad to work with this bipartisan group of senators to invest in a solution that will benefit the health of people and ecosystems around the world. I have long held the position that we can protect our environment without harming our economy, and this legislation is one example of the type of action we can take to reduce emissions and protect our natural resources while creating new economic opportunities,said Senator Young. We just lived through the hottest November on record; every year that carbon levels increase, temperatures increase and it gets harder to stabilize our planet's climate future,said Senator King. Without action, climate change's effects on our planet will grow more and more dangerous, fueling extreme weather events and endangering lives across the globe. Today's bipartisan proposal recognizes the immense value of our working forests in this climate fight, and is a commonsense step in the right direction, calling for our nation to lead in efforts to preserve ecosystems that remove carbon from the atmosphere. We can't delay any longer; we need to start working now, on a bipartisan basis, to address this crisis and protect our environment for future generations. In advanceof the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021 to 2030, the World Economic Forum launchedtheglobal One Trillion Trees initiative, 1t.org.The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act would allow theUnited States to take a leadership role in supporting this effortto store carbon, promote biodiversity, and end deforestation at home and abroad. Meeting the challenge of climate change demands a range of solutions. This bill signals the U.S. is ready to lead in marshaling a key part of the solution set -- the substantial power of natural and working lands,especially forests, to increase carbon sequestration. We're pleased to see this important first step. Lynn Scarlett, Chief External Affairs Officer, The Nature Conservancy Any serious proposal to act on climate must include natural solutions  healthy forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems  that sequester carbon and bolster resilience through ecologically appropriate reforestation and restoration. We're proud to work with our good friends Senators Chris Coons, Mike Braun, Todd Young, and Angus King on this forward-thinking, bipartisan effort to help address climate change by tapping natural ecosystems and their ability to store carbon and make communities safer. Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Sens. Braun (R-IN) and Coons' (D-DE)Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Actwould provide important innovative policies that advance conservation and ecological restoration while bolstering rural economies. The bill establishes science-based objectives for increasing the net carbon stock across U.S. forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems. This legislation is a great bipartisan step in conserving and restoring our nation's forest and will help expand our natural carbon markets. Michele Stockwell, Executive Director, BPC Action ""Natural solutions are a crucial part of effective climatepolicy. TheTrillion Treesand Natural Carbon StorageActwill expand the carbon sequestration capacityof America's forests and grow the use of embodied carbon building materials. The American Conservation Coalition thanks SenatorsBraun,Coons,Young, and Kingfortheirstrong leadership on this important bill."" Quill Robinson, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Conservation Coalition The American Forest Foundation applauds Senator Braun and Senator Coons for legislative efforts to unlock the carbon potential on private forestland. Family forest holdings make up 36% of all U.S forests. Providing resources to enable family forest landowners to enter carbon markets will allow them to both improve their forests and sequester carbon at scale. Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation While our forests provide a habitat for the birds we love, they do so much more for the survival of our planet. Trees, as well as other existing natural resources, provide some of the first lines of defense against pollution that contributes to climate change. By investing in our forests, we're also investing in our future. Michael Obeiter, senior director of federal climate strategy at the National Audubon Society It's critical for the U.S. to take a global leadership role in promoting sound land-use management and to encourage other donor nations to follow.Trillion Trees provides the basis for a foundational structure for extraordinary progress in the developing world in terms of trees for water, people, agriculture, industry, biodiversity, and demonstrable carbon offsets  all of which will improve lives and livelihoods around the world. David H. Barron, Chairman, The ICCF Group WethankSenator Braun for his leadership,together with SenatorsCoons,Young, and Kingin recognizing the role of forests and forest products as a natural climate solution. As a private forest owner himself, Senator Braun's first-hand experience and leadership is vital to ensuring that policy supports healthy markets, working forests and forests products as three vital and interconnected parts toclimate mitigation, forest health and resilience. We look forward to working withthe Senatorsto advance this important objective. Dave Tenny, President & CEO ofthe National Alliance of Forest Owners On the heels of a record-breaking fire season at home and abroadand due to unrelenting deforestation around the worldthe plight of our forests has never been more dire. Conserving and restoring natural habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands are critical to addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and nature loss and to ensuring forest-dependent communities and Indigenous peoples thrive. The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act provides a path for us to come together in a bipartisan manner to tackle these challenges. As the enormity of the climate crisis grows each day, it is imperative that we take a holistic view in our response and that the United States displays leadership on cutting carbon emissions at every level. Safeguarding our valuable lands and forests is an important part of the solution. As a new administration and Congress gear up to tackle a variety of environmental issues, acting on climate and protecting forests and nature are obvious priorities and opportunities. Kerry Cesareo, Senior Vice President, Forests, World Wildlife Fund Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) applauds the bipartisan efforts of Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN) and Angus King (I-ME) for introducing the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Solutions Act, legislation that supports sound forest management practices to reduce carbon in our atmosphere for generations to come. Reforestation and conservation are central to a clean environment and economic growth. So, too, are incentives that help landowners practice sustainable forestry and reduce and sequester carbon emissions. By encouraging international cooperation to conserve our global resources, the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Solutions Act asserts U.S. leadership in the fight to improve air quality and protect our forests and coastal habitats worldwide. CRES commends Sens. Braun, Coons and Young for championing this legislation in the Senate and for their work to bring forth commonsense solutions that will encourage a cleaner future for our nation and the world. CRES Executive Director Heather Reams The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) applauds the efforts of SenatorsMike Braun, Chris Coons, Todd Young, and Angus King on the introduction of the Trillion Trees And Natural Carbon Storage Act. This bill recognizes forests and forest carbon markets for what they are: sustainable solutions to climate change. Trees built America. They clean our water and air. They provide us with spaces to recreate and homes for millions of wildlife species to thrive. They also have the capacity to sequester tremendous volumes of carbon. Most (nearly two-thirds) of America's forests are privately owned. These private landowners need economic incentives to retain ownership of their forestland, as well as professional expertise to effectively manage their forests. This bill would create a federal loan guarantee program, providing the requisite access to established environmental marketplaces where forestland owners can sell the carbon credits they produce. As public land managers and the primary deliverers of assistance to private forestland owners, state forestry agencies need every tool available to actively manage public forests and address boundary-less forest threats like wildfire, pests, and disease. Forest carbon markets are one of these essential tools and should be included in any and all climate change solutions proposed by Congress. NASF looks forward to continuing its work with Senator Braun and other congressional leaders to develop bipartisan climate change solutions that enhance public benefits from all forests. NASF President and Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox Fighting climate change requires a powerful tool: nature itself.This scientifically robust bill puts the U.S. on a path to unlock the potential of nature-based climate solutions. The window of opportunity for bipartisan climate action opens wider every day. The time to act is now, and EDF congratulates Sens. Braun and Coons on their efforts to work collaboratively and effectively."" Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund Natural climate solutions areat least 30 percentof global action needed to avoid the worst climate scenarios that science reveals now stand before us. We applaud Senators Coons, Braun, Young and King on the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act. Their collaboration demonstrates why natural climate solutions and carbon markets have bipartisan appeal: they provide local economic benefits and climate benefits at the same time. James Roth, SVP Global Policy and Government Affairs, Conservation International TheTrillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act: Creates the International Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to encourage and accept donations in support of international reforestation, restoration, and deforestation prevention efforts.Authorizes $10 million for USDA Forest Nursery Revival programsto ensure that the supply of seeds and saplings allows for increased domestic planting.Engages America's allies in conservationby authorizing the Secretary of State and USAID to increase their forest management cooperation efforts with other nations in order to better promote reforestation and sustainable land use management abroad.Amends existing international conservation programsto explicitly include carbon sequestration and forest management among the list of approved technical assistance categories.Makes it easier for private landowners to participate in carbon credit marketsby authorizing USDA to provide loan guarantees for related projects.Requires that USDA establish objectives for increasing the net carbon stockof American forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal blue carbon habitats. This legislation is supported by The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund,World Wildlife Fund,National Audubon Society, Bipartisan Policy Center, American Forest Foundation, American Conservation Coalition, National Association of State Foresters,Conservation International, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. Thebill textis availablehere, and asummaryof the bill ishere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-have-a-chance-to-work-together-in-a-bipartisan-way-and-deliver-the-relief-americans-need,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: We have a chance to work together in a bipartisan way... [and] deliver the relief Americans need,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedMSNBC'sMorning Joeto discuss thebipartisan framework fora$908 billion COVID-19 relief package and theimmediateneed for Congress to work together to pass relief fortheAmericanpeople. On another round of relief checks, Sen. Coons said, What I'm hearing from Delawareans up and down this state is that many cannot pay their rent or mortgage, many have lost their jobs or are afraid that they're not goingto beable to make it through the rest of this winter, and I think another round of relief checks would help make sure that our economy doesn't dip even deeper into a recession in the months that come between now and when we have the vaccine. Onwhetherthe Senatecan pass a relief bill before the holidays, Sen. Coons said,Bluntly, I don't understand how any of us can go home for the holidays and look our constituents in the face or the mask because so many are suffering. This is part of why we have a federal government, is to deal with disasters. On the federal response to COVID-19, Sen. Coons said, And in this particular case, a disjointed federal response, different standards, different direction and frankly the way in which our current president, Donald Trump, has failed to give us a positive and consistent message about the public health crisis we're in has made this worse. Full audio and video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now, one of the senators working on a bipartisan deal, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Coons, Chris, what's standing in the way of relief checks? Sen. Coons:Well, Mika, we've had a more than six-month impasse from when the House passed a broad solid relief package for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and recession to now. And you just mentioned the key critical issues: whether or not there should be another round of stimulus checks to families and individuals, whether there should be more support for state and local governments, and whether there should be some liability relief for employers and business owners. A group of us met last night for several hours to try and hammer out the liability relief so that we can help reopen the economy, help businesses operate safely, and yet, also ensure that those who've been harmed through reckless behavior get some help and some relief themselves. Q: So what would be the argument against another round of relief checks? Sen. Coons:Well, I support it. I think many in the Congress have supported it, but frankly, most of the Republican caucus in the Senate has opposed it. The 908 coalition, which is the group of senators that's put together this next proposal, really was trying to stay below a trillion dollars simply because there's been pressure from the Republican majority here for months to not do another really large relief package. What I'm hearing from Delawareans up and down this state is that many cannot pay their rent or mortgage, many have lost their jobs or are afraid that they're not going to be able to make it through the rest of this winter, and I think another round of relief checks would help make sure that our economy doesn't dip even deeper into a recession in the months that come between now and when we have the vaccine. Q: So Senator Coons, you understand the politics of the Senate very well. Mitch McConnell has been more optimistic about this $908 billion proposal than he has about anything else in the last six months. Do you see something getting done by the end of the year and is it even conceivable to you for you all to go on recess without taking care of the people of Delaware, the people of America, who may lose their jobs and their livelihoods if you don't? Sen. Coons:That's why I think we have to work even harder and get to the table with some fresh thinking and some new ideas. Because bluntly, I don't understand how any of us can go home for the holidays and look our constituents in the face or the mask because so many are suffering. This is part of why we have a federal government, is to deal with disasters. And in this particular case, a disjointed federal response, different standards, different direction, and frankly the way in which our current president, Donald Trump, has failed to give us a positive and consistent message about the public health crisis we're in has made this worse. We have a chance to work together in a bipartisan way as we did months ago in passing the CARES Act and deliver the relief the American people need. Q: So is a perception from the outside true, is it real that Mitch McConnell and some Republicans are actually receptive to this, they may agree to some version of this bill that you all have put forward? Sen. Coons:They may agree to some version. But those two sticking points: he doesn't want to provide any more relief to state and local governments and he is demanding broad, long-standing changes to the law in how people who get hurt are able to be compensated. We wanted a lot more support for the teachers and paramedics and nurses who work for state and local government, and he wants a very broad change to the law in terms of how people who get harmed through the recklessness of others can recover. That's a conversation we're trying to close. This is the art of legislating and we need folks to bring their best ideas to the table. But I remain optimistic. One of the things Joe Biden and I share  and it's partly rooted in our state  is an optimism about our ability to solve problems even in the most divided and partisan time. Q: So it's December 8th. You don't have a lot of time ahead of you to get this massive deal done. Is there a chance that you all go home and face your voters without passing something? Sen. Coons:Yes, there is a real chance of that. This impasse has lasted for months and months and months. Many in my caucus have found it incredible that we've had deals on the table over and over in recent months, and we haven't been able to close the deal. The American people, anyone who is watching, needs to call their senator's office and say deliver another round of relief. It's what will help this country get through this winter. This pandemic has infected nearly 15 million people, taken nearly 280,000 American lives. If we're going to slow the destruction of this pandemic, we need to provide more support for state and local governments, for hospitals, for schools, for the distribution of the vaccine, and for relief for individuals, families, and small businesses that need help reopening. Q:Alright. Before you go, I'm just curious in your Republican counterparts and these meetings and discussions  do they recognize Joe Biden as the President-elect? Sen. Coons:Well, look, I have had a number of private conversations with senators who want me to convey their congratulations to the President-elect, but are not yet willing to say so publicly. It's my job to keep working with them, but I will tell you it is a striking moment we're in that President Trump still has the Republican party by the neck and is insisting that they ignore reality, which is that there is no chance that Joe Biden will not be sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th. The certifications in states, the lawsuits that have failed, it is clear that Trump is out of time. As Garry Kasparov would say, check and mate. Q: Well, we can ask him. Alright. Senator Chris Coons, thank you very much. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-carper-announce-amtraks-third-track-in-wilmington,"Coons, Carper announce Amtraks third track in Wilmington",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Today,
U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper and (both D-Del.) joined Amtrak and SEPTA
representatives to announce a recently completed $71.2 million project to
increase capacity between Wilmington and Newark along the Northeast Corridor. This
joint project with the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware
Transit Corporation, orDTC,includes installation of 1.5 miles of a new, electrified
main line third track between Ragan and Yard interlockings, a bridge
replacement, and eliminates a previous two-track bottleneck. The change brings
improved safety, on-time performance, and a reduction in delays. This
project is nearly 20 years in the making, and I am thrilled that we are finally
going to reap the benefits of improved, more reliable rail service along the
Northeast Corridor,said
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, ranking member on the Environment and Public Works
Committee and a frequent Amtrak rider.We must continue to improve our nation's
transportation infrastructure in a way that promotes multi-modal transportation
and takes cars off the road, for the sake of safety, congestion, and our
environment. This project is a great example of a good public investment that
benefits passengers, drivers, the air we breathe and promotes improvements to
rail service in the future. This
year started as one of the best for Amtrak, and while ridership is down, the
completion of this project and removal of a significant bottleneck will mean
more commuter and intercity trains can use the Northeast Corridor and increase
the potential volume of rail service through Delaware,said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons.Our transportation system and passenger rail
network desperately need additional investment and a focus on building the
infrastructure we deserve. This project is an example of how we can make
much-needed infrastructure upgrades, and I am grateful for the investments
Amtrak has made in Delaware along with the federal government and state to make
this project possible. As
a regular Amtrak rider myself, I know the importance of a reliable and
consistent Northeast corridor. Delawareans have come to rely on Amtrak and
SEPTA as a primary transportation option, whether for work or for leisure, and
this project to help reduce delays and improve on-time performance will help
continue to bolster rail travel in the First State,said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.I want to commend all of the hard work done
by DelDOT and the Delaware Transit Corporation to make this project possible. The
completion of this project marks an important rail capacity expansion milestone
on the Northeast Corridor, resolving bottlenecks which previously constrained
SEPTA and Amtrak from operating service at maximum capacity,said Bill Flynn, CEO of Amtrak.As we anticipate the return of pre-COVID-19
ridership growth, it is vital that we have the proper infrastructure in place
to support a higher capacity railroad. The
project was developed as a shared benefit investment as part of a 2011
agreement between DTC and Amtrak. It was funded using Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration grants issued to DTC along with Amtrak funds. In
addition to the successful completion of this critical project, Amtrak
continues to invest in its infrastructure and this year has installed over
69,000 new railroad ties, over 30 miles of new continuous welded rail and
completed over 220 track miles of track surfacing on its owned and maintained
lines in the Northeast Corridor and Michigan, aimed at ensuring a smoother and
safe ride for customers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/four-years-ago-today-bipartisan-senators-pay-tribute-to-then-vp-joe-biden-reflect-on-work-together,"Four years ago today, bipartisan senators pay tribute to then-VP Joe Biden, reflect on work together",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) shared speeches from Dec. 7, 2016, when senators from both sides of the aisle gathered to pay tribute to then-Vice President Joe Biden following a vote to approve the 21st Century Cures Act, which also included funding for Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative. To view the video compilation on Sen. Coons' Twitter account, please clickhere. Four years ago, Republicans and Democrats came together to reflect on Joe Biden as a friend, a trusted colleague, and a legislative partner,said Senator Coons. These speeches are a testament to Joe's warmth, his heart, and the respect he's earned from Republicans and Democrats alike. I hope this same spirit will guide us as we work together to face the challenges ahead. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-aims-to-launch-new-generation-of-main-street-entrepreneurs,Bipartisan group aims to launch new generation of Main Street entrepreneurs,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. SenatorsChris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.)and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) introduced theNext Generation Entrepreneur Corps Actto spur new business and job creation in underserved communities by startinga competitive fellowship for entrepreneurs. With a five-year investment of $368 million, the bill will identify talented entrepreneurs through a national competition and directly support the creation of more than320new businesses each year. During this crisis, small businesses are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, with hundreds of thousands of businesses permanently closed. Even before the public health crisis, entrepreneurs faced substantial barriers to entry. The majority of would-be entrepreneurs have limited access to capital; and this problem is worse for minoritieswho are twice as likely to be denied loans, more likely to receive lower loan amounts when they do receive loans, and pay higher interest rates than their whitepeers. These barriers to entry are also stark in low-income areas, where there are proportionally fewer self-employed workers and small businesses. Creating opportunities for business growth in a post-COVID-19 economy will be necessary to regain the 10 million jobs still missing due to the pandemic,Senator Coons said.New businesses account for nearlya thirdof total job creationeach year. We must ensure that entrepreneurs canact on their innovative ideas in the places that needthemthe most. We need a range of bold new approaches to rebuild Main Street America in distressed communities, and the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps should be part of this effort. As a former business owner and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges that come with starting a business,said Senator Tim Scott.Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and it's important that we continue to spur economic development. I created my Opportunity Agenda to help create hope in underserved communities, and the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act is a great avenue to help encourage small business creation in those communities. I look forward to my Senate colleagues supporting this legislation. As our country works to rebuild from the pandemic, we need to make sure we are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. These men and women have the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and grit to make sure we are rebuilding and revitalizing our communities during this critical time,said Representative Crow.I'm proud to join with Senators Coons and Scott as well as my colleague Representative Balderson to support these entrepreneurs and make sure we continue to foster growth in our hardest hit communities. It's critical now more than ever our country identifies and uplifts the next generation of entrepreneursincluding those in my home state of Ohio,said Representative Balderson.The skills and talent these individuals bring to the table will help fuel America's economic recovery. We just need to ensure they have the right resources at their disposal. The United States has national fellowships to attract the next generation of talent to public schools, international development work, and public service. Now, withnearly 75% of small businesses experiencing a negative impactfrom COVID-19,theNext Generation Entrepreneur Corps Actseeks toinvest in a new waveof talent to rebuild Main Street. TheNext Generation Entrepreneur Corps Actwill: Create a competitive fellowship program. A selection committee of 12 industry expertswillreview applications and select 320 entrepreneur fellows annually, from diverse backgrounds, to start both traditional and high growth-potential businesses in distressed, low-income census tract areas. The program will also set forth a framework to expand the number of fellows selected annually for greater impact.Provide healthcare, living expenses, and student loan support.Fellows will receive a $120,000 two-year stipend for living and basic startup expenses,health care,and interest-free federal student loan deferral for two years.Provide mentorship and networking opportunities.Fellowswillreceiveimmersive training,bematched with a local business mentor, andaccesssupport from an advisory board of CEOs andventurecapitalists.Partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a)Small Business Development program.This SBAprogramcurrentlyhelps socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to government contracting.Through this program, fellows will be provided a fast track to apply for 8(a)certification, and fellows with 8(a) eligible businesses will be matched with mentors via the 8(a) Mentor Protg program.Provide access to capital.Fellows will connect with investors and SBA-backed lenders and receive fast-track access to credit. A $30 million fund will encourage equity investment in corps members' businesses.Be availableto transitioning business owners, new entrepreneurs, and previous business owners who have lost their business due to the public health crisis, butcurrentlylackthe resources or capital to start another venture. A full summary of the bill is availablehere. This legislation is supported bytheCenter for American Entrepreneurship,theGreater Philadelphia Chamber,theSCORE Foundation, Prosperity Now, Young Invincibles,theNetwork for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Small Business for America's Future,theSmall Business Majority, BUILD.org, NextGen Chamber of Commerce, Engine, andtheEconomic Innovation Group. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-als-caucus-applauds-passage-of-legislation-to-eliminate-ssdi-5-month-wait-period-for-als-patients,Senate ALS Caucus applauds passage of legislation to eliminate SSDI 5-month wait period for ALS patients,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus, today applauded Senate passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019, introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)both founding members of the Senate ALS Caucus. This landmark legislation represents a long overdue win for the ALS community. The bill removes barriers for ALS patients seeking access to the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned. Specifically, the bill eliminates a mandatory five-month waiting period for patients with medically-determined ALS. While the statutory purpose of the waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and many ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis. Passing the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act has been a priority for the Senate ALS Caucus since its founding in January 2020. Today, we celebrate a bipartisan win for the ALS community. The Senate voted in favor of timely financial support for those facing a recent ALS diagnosis,said Senator Coons. Speedy access to support programs like SSDI after a diagnosis is essential  and one of the priorities we set when we launched our bipartisan caucus earlier this year. We must continue to build on this progress to make life easier for ALS patients and their loved ones. Today's win is about the patients and their families,said Senator Mike Braun, The financial burden of ALS is staggering and time is of the essence for those diagnosed with ALS. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is a step in the right direction toward providing timely access to SSDI benefits to ALS patients. Allowing Americans who face this difficult diagnosis to immediately receive the benefits they have earned is a simple act of humanity that will make life easier for ALS patients and their families,said Senator Whitehouse. I hope the House will act quickly so we can finally eliminate this bureaucratic obstacle. Americans suffering from ALS shouldn't have to wait for assistance, especially given their tragically short life expectancyand now they won't have to. By waiving the statutory disability benefits waiting period, our bill makes support available to those suffering from this terrible disease much faster. I'm grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting this important legislation, and I strongly urge the House to do the same,""said Senator Cotton. ALS is a cruel disease that progresses fast, currently without a cure. Help can't come soon enough once someone is diagnosed and this bill recognizes that. It takes courage to be a true champion for patients and we are grateful to Senators Braun, Coons, Whitehouse and Cotton for driving this legislation forward,I AM ALS CEO Danielle Carnival said. To the thousands of advocates who drove this bill forward, you are our hope. You are changing history one step at a time. This passage in the Senate is in celebration of your efforts. ""The ALS Association and ALS community urges the House to immediately pass the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, which just passed the Senate,""said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. ""The legislation would make SSDI benefits accessible to people with ALS right away. Our community has worked tirelessly with congressional champions over the years laying the groundwork for this bill, educating lawmakers and the public about the rapid progression of ALS and the long delays in diagnosis. Over the course of a five-month waiting period, many people living with ALS will experience serious loss of ability and will have incurred significant expenses for care and treatment. They urgently need support. The Senate ALS Caucus is working to uphold its mission to advance policies that improve the quality of life patients with ALS, and S. 578 passing is an encouraging victory toward that mission. Passage of S. 578 follows Senate passage ofS. Res. 588earlier this year, which aimed to raise awareness of ALS by designating May 2020 as ALS Awareness Month. ABOUT ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, andcurrentlyno cure. ABOUT THE SENATE ALS CAUCUS: The Senate ALS Caucus founded in January 2020 by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). The Caucus brings together senators from both sides of the aisle who share a commitment to working collaboratively to advocate on behalf of ALS patients and their families to: raise awareness about the difficulties faced by ALS patients and their families; advance policies that improve the quality of life for ALS patients; expand the network of support for those suffering from ALS; and advocate for investments in research that will enhance our understanding of the causes of ALS, identify effective treatments, and eventually discover a cure. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-on-groundbreaking-at-seaford-river-walk,Senator Coons on groundbreaking at Seaford River Walk,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons
(D-Del.) released the following statement on the groundbreaking for the first
phase of the revitalization of the old J.B. Robinson Oyster House site along the
river walk in Seaford. ""Seaford is a truly unique gateway to the Nanticoke
River and an ideal location for fishing and recreation,"" said Sen. Coons. ""I'm
thrilled that Seaford residents will soon have better public access to the
beautiful river, which honors a rich cultural history as an important part of
our state. As someone who spent a lot of time in local government doing
land-use planning, I know how challenging this process can be, and I'm grateful
to Mayor Genshaw and all the community partners who've made this project a
reality."" For more information, visit Chesapeake Conservancy at chesapeakeconservancy.org/news/
or email Jody Couser at jcouser@chesapeakeconservancy.org.       ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-young-reps-norcross-mckinley-bill-to-expand-registered-apprenticeships-in-high-growth-job-sectors-passes-house,"Sens. Coons, Young, Reps. Norcross, McKinley bill to expand registered apprenticeships in high-growth job sectors passes House",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and David McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) celebrated the House passage of theNational Apprenticeship Act of 2020. The bill, which includes their bipartisan and bicameralApprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, will invest more than $3.5 billion to create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years. I am proud that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, a bill to expand organizations like Delaware Pathways that help employers design, develop, and deliver Registered Apprenticeship Programs,said Senator Coons.As the economic disruption of COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work, it is more important than ever for the government to invest in quality job training programs, like RegisteredApprenticeships, and create more opportunities for America's displaced workers and youth. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act immediately. As a member of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have witnessed the benefits ofapprenticeshipsand the opportunities they provide. Now that a global pandemic has left countless Americans without work, it is more important than ever that we invest in career-supporting apprenticeship programs. I'm pleased that ourApprenticeship Hubs Across America Actis one step closer to becoming law,said Senator Young. A Registered Apprenticeship shaped my life  laying the foundation for me to go from the construction site to Congress,said Congressman Norcross.I am pleased that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 includes our Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act, which will provide students and workers across the country access to apprenticeship opportunities by expanding and strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Expanding access to RegisteredApprenticeships our country's most successful workforce training program  will allow workers to earn while they learn and accelerate our economic recovery. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to consider the National Apprenticeship Act and support American workers and their futures. Investing in job training programs andapprenticeshipsis crucial, especially when COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without work. By increasing access toapprenticeships,we will close the skilled workers gap, create good-paying jobs in our communities, and help aid in our economic recovery,said Congressman McKinley. TheNational Apprenticeship Act of 2020is endorsed by American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), Jobs for the Future (JFF), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Skills Coalition (NSC), National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues (TWTF), North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), and Third Way. The bill text of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is availablehere. A one-pager for the Apprenticeship Hubs Across America Act is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-cornyn-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-invest-1b-annually-in-civics-education,"Sens. Coons, Cornyn introduce landmark legislation to invest $1B annually in civics education",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced landmark legislation to invest $1 billion annually in civics and history education from K-12 through higher education. The Educating for Democracy Act would create a variety of grants to states, non-profits, institutions of higher education, and civics education researchers to support and expand access to civics and history education in schools across the country. It would also strengthen policymakers' understanding of young Americans' achievement in civics education by increasing the frequency of and encouraging participation in the National Assessment of Education Progress exam. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) in the House. Civic engagement is crucial for the health of our democracy,said Senator Coons.With expanded civics education in K-12 and higher education, this bill will equip new generations of Americans with deeper understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise their cherished rights. I am proud to work with Senator Cornyn on this bipartisan effort to expand access to civics education and invest in the future our democracy. The United States continues to be a model for the world because we are taught from a young age the merits of democracy, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the civic duties that are inherently part of being an American,said Senator Cornyn.This bill would help our schools inspire the next generation of public servants and teach all young Texans the value of freedom, and I'm glad to work with Sen. Coons on this bipartisan legislation. Civic education is the cornerstone we need to rebuild the civic strength of our country,Louise Dub, the Executive Director of iCivics, which leads CivXNow, said.We thank Senator Coons and Senator Cornyn for their leadership in introducing this bill, which makes a critical investment in civic education. TheCivXNow coalition is excitedto support their efforts. The Educating for Democracy Act takes the necessary steps to bridge the divide in the United States and invest in the future of our democracy,said Congresswoman DeLauro. If students of all ages are not given the information in their classrooms to actively participate in our democracy, we cannot expect them to stay engaged and informed as adults. Federal investments to expand civic education will help us build a nation adequately informed of our democratic principles, norms, and institutions in order to sustain our democracy. Thank you, Senators Coons and Cornyn for introducing this legislation in the Senate. I am proud to have introduced this bill in the House and to work across the aisle and across chambers to give the next generation the tools they need to carry out their civic responsibilities. In order to preserve America's unique form of governance, it is important that we prioritize access to civics and history education,said Congressman Cole. By equipping students with the fundamental knowledge of our democratic principles, we can encourage active citizen participation in our government the way our Founding Fathers intended for generations to come. As an original sponsor of this legislation in the House, I am proud to see the Senate introduce their own version of this important legislation. Research showsthat students who receive quality civics education are more likely to vote, discuss politics at home, complete college, and develop skills that lead to employment. These students are also four times more likely to give back to their communities through volunteering and working on community issues and are more confident in their ability to speak publicly and communicate with their elected representatives. A one-pager on the bill is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-on-dr-tony-allens-selection-to-lead-biden-harris-inaugural-committee,Sen. Coons on Dr. Tony Allens selection to lead Biden-Harris inaugural committee,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) released
the following statement on the selection of Dr. Tony Allen, president of
Delaware State University, to serve in a personal capacity as chief executive
officer of a Presidential Inaugural Committee, which will organize activities
surrounding the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice
President-elect Kamala Harris. ""I have known Tony for 25 years, and he is a terrific
choice to help bring Delaware to D.C. and to bring the excitement of the
Biden-Harris ticket to the American people through the inauguration,"" said
Sen. Coons. ""This will be a difficult inauguration to pull off as we
confront the realities of the pandemic. Fortunately, as Tony's strong
leadership at DSU has already shown, he can both innovate in tough times and
deliver real results. He's a great choice to lead this important
committee.""                                                          ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-on-the-passing-of-delaware-national-guard-corporal-erin-sasse,Senator Coons on the passing of Delaware National Guard Corporal Erin Sasse,2020-11-27,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of
the Senate National Guard Caucus, released the following statement on the death
of Cpl. Erin Sasse of the Delaware Army National Guard. Cpl. Sasse was killed
while trying to assist a disabled motorist following a crash on Interstate 95. ""Cpl. Erin Sasse epitomized the best of Army values. She
served with the 153rd Military Police Company, a highly respected unit of our
Delaware National Guard,""said
Sen. Coons.""Erin's instinct
to risk her own safety in slowing down to assist a disabled motorist on a
dangerous interstate is a testament to her courage and her character. Her
family, friends, and fellow soldiers knew her as a remarkable and incredibly
caring person, and her tragic loss will be felt by many for years to come.
Annie and I send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Erin's husband Randy
and their three children."" For more information, visit the Delaware National Guard's Facebook
page atbit.ly/3mj9S78.                                                                                   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-honored-with-friend-of-farm-bureau-award-for-support-of-delaware-agriculture,Coons honored with Friend of Farm Bureau Award for support of Delaware agriculture,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) receives the national Friend of Farm Bureau Award from President Richard Wilkins of the Delaware Farm Bureau during a ceremony in Camden, Del., Nov. 23, 2020. For additional photos, visit https://bit.ly/3nRkv14. (U.S. Senate Photo by Brendan Mackie/Released).CAMDEN, Del.  Today, U.S. Sen. Chris
Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus and member of the Senate
Appropriations Committee, received the American Farm Bureau Federation's Friend
of Farm Bureau Award during a ceremony at the Delaware Farm Bureau here.   President Richard Wilkins of the DEFB presented Coons with
the national-level award, which honors members of Congress who work to advance
policies supporting agriculture and farmers. Delaware agriculture plays a critical role in our state's
economy and helps to keep food on the tables of American families across the
country, Senator Coons said. Finding ways to support our hardworking farmers
is one of my top priorities. I'm honored to receive this award and will
continue using my position in the Senate to advocate for agriculture and
Delaware farmers, especially during this difficult time. As Senate Chicken Caucus co-chair, Coons has led the
bipartisan effort to secure federal assistance for contract poultry growers
hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Coons also uses his position on the Senate
Appropriations Committee to secure funding for vital agriculture, rural
development, and environmental priorities, including support for the poultry
industry, agricultural research, farm conservation, and rural housing programs
in the appropriations bills for the fiscal year 2021. For more photos of the ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/3nRkv14.(U.S. Senate Photo by Brendan Mackie/Released).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-big-difference-between-the-stock-market-and-whats-happening-in-grocery-markets,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Big difference between the stock market and what's happening in grocery markets,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees, joined MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell to discuss the need for urgent COVID-19 relief and stimulus. I think it's important that Majority Leader McConnell show that he recognizes that we need to fund our recovery, that we need to provide an additional round of funding, yes to small businesses, but also to state and local governments, to families and individuals who are struggling, even on a day that the Dow Jones hits a new all-time record,said Senator Coons.There is a big difference between the stock market and what's happening in grocery markets in local communities all over our country. We've got families that are hurting and struggling. We have more than 6 million Americans who are on the verge of being evicted either because they're late on their mortgages or on their rent, and we need to take decisive steps to put a floor under our economy. Senator Coons concluded,The very wealthiest Americans and those who hold stocks and bonds in their retirement accounts should be pleased about the all-time high for the Dow Jones, but that shows that there is confidence in the markets because they believe a transition is now finally under way, and we should be able to work across the aisle during this lame duck period to deliver some of the additional support that small businesses, employers, and employees and their families need and deserve going into this holiday season. Full audio and video are availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: And Delaware Democratic Senator and Foreign Relations Committee member, Chris Coons, joining me now. Senator, thanks very much, thanks for being with us. And an almost happy holiday to you. It's certainly a happier day for the Biden team there in Wilmington who can now start working on background checks, and as these nominees come forward, begin to think about getting ready for confirmations. Sen. Coons:That's right. This long overdue transition is now fully, finally, completely under way. And I'm excited by the nominees announced by President-elect Biden and to work with them and to support their nominations and confirmation. We should follow long-established precedent and have the relevant committee hearings before the inauguration so that the most senior members of the Biden-Harris Cabinet are in place on the very first day of the next administration. Q: Well that would be a really rapid schedule. Is there any sign that Mitch McConnell is going to let that happen? Sen. Coons:Well, I've spoken to a number of Republican colleagues, and I am hopeful that they will work with the incoming administration, particularly given the seasoned, senior, qualified folks who have been nominated. President-elect Biden has shown real leadership in moving forward with nominees who are both experienced, well-known to members of the Senate, folks who have been previously confirmed to senior positions, but who also break new ground. We're going to have Avril Haines, the first woman to lead the intelligence community, and Janet Yellen, the first woman to be Secretary of the Treasury, and Alejandro Mayorkas, the first immigrant and Latino-American to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. And these are folks who've got great, significant, relevant experience in the areas to which they're being nominated and who have shown the ability to be confirmed to senior positions by the Senate in the past. Q: When I said that it would be a rapid schedule, obviously a rapid schedule given how late the transition is starting. It would normally not be so. But Mitch McConnell also has not been willing to deal on Covid and has not even endorsed or said that Joe Biden is the President-elect. Sen. Coons:Well, regardless of what the majority leader has said, the reality is that Joe Biden is the President-elect, and Kamala Harris is the Vice President-elect, and with the GSA administrator now recognizing that reality and having delivered a written ascertainment, the transition is going to be well under way. It's not the President-elect's fault that the transition has been delayed by several weeks by outgoing President Trump's temper tantrum about the transition. And frankly I am optimistic that we will promptly begin the appropriate consultations with those senators who are most likely to be the committee chairs and that these very qualified nominees will be able to make progress. We shouldn't be holding up the transfer of critical national security information, for example, to the President-elect or to his team, or the transfer of critically needed public health information about Operation Warp Speed and planning for the delivery of vaccines to more than 300 million Americans, just because President Trump steadfastly refuses to accept the outcome of the election. Q: Do you think McConnell is trying to wait until after the Georgia runoffs on January 5 before acknowledging Biden's success? Sen. Coons:I certainly hope not. That's a long time to wait. That's until January 5th. And I frankly think that would harm our whole nation. I think it's important that Majority Leader McConnell show that he recognizes that we need to fund our recovery, that we need to provide an additional round of funding, yes to small businesses, but also to state and local governments, to families and individuals who are struggling, even on a day that the Dow Jones hits a new all-time record. There is a big difference between the stock market and what's happening in grocery markets in local communities all over our country. We've got families that are hurting and struggling. We have more than 6 million Americans, Andrea, who are on the verge of being evicted either because they're late on their mortgages or on their rent, and we need to take decisive steps to put a floor under our economy. The very wealthiest Americans and those who hold stocks and bonds in their retirement accounts should be pleased about the all-time high for the Dow Jones, but that shows that there is confidence in the markets because they believe a transition is now finally under way, and we should be able to work across the aisle during this lame duck period to deliver some of the additional support that small businesses, employers, and employees and their families need and deserve going into this holiday season. Q: Do you think Joe Biden should reach out to Senator McConnell? Sen. Coons:I think they should reach out to each other, as folks who served together for a long time, who know each other, and who have worked well in the past. I do think it's important for the Majority Leader and the President-elect to have a personal conversation promptly. I was really encouraged by the outcome of the conversation the President-elect had with Speaker Pelosi and with Minority Leader Schumer here in Wilmington last week, and I think they laid the groundwork for a very strong working relationship. I look forward to being a part of those in the Senate who are helping carry forward President-elect Biden's agenda for his administration. I think he won a strong electoral victory. He in the end I think will have received 80 million American votes -- excuse me, that I think we will see in the end that President-elect Biden has accomplished what is a significant win in the electoral college as well as in the states that have certified his election, but we have unfinished work to do, in working across the aisle, in crafting a bipartisan agenda that will deliver relief to the American people. And a key part of that is for President-elect Biden to reconnect with someone who has been a colleague in the past and who could be a partner in the future if he chooses the responsible path of cooperating with the incoming administration and that of course is Majority Leader McConnell. Q: Senator Chris Coons, thank you very much. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-elect-biden-selections-for-key-cabinet-positions,Sen. Coons statement on President-elect Biden selections for key Cabinet positions,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President-elect Biden announced nominees for key Cabinet positions: Tony Blinken for Secretary of State, Jake Sullivan for National Security Advisor, Linda Thomas-Greenfield for Ambassador to the United Nations, Avril Haines for Director of National Intelligence, Alejandro Mayorkas for Homeland Security Secretary, and John Kerry for Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. President-elect Joe Biden is bringing professional competence and deep experience to his Cabinet and the highest levels of our government. Beyond their decades of work in national security and foreign relations, these nominees are genuinely good people and team players who will work tirelessly to advance U.S. interests and values. I look forward to confirming these nominees quickly, and working with President-elect Biden and his Cabinet to build back better our leadership on the world stage and tackle our most pressing global challenges. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-elect-bidens-nomination-of-tony-blinken-as-secretary-of-state,Sen. Coons statement on President-elect Bidens nomination of Tony Blinken as Secretary of State,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced Tony Blinken as his nominee to serve as Secretary of State. Tony Blinken will be an outstanding Secretary of State. I have known and worked with Tony for over a decade and no one better understands and conveys President-elect Biden's vision for building back better our nation's role in the world than Tony. World leaders will know that when Tony speaks, he is speaking for the President. He is a capable, measured, thoughtful and inspiring leader, and our diplomats around the world will be encouraged to have his leadership at the State Department. We have a lot of important and difficult work to do together in the years ahead  advancing our values, restoring our alliances and tackling the challenges of this century from China and climate change, to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and future global health crises  and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Blinken and President Biden to deliver strong results. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-speaks-with-ethiopian-prime-minister-amidst-escalating-conflict,Senator Coons speaks with Ethiopian Prime Minister amidst escalating conflict,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S.SenatorChrisCoons(D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, spoke today with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asthe Ethiopian National Defense Forces prepare for a military offensive against Mekelle, the capital city of the northern Tigray province. Senator Coons expressed concern about the rapidly escalating conflict with the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front and urged Prime Minister Abiy to pursue dialogue and reconciliation. Senator Coons emphasized the need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access, and he raised alarm about disturbing reports of human rights violations on both sides. They discussed the African Union mediation effort announced by AU Chairman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Senator Coons and Prime Minister Abiy discussed the risk of protracted ethnic conflict and the consequences for Ethiopia's democratic transition and the stability of East Africa and the Red Sea region, as the UN refugee agency reportsthat nearly 40,000 refugees have fled to Sudan in recent days. Senator Coons underscored the importance of a stable, democratic, and prosperous Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the world's fastest growing economies and is Africa's second most populous country. Major U.S. companies including General Electric and Dow have operations in the East African country. Ethiopia is an important security partner in a volatile region. It hosts the African Union headquarters and is the world's largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, with forces deployed to UN missions in Sudan and South Sudan, and in Somalia as part of a multinational effort to counter Al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-coons-pays-tribute-to-delawareans-at-capitol,ICYMI: Coons pays tribute to Delawareans at Capitol,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Last week, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) paid
tribute to five Delawareans during a floor speech at the U.S. Capitol. The floor speech, printed in the Congressional Record, honors
the late Elaine Manlove, Wayne Manlove, Mike Rush Jr., Lottie Lee-Davis, and
Gloria Corrozi. To read the full statement, visit bit.ly/3kLp0sf. To watch the speech, go to youtu.be/JzQpA528qMw.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-scott-colleagues-introduce-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month,"Sens. Coons, Scott, colleagues introduce resolution designating November as National College Application Month",2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.)introduced a resolution in the Senatedesignating November as National College Application Month. The resolution wasalso introduced in the House byRepresentatives Susan Wild (D-Pa.) and Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.)to remind students that they can't let the pandemicprevent them from identifying their college options or cause further disruptions and barriers to theireducational journey.COVID-19 continues to complicatehigh school seniors' and others' assessment of their educational planswith fewer students applying to college and completing the FAFSA when compared to a year ago. The bipartisan resolutions note thatthe Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that theunemployment rate for young adults with a bachelor's degree and theunemployment rate for young adults whose highest credential is a high school diploma differ by 20 percentage points, which has widened exponentially as a result of the coronavirus. Even amidst all the challenges of this year, it's important that all of us continue to dream big about the future. If you are a high school senior or someone thinking about returning to school, now is the time to apply and to learn more about your options,said Senator Coons.I'm excited to work with my colleagues to recognize everyone undertaking that project this month and look forward to celebrating your plans come spring. Education is the key that unlocks endless opportunities,said Senator Tim Scott.Although this year has been different than most, it's important that the future of our young people not be hindered by the challenges of this pandemic. I encourage all students  regardless of age  to pursue your dreams and continue your educational journey. We have an obligation to keep a high-quality education within reach for each and every student  and that starts with ensuring students and families have access to the important information on the college admissions process, know about the opportunities our excellent community colleges and two-year colleges in PA-07 provide, the value of an advanced degree, and costs so they can make decisions that are right for them,said Representative Wild.This academic year comes with so many unprecedented challenges for our high school seniors and those looking to pursue higher education, so it could not be more important to support the work being done  virtually or otherwise  to help guide our students through the college process. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution that will help shed light on the higher education application process. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I continue to encourage all youth to explore ways that they can further their education.I was proud to work with Senator Coons, Senator Scott, and Congresswoman Wild to designate November as National College Application Month,said Representative Guthrie. In the Senate, the resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). TheAmerican College Application Campaign(ACAC), an initiative of ACT's Center for Equity in Learning,National Association for College Admission Counseling(NACAC), andReach Higherhave spoken in support of the resolution. ACAC Director Lisa Sommer King said,November is a perfect time for students, parents, and educators to focus on moving ahead with college applications. While we've had many disruptions in our lives, the congressional resolutions and the support from our allies in this work shows that we're coming together to remind students especially Black, Native American, Latinx, and first-generation students  that planning for the future must go on, even during the current challenges. Applying to college should be a fundamentally student-centered process,noted Angel B. Prez, CEO, NACAC.Congressional recognition of the significance of the college application process helps raise awareness of the promise of higher education, the disparities in equitable access to college, and the supports needed to ensure that students can make successful transitions. Stephanie Owens, director of programming, Reach Higher at the Common App, said,Education is the single most important investment one can make for their future and it gives you the opportunity to meet people with different backgrounds and open your mind to critical thinking. The three organizations stress the need for school districts and community members to talk to students about the importance of education beyond high school, to organize activities  whether in person or virtual  to support students through the college-going process, to celebrate the important milestones for the Class of 2021 like applying to college or filling out the FAFSA, and to provide a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty. Read the November as National College Application Month resolutionhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-cindy-mccain-uk-foreign-secretary-others-highlight-importance-of-us-global-leadership-in-covid-19-response,"Sen. Coons, Cindy McCain, UK Foreign Secretary, others highlight importance of US global leadership in COVID-19 response",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"At regional USGLC summit, government, business, and public health leaders agree a global pandemic requires a global response Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/ZpkOXH-xnow WILMINGTON, Del.On Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), and more than 1,000 political, business, military, and community leaders convened virtually for a Mid-Atlantic Summit to discuss the importance of U.S. global leadership and how it benefits Delaware and the region. As COVID-19 cases reach record levels in the United States, policy, business, and global health leaders resoundingly agreed that America's tools of diplomacy and development are more critical than ever to respond to COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of all Americans and to prevent the next global pandemic. U.S. diplomacy and development programs are critical to tackling the root causes of the world's toughest challengesespecially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises around the world, disrupt the global economy, and threaten the health and safety of our own country,saidSenator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is imperative that the U.S. government address the global dimensions of this pandemic, because if we don't take action, things will only get worseacross America and around the world. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, I will continue to support these and other investments to ensure that the United States takes decisive action to combat COVID-19 and restores its position as a world leader. The global economy is facing its greatest crisis since the Great Depression something we're feeling acutely here in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region at large. This ongoing health pandemic shows the close connection between our health and our economy, and without action, U.S. businesses and American jobs could be in jeopardy, not to mention our country's economic recovery,saidRepresentative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). I'm working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that our response to COVID-19 helps those most in need here at home and abroad and invests in the tools and resources required to protect against future health threats. ""Values-driven leadership in any way, shape, or form is a must and I believe something we can work toward nowand combatting human trafficking is a large part of that,said Cindy McCain, Chair of the Board of Trustees, McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University.Values-driven leadership is most important in this arena and something that the world is looking for the United States to fill. In the context of pandemicour whole team here realized that something like DFC is needed more than ever before,said Adam Boehler, CEO, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.Many emerging countries don't have the opportunity to do things like PPP We were able to ensure in a lot of emerging economies that small and medium-sized businesses didn't go out of businesses We were able to ensure lots of people don't lose jobs, [and] we were able to ensure development continues in those countries. COVID-19 is the ultimate demonstration that what happens overseas matters to our country and has become the ultimate kitchen table issue in America, impacting the health, safety, and prosperity of our families and communities,said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President & CEO.And what we've heard today  from Senator Coons and our exceptional business, policy, and global health leaders  is that this global pandemic requires a global response. America's diplomacy and development programs have always been a hallmark of U.S. leadership around the world and the stakes have never been higher as COVID-19 cases spike globally and exacerbate ongoing humanitarian crises and conflicts in its wake. Additional Mid-Atlantic Summit participants included theHonorableJack Markell, Delaware governor (2009-2017);Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Vice Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda;Dr. Mark T. Esser, Vice President, Microbial Sciences, AstraZeneca;Hon. Dan Glickman, Senior Advisor, USGLC and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1995-2001);Tara Hogan Charles, Associate Director, Global Government Relations & Public Policy, Procter & Gamble;UK Foreign SecretaryDominic Raab; andNancy Cordes, Congressional Correspondent, CBS News. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-zuckerberg-and-dorsey-your-algorithms-shape-what-billions-of-people_understand-to-be-true,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Zuckerberg and Dorsey: Your algorithms shape what billions of people  understand to be true,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on their platforms' policies on social media content moderation  focusing on the impact on public discourse on COVID-19, vaccines, climate change, bigotry, and election integrity. [W]hether you wished for it or not, the inescapable fact is your algorithms, your policies, and your business decisions shape what billions of people across the world and a working majority of people here in our nation understand to be true. And that's the case for election integrity, for a potential COVID-19 vaccine, for climate change, for hateful and dangerous stereotypes, and many other critical issues,Senator Coons said to Zuckerberg and Dorsey. Yesterday, Senator Coons led 14 colleagues ona letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergcalling on the company to fully address the problem of anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform, which has enabled offline violence against Muslims in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Sen. Coons noted his letter to Facebook saying,We focus particularly on anti-Muslim bias; on an issue that warrants specific attention given the tragic consequences of anti-Muslim hate speech in Myanmar, in Sri Lanka, in New Zealand, and right here in the United States, and I appreciate that Facebook has taken actions in response to these issues, but this letter points out why we need better metrics and transparency to actually evaluate your actions. So my colleagues and I urge better enforcement, in particular, of your Call to Arms policy, which could have made a difference in a recent tragedy in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In response, Zuckerberg confirmed that Facebook will respond to theletter's inquiriesand added that Facebook will soon detail the prevalence of hate content on its platforms and commit to an independent audit of their reports on content moderation policies. On Twitter's lack of a policy on misinformation about climate change, Senator Coons noted,I cannot think of a greater harm than climate change, which is transforming literally our planet and causing harm to our entire world. I think we're experiencing significant harm as we speak. I recognize the pandemic and misinformation about COVID-19, manipulated media also cause harm, but I'd urge you to reconsider that because helping to disseminate climate denialism in my view further facilitates and accelerates one of the greatest existential threats to our world. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the last four years, we have seen some unprecedented attacks on our democratic institutions, our social norms, of the ways in which we conduct ourselves in this democracy, and many would say on truth itself. And in today's society, you can't talk about truth without also considering the impact of social media and social media platforms. So if I might, Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Dorsey, free expression and open debate are of course core values of our society. But whether you wished for it or not, the inescapable fact is your algorithms, your policies, and your business decisions shape what billions of people across the world and a working majority of people here in our nation understand to be true. And that's the case for election integrity, for a potential COVID-19 vaccine, for climate change, for hateful and dangerous stereotypes, and many other critical issues. I also want to recognize that it, in no small part, was the hard work of many led by your ingenuity and resolve that built these impressive American companies and revolutionized the way the world communicates. We need that same resolve to reckon today with what must be done to win our society's battle for truth. Mr. Zuckerberg, as you know, yesterday I sent you, along with 14 of my colleagues  a total of 15 senators  we sent you a letter urging Facebook to do more to address hate speech and calls to violence on the platform. We focus particularly on anti-Muslim bias; on an issue that warrants specific attention given the tragic consequences of anti-Muslim hate speech in Myanmar, in Sri Lanka, in New Zealand, and right here in the United States, and I appreciate that Facebook has taken actions in response to these issues, but this letter points out why we need better metrics and transparency to actually evaluate your actions. So my colleagues and I urge better enforcement, in particular, of your Call to Arms policy, which could have made a difference in a recent tragedy in Kenosha, Wisconsin. You and I spoke last week. I appreciated our conversation. Can I count on you to provide specific and written responses to each of the questions in this letter, and then can we discuss them again? Mr. Zuckerberg: Senator, yes, I read your letter, and I commit to getting back in detail with our team to address the important topics that you've raised. And one of your questions that I can actually answer right now  I think it was your second question about reporting in our quarterly transparency reports about the prevalence of hate speech that we find on our platforms  we will actually be adding that metric into our transparency reports this Thursday when we announce our latest transparency report. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Mr. Zuckerberg. Let me just make sure I hear you right about prevalence because that's one of my areas of concern is the absence from the report of the prevalence of hate content. You mean you'll be reporting not just what percentage of hate speech on the platform you're identifying, catching, proactively removing, but the total volume? Mr. Zuckerberg: Senator, that's my understanding is the prevalence of that content is a percentage of content on the platform, and over time our goal is going to be to get into more detail which is the subject of some of the questions that you've asked here, as well as we have already committed to an independent audit of the community standards enforcement reports so that way people can have full confidence in all of the numbers that we're putting out. We've been doing these reports for less than a few years now, and we'll continue to flesh them out and add more detail so that way people can apply the appropriate oversight and scrutiny to the work. Sen. Coons:Thank you. I want to move on for a moment if I could about your Call to Arms policy. You said earlier today that Facebook made an operational mistake in not taking down an event page that called for people to bring weapons to a public park in Kenosha. As I think we all know, there was a tragic incident of vigilantism in Kenosha where a young man brought his AR-15 from Illinois to Kenosha and ended up with two protesters dead and one injured. You indicated this was because this operational mistake  was because Facebook had just adopted its militia policy a week earlier, and contractors without specialized training didn't pick up the violation, and I appreciate your frankness as to that in your answers to questions earlier today from Senator Durbin. But your response to Senator Durbin didn't mention that the event page also violated a separate Call to Arms policy in place for over a year that contractors aren't tasked to enforce. So I just have to ask as a follow-up  why didn't you before, and also today, reference the Call to Arms policy when reviewing what went wrong in Kenosha? Mr. Zuckerberg: Senator, my understanding is that that post did not necessarily violate that Call to Arms policy at the time. The Call to Arms policy does not prohibit anyone from saying, you know, let's go get our guns and do something. For example, if people are organizing a hunting trip, that's obviously not going to be something that should be against the policies. But what we do on some of these policies  which I'm glad to get the opportunity to address this  is some of these are context-specific and just require a higher level of context and expertise in the area to enforce. So we don't necessarily have all of the 35,000 reviewers assess every single one of these policies. So I can follow up in more detail if you would like on the Call to Arms policy and the nuance there specifically, but that's also a bit on how we operationalize these policies. Sen. Coons:Thank you for that answer. I do want to follow up because just facially, it seemed to me that this was a violation of your own Call to Arms policy, but I look forward to that conversation. Mr. Dorsey, if I might, at a House Energy Committee hearing  I think it was two years ago  you committed to something that I was just discussing with Mr. Zuckerberg  an independent civil rights audit, but in your case, of Twitter. The audit released by Facebook in July has proven invaluable to bringing sunlight to some key areas in which Facebook does need to improve. Will you follow through on your commitment and commission to this independent audit of Twitter? Mr. Dorsey: So we work with civil rights groups all over the country and around the world. To get feedback, we're in constant conversation with them. And we do believe that being more transparent and making our transparency report a lot more robust, which today we still have some gaps, is important for any entity to audit independently of us. We believe that's important because an audit like that could take away from the work that we need to do. We'd rather provide the information in a raw format so that people can do that work. Sen. Coons:If I heard you right, you aren't going to pursue an independent civil rights audit, but you are going to continue to release data and to consult with civil rights groups. I'd welcome a more thorough answer as to in which way having an independent outside audit would actually harm your transparency efforts. Mr. Dorsey: I don't mean it would harm it. I mean that we want to provide enough information so that people can do this work independently of us on their own timelines, and that's where we need to make our transparency report more robust. And as I said, we have regular conversations with these groups and take feedback regularly. Sen. Coons:You do, Mr. Dorsey, have policies against deep fakes or manipulated media, against COVID-19 misinformation, against things that violate civic integrity, but you don't have a stand-alone climate change misinformation policy. Why not? Mr. Dorsey: Well, misleading information , as you are aware, is a large problem. It's hard to define it completely and cohesively. We wanted to scope our approach to start to focus on the highest severity of harm. We focused on three areas: manipulated media, which you mentioned, civic integrity, around the election specifically, and public health, specifically around COVID. You know, we want to make sure that our resources that we have have the greatest impact on where we believe the greatest severity of harm is going to be. Our policies are living documents. They will evolve. We will add to them, but we thought it important that we focus on our energies and prioritize the work as much as we could. Sen. Coons:Well, Mr. Dorsey, and I'll close with this, I cannot think of a greater harm than climate change, which is transforming literally our planet and causing harm to our entire world. I think we're experiencing significant harm as we speak. I recognize the pandemic and misinformation about COVID-19, manipulated media also cause harm, but I'd urge you to reconsider that because helping to disseminate climate denialism in my view further facilitates and accelerates one of the greatest existential threats to our world. Thank you to both of our witnesses. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-14-colleagues-press-facebook-to-take-immediate-action-to-combat-anti-muslim-bigotry-on-its-platform,"Sen. Coons, 14 colleagues press Facebook to take immediate action to combat anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 14 colleagues on a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg calling on the company to fully address the problem of anti-Muslim bigotry on its platform, which has enabled offline violence against Muslims in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Senator Coons is joined on the letter by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Facebook is a groundbreaking company that has revolutionized the way we communicate. Unfortunately, the connectivity that can bring people together in many positive ways also has been used to dehumanize and stoke violence against Muslims, Black people, Latinos, immigrants, the Jewish community, Sikhs, Christians, women, and other communities here and across the world,the Senators wrote. Of particular concern is how Facebook has addressed the targeting of mosques and Muslim community events by armed protesters through the platform. In June 2019, Facebook responded to concerns about these practices by creating a call to arms policy that prohibits event pages that call for individuals to bring weapons to a location. However, the Senators note that Facebook has not taken adequate steps to enforce this policy, which should have barred an event page in Kenosha, Wisconsin earlier this year, as well as a 2019 event page used to plan an armed protest at the largest Muslim community convention in the country. We recognize that Facebook has announced efforts to address its role in the distribution of anti-Muslim content in some of these areas,the Senators wrote. Nevertheless, it is not clear that the company is meaningfully better positioned to prevent further human rights abuses and violence against Muslim minorities today. As members of Congress who are deeply disturbed by the proliferation of this hate speech on your platform, we urge you to do more. An independent civil rights audit of Facebook from July 2020 highlighted disturbing examples of anti-Muslim abuse on the platform ranging [f]rom the organization of events designed to intimidate members of the Muslim community at gathering places, to the prevalence of content demonizing Islam and Muslims, and the use of Facebook Live during the Christchurch massacre These concerns have also prompted current Facebook employees to write a letter demanding action on anti-Muslim bigotry and calling for broader structural changes. In their letter, the Senators urge Facebook to take a number of actions to address these issues including collecting and publishing the data needed to understand the scope of the problem, publishing readily available information to help the public evaluate its response, and implementing a plan to ensure robust enforcement of its call to arms policy. We thank Sen. Coons and his colleagues for holding Facebook accountable for anti-Muslim hate and violence on its platform,said Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera. Since 2015, Muslim Advocates has warned Facebook that the platform's event pages were being used by violent militias and white nationalists to organize armed rallies at mosques. With their letter, these senators are raising needed attention to this critical issue. We need to know what Facebook plans to do to end the anti-Muslim hate and violence enabled by their platformand end it now. Groups supporting the letter includeMuslim Advocates, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Center for American Progress, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Campaign, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Free Press, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, Interfaith Alliance, Japanese American Citizens League, MediaJustice, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Shoulder to Shoulder, Sikh Coalition, and UltraViolet. A copy of the letter ishereand below. November 16, 2020 Mark Zuckerberg Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Facebook, Inc. 1601 Willow Road Menlo Park, CA 94025 Dear Mr. Zuckerberg: We write to express our deep concern regarding anti-Muslim bigotry on Facebook. An independent civil rights audit of the company from July 2020 highlighted disturbing examples of anti-Muslim abuse on the platform ranging [f]rom the organization of events designed to intimidate members of the Muslim community at gathering places, to the prevalence of content demonizing Islam and Muslims, and the use of Facebook Live during the Christchurch massacre . . . . These concerns have also prompted current Facebook employees to write a letter demanding action on anti-Muslim bigotry and calling for broader structural changes. As members of Congress who are committed to protecting the Muslim community, we urge you to take immediate action to combat this bigotry on Facebook's platforms. Facebook is a groundbreaking company that has revolutionized the way we communicate. Unfortunately, the connectivity that can bring people together in many positive ways also has been used to dehumanize and stoke violence against Muslims, Black people, Latinos, immigrants, the Jewish community, Sikhs, Christians, women, and other communities here and across the world. The enabling of hate speech and violence against any group is not acceptable. We appreciate that Facebook has taken certain steps to combat these problems. For instance, you recently reversed a prior decision that had allowed content denying the Holocaust, and you have altered your policies to ban blackface and certain anti-Jewish stereotypes. But much more must be done to protect these vulnerable communities. With regard to the Muslim community in particular, the civil rights audit noted advocates' alarm that Muslims feel under siege on Facebook and explained how attacks on Muslims present unique considerations that require separate analysis and response compared to other kinds of attacks. Yet, the auditors noted, Facebook has not yet publicly studied or acknowledged the particular ways anti-Muslim bigotry manifests on its platform. Of particular concern is how Facebook has addressed the targeting of mosques and Muslim community events by armed protesters through the platform. In June 2019, Facebook responded to concerns about these practices by creating a call to arms policy that prohibits event pages that call for individuals to bring weapons to locations. Yet, in August 2019, when advocates reported to Facebook that a militia group was using an event page to plan an armed protest at the largest Muslim community convention in the country for the second year in a row, it took Facebook more than a full day to remove the content, a delay that Facebook acknowledged was too long and an enforcement misstep. Other recent events have demonstrated how Facebook has not taken adequate steps to enforce this call to arms policy. In August 2020, a group called the Kenosha Guard posted an event page titled Armed Citizens to Protect Our Lives and Property, calling for armed individuals to gather in Kenosha, Wisconsin, following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Notwithstanding multiple reports by users that this page violated Facebook policies, Facebook did not take the page down. An armed 17-year-old traveled from out of state to join this gathering, fatally shot two protestors that night, and is charged with their murder. You stated that the failure to take down the event page and the Kenosha Guard's group page was largely an operational mistake because contract content moderators without specialized training failed to detect that the pages violated a new militia policy Facebook had established in August 2020. Your statement was misleading as to the event page, however, because it did not mention that the event page also violated the call to arms policy that had been in place for over a year. Importantly, we understand that the contractors who review user-reported content are not instructed to enforce a core component of the call to arms policy. It is not apparent that Facebook ensures meaningful enforcement of this policy, and that is not acceptable. As the Change the Terms Coalition has explained, that isn't an operational mistake  that's a design defect. We have similar concerns about Facebook's efforts to ensure that the platform is not used to enable systematic violence and discrimination against Muslims around the world. A United Nations report concluded that the company played a determining role in violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and Facebook has similarly acknowledged that the platform was used to foment division and incite offline violence against the Rohingya. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. According to a New York Times report published a month after anti-Muslim violence erupted in Sri Lanka in March 2018, Facebook's newsfeed played a central role in nearly every step from rumor to killing, despite numerous attempts by Sri Lankan activists and government officials to warn Facebook about potential outbreaks of violence. In an especially horrific episode of anti-Muslim activity on Facebook, in March 2019, a white nationalist gunman broadcasted his 17-minute slaughter of 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, for the entire world to see using Facebook Live. Reports indicate that the platform has also been used to support the internment of the Uyghurs in China and other human rights violations against this population, that Facebook and WhatsApp have been used to incite violence against Muslims in India, and that Facebook has been used to promote hate and violence in other areas around the world. The civil rights audit and other reports have documented the shortcomings of Facebook that have led to these results over the years. The United Nations explained in 2018 that Facebook launched its Myanmar-specific services without content moderators who spoke the necessary languages, without adequate technology, and without sufficient transparency and coordination with local organizations. It also documented how speech in clear violation of Facebook's policies remained on the platform notwithstanding multiple reports, and how even after the speech was taken down, re-posts continued to circulate months later. Furthermore, the civil rights audit found that Facebook is not sufficiently attuned to how its algorithms fuel extreme and polarizing content, and thereby may driv[e] people toward self-reinforcing echo chambers of extremism, as seen in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Advocacy groups similarly detailed the extent and persistence of anti-Muslim hate content on Facebook India in multiple reports last year, concerns that have been amplified by recent allegations that some high-ranking employees at Facebook India have enabled hate speech against Muslims and others by applying the platform's content moderation policies in a selective manner. We recognize that Facebook has announced efforts to address its role in the distribution of anti-Muslim content in some of these areas. These include, for instance, adding country-specific staff and content moderators proficient in certain local languages, investing in proactive detection technologies, strengthening local fact-checking partnerships, and limiting the ability to reshare certain kinds of messages. Nevertheless, it is not clear that the company is meaningfully better positioned to prevent further human rights abuses and violence against Muslim minorities today. In part, this is because Facebook still does not collect the information needed to evaluate the effectiveness of its responses. For instance, Facebook reported that it took action on 22 million pieces of hate speech content in the second quarter of 2020, up from over 9 million in the first quarter. It is not apparent, however, whether this is a sign of an improving or worsening problem, because this data lacks crucial context: Facebook does not calculate or report on the overall prevalence of hate speech on the platform. It is thus unclear how significant this increase is as a proportion of total hate speech or whether takedowns are increasing only because hate content on the platform is increasing. Facebook recognizes that the statistic it reports only tells part of the story, and Facebook does estimate prevalence in other contexts. Its failure to do so as to hate speech is concerning. In addition, the civil rights audit pointed out that for content that Facebook does remove, the company does not collect data about which protected groups were the target of the removed post. This prevents Facebook and the public from understanding the volume of hate against a particular group, whether attacks against certain groups are consistently not removed, and whether there are gaps in Facebook's policies that result in perpetuating or increasing hate speech and attacks against particular groups. It is difficult to understand how Facebook can effectively combat hate speech without this information. There is also basic information that Facebook has or could readily make available, but which it has inexplicably declined to make public. For instance, while pointing to its increases in country-specific staff and language-specific content moderators in certain areas, Facebook has declined repeated requests from advocates to provide detailed information about its country-specific staff or language-specific content moderators across the world. Such information is necessary to evaluate Facebook's suggestion that its additions are adequate and to determine whether there are gaps in coverage in other regions that should be addressed proactively before the next violent event. Facebook similarly does not provide information about how the hate speech it has taken down is disaggregated by language or country of origin, information that would help identify volatile areas in need of further attention from content moderators or others at Facebook. That is so even though Facebook has conceded that [t]hese breakdowns are feasible for these count-based metrics and that it recognize[s] the value in having different subpopulations of the various metrics. The United Nations 2018 Myanmar report expressed regret[] that Facebook did not provide country-specific data about hate speech and deemed it essential that such information be disclosed.  Though these concerns have been raised for years, Facebook thus far has not taken the steps required to effectively address hate and violence targeting Muslims. In 2018, Facebook acknowledged that it can and should do better after its platform fueled violence in Myanmar and outlined steps it would take. In 2020, Facebook apologize[d] for the human rights impacts that resulted from misuse of its platform in Sri Lanka and outlined more steps. Despite these experiences, recent reporting suggests that today, Facebook is contributing to the spread of hate speech and violence against ethnic and religious groups in Ethiopia, where Facebook dominates the internet. Meanwhile, it announced a call to arms policy to assuage concerns but has failed to adequately enforce it. As members of Congress who are deeply disturbed by the proliferation of this hate speech on your platform, we urge you to do more. We believe Facebook must frankly and openly detail the scope of the problem and take concerted and sustained actions to address this problem fully. We respectfully request that you respond to the questions below by December 16, 2020. As to each question, insofar as Facebook will commit to taking action, please provide details of its plan and expected timing. 1. Will Facebook commit to developing and implementing a plan to ensure robust enforcement of its call to arms policy, including through proactive review of event pages, content moderator review of user reports, and prioritization of highly reported events? If not, why not? 2. Will Facebook commit to collecting and publishing data about the overall amount and prevalence of hate content on the platform and whether hate content is increasing on its platform? If so, please specify whether Facebook will break down this data by country and language. If not, why not? 3. Will Facebook commit to collecting and publishing data about which groups were the subject of the hate speech it removes and enforcement rates across groups? If so, please specify the groups for which Facebook will provide this information. If not, why not? 4. Will Facebook commit to collecting and publishing country-specific or language-specific data on hate speech that is on or removed from the platform? If not, why not? 5. Will Facebook publish detailed information about the number of country-specific staff and language-specific content moderators it employs? If not, why not? 6. Will Facebook commit to studying regularly its civil rights and human rights impacts and making future human rights impact assessments or rights audits public in their entirety? If not, why not? 7. Will Facebook commit to establishing and publishing criteria that must be met for Facebook to expand or maintain usage of its services in markets at risk of hate content fueling religious and/or ethnic violence to ensure Facebook does not enable human rights violations? If so, please specify the outside input that Facebook will solicit in developing these criteria. If not, why not? 8. Will Facebook conduct an analysis of how it can better design its systems and algorithms to not just identify and take down hate speech, but limit the reach of this content and its ability to cause offline violence? If not, why not? 9. Will Facebook commit to creating a working group led by a senior employee with expertise in anti-Muslim bigotry specifically tasked with monitoring, reviewing, and coordinating efforts to proactively remove anti-Muslim content on the platform? If not, why not? Thank you for your consideration of our views. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-and-house-introduce-accelerating-access-to-critical-therapies-for-als-act,Senate and House introduce Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del. This week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) along withRepresentatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.)introduced an updated version of ACT for ALS,Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The two new pieces of legislation,S.4867in the Senate andH.R.8662in the House, create new pathways for faster and broader access to therapies for those most in need, including those facing a fatal disease like ALS. ""We must do all we can to support thetens of thousandsof Americansimpacted byALS, aterrible diseasewithout a cure.ACTfor ALS will expand early treatment options and support the cutting-edge research needed to improve quality of life and find a cure. Weshouldtake steps to facilitate access to new therapies, drug treatments, and medical breakthroughsto aid Americans who sufferfromALS orotherforms of neurodegenerative disease,said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus. For years I've been working with the ALS community to help increase research opportunities and ensure those living with this deadly disease have the support they need. We've made progress, but even with promising treatments in clinical trials, patients unable to enroll in those research studies unfortunately have very few options for treatment. Through a new pilot grant program, as well as other additional funding, this bipartisan legislation will help address barriers to utilizing the current expanded access pathway, while also broadly supporting the development of ALS treatments. As someone whose family has been personally impacted by ALS, I'm proud to help Senator Coons lead this effort,said Senator Lisa Murkowski. ""This new legislation represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.It breaks the paradigm of disease research and creates a new pathway to deliver promising treatments.With this new law, we can break through faster for those who have suffered so much,said Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. ""For too long, ALS and diseases like it have gone under researched and under resourced at the federal level. That changes today. The new ACT for ALS bill is the product of intense engagement over many months and is our best opportunity in decades to disrupt the status quo, move the ball forward, and expedite treatment options for those living with terminal illnesses like ALS. I've been so proud to work alongside a diverse group of stakeholderspatients, advocates, scientists, researchers and doctors, both in and outside of government to produce a bold, bipartisan piece of legislation that offers new hope to those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases with few treatments and no cures. I want to thank my partner in this effort, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and all those who worked with us to improve this legislation, and I am honored to give voice to the ALS patient community, without whom this effort would simply not be possible,said Congressman Mike Quigley. The revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development.First, ALS clinical trials do not always employ expanded access programs that facilitate access to experimental treatments outside of the trial.This legislation tackles the financial barrier for therapies being tested from small biopharmaceutical companies by creating a grant program that funds access to investigational ALS treatments to patients not participating in the clinical trial. Additionally, the grant will fund a research project as part of providing expanded access to people living with ALS, adding to the understanding of how treatments impact the disease. The revised legislation also invests in neurodegenerative disease research through a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program. With this investment, Congress prioritizes making progress in the development of treatments and cures for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, ACT for ALS would establish an HHS Collaborative for Neurodegenerative Diseases jointly led by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the first federal effort explicitly charged with the responsibility to speed the development and approval of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. This collaborative is charged with coordinating efforts across the public and private sector to accelerate therapeutic development and regulatory review of treatments and cures for ALS and neurodegenerative diseases, including: Coordination among the centers of the Food and Drug Administration to achieve the goals specified in the draft guidance entitled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry, published in September 2019;Facilitation of access to investigational drugs for ALS;Definition or development of the regulatory and translational pathway for emerging therapeuticcategories; andDevelopment and implementation of an ongoing mechanism to share feedback and information and develop strategies with the neurodegenerative disease community, including patients, treating physicians, national organizations that facilitate provision of care services, access andresearch, researchers, drug sponsors, drug manufacturers and Federal agencies. The bills have the full support and coordination of three leading ALS organizations in I AM ALS, The ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development. We made a commitment at the start of 2020 to firmly stand behind this legislation and the drive to make it a reality for ALS patients waiting for critical, needed treatments. This bill will provide additional opportunities to access promising ALS therapies and create a collaborative focused squarely on expediting development and approval of new ALS treatments and cures. We now look forward to working with the community and Congressional leaders to take one more step toward changing the course of history as we end ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases,I AM ALS CEO Danielle Carnival, PhD,said. ""The strengthenedAccelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Actcould betransformativefor the ALS community. It will help provide effective treatments for everyone living with ALS today, and expanded access to experimental ones. Itcreates thefirst federalentityexplicitlychargedwith finding effective treatments for ALS as quickly as possible. We thank Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE),Mike Quigley (D-IL)and Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE) and LisaMurkowski (R-AK)for introducing this bill to meet these goals,stated Neil Thakur, PhD, The ALS Association Chief Mission Officer. ""The introduction of a strengthened ACT for ALS represents a substantial step forward in the effort to bring safe, effective, and innovative new treatments to the ALS community. We are proud to endorse this bill, and in coordination with the ALS patient community, we call on Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible,saidKristin Stephenson, EVP, Chief Advocacy and Care Services Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association. Link to Senate Bill:https://bit.ly/34GW6ou Link to House Bill:https://bit.ly/37POqlG ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-letter-from-carper-coons-hhs-takes-action-to-preserve-access-to-provider-relief-fund,"Following letter from Carper, Coons, HHS takes action to preserve access to Provider Relief Fund",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) to announcethat following theirletter earlier this monthto U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, the Administration hasupdatedrequirements to preserve providers' access to funding from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Our health care workers and hospital staff are frontline heroes in this pandemic,said Senator Carper. We need to make sure that hospitals and health care providers throughout our state, especially those that serve vulnerable populations, have the resources they need to keep our communities healthy and safe. Today's announcement helps ensure that these front line health care providers can continue to focus on managing this public health crisis. Since the start of thispandemic, support for our health care systems has been a top priority. I've been working with my colleagues and with HHS to expand support for our health care providers  including a delegation effort to secure Nanticoke Hospital's eligibility for $1.6 million in relief,said Senator Coons.Iwelcomethisnewannouncement that HHSwill ensure providerscan access the assistance theyneedand ensure that quality health care remains accessibleup and down ourstate. This move will help smaller providers stay afloat and continue essential services in our communities. As we continue to face challenges from the pandemic, rural areas are in need of critical support, SenatorKlobuchar said.This announcement is welcome news and we must continue to work with rural hospitals and health systems in Minnesota and around the country to help ensure that they can continue to serve low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients through this difficult time."" We need to help health care providers in small towns and rural areas stay afloat so they can continue their critical work during COVID-19, SenatorSmith said.Some health care providers are having to lay people off while anticipating surges in patients this winter. This puts them in an impossible position. The last thing we should do is change the requirements for the Provider Relief Fund, which may force some health care providers to return funds they have already received."" HHS is allowing more flexibility for providers in using PRF proceeds so that they can continue to respond to all of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. This will help to protect patients' access to care and prevent providers  especially rural hospitals and hospitals that serve high-numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients  from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. HHS released initial reporting requirements inJunefor providers receiving PRF funds that directed these entities to define lost revenue as any revenue that you as a health care provider lost due to coronavirus, but HHS released updated reporting requirements onSeptember 19that directed providers to instead use changes in their net operating income to calculate lost revenue  a substantial change from the initial June guidance that was expected to reduce the amount of lost revenues that providers are able to report. That shift in reporting requirements would have changed the terms of the relief as hospitals and health systems initially understood them and likely created further uncertainty for providers at a time when they are already facing serious financial challenges. Earlier this month, Senators Carper, Coons, Klobuchar and Smith, along with 18 colleagues, wrotea letterto the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, expressing concerns about that change in reporting requirements for hospitals and health systems that receive relief funds from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). That change could have forced providers to return relief funding that they had already received.Rural hospitals and hospitals that serve high numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients  could have been particularly burdened by the additional reporting requirements, due to their already thin financial margins. Senators Carper, Coons, Klobuchar and Smith were joined on the letter by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Doug Jones (D-AL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ed Markey (D-MA). Full text of the October 9 letter can be foundhereand below. Dear Secretary Azar: We write to express our concerns regarding the recent change in reporting requirements for health care providers that have received emergency relief through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and to respectfully request that you reinstate the original reporting requirements for determining lost revenue that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first released in June of this year. As you know, the CARES Act established the PRF to reimburse health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. The PRF has been critical in helping hospitals and health care systems across the country navigate the serious financial challenges posed by this pandemic, preventing many providers from being forced to permanently close their doors. As a condition for receiving PRF funds, the CARES Act required these recipients to submit reports and maintain documentation to certify their compliance with program requirements. In June, HHS released initial guidance outlining some of these reporting requirements and directed providers to calculate lost revenue by comparing actual 2020 revenue with budgeted 2020 revenue or with 2019 revenue. On September 19, HHS released updated reporting requirements that directed providers to use net operating income to calculate lost revenuea substantial change from the directions issued in June. We have heard from hospitals and health systems in our states who are concerned that this change in the definition of lost revenue will force them to return funds to HHS that they have received from the PRF. In particular, rural hospitals and those that serve high numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patientswhich already operate on thin financial marginsmay be especially impacted by this change. We are concerned that this change in reporting requirements changes the terms of the relief as providers initially understood them based on the initial June guidelinesfurther exacerbating the financial challenges and uncertainty that these systems continue to grapple with as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reinstate the original June requirements for determining lost revenue in order to prevent unnecessary financial uncertainty for hospitals and health care providers and to prevent them from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. Thank you for your time and attention to this important measure. We look forward to working with you to continue supporting our hospitals and ensuring that this pandemic does not cause further, long-term disruptions to Americans' access to care. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-confirmation-vote-senators-coons-carper-join-delawareans-to-highlight-whatsatstake-if-aca-is-overturned,"Ahead of confirmation vote, Senators Coons, Carper join Delawareans to highlight #WhatsAtStake if ACA is overturned",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON,
Del.Yesterday, just hours before the U.S. Senate voted
on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, U.S. Sen. Chris
Coons and Sen. Tom Carper (both D-Del.) joined Delawareans who are benefitting
from the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, highlighting what's at stake if the
landmark health care law is overturned. Judge
Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve on the Supreme Court threatens the
health care protections that millions of Americans currently have under the
ACA, including protections for the nearly 400,000 Delawareans living with
preexisting conditions. ""It's
hard enough to fight the cancer. We shouldn't also have to fight to live,""
said Jan White, a small business owner from Newark who has been battling Stage
4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for four years. ""We need the ACA protections.""  
 ""The
ACA is not just benefiting me but thousands of Delawareans and millions of
Americans all across this country,"" said Carrie Dennis-Mayer, a small
business owner from Middletown, Delaware. ""What is interesting is that
most people do not know the need for the Affordable Care Act until they really
need it. And if you fall between the cracks of healthcare insecurity and
healthcare uncertainty, then trust me, you're grateful that ACA is there to help
you.""  
 ""It
is amazing to me, galling to me, angering to me, that in the middle of a
pandemic  a global health pandemic that has killed more than 225,000 Americans
and infected more than 8,500,000 Americans  that the Trump administration is
seeking to take away the protections of the Affordable Care Act from a majority
of Americans,"" said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary
Committee. ""Don't take my word for it; there's a filing in the U.S.
Supreme Court in a case that will be argued one week from the election. So, we
are one week from an election and two weeks from an argument in the Supreme
Court where the ACA is at risk."" ""Having
failed nearly 100 times to repeal or chip away at the Affordable Care Act in
Congress, Donald Trump and many of our Republican colleagues are now counting
on the Supreme Court to do their work for them. And, with Amy Coney Barrett's
nomination, they are within one vote on the Supreme Court of achieving their
goal,"" said Senator Carper. ""This isn't a hypothetical. This
nomination  and a subsequent ruling on the Republican lawsuit to strike down
the ACA in its entirety  could have all too real and devastating consequences
for Delawareans like Jan and our entire health care system, all in the midst of
a deadly and unprecedented pandemic. It is shameful, and Senator Coons and I
won't stop fighting to make sure Americans know just how much is at stake here.""  
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/coons-hosts-nasa-astronaut-administrator-for-virtual-conversation-with-delaware-students,"Coons hosts NASA astronaut, administrator for virtual conversation with Delaware students",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons
(D-Del.) hosted a virtual event with astronautDr.
Jeanette Epps, NASA AdministratorJim
Bridenstine, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, and 250-plus Delaware students. The virtual event, which involved FAME Delaware and Delaware Space Grant Consortium students, focused
on the importance of STEM education and NASA's
Artemis program. ""NASA's Artemis mission has the goal of landing a
woman on the moon by 2024, and it's something that I'm grateful NASA is
championing,"" said Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which funds
NASA. ""Inspiring the next generation of scientists,
engineers, and explorers  the Artemis Generation  ensures America will
continue to lead in space exploration and discovery,"" said NASA
Administrator Bridenstine. ""Delaware is committed to STEM education, and
is already making great contributions to America's Moon to Mars exploration
plans. The students who participated in today's event are tomorrow's NASA and
aerospace workforce, and encouraging STEM early on in their education is
critical to America's future in space. We are grateful to Senator Coons for his
leadership to promote STEM education, and look forward to continuing strong
partnerships in the state of Delaware."" ""Open your minds to the new frontiers offered by a
career in STEM fields, keep them open and take these opportunities, to learn
and grow,"" said Lt. Gov. Hall-Long. ""You are the next generation of
leaders that will guide us and expand STEM industry careers. Thank you to Sen.
Coons and to NASA for hosting this event today and providing a unique
opportunity for Delaware students to learn firsthand about all the amazing
opportunities available to them."" A research scientist and professor, Dr. Hall-Long also
serves as the honorary co-chair of the Million Women Mentors, which promotes
and connects young girls with leaders in STEM related fields. To watch a video of yesterday's virtual event, visit https://bit.ly/2Ttx71h.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-minority-business-support-to-rural-areas,"Sen. Coons, colleagues introduce legislation to expand minority business support to rural areas",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Thom Tillis, (R-N.C.), introduced theReaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act of 2020which would authorize the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) within the Department of Commerce to establish up to 10 business centers atHistorically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs) to serve rural and underserved communities. MBDA's existing Minority Business Centers are concentrated in select urban areas in 18 states, leaving vast swaths of the country without easy access to MBDA's services. It's urgent that Congress deliver comprehensive relief to small businesses struggling to survive the pandemic, but we must also ensure that ongoing recovery efforts reach underserved communities,Senator Coonssaid. This new bill would allow the Minority Business Development Agency to utilize the reach and relationships of HBCUs like Delaware State University to deliver the tools for growth to minority-owned small businesses. This is one of many ways we can prioritize equity and access as we chart the economic recovery. The Minority Business Development Agency has been a lifeline for many minority business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow their businesses,SenatorWickersaid. This bill would help extend these resources to more of rural America, leveraging the expertise and innovation of our nation's historically black colleges and universities. I am glad to work alongside Senators Tim Kaine, Tim Scott, Chris Coons, and Thom Tillis to help make this expansion possible. MBDA centers have long been integral in supporting minority-owned businesses, but many rural businesses face challenges tapping into these federal resources,Senator Kaine said. This difficulty is particularly devastating amid the ongoing economic crisis brought on by COVID-19. By combining the talent and expertise of HBCUs and MBDA centers, this bill will offer vital means for rural minority-owned businesses, helping them thrive and expand. As a former business owner, I find it crucial that we deploy resources to our young people  especially in minority communities  to ensure that they have access to opportunity,said Senator Scott. I am proud to help draft and cosponsor the Reaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act, and I look forward to seeing more minority-owned businesses across the nation."" This bipartisan legislation is a big win for rural and underserved communities in North Carolina,saidSenator Tillis. North Carolina's HBCUs have the potential to become education, support, and training hubs for the rural minority businesses in the communities they support, and this legislation makes long-term future success possible for so many businesses and is a great way to focus on each individual need. I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis to introduce this legislation and applaud the administration for their continued investment in North Carolina's HBCUs and our rural communities. The legislation would authorize $10 million a year for the creation of up to 10 rural business centers at HBCUs. Eligible institutions would not have to be located in a rural area, but would need to demonstrate how they would serve a rural or underserved minority population. HBCUs would also be able to form a consortium with other HBCUs or institutions of higher learning, which would strengthen the capacity of an established center and broaden its outreach. The rural business centers would provide education, training, and technical assistance to rural minority businesses. Specifically, the centers would assist with: Adoption of broadband internet service, digital literacy, and e-commerce;Promoting manufacturing in the United States;Meeting gaps in the supply chain of critical supplies and essential goods and services;Improving transportation and logistics;Promoting trade and export opportunities; andFacilitating entrepreneurship in rural areas. Clickhereto read a one-page summary of the legislation. Clickhereto read the full bill text. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-justice-barretts-confirmation-may-well-change-the-arc-of-our-history,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Justice Barretts confirmation may well change the arc of our history,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,joinedRachel Maddow on MSNBC last night to discuss Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. On the consequences of Justice Barrett's confirmation, Sen. Coons said:Justice Barrett, within a couple of weeks, is going to have a chance to weigh in on the things that President Trump said he most wanted from her. Overturning the Affordable Care Act  that case is being heard just two weeks from tomorrow. Protecting his taxes and shielding him from accountability  that case will be heard this month. And quite possibly handing him the election by refusing to count our votes in appeals to the Supreme Court. On Justice Barrett's conservative views, Sen. Coons said:JudgeBarrett, now Justice Barrett, convinced me from her writings and my questioning of her that she has a view of the law that's to the right of Justice Scalia. On Trump's judicial appointments, Sen. Coons said:We've got to look at our courts as a whole because we've seen hundreds of conservative judges put on circuit courts and district courts all over this country in the last four years, in many cases, too young, too unqualified, and too far right to be allowed to sit peaceably without our re-examining the process, the results, and the consequences. Full video is availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Delaware Senator Chris Coons. Senator Coons, it's a real pleasure to have you here tonight. Thanks very much for joining us. Sen. Coons:Thanks, Rachel. It's been a tough night, and I'm grateful for achance to be on with you. Q: So I know that Democrats did everything they felt they could, including as many delaying tactics as they could extend to this process, up to and including working through this weekend, going into closed session, doing everything possible. But you said tonight on the Senate floor: I fear we as a nation have not fully reckoned with the impact that a 6-3 conservative court will have on so many aspects of our lives. Now that the process part of this is over and the hypocrisy part of this is over and this is done, what are your biggest concerns about the Court as it will now be constituted with a Justice Barrett on its right flank? Sen. Coons:Well Rachel, first, Justice Barrett, within a couple of weeks, is going to have a chance to weigh in on the things that President Trump said he most wanted from her. Overturning the Affordable Care Act  that case is being heard just two weeks from tomorrow. Protecting his taxes and shielding him from accountability  that case will be heard this month. And quite possibly handing him the election by refusing to count our votes in appeals to the Supreme Court that you were just discussing a few moments ago. So very quickly, right up front, we'll see a couple of ways in which Justice Barrett, if she does sit and hear these things, may well change the arc of our history. But as I pointed out in my questioning of then-Judge Barrett on the Judiciary Committee, there's over 120 cases over recent years, over recent decades, where Justice Ginsburg was in the majority and Justice Scalia in the minority of a 5-4 decision. And, Rachel, they covered an incredible range of things from labor rights to LGBTQ rights, from environmental protection to Native American rights, to criminal defense issues, to the ways in which consumers are protected. Judge Barrett, now Justice Barrett, convinced me from her writings and my questioning of her that she has a view of the law that's to the right of Justice Scalia. I thought it was powerfully and chillingly symbolic that she asked Justice Thomas to symbolically swear her in tonight on the steps of the White House, treating the White House as a soundstage for the latest episode of Trump reality TV show,reelection theater,because it's Justice Thomas, the farthest right justice, who has repeatedly saidwe should look back and reconsider all sorts of cases. Something like, for example,Obergefell, that millions of Americans have rested their lives on and have moved forward in reliance upon, to cases decades ago likeGriswold v. Connecticutthat I asked her about and she wouldn't answer that is the foundation of privacy law. Rachel, I'm really worried about just how much this will mean in ways we are just now beginning to confront. Q: And this point in the process, SenatorCoons, as you say, a difficult night for you and your colleagues in the Senate who did try to do everything possible to stop this from happening. What do you say tonight to Democrats and, I think, liberals and centrists across the country who are enraged by what has happened here? President Obama being denied the opportunity to appoint a nominee to the Court even when he picked somebody quite moderate, specifically as a way to try to appeal to Republicans and their sense of fair play. Mitch McConnell essentially engineering three vacancies on this Court for President Trump to fill and the kinds of radical transformation that's ahead. You said tonight that Republicans are walking over a dangerous precipice. What do you say to Americans who want some kind of retribution or want to try to even this out somehow given what the Republicans have done? [] Sen. Coons:We've got to have a wide-open conversation about how we rebalance our courts. Yes, the twoSupreme Courtseats that have been stolen through these processes that are wildly hypocritical have been used to jam through nominees. We've got to look at our federal courts as a whole because we've seen hundredsof conservative judges put on circuit courts and district courts all over this country in the last four years, in many cases, too young, too unqualified, and too far right to be allowed to sit peaceably without our re-examining the process, the results, and the consequences. Q: Delaware U.S. Senator Chris Coons. Sir, I know this is just a remarkable time for a lot of different reasons, but thank you for taking time to help us explain this all tonight. Thank you so much, sir. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Rachel. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-confirmation-vote-on-amy-coney-barrett-senators-carper-coons-join-patients-and-providers-to-highlight-whatsatstake-for-delawareans-if-affordable-care-act-is-overturned,"Ahead of confirmation vote on Amy Coney Barrett, Senators Carper, Coons join patients and providers to highlight #WhatsAtStake for Delawareans if Affordable Care Act is overturned",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.Today, just hours before the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Delawareans who are benefitting from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to highlight what's at stake if the landmark health care law is overturned. Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve on the Supreme Court threatens the health care protections that millions of Americans currently have under the ACA, including protections for the nearly 400,000 Delawareans living with preexisting conditions. Today, at Westside Family Healthcare in Wilmington, Senators Carper and Coons were joined by Delawareans who have directly benefitted from the protections under the ACA, including the ban on annual and lifetime limits for essential health benefits.It's hard enough to fight the cancer. We shouldn't also have to fight to live,said Jan White, a small business owner from Newark who has been battling Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for four years.We need the ACA protections. The ACA is not just benefiting me but thousands of Delawareans and millions of Americans all across this country,said Carrie Dennis-Mayer, a small business owner from Middletown.What is interesting is that most people do not know the need for the Affordable Care Act until they really need it. And if you fall between the cracks of healthcare insecurity and healthcare uncertainty, then trust me, you're grateful that ACA is there to help you. Having failed nearly 100 times to repeal or chip away at the Affordable Care Act in Congress, Donald Trump and many of our Republican colleagues are now counting on the Supreme Court to do their work for them. And, with Amy Coney Barrett's nomination, they are within one vote on the Supreme Court of achieving their goal,said Senator Carper.This isn't a hypothetical. This nomination  and a subsequent ruling on the Republican lawsuit to strike down the ACA in its entirety  could have all too real and devastating consequences for Delawareans like Jan and our entire health care system, all in the midst of a deadly and unprecedented pandemic. It is shameful, and Senator Coons and I won't stop fighting to make sure Americans know just how much is at stake here. It is amazing to me, galling to me, angering to me, that in the middle of a pandemic  a global health pandemic that has killed more than 225,000 Americans and infected more than 8,500,000 Americans  that the Trump administration is seeking to take away the protections of the Affordable Care Act from a majority of Americans,said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.Don't take my word for it; there's a filing in the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that will be argued one week from the election. So, we are one week from an election and two weeks from an argument in the Supreme Court where the ACA is at risk. Even in the midst of a pandemic that has taken over 225,000 American lives, President Trump has repeatedly vowed to repeal the ACA and even urged the Supreme Court to strike down the health care law. Just last night, in an interview with60 Minutes,President Trump plainly stated that he hopes that Supreme Court ends the ACA. Unfortunately, if Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she could cast the deciding vote to overturn the ACA. Just one week after the election  on November 10th the United States Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case brought by the Trump Administration and 18 Republican Attorneys General that would overturn the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. You can watch video of the eventhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-to-vote-against-judge-barretts-confirmation-to-the-supreme-court,Senator Coons to vote against Judge Barretts confirmation to the Supreme Court,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on his vote against the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court: While Senate Republicans have been rushing to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett, they have done nothing to help the millions of Americans struggling through this pandemic. Across the country, too many Americans have lost jobs, closed small businesses, and been infected by COVID-19. But, instead of working together to pass a relief bill to deliver desperately-needed aid, my Republican colleagues chose to jam through a partisan nominee in the most rushed and unprecedented process in American history. I fear that Judge Barrett's confirmation will have real and dire impacts on the American people. After reviewing her record and questioning her about her views, it's clear that Judge Barrett will come to the Supreme Court with both a legal philosophy that is far outside the mainstream and a judicial activism that will put at risk numerous longstanding rights that the American people hold dear  the right to privacy, the right to control one's own body, and the right to marry whomever they love. Judge Barrett has also expressed clear disagreement with past opinions upholding the Affordable Care Act, and she may well cast the deciding vote to overturn it, stripping from the majority of Americans critical coverage and protections in the middle of a public health crisis that has already taken the lives of more than 220,000 Americans. I fear that Judge Barrett's confirmation will also do irreparable damage to our democracy. We are just eight days from Election Day. Never before in our nation's history has the United States Senate confirmed a Supreme Court justice in circumstances such as these. I am further troubled by Judge Barrett's refusal during her confirmation hearing to commit to recusing herself from any case involving an election dispute. This means that Judge Barrett could be the deciding vote to tip the election in President Trump's favor  a vote that could undermine the integrity of our elections for generations to come. For all of these reasons, I will voteagainst Judge Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme Court. As my Republican colleagues rush this nomination forward, I urge each of them to reconsider and to think about the dire impacts this confirmation will have on our constituents and our nation as a whole. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/carper-coons-democratic-colleagues-denounce-trump-administrations-historically-low-refugee-resettlement-goal-and-push-for-increased-admissions,"Carper, Coons, Democratic colleagues denounce Trump administrations historically low refugee resettlement goal and push for increased admissions",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and 21 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in opposing the Trump administration's proposal to cap refugee admissions at 15,000 for Fiscal Year 2021the lowest ceiling in the history of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)and in urging the administration to increase refugee admissions. The United States has a long, bipartisan legacy of providing refugees protection through resettlementprior to 2016 we resettled an average of more than 80,000 refugees per year,the senators wrote in a letter to Secretaries Michael Pompeo and Alex Azar and Under Secretary Chad Wolf.Yet, during this time of soaring global resettlement needs, this Administration has once again abdicated America's global leadership role by further reducing the refugee admissions ceiling to its lowest level in the 40-year history of the program. We urge you to substantially increase the refugee admissions target for FY 2021, and end the current suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The senators highlighted the importance of a strong resettlement program, which serves as an essential lifeline for the most vulnerable among the 29.6 million refugees worldwide while also strengthening our communities and economy. In addition, the senators affirmed the importance of U.S. leadership on resettlement as a powerful tool to garner greater global support for refugees facing persecution. American leadership in refugee resettlement is critical in securing greater global support for this important lifeline, which is available to less than one percent of all refugees,the senators added.As this Administration has slashed its annual refugee admissions goals, other leading resettlement countries have followed suit and lowered their resettlement numbers as well. In addition to Senators Carper, Coons and Ranking Member Menendez, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). A copy of the letter may be foundhereand below. Dear Secretaries Pompeo and, Azar, and Under Secretary Wolf: We write to urgently express our concern regarding the President's report to Congress on the Proposed Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2021, which proposes a Presidential Determination of 15,000 refugees, a historical low since the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) was established in 1980. The United States has a long, bipartisan legacy of providing refugees protection through resettlementprior to 2016 we resettled an average of more than 80,000 refugees per year. Yet, during this time of soaring global resettlement needs, this Administration has once again abdicated America's global leadership role by further reducing the refugee admissions ceiling to its lowest level in the 40-year history of the program. We urge you to substantially increase the refugee admissions target for FY 2021, and end the current suspension of the refugee resettlement program. As we face unprecedented levels of forced displacement around the world, with 29.6 million refugees worldwide, resettlement serves as a critical lifeline for those fleeing persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Survivors of sexual violence and torture, unaccompanied children, families traumatized by the loss of loved ones in war, and other highly vulnerable refugees may need resettlement as the only solution to their plight. Refugees resettled in the United States contribute greatly to the communities that take them in. To that end, refugees have generated $63 billion in net revenue alone over a decade for the United States. In addition to advancing U.S. humanitarian objectives and economic interests, resettlement serves as an important foreign policy tool to support people facing oppression and human rights abuses. The United States' historical leadership on this issue has enhanced our global influence and demonstrated responsibility-sharing with refugee-hosting countries like Jordan, Uganda, and Bangladesh. Moreover, American leadership in refugee resettlement is critical in securing greater global support for this important lifeline, which is available to less than one percent of all refugees. As this Administration has slashed its annual refugee admissions goals, other leading resettlement countries have followed suit and lowered their resettlement numbers as well. A robust refugee admissions goal is necessary to ensure those under threat of persecution, like Hong Kongers fleeing political persecution in Hong Kong and refugees fleeing religious persecution in Iran, Iraq, and Myanmar, have a pathway to live freely and without abuse. For our allies in Iraq and Afghanistan, it means standing ready to help when under threat, just as they stood by our troops when we needed their help. We urge you to substantially increase the refugee admissions ceiling for FY 2021. The Administration should immediately end the suspension of the refugee resettlement program in order to ensure the world's most vulnerable will no longer remain in harm's way and separated from their families. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democrats-on-the-senate-foreign-relations-subcommittee-on-africa-issue-joint-statement-on-police-brutality-in-nigeria,Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa issue joint statement on police brutality in Nigeria,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Nigeria. As members of the Subcommittee on Africa, we have been watching the recent developments in Nigeria with great concern, and call for an immediate end to the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. The escalation of violence in Lagos is unacceptable. That security forces have used live ammunition against peaceful protestors demonstrating against police brutality is especially alarming. We urge security forces to act with restraint and for Nigerian authorities to de-escalate the situation and hold perpetrators of violence to account. Nigeria is the most populous country and largest economy in Africa and is an important strategic partner of the United States. It is, therefore, disheartening to see a valuable diplomatic and security partner resorting to violence against its own civilians.We urge the government of Nigeria to consider the negative impact thatrecurrent violations of human rightsand violence against protesters will have on the U.S.-Nigeria security partnership. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we stand with those who protest police brutality and government corruption. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-portman-introduce-bill-to-combat-wildlife-trafficking,"Sens. Coons, Portman introduce bill to combat wildlife trafficking",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation to combat the crisis of wildlife poaching and trafficking and build on bipartisan efforts to address the practice. Wildlife trafficking is a major threat to conservation of threatened species and has also been linked to other transnational organized criminal activities, including trafficking in narcotics, weapons, andpeople. TheEliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2020would permanently authorize and expandlegislationled by Senator Coons that was signed into law in 2016. Since passing in 2016, theEND Wildlife Trafficking Acthas aidedin thearrest of members of wildlife trafficking networksand supported interagency efforts to tackle the practice globally through country-specific and regional initiatives. Certain provisions of the law are set to expire in 2021. TheEND Wildlife Reauthorization and Improvements Actpermanently authorizes the duties of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and related reports on major wildlife trafficking countries, and creates new focus areas such as the role of online platforms in facilitating trafficking activities. Wildlife trafficking is not just a critical conservation issue; it also threatensthesecurityofthe United States andour international partners,said Senator Chris Coons. The Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking has done outstanding work, but the threat of wildlife poaching and trafficking is constantly evolving. It is vital thatthework of the Task Force continues without disruption, and I am proud to introduce thisbipartisanbill with Senator Portman to build on successful efforts to address illegal wildlife trade. As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I am pleased to join Senator Coons in introducing theEND Wildlife Trafficking and Improvements Act of 2020to help prevent the trafficking and poaching of the world's most threatened species. Wildlife trafficking is not only a matter of conservation but also national security and international stability, as billions in profits from the illegal wildlife trade are used to finance other illicit and terrorist activity. Importantly, combatting wildlife trafficking can also help prevent zoonotic disease transmission, such as the coronavirus. This legislation aims to combat trafficking in countries where it is most prevalent, while also recognizing wildlife trafficking that occurs using online platforms and the importance of using technology to combat the illegal wildlife trade. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this important bipartisan legislation,said Senator Portman. TheEND Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2020is supported by the African Wildlife Foundation, World Wildlife Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International, and Vulcan. World Wildlife Fund President & CEO Carter Robertssaid, TheEND Wildlife Trafficking Acthas helpedstop illegal wildlife trade, disrupt criminal networks, andaddress one of the root causes of pandemics, like COVID-19. Reauthorizing and strengthening this law isvital, which is why there is such strong bipartisan leadership behind it. We thank Senators Coons and Portman for moving this issue forward. It is an essential one for the safety and security of our country and the world. The Wildlife Conservation Society applauds Senators Coons and Portman for their leadership in introducing legislation in the U.S. Senate to renew theEliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2020,saidKelly Keenan Aylward, Washington Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society.Renewing and expanding the functions of the Combating Wildlife Trafficking Task Force is essential to build upon U.S. international anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, and consumer behavior change programs in light of the growing presence of criminal networks in wildlife trafficking, including online platforms. Didi Wamukoya, lead for Wildlife Law Enforcement at African Wildlife Foundation said, The END Wildlife Trafficking Act has helped African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to develop and field innovative programs to disrupt illegal wildlife trade, including deployment of conservation detection dogs at major trafficking hubs to sniff out illegal wildlife products. The support provided by this Act, and distributed by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, has enabled AWF and its partners to push for a comprehensive review of wildlife laws in Kenya and Uganda, yielding punitive penalties for wildlife trafficking among other procedural improvements. It is imperative to protect and build on the gains achieved so far in combatting wildlife trafficking in Africa. That's why support for theEND Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2020is critical  to continueorganized and coordinated efforts from the United States Government to protect and further these gains in combating IWT across the world. Since its original passage, theEliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Acthas led to real improvements in efforts to combat global poaching and wildlife trafficking. This reauthorization will both continue and enhance that essential work by effectively shutting down even more avenues of illicit trade,said Kate Wall, Senior Legislative Manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare. IFAW applauds Senator Coons and Senator Portman for their valuable leadership in stopping the illegal trade in wildlife, which profoundly threatens individual animals, biodiversity, communities, and even global stability. James Roth, Senior VP of Global Policy and Government Affairs at Conservation International said,We commend Senator Coons and Senator Portman for taking a critical first step on pandemic prevention. Wildlife trafficking, deforestation, early detection, a One Health approach and better global cooperation are all necessary components of a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill takes bold, new steps for the wildlife trafficking component, such as permanently reauthorizing the Presidential Task Force and applying the latest technology to combat wildlife trafficking. Zak Smith, Director, International Wildlife Conservation at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)said,The nature crisis threatens a million species with extinction and undermines the natural systems we depend on to thrive. To effectively address this, we have to tackle the direct exploitation of species. It is one of the leading drivers of this decline. Reauthorizing this lawand focusing on the scourge of wildlife trafficking that jeopardizes species around the worldis a key part of that effort. Chuck Cooper, Managing Director of Government Affairs, Vulcan Inc,said, The illegal wildlife trade threatens our planet's biodiversity, promotes corruption, endangers global health, and undermines our national security. TheEliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Actbuilds on the ENDActby encouraging partnerships with the private sector and NGOs that leverage technology to combat wildlife crime andIUU fishing. Wildlife trafficking is illegal for good reason because the trade in their parts also fuels corruption, terrorism and other illicit activity in range state nations while posing a public health risk of zoonotic disease transmission worldwide. The END Wildlife Trafficking reauthorization bill sets the stage for ramping up American investments in enforcement, strategies to reduce consumer demand, and expanded global cooperation to stop this dangerous, destructive and ecologically reckless trade that is driving a number of wild species throughout the world toward extinction,saidSara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. We applaud the foresight of Sens. Coons and Portman in reauthorizing this important task force to ensure coordination across the whole of government against this pernicious, pervasive activity. Bill text is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-barretts-nomination-this-is-personal-its-about-long-settled-rights-for-millions-and-millions-of-americans,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Barrett’s nomination: ‘This is personal. It's about long settled rights for millions and millions of Americans’,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke at a press conference alongside Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, emphasizing what's at stake with Amy Coney Barrett's nomination. On health care, Sen. Coons said,like all of us, I brought a picture of a real person for whom the consequences of what's on the [Supreme Court] docket are very real. Just a week after the election, the Supreme Court will hear another constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act long settled eight years ago. In mycase,Carrie from Middletown, with a pre-existing condition, a small business owner, someone who can't get access to quality affordable health care if the Affordable Care Act is overturned. On the timing of this confirmation, Sen. Coons said,in the middle of a pandemic, where 8 million Americans have been infected and morethan 220,000 have lost their lives, we should instead be negotiating a robust package of pandemic relief.Sen. Coons continued,the Republicans have insisted on breaking the example they set just four years ago of refusing to move a qualified nominee in the midst of an election. On Judge Barrett's record, Sen. Coons said,her writings and her record show in Judge Barrett a judge willing to go farther to the right than even Justice Scalia, who she's claimed as a mentor and a model, and to reach back, reconsider, and possibly overturn decisions that she and other conservative justices think were wrongly decided. Sen. Coons concluded,so folks, they may be shrouded in mist right now but I hope I've helped make it clear as have all the Democrats standing behind me, we were not over in the Judiciary Committee markup thismorning because we wanted to be clear what was on the agenda, what is on the docket. This is personal. It's about long settled rights for millions and millions of Americans. In the middle of this pandemic, we should not be racing for the Republicans to confirm this partisan nominee who puts at riskhundreds of caseslong settled. We should be delivering relief to the American people. Full video is availablehere. Sen. Coons' remarks, as delivered, are provided below. Good morning. This morning, the Capitol and the Supreme Court are shrouded in mist and fog. It's not clear so let us help clear it up because sometimes the talk of votes and committees of quorum and filibusters here in the Capitol, in the Senate, is a little hazy for the American people and sometimes tough to follow. But why we're here on these steps and what this is all about is what is on the docket. On the agenda this morning, on the Senate Judiciary Committee, was moving the nomination of Judge Barrett to the floor of the Senate, and as my colleagues have said now several times, the only way the Republican majority was able to do this was by breaking the rules of the committee. We were not there and we were not part of that vote because after the confirmation hearings that have happened, it is abundantly clear that in the middle of a pandemic, where 8 million Americans have been infected and more than 220,000 have lost their lives, we should instead be negotiating a robust package of pandemic relief and the Republicans have insisted on breaking the example they set just four years ago of refusing to move a qualified nominee in the midst of an election. Well folks, we're in the midst of an election. Tens of millions of Americans are already voting and we participated in the hearings so that we could ask Judge Barrett, so we could get clear for the American people what's on the docket. Like all of us, I brought a picture of a real person for whom the consequences of what's on the docket are very real. Just a week after the election, the Supreme Court will hear another constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act long settled eight years ago. In my case, Carrie from Middletown, with a pre-existing condition, a small business owner, someone who can't get access to quality affordable health care if the Affordable Care Act is overturned. And, in the confirmation process, I asked Judge Barrett, will you recuse yourself if this rushed and partisan unprecedented process results in putting you in that Court just in time to decide cases that arise from this election? Well, she hemmed and hawed. She would not commit to recusing herself from a decision that would hand the election to Donald Trump. Why is this even an issue? Because of what Donald Trump, President Trump himself has said. Over and over, President Trump has said, I want her rushed through so that a judge can sit on the Court and overturn the ACA. I want her rushed through so she can decide the election. And every member of the Republican majority, in the Judiciary Committee and in this Capitol behind me, has over and over voted to overturn the Affordable Care Act. This isn't about what Judge Barrett said in her confirmation hearings because she mostly wouldn't answer. It's about what we all know is on the agenda and is on the docket. I asked Judge Barrett if she would simply confirm, as several conservative justices before her have, that the right to privacy first recognized inGriswold v. Connecticutdecades ago in 1965 was settled, was safe, was secure, was the sort of right that Americans can know is not on the docket and is not up for reconsideration. And unlike justices both progressive and conservative before her, she would not say so. Why does that concern me? Because her writings and her record show in Judge Barrett a judge willing to go farther to the right than even Justice Scalia, who she's claimed as a mentor and a model, and to reach back, reconsider, and possibly overturn decisions that she and other conservative justices think were wrongly decided. What does that mean might be on the docket? The whole line of cases that recognize privacy, the right to love, the right to marry,Obergefelldecided just five years ago. And don't listen to me. Justices Alito and Thomas just weeks ago raised their hand and said we should reach back and reconsider. So folks, they may be shrouded in mist right now, but I hope I've helped make it clear as have all the Democrats standing behind me, we were not over in the Judiciary Committee markup this morning because we wanted to be clear what was on the agenda, what is on the docket. This is personal. It's about long settled rights for millions and millions of Americans. In the middle of this pandemic, we should not be racing for the Republicans to confirm this partisan nominee who puts at risk hundreds of cases long settled. We should be delivering relief to the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-demand-explanation-of-justice-departments-sudden-change-to-election-non-interference-policy,"Sen. Coons, colleagues demand explanation of Justice Department’s sudden change to election non-interference policy",2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and 11 other members of the Rules and Judiciary Committees on a letter to Corey R. Amundson, Chief of the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, requesting an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections, which ensures that election fraud investigations do not affect an upcoming election. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities.  This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning that Russia is amplifying these claims to undermine trust in the electoral process. In addition to Senators Coons and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail.the senators said. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. Full text of the letter can be foundhereand below. Dear Mr. Amundson: We request an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections, which ensures that election fraud investigations do not affect an upcoming election.  The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject[] the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities. Department policy thus prohibits overt investigative steps in such cases until the election in question has been concluded, its results certified, and all recounts and election contests concluded. [Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses, p. 84] The Department has reportedly announced an exception to this policy that would allow election fraud allegations to be publicly announced before the 2020 election if the integrity of any component of the federal government is implicated by election offenses. The exception appears to encompass allegations of mail voting fraud, which the Department could now publicly announce while voting is underway. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process.  It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail. We therefore ask that you provide the following information no later than October 23: What is the complete text of the new exception to the Department's non-interference with elections policy?Why did the Department create this exception at this time?Who participated in the creation of the exception, including the decision to create it and the drafting process?How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception do not chill[] legitimate voting and campaign activities or jeopardize the Department's reputation for fairness, neutrality, and non-partisanship?How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception will not interfere with or disturb the delivery and counting of mail-in ballots? Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-stimulus-many-of-us-in-the-senate-are-ready-to-support-a-broad-and-significant-bill,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on stimulus: ‘Many of us in the Senate are ready to support a broad and significant bill’,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJohn Berman on CNN to discuss the developments onaCOVID-19 stimulus bill and the economic support it would give to people in need. We have more than 25 million Americans on unemployment right now, more than 8 million Americans infected, more than 220,000 Americans dead. This is a public health crisis of epic proportions and our economy is barely hanging on because of the unanimous support of the Senate six months ago for theCARESrelief act.[Majority Leader]McConnell has beenAWOL. Hehas been absent, a total nonparticipant, and is now actually being a critical speed bump in the last days as Speaker Pelosi is trying hard to work out a robust package of relief,Senator Coons said.We have 6 million Americans late on their mortgage or their rent. That should be in this bill. Every state is facing rising challenges, both in terms of their budgets and the pandemic response. Robust state and local government relief should be in this bill. And there should be another round of support for families. I hope we can get this done. Full audio is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons. Senator, thanks so much for being with us. Let me read you a little bit of CNN's reporting on what's going on in theSenate in regards to this relief package. At a closed-door lunch on Tuesday, McConnellindicated that the deal was unlikely to get a vote in his chamber before election day, according to multiple sources. And he said he warned the White House against getting behind such a proposal before November 3rd that would badly divide Senate Republicans. So McConnell isn't jumping up and down about this. What do you want this morning? Sen. Coons:John, I want us to make real progress towards delivering relief for the millions of Americans who are suffering through this pandemic, who are struggling through this recession,both of which have been made far worse than they ever should have been by President Trump's bungled mishandling of this public health crisis. We have more than 25 million Americans on unemployment right now, more than 8 million Americans infected, more than 220,000 Americans dead. This is a public health crisis of epic proportions and our economy is barely hanging onbecauseof the unanimous support of the Senate six months ago for theCARESreliefact. McConnell has beenAWOL. Hehas been absent, a total nonparticipant, and nowisactually being a critical speed bump in the last days as Speaker Pelosi is trying hard to work out a robust package of relief. We have 6 million Americans late on their mortgage or their rent. That should be in this bill. Every state is facing rising challenges, both in terms of their budgets and the pandemic response. Robust state and local government relief should be in this bill. And there should be another round of support for families. I hope we can get this done. I have confidence in Speaker Pelosi and her negotiations. Many of us in the Senate are ready to support a broad and significant bill like this. But it's striking that Republicans, in the midst of this public health crisis, are signaling they will not support any more funding for American families in the middle of this recession and pandemic. Q: Regardless of what Mitch McConnell will do with itleave his opposition or reticence aside heredo you want Speaker Pelosi to make the deal? Make the deal? Maybe don't make perfect the enemy of the good. Maybe even take the deal a little bit north of what the $1.8 trillion the White House last offered was. Sen. Coons:Look, let's put this into broader perspective. $1.8 trillion is an enormous amount of money. It's more than double the amount of the relief package, the Recovery Act that the Obama-Bidenadministration was able to get. I'll remind you, in 2009, when the Obama-Bidenadministration came in, our economy was in free fall, because of the collapse in Wall Street and Republicans doggedly objected to moving forward with any relief, insisted on major tax cuts to get anything. This is about three times the size of the real stimulus that was in that bill. This is what Democrats care about. Providing support for American families who are struggling. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-colleagues-introduce-covid-19-relief-bill-to-support-small-businesses,"Sen. Coons, colleagues introduce COVID-19 relief bill to support small businesses",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), along with his colleagues on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.)and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.),andSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced theHEROES Small Business Lifeline Act a comprehensive package of measures that would provide support to the hardest-hit, most vulnerablesmall businesses and industries, such as food services, hospitality, and live venues. The bill is nearly identical to the small business provisions ofHEROES 2.0, whichpassed the House of Representatives on October 1. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Small businesses and nonprofits and their employeesare working tirelessly to keep their workplaces going. The challenges facing restaurants, event venues, childcare providers, hotels, fitness centers, and so many other Main Street businesses in Delaware and across the country call for boldand sweeping assistance from the federal government,SenatorCoons said.That's why I'm proud to introduce theHEROES Small Business Lifeline Act. The bill not only offers a second round of PPP loans to hard-hit businesses, as we initially called for in June, but it also includes a vital extension of the SBA debt relief program, and new grant funding with a focus on restaurants, event venues, and the smallest, hardest-hit businesses across all sectors, as well as those owned by women and people of color. This is the bill we need to get Main Street through this pandemic. More than 12 million Americans remain unemployed, hundreds of thousands are still being laid off weekly, and businesses are closing every day,Senator Cardin said.TheHEROES Small Business LifelineActmeets the scale of the need in our countryproviding grants, affordable long-term capital, and small business debt relief to the most vulnerable and hardest-hit small businesses and sectors. COVID-19 cases are rising every day. Senate Republicans' proposal to only reinstate eight weeks of PPP is not enough to get small businesses and their employees through the pandemic. PPP and EIDL have been lifelines that have kept small businesses across the country from going under but many of these businesses are still struggling and need further help,said Senator Shaheen.Revenues are still at unsustainable lows and with infection rates increasing in many communities, for many businesses a second PPP loan or a new EIDL grant can't come soon enough. This legislation prioritizes smaller businesses, particularly those in hardest hit industries, and puts in place protections to make sure this money goes to businesses that are truly hurting, not well-connected corporations. Every effort must be made to make sure federal relief reaches small businesses that need help the most and this legislation would be a big step toward that goal. The strength of our economy and country's small businesses depends on our ability to curb the coronavirus. That's why Senate Democrats have proposed for months comprehensive legislation that includes money for testing and contact tracing, relief to Americans who've lost their jobs, aid to help small businesses stay afloat, financial resources so state and local governments can save hundreds of thousands of jobs, continue to offer essential services for their communities, and revive their local economies, and much more,said Leader Schumer.Unfortunately, Senate Republicans continue to push an inadequate bill that doesn't do nearly enough to help workers and families, and that lacks the scale of assistance required to help the hardest-hit small businesses and industries, including those in underserved and underbanked communities. Senate Democrats are united behind theHeroes Small Business Lifeline Act, to provide over $370 billion in small business relief for a second round of PPP, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits, critical access hospitals and local news media, grants for our hardest-hit industries like restaurants, concert venues, and theaters and investment in communities of color that have too often been left behind. This significant support for the nation's small businesses as part of a comprehensive relief bill is a must have to address the far-reaching impacts of the crisis we face. TheHEROES Small Business Lifeline Actwould:     Extend and improve PPP to better serve small businesses. The bill extends PPP through March 2021, provides a second PPP for the hardest-hit small businesses and nonprofits, expands eligibility to ensure nonprofits and critical access hospitals can participate, simplifies the forgiveness process, repeals the requirement of deducting an EIDL advance from the PPP forgiveness amount, and removes limitations that unfairly restrict small businesses owned by formerly incarcerated individuals from securing a PPP loan.     Extend and expand the Debt Relief program.The bill extends payments of principal, interest, and fees on all preexisting and new 7(a), 504 and microloans for up to a year, with more relief targeted to existing borrowers in underserved markets and the hardest-hit sectors.     Support the smallest, most vulnerable businesses.The bill includes a new $40 billion Lifeline Grant program, of which half is set aside for undeserved businesses, that provides grants of up to $50,000 to vulnerable small businesses that have suffered a significant economic loss and creates a new $15 billion grant program for state and local governments to provide funds to vulnerable small businesses in their communities.     Deliver targeted assistance to small businesses in struggling industries.The bill includes theSave our Stages (SOS) Actand theRESTAURANTS Act, which provide dedicated assistance for industries that rely on large gatherings, including restaurants, concert venues, and theaters.     Invest in underserved communities. The bill invests in the mission- and community-based lenders that have a demonstrated history of getting capital to minorities, women, and other underserved communities. Specifically, it includes a dedicated $15 billion PPP set-aside for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), $1 billion in support for CDFIs, and a $13 billion for a new Neighborhood Capital Investment Program to support CDFIs and MDIs.     Improve existing small business initiatives.The bill builds on the Small Business Administrations (SBA) core programs, including 7(a), Community Advantage, 504, and the Microloan program, by making them more affordable and useful to small businesses. It also strengthens the accountability and transparency of SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and makes other commonsense improvements like removing the Trump administration's arbitrary $150,000 cap on EIDL loans.     Help minority-owned businesses respond to COVID-19.HEROES 2.0 provides emergency grants to minority business enterprises through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The legislation also formally and permanently establishes MBDA and gives it the tools to carry out its mission to help minority entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-need-another-round-of-stimulus,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We need another round of stimulus’,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedCNBC's Squawk Box to call for another round of COVID-19 relieffor the American people. On Congress' failure to passanother relief bill earlier, Sen. Coons said:Speaker Pelosi has been working hard because she and the House Democrats, who are in the majority, passed a big and broad package four months ago, but Majority Leader McConnell has been completely absent from these negotiations.Sen. Coons continued,I think it's appropriate Speaker Pelosi put a deadline on this. It's been dragging on for months, and our key problem is the Republican majority in the Senate will not support the kind of broad bill that the White House is talking about and that theSpeaker has already passed and sent to us months ago. On the relief billalreadypassed bytheHouse, Sen. Coons said:The initial bill, the $3.5 trillionHEROESAct, if we had actually pushed that into law and delivered it, you would see a solid economic recovery right nowInstead, President Trump and Majority Leader McConnell have dithered and disagreed about the path. Sen. Coonsconcluded:The larger point iswe have to get to a deal that meets the broad needs of the American people. That's what Speaker Pelosi is advancing and by putting some deadline on it, she's trying to get serious about getting this done before the election. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us right now is Senator Chris Coons. He serves on the Small Business Committee and, Senator, with a focus on the Small Business Committee, I can only assume that you must be desperate to get something done at this point because small businesses right now in this country need some help. What happens next? Sen. Coons:That's right. That's right, Becky. I hear every day, literally I just got a text while I was waiting to go on here, from small business owners in Delaware eager to hear about news that there may be some breakthrough. It's been clear from Republicans I've talked to that President Trump would like to get a deal. Obviously, Speaker Pelosi has been working hard because she and the House Democrats who are in the majority passed a big and broad package four months ago, but Majority Leader McConnell has been completely absent from these negotiations. He's only put out one bill in the last four months. It was a small bill that had some key provisions that prevented any Democrats from voting for it. And while he has told us we'll have a vote this week on those issues, he hasn't released any text yet, he hasn't reached out to Democrats. As I have been talking in recent days to Republican colleagues, if we had a chance at amendments that would allow us to build a broader bill that would actually deal with the 6 million Americans who are late on their rent or mortgage, the record lines at food banks, the increase in hunger, and aid to state and local governments, we could get a deal done. But I think it's appropriate Speaker Pelosi put a deadline on this. It's been dragging on for months, and our key problem is the Republican majority in the Senate will not support the kind of broad bill that the White House is talking about and that the Speaker has already passed and sent to us months ago. Q: Senator, hold on just a second. Let's put the Senate aside for now. Let's put McConnell aside for this moment. Sen. Coons:That's pretty hard to do. Q: But you can't even get it past what Pelosi is talking about with Mnuchin at this point. And that's what I find incredibly troubling. I don't think that there's an easy way to get McConnell on board for this, but we don't even know that. What I don't understand is why would you let the perfect be the enemy of the good in this situation, and if there's a lot of common ground that the White House and the House could find, why not put that together and put the pressure on McConnell? Sen. Coons:Great question. President Trump ran four years ago as a deal maker, someone who would put everyone in a room and sort it out. He literally hasn't spoken to Speaker Pelosi in a year and frankly, if President Trump and Speaker Pelosi hammered out a deal, no one has more leverage on Mitch McConnell than President Trump. If those two works this out, I do think it's possible to get the votes in the Senate. But as for where we are right now... Q: You don't think Mnuchin is speaking on behalf of the president though. The Treasury Secretary, you don't think has the full backing of the president in these talks? Sen. Coons:If you missed this point, just over a week ago, President Trump announced he was cancelling all further talks on any kind of a stimulus and then within 48 hours, reversed himself. Q: I saw that. He did it because it put him in a terrible position of saying, we're not going to pass this. It was the wrong move, clearly. I don't understand why Nancy Pelosi is now saying 48 hours or in this case, 24 hours, or we're out. Sen. Coons:Because she's trying to get to a deal. She's made it perfectly clear: she wants another round of stimulus. Democrats want to get this done because we're getting calls every day from our constituents, those who have been unemployed, there's 25 million Americans collecting unemployment. There were 900,000 new unemployment filings last week. That's the entire population of my state in size. There are state and local governments laying people off and there are record lines at food banks. Obviously, we need another round of stimulus for small businesses, for nonprofits, for families, and for our communities. The differences that divide us should not be insurmountable, but there were two provisions in McConnell's... the only bill McConnell has advanced in the last four months had two provisions that were designed to prevent any Democrat from supporting it. We should be able to close this gap. We just need to have him release his text and have them negotiate in good faith. Q: The two issues, I think, one has to be in terms of liability. I'm assuming that's one. What's the other? Sen. Coons:Correct. Aid for state and local governments. More than a million and a half public employees have been laid off. Q: The aid for state and local governments  that is an issue that the administration has put on the table, maybe not to the full extent that Nancy Pelosi would like to see, but they have moved that number up. And the last I saw; it was much closer to what she had originally asked for on that. Again, why don't you cut that deal with the administration and then put the pressure on McConnell? If this is where it gets held up  my question is at this point: if there's not something before the election, when I heard an analysis that suggested, the next time might be December 11th, maybe when you have to go back and ask for additional funding for the government, maybe something could get cut into that. Short of that, you're probably looking at February after the election, and after the inauguration day. It's going to be February before any help gets out, and how do you knowingly and conscionably say we're not going to offer any help to any of these people who need it until February? Sen. Coons:Becky, I'm one of the folks who helped write both the PPP bill and the next round, the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program. That piece of this has been enduringly bipartisan in the work on the Small Business Committee. Our challenge really is the larger structure, is going from the $3.5 trillion bill that House Democrats passed four months ago and Majority Leader McConnell's $500 billion. There has been steady progress. The Speaker has come down twice significantly. But as you heard, as we just discussed, the on again/off again nature of President Trump's engagement  Meadows saying no, saying no, saying no, Mnuchin saying yes, Meadows saying no  has made this very difficult to get to yes. I do think if Pelosi and Mnuchin reach an agreement that actually covers all the issues that we know need to be covered, as Jay Powell the fed chairman just said  I think last week  we need another round of stimulus. If that deal happens, I think McConnell will ultimately give in, but right now, he cannot get a majority of Senate Republicans to vote for any significant stimulus package. That's a real challenge. Q: Senator, I know that you are one of the people who has worked in a bipartisan effort. I know that you are focused on small business. Do you get frustrated, though, seeing this get caught in this position at this point? Sen. Coons:Yes.Absolutely. Q: I don't think McConnell could get this past Republican Senators at this point, but I wonder if Nancy Pelosi couldn't get a deal she cut with the administration past some of her caucus too. Sen. Coons:I'm confident that Speaker Pelosi, if she goes back to her caucus and says this is a good and solid deal, that she has the votes in her caucus for it. She has demonstrated over and over again that she is both a master legislator and negotiator, and that the initial bill, the $3.5 trillion HEROES Act, if we had actually pushed that into law and delivered it, you would see a solid economic recovery right now. You'd see more kids back in schools, you'd see skilled nursing facilities have the resources they need, you'd see states having the testing they need to get fully open. We would be in a much better place. Instead, President Trump and Majority Leader McConnell have dithered and disagreed about the path. Now, we're talking about a bill that's somewhere between $1.8 and $2.2 trillion. You're absolutely right. I cannot tell you how frustrated I am. I have had a number of conversations with the secretary, with the deputy secretary, with Republicans in the Senate and with Democrats in the Senate. The larger point is we have to get to a deal that meets the broad needs of the American people. That's what Speaker Pelosi is advancing and by putting some deadline on it, she's just trying to get serious about getting this done before the election. Q: Okay. A deadline that ends by tonight. If there's not a deal, what are your odds  just give me quickly, we're out of time  but what are your odds, do you think that something gets done between now and the middle of November? Sen. Coons:I'd put it at 50/50 at best, frankly. And that is frustrating. Q: Senator, I want to thank you for your time. Sen. Coons:But nobody wants to see this move forward more than me. An open amendment process and a commitment to passing the Senate, whatever gets done, is what we should see. Q: Thanks, Senator. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-senators-highlight-extreme-food-insecurity-on-world-food-day-2020,Bipartisan group of senators highlight extreme food insecurity on World Food Day 2020,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) celebrate World Food Day and recommit to fighting hunger in the face of unprecedented levels of hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The senators are the sponsors of Senate Resolution 365, which designated October 16, 2020 as World Food Day and passed the Senate unanimously last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the global hunger crisis, with the United Nations estimating that rising food costs and widespread unemployment could push an additional 130 million people into chronic hunger by 2020. Even before the pandemic, nearly 700 million people suffered from hunger. At home and abroad, we've seen a sharp rise in food insecurity during the pandemic. I'm grateful for the work of so many in Delaware  from our farmers, to school lunch workers, to folks working in food pantries and nonprofits  who are helping provide food to families who need it most, said Senator Coons. I will continue fighting for resources for the programs that are providing emergency assistance to our world's most vulnerable populations, and that support resiliency in our food and agricultural systems. The call to feed the world has been answered by so many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need,saidSenator Moran. Today on World Food Day 2020, we are reminded of our responsibility to help those in need in our own communities and in towns, cities and villages all around the world. As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do both for Kansas producers and for global security. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am proud to have joined my colleagues in support of this resolution. Observing this day raises awareness of America's important efforts to stamp out world hunger. Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes U.S. leadership. That is why the Senate Hunger Caucus not only seeks to find vehicles to bring focus to the plight of those suffering from food insecurity, but solutions that bring upon meaningful change as well. There is a great deal of work to be done, but the theme of this year's World Food Day serves as a guide as we work to achieve that goal, Senator Boozman said.  Each year, the United States joins 150 other countries and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for all who suffer from malnutrition. This year also commemorates the 75thanniversary of the FAO, established in Hot Springs, Virginia on October 16, 1945. To learn more about what actions you can take to promote better resilient food systems and healthy diets for all, please visithttp://www.fao.org/world-food-day. The full text of the resolution can be foundhere.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-applauds-630k-in-federal-funding-for-police-departments-body-worn-camera-program,Sen. Coons applauds $630K in federal funding for police department’s body-worn camera program,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Today, U.S. Sen. Chris
Coons, Sen. Tom Carper, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Attorney General Kathy
Jennings applauded a $630,000 federal grant to fund the Wilmington Police
Department's body-worn camera program.  Earlier this year, members of the congressional
delegation wrote letters to the U.S. Department of Justice's
Bureau of Justice Assistance, signaling their support of WPD's application for the Fiscal Year 2020
Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement
Agencies.""The Department of Justice's $630,000 award to help fund the Wilmington
Police Department's body-worn camera program is one of many deliberate
investments essential to building mutual trust between law enforcement and more
importantly, the communities that they serve,""said Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary
Committee and Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.""The residents
of Wilmington and officers with WPD deserve enhancements to policing operations
that strengthen accountability, trust, and transparency. Time after time, our
nation has witnessed tragedies that have resulted in the unfortunate loss of
lives, particularly in Black and Brown communities, and these body-worn cameras
will serve as an invaluable tool for justice.""""It's clear that body-worn cameras help law
enforcement gain the community's trust through transparency in policing, and
Delaware's congressional delegation worked hard to get this funding from the
U.S. Department of Justice to ensure every officer has this technology,"" said
Sen. Carper. ""We heard from constituents loud and clear  this is a
necessary tool in the toolbox for our law enforcement that will assist the
Wilmington Police Department in advancing relations between law enforcement,
our city's residents, and the surrounding region.""""As part of the social justice movement across the country, we've been
forced to confront the way that we police our communities and neighborhoods.
One of the most effective and widely accepted policy solutions to help improve
policing is the use of body-worn cameras. We've already taken action at the
federal level through the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
and have been working with our local partners,"" said Rep. Blunt
Rochester. ""In working with the City, community members, and police
agencies, everyone agreed that the use of body-worn cameras would help improve
outcomes. I want to thank Mayor Purzycki and Chief Tracy for their leadership
in establishing the program in Wilmington and am grateful that at a time when
the City is facing revenue challenges, the federal government can help provide
resources for this critical program. I look forward to continuing to work with
the City and with police agencies across the State to further the use of body-worn
cameras in Delaware.""""This is a great day for Wilmington,"" said
Attorney General Jennings. ""Body cameras will make a real difference
in our City, and Chief Tracy, Mayor Purzycki, and our congressional delegation
deserve enormous credit for securing this funding. The next step is clear:
funding and deploying body-worn cameras on every officer across our State  and
I am grateful for Wilmington's leadership by example.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-judge-barrett-as-justice-barrett-may-well-cast-the-deciding-vote-to-overturn-the-affordable-care-act,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘Judge Barrett as Justice Barrett may well cast the deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act’,2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about his concerns regarding the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the final dayofher Supreme Courtconfirmation hearings. On the Affordable Care Act, Senator Coons said,Judge Barrett as Justice Barrett may well cast the deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act, with potentially disastrous consequences for a majority of Americans. Meanwhile, the Trump Justice Department has joined a challenge to the ACA that is back in front of the Supreme Court to be argued just a few weeks from now before the Supreme Court on November 10th. On the timing and context of AmyConey Barrett's nomination, Sen. Coons said,This is an unprecedented context and with unprecedented speed. You don't convene a Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the middle of a pandemic while theSenate is on recess, while voting has already started in a presidential election in a majority of states, because we are simply concerned about abstract ideas or the neutral application of law. On Barrett's refusal to commit to recuse herself given a disputed election, Sen. Coons said,I thought nothing was stopping Judge Barrett from making a commitment to recuse herself given what President Trump has said and was gravely concerned she did not. On pandemic relief concerns, Senator Coons said,My hope is that we will get back to the work of trying to deliver the relief  small businesses, Americans, those unemployed, those infected  desperately need. I've worked hard to bring the voices of real Delawareans into this discussion because it is easy to miss in the seemingly abstract conversations about things that really matter to lawyers. Sen. Coons concluded,I will not be voting to confirm Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court but I frankly think we should not be taking this vote, we should not be proceeding today. We should instead be turning to the urgent business of protecting the American people and ensuring the safety and security of our election and keeping our word. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today my constituents from Delaware are asking the same thing they've been asking for weeks. In this particular context, the question is, and I got one just while we were sitting here: why is the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting to race through your process and this confirmation when the Senate itself isn't in session? I was delayed a few minutes this morning because I went and gottested for COVIDby the Senate physician so that I can return with some confidence to my family this evening that I haven't picked it up while here. The Senate of the United States is not in session because we have an outbreak amongst senators and I'm not confident we've provided for senators, for staff, for the White House, frankly for the American people. My whole state is just 900,000 people, and how many people filed new unemployment claims[nationally]last week? Almost exactly 900,000 people. My hope is that we will get back to the work of trying to deliver the relief  small businesses, Americans, those unemployed, those infected  desperately need. I've worked hard to bring the voices of real Delawareans into this discussion because it is easy to miss in the seemingly abstract conversations about things that really matter to lawyers, like the DormantCommerceClause, and I look forward to our long delayed debate on that, Senator Lee. Conversations about originalism, precedent,stare decisis, about what is or isn't, the precedent either for this committee, for confirmations, or for the Supreme Court, can lead to millions of Americans struggling in the middle of this pandemic and the recession that I would argue is made worse by the bungled mishandling of this pandemic by our president, a little cold. I am gravely concerned, Mr. Chairman, that you and the majority are standing on the edge of a precipice of pushing through a nominee in a way you yourself said was unthinkable two years ago in the last days of the last quarter of this presidency. Weare19 days from the presidential election. A majority of states are voting. People stood outside for 10 hours in Georgia yesterday. That's the good news. I think they are that determined to vote. We heard repeatedly from the nominee that she has no agenda. But I'll tell you the agenda of President Trump in choosing her and the agenda of the Republican majority in racing forward with this confirmation. That is clear. My colleague from Illinois said that this process has turned into something that your average American has real trouble discerning what's going on.We keep asking earnest questions and the nominee keeps declining to answer them in any substantive or meaningful way and we do have to ask ourselves: is there any path towards getting a confirmation process in this body back onto a real and a rational footing? We are about to have a vote in this committee, and that's why I will support my colleague from Connecticut's motion where we haven't even heard from the last panel of witnesses today. We haven't even heard responses to the questions for the record. This is an unprecedented context and with unprecedented speed. You don't convene a Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the middle of a pandemic while theSenate is on recess, while voting has already started in a presidential election in a majority of states, because we are simply concerned about abstract ideas or the neutral application of law. And you don't mangle and mishandle my predecessor and attribute to him some rule and then restate that rule as the McConnell rule and then ignore it and then state up and down and down is up when nothing could be further from the truth. This is not on the level. You don't go against your own promise after you've already claimed as a matter of high principle, justices shouldn't be confirmed in[an]election and after you've already blockaded a centrist, competent, highly qualified nominee for exactly that reason because you solely care about methodology. This is about the president's disastrous response to a pandemic and a decade-long unfilled pledge embodied in one party's platform to overturn protections for a majority of Americans in the middle of a pandemic. As myDemocratic colleagues and I have been working, laboring to lay out, there will soon be, if Judge Barrett is confirmed, a hard turn to the right on theSupremeCourt. A change in methodology, a change in approach, a change in principle that will have practical, pragmatic and lasting consequences for the majority of Americans. After studying Judge Barrett's record, I'm convinced she would come to the Supreme Court with a deeply conservative originalist philosophy and a judicial activism with regards to precedent that would put numerous longstanding rights the American people have come to rely on and hold dear in nearly every aspect of modern life at risk. Simply put, I believe she will open a new chapter of conservative judicial activism unlike anything we've seen in decades. First Judge Barrett as Justice Barrett may well cast the deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act, with potentially disastrous consequences for a majority of Americans. Everyone watching at home has heard my colleagues say that for the last ten years, their top priority has been repealing the ACA and every single Republican senator on this committee has talked publicly, repeatedly about their desire to get rid of that law at some point previously. So, too, has President Trump. Despite their best efforts, they have so far failed to do so here and in my view, have failed to advance a credible alternative plan for how to deal with pre-existing conditions and give them lasting protection. So now I think the last-best shot for accomplishing this goal is at the Supreme Court. That's where Judge Barrett comes in. As she conceded during our questioning, our exchange, Judge Barrett has written in no uncertain terms she thinks Chief Justice Roberts got it wrong in his ruling upholding the law against the constitutional challenge. She wrote that article in early 2017 and months later found herself on President Trump's shortlist for theCourt. Meanwhile, the Trump Justice Department has joined a challenge to the ACA that is back in front of the Supreme Court to be argued just a few weeks from now before the Supreme Court on November 10th. President Trump and hisadministration are arguing in no uncertain terms the Court must tear down the entire law. Now my colleagues have said this is fear mongering, this is baseless political theater. But to anyone who thinks this challenge is farfetched, just read the brief, just read the brief filed by the solicitor general of the United States or the one filed and co-signed by 18 Republican attorneys general. Most importantly, consider what our president himself has said about what he expects from his judicial nominees. He lashed out at Chief Justice Roberts over and over for his decision upholding the Affordable Care Act and pledged as a candidate, his nominees would do the right thing and overturn the law. It isn't just the ACA that's on President Trump's agenda for theCourt. He's made clear he wants to overturn the ACA, he wants to overturnRoe v. Wade,and most concerning to me, he has repeatedly made statements that expect his nominee to hand him the election if there is a dispute in the courts. As I made clear in my exchange with Judge Barrett, I am not suggesting that she is engaged in any inappropriate conversations or commitments with the president. That's not at all what I'm saying. It was the president's conduct himself that has put this issue in front of the American people. His repeated undermining of the credibility, safety, and security of our election should be alarming to all of us. His refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power and to respect the results of the election should give all of us concern, those who pledged to uphold and defend theConstitution under all circumstances. Judge Barrett also steadfastly refused to answer whether she believed Scalia was correct in his criticism ofGriswold v. Connecticut, a case decided when I was just 2 years old that protects the right to use contraceptives in the privacy of one's home and is an important landmark case because it is the anchor as we all recognize the line of substantive due process jurisprudence. Chief Justice Roberts, Justices Alito and Kavanaugh, were willing to sayGriswoldwas right, so it left me concerned and as I laid out yesterday, what truly concerns me more is her approach to precedent. Precedent has been called the foundation stone of American law and gives predictability, stability to it. And as I walked through yesterday, I've concluded that Judge Barrett is even more willing than Justice Scalia to overturn precedents with which she disagrees and made clear that justices should feel free to overturn cases that they believe were wrongly decided, which if she deeply holds the originalist philosophy she's espoused may mean that dozens and dozens, in fact as I detailed in a chart yesterday, more than 120 cases long settled in many cases may be at risk of reconsideration. And they will cover, yes, healthcare, yes, privacy, but education, consumer protection, marriage equality, criminal justice, a range of cases a majority of Americans believe are long settled. Last, as to President Trump's most critical expectation or expressed wish, I was concerned that Judge Barrett would not specifically commit to recusal in the event there is something arising from this imminent presidential election. I think nothing could be more challenging to the role of the Supreme Court and our national life and I urge my colleagues first to consider seriously the Senator from Connecticut's motion and to delay the final stages of this process until after this election. But equally, if not more importantly, to think about the moment we are on. Because if this election in some way is interfered with, does not go appropriately, I think our democracy itself is at risk. So at the very least, to be clear, I thought nothing was stopping Judge Barrett from making a commitment to recuse herself given what President Trump has said and was gravely concerned she did not. So Mr. Chairman, I will conclude. I will not be voting to confirm Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court,but I frankly think we should not be taking this vote. We should not be proceeding today. We should instead be turning to the urgent business of protecting the American people and ensuring the safety and security of our election and keeping our word. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-delaware-tech-highlights-marcus-wright-dover-based-outreach-coordinator-for-senator-coons,"ICYMI: Delaware Tech highlights Marcus Wright, Dover-based outreach coordinator for Senator Coons",2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) walks with associate principal Mr. Clarence Giles (left) and outreach coordinator Mr. Marcus Wright at Seaford High School in Seaford, Del., Sept. 14, 2020. (Photo by Office of U.S. Sen. Chris Coons/Released). For additional photos, visit bit.ly/3nORmV3.DOVER, Del.  Mr. Marcus Wright, the Dover-based outreach coordinator for U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), was recently chronicled by Delaware Technical Community College's online news magazine. The Seaford native, an alumnus of Delaware Tech and Delaware State University, joined the senator's team two years ago, serving as a college intern (2018) and then as a staff assistant (2019) in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this year, Coons promoted Wright to the position of outreach coordinator to assist educational groups, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and lead on minority outreach initiatives in Kent and Sussex. Based in the Dover office, he is reachable at marcus_wright@coons.senate.gov or 302-736-5601.
Read Delaware Tech's story below or online at www.dtcc.edu/about/news/2020/07/08/mr-wright-goes-washington. For more about Team Coons, visit www.coons.senate.gov/contact/staff-directory.
Mr. Wright Goes to Washington*Note: This story was written before the COVID-19 pandemic*
Marcus Wright came to Delaware Tech in pursuit of a career as a counselor. Through career guidance and internships, he learned how to turn his passion for public policy into his profession.
""I've spent the better part of my life searching out ways to make an impact in someone else's life,"" Wright said. ""While at Delaware Tech, Dr. Deneice Berry told me the best way to find my purpose was to figure out where my passion aligns with my skillset. So, I aligned my affinity for politics with my desire to help, and now I'm working on Capitol Hill.""
Wright is the staff assistant for the Washington, D.C., office of Delaware Senator Chris Coons. In his role, Wright manages all office operations, facilitates White House and Capitol tour requests, processes flag requests, supervises the D.C. intern program, and assists with the office's appropriations work. According to Wright, Sen. Coons refers to his staff as the ""directors of first impressions.""
""We have an open phone line with the American people,"" Wright said. ""We field calls from all across the country, and it is interesting to hear the concerns of the general public. I hear from people that disagree with Sen. Coons on several issues, people that call and just want to say thank you, and everyone in between.""
Wright graduated from Delaware Tech in 2016 with a degree in human services. From there, he earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Delaware State University and started on his journey to Washington, D.C. He completed two summers as a legislative intern for Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and additional internships in D.C. with Sen. Coons and with U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott, chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor. He also worked for Children and Families First as a youth advocate and as a special schools paraeducator for the Seaford School District.
Over the past four years, Wright has leaned on the skills and knowledge he gained while attending Delaware Tech. He served as vice president of the campus activity board, was a student ambassador, and became a member of AmeriCorps, a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government. He also learned the importance of networking and having a support system, in large part because of the culture the faculty and staff created.
""Delaware Tech is where I grew up, where I learned to become a professional, and where I learned to manage my time and prioritize my responsibilities,"" Wright said. ""This is especially important now because Sen. Coons is involved in so much, sits on some very high-profile committees, and chairs many active caucuses. This means that time is at a premium, and we can't afford to waste it.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-barrett-confirmation-may-launch-a-new-chapter-of-conservative-judicial-activism-unlike-anything-weve-seen-in-decades,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Barrett confirmation ‘may launch a new chapter of conservative judicial activism unlike anything we’ve seen in decades’,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a
member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Judge Amy Coney Barrett,
President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court, on her views on upholding legal
precedent. Senator Coons announced that he will vote against Judge Barrett's
confirmation to the Supreme Court. Sen. Coons
said, My core concern here, Your Honor, is that your confirmation may
launch a new chapter of conservative judicial activism  unlike anything we've
seen in decades. The point of the chart was to show we've mostly been talking
about the Affordable Care Act and privacy-related cases, but if that's true, it
could touch virtually every aspect of modern American life. I pray that I'm
wrong. I hope that I am. But, in my reading of your work, nothing has
alleviated my grave concerns that rather than building on Justice Ginsburg's
legacy of advancing privacy, equality, and justice, I'm concerned  in fact 
that you will take the Court in a very different direction. So with all due
respect, I will be voting against your confirmation, Your Honor. See Senator Coons' chart presentation here. Audio and video is available here.
Additional excerpts are provided below. On Judge
Barrett's nomination, Sen. Coons said, President Trump did not nominate
you to carry on Justice Ginsburg's legacy. He nominated you because he wants to
undermine or change or shift that legacy, and he's been very clear repeatedly
before you were chosen about his intent to nominate justices in the mold of
Justice Scalia. On previous
Supreme Court cases, Sen. Coons asked, If Justice Scalia had had his
way, we'd be in a very different country with regards to gender discrimination.
In one of Justice Ginsburg's most celebrated decisions in 1996 in the case
involving Virginia Military Institute, she struck down their male-only
admissions policy. Decades later, VMI honored Justice Ginsburg in recognition
of the contributions its female alumni have made. Justice Scalia was the sole
dissenter in that case and even accused the Court of destroying VMI which
remains standing and strong to this day. I'm just getting at how closely you
would ally yourself with Justice Scalia's jurisprudence. Would you agree with
Justice Scalia that Justice Ginsburg's decision in VMI was wrong? On Judge
Barrett's views on judicial restraint, Sen. Coons asked, In the 2017
article in the University of Minnesota in Constitutional Commentary 
that's been referenced before  you said, and I'm quoting, about modern
originalists, that they have abandoned the claim one should be an originalist
because originalism produces more restrained judges.' Do you stand by that
characterization? On court
precedents, Sen. Coons said, [T]he larger challenge here is not what
you have said about your views on cases, but what the president who has
nominated you has said about his goals and his objectives for your service on
the Court. And frankly, my concern about originalism and an activist
willingness to reconsider precedent is that in combination, Justice Scalia's
views often expressed in sharply worded  memorable, memorable  dissents may
make for great academic reading, but I think most Americans don't expect them
to become the law of the land. And in a long line of cases, they would overturn
well-settled precedent that I think we have all come to expect. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-judge-barrett-i-am-gravely-concerned-by-what-i-see,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Judge Barrett: ‘I am gravely concerned by what I see’,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,questionedJudge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court, on her views on the Affordable Care Act and potential 2020 elections cases. Sen. CoonspressedJudge Barrett on her previous criticism of the Supreme Court's pivotal 5-4 decision inNFIB v. Sebeliusupholding the Affordable Care Act, As I read this, [Judge Barrett], you are saying to Chief Justice Roberts, you are no textualist, you have overreached, you have delivered an implausible conclusion, and frankly, I disagree with your upholding the constitutionality of this statue. That seems to me [] a plain reading of your own writing.Judge Barrett admitted she disagrees with the ruling in the case. She tried but failed to show that this new challenge to the Affordable Care Act is different fromNFIB v. Sebeliuswhich, in 2012, upheld the Affordable Care Act. Barrettsaid,I think severability is one of the most important issues in the case []NFIB v. Sebeliusalso is interpreting a different provision [fromCalifornia v. Texas]. It was [an individual mandate] that wasn't zeroed out, that actually had money attached to it. Sen. Coonssaidto Judge Barrett,I am gravely concerned by what I see. Your Honor, I believe your views are sincere, but I also think you genuinely think the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional []Bluntly, if our president and the majority are able to swing the Court out of balance by replacing Justice Ginsburg by someone whose views may be significantly to the right, the health of a majority of Americans may well be in peril. Additionally, Judge Barrett declined to say she'll recuse herself from SCOTUS decisions on the 2020 election results, despite previous comments by President Trump about the Court deciding the election: Sen. Coons: Given what President Trump said, given the rushed context of this confirmation, will you commit to recusing yourself from any case arising from a dispute in the presidential election results three weeks from now? Barrett: I promise you that, if I were confirmed and if an election dispute arises  you know both of which are ifs  that I would very seriously undertake that process and I would consider every relevant factor. I can't commit to you right now for the reasons that we talked about before, but I do assure you of my integrity and I do assure you that I would take that question very seriously. Full audio and video availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-trump-promised-to-choose-a-nominee-who-would-overturn-the-aca,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘[T]rump promised to choose a nominee who would overturn the ACA’,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedAlisyn Camerota on CNN to discuss this week's confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. On Judge Barrett's record, Sen. Coons said, [S]he repeatedly wrote over and over in opinion and law review article after article what she would do, not just with the Affordable Care Act, but with precedent more broadly. That's a fancy way of saying she's to the right of Justice Scalia. She has made it clear that she would join Justice Thomas and others in reaching back and overturning long settled cases from 20 or 30 years ago. On the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Coons said,I will be asking her about her statements, a recent written statement in an article she wrote just in 2017, criticizing Chief Justice Roberts and his decision upholding the ACA on very similar grounds as those that the Trump Administration is arguing in the Supreme Court should justify taking away these critical health care protections from a majority of Americans. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now is Democratic Senator Chris Coons. He's a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who will be questioning Judge Amy Coney Barrett today.Okay, let's talk about what's going to happen today. Give us a preview. What's your top question for Judge Barrett? Sen. Coons: What I'm hearing from Delawareans, Alisyn, is concern about health care, about the Supreme Court case that's going to be heard a week after the election, and the key question: Why? Why are we doing this hearing now in the middle of a pandemic when the Senate is shut down because there's three senators infected? There's been an outbreak at the White House that's infected more than 35 people, so why this rush? I think the answer is hiding in plain sight. President Trump promised he would only choose a nominee who would overturn the Affordable Care Act, taking away health care protections from a majority of Americans. I will remind you, Alisyn, Justice Ginsburg, whose seat we are having this hearing to fill, dedicated her life to gender equality, and one of the key provisions of the ACA protects women against discrimination by insurance companies just for being women. Insurance companies used to treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, and there's 130 million Americans who have other pre-existing conditions. I will be asking her about her statements  a recent written statement in an article she wrote just in 2017, criticizing Chief Justice Roberts and his decision upholding the ACA on very similar grounds as those that the Trump Administration is arguing in the Supreme Court should justify taking away these critical health care protections from a majority of Americans. Q: Is there anything that she could say that would win you over with that answer? Sen. Coons: She could say, that's absolutely untrue, here is what I meant, and here is what I would do. But I don't expect her to do that. She signaled loud and clear what she will do in this case  that's why President Trump chose her. Now, to be clear, I'm not accusing her  I'm not suggesting that she had some private conversation with the president where they cut some deal. That would be inappropriate and she specifically said she had no conversation about this case or any other individual case. But as an academic, she repeatedly wrote over and over in opinion and law review article after article what she would do, not just with the Affordable Care Act, but with precedent more broadly. That's a fancy way of saying she's to the right of Justice Scalia. She has made it clear that she would join Justice Thomas and others in reaching back and overturning long settled cases from 20 or 30 years ago. She is at one end of the spectrum in terms of her expressed willingness to overturn precedent. Even Justice Scalia at times hesitated to do that because of what's called reliance interest. So there's millions and millions of Americans who have ordered their lives based on an expectation that the Affordable Care Act is law. It was settled eight years ago. That's the sort of thing that Justice Scalia in his earlier years might have said, okay, we shouldn't move ahead even if I disagree with this law. Judge Barrett has made it clear things that were decided 20, 30, even 50 years ago, she may well go back and revisit. That's conservative judicial activism. Q: As a side issue, Senator Mike Lee was in the chamber yesterday. Sen. Coons:Yes. Q: And he was mask-less for much of it. He tested  he was diagnosed with Coronavirus, I think, ten days ago. Did he give an explanation to you, fellow committee members, of why he was there in person instead of remotely? Sen. Coons: Not to me, not that I remember. I'm certainly happy to go back and check, but I was surprised he was present. Senator Tillis has also tested positive. He questioned remotely yesterday. Frankly, Alisyn, I was more alarmed last Thursday when Mike Lee was also in the chamber with us here in the Kennedy Caucus Room, unmasked for a long period of time and gave about ten minutes of remarks at a very high level of agitation. I went home and got tested the next morning  I tested negative. I'm getting tested shortly here. I think every senator should be getting tested every day and should have to prove that they've tested negative on a reliable test in order to participate. That's the standard all of us Democrats on the Judiciary Committee had suggested, was that you should only participate in person if you test negative. It frankly, Alisyn, points to the broader question: why are we doing that at all in the middle of a pandemic instead of focusing on delivering a round of pandemic relief to millions of Americans who are unemployed, whose kids can't safely go to school, whose parents might be in skilled nursing facilities, who they're worried about? Why aren't we doing our jobs? Instead we're rushing through this, racing through, with this partisan nominee. Q: Senator Chris Coons, thank you very much for giving us your perspective on all of these things. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Alisyn. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-highlights-delawareans-impacts-of-supreme-court-overturning-affordable-care-act,"[VIDEO] Sen. Coons highlights Delawareans, impacts of Supreme Court overturning Affordable Care Act",2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,discussedthe impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) potentially being struck down in the Supreme Court in hisopening remarksat the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Senator Coons highlighted the story of Carrie from Middletown, Delaware, a constituent who depends on the protections of the ACA. Listen to the voice of Carrie who's behind me to my right. Carrie from Middletown, Delaware used to pay $800 a month for junk insurance' as she called it  coverage so skimpy, she had to live in fear of going to the doctor's office or needing medication. Because of the ACA, she was able to get better coverage to pay what she can afford based on her income,said Senator Coons.She has diabetes, she has high blood pressure, but thanks to the ACA, she can't be denied care or coverage. She told me when we spoke, This takes the stress and the worry out of it,' and then asked me: How is this even at issue? Wasn't that settled years ago?' Carrie's right. She should have the peace of mind that you can care for yourself and your family if you get sick,Senator Coons concluded. On November 10, oral arguments will be presented before the Supreme Court inCalifornia v. Texas, a case which could result in the ACA being struck down. Tomorrow, Senator Coons will highlight the devastating effects of the Supreme Court overturning the ACA in the midst of a global pandemic. Overturning the ACA would rip health coverage away from 20 million Americansand eliminate protections for the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. In Delaware, if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the ACA, it would mean: Discrimination against those with pre-existing conditionsincluding COVID-19 survivors. The393,200Delawareans with pre-existing conditions could face higher costs, fewer benefits, and could have trouble finding coverage.Individual market insurers could deny coverage altogether for the160,000Delawareans who have pre-existing conditions that are considered uninsurable.The21,363Delawareans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 so far could face higher premiums and more meager coverage that puts health care out of reach. Women pay more but get less. Insurers could charge women higher premiums than men (i.e., gender rate) and offer fewer benefits for the17,400Delaware women under 65 covered through individual market plans.Together, gender rating, reduced benefits, and the ability of insurers to deny coverage altogether could increase costs, bar access to care, and put coverage out of reach for197,000women under 65 and girls in Delaware with pre-existing conditions.Insurers would no longer be required to cover essential health benefitsmaking it harder for the199,200Delaware women covered by private insurance in the individual and group markets to find coverage for maternity care, contraception, and cost-free screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and bone density. Higher costs for older Delawareans Before the ACA,Delaware had no rating restrictions. Insurers could charge an age tax to small businesses or people buying coverage on their own.If the ACA were overturned, insurers could again raise premiums or deny coverage or benefits for the7,377enrollees in Delaware's marketplace between the ages of 55-64 and the thousands more purchasing coverage off marketplace and in the small group market.Striking down the ACA would re-open the Medicare prescription drug donut holeexposing23,485seniors to potentially thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs. More Delawareans losing coverage during a global pandemic 62,500Delawareans enrolled through the Medicaid expansion could lose coverage.Without Medicaid expansion and tax subsidies to help purchase Marketplace plans, even more Delawareans who have lost their job-based coverage could stay uninsured. Judge Barrett's record: Judge Amy Coney Barrett has already indicated she would vote to strike down theAffordable Care Act. Barrett has said she and Justice Antonin Scalia have the same judicial philosophy. Justice Scalia twice voted to overturn theAffordable Care Act. He wrote the dissenting opinions inNFIB v. SebeliusandKing v. Burwell. Barrett criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for upholding the law, saying in 2017: [Chief Justice John] Roberts pushed theAffordable Care Actbeyond its plausible meaning to save the statute. Barrett also expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court's majority opinion inKing v. Burwell, where the court upheld a key component of the law, saying the dissent had the better of the legal argument. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Today, because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot discriminate against women for being women. They cannot charge more. They cannot treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition. I cannot think of a sharper irony as we consider the legacy of Justice Ginsburg who dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality. It also prevents insurance companies from charging any with pre-existing conditions more, so Americans no longer have to worry about going bankrupt because of an unexpected illness or accident. Don't take my word for it. Listen to the voice of Carrie who's behind me to my right. Carrie from Middletown, Delaware used to pay $800 a month for junk insurance' as she called it  coverage so skimpy, she had to live in fear of going to the doctor's office or needing medication. Because of the ACA, she was able to get better coverage to pay what she can afford based on her income. She has diabetes, she has high blood pressure, but thanks to the ACA, she can't be denied care or coverage. She told me when we spoke, This takes the stress and the worry out of it,' and then asked me: How is this even at issue? Wasn't that settled years ago?' Carrie's right. She should have the peace of mind that you can care for yourself and your family if you get sick. I've heard so many more stories from Delaware. Just over my shoulder here is Debbie from New Castle, a self-employed small business owner who receives her health insurance through the marketplace. Her pre-existing condition requires her to attend physical therapy and doctors' appointments multiple times each month. Without the ACA, insurance companies would have charged her more because of her condition, and she would not be able to afford her medical bills and support her small business. There's Barb Slater from Newark, Delaware who was diagnosed with Scleroderma four years ago. After losing her employer-sponsored health insurance, she was able to find new coverage in the marketplace thanks to the Affordable Care Act. My inbox and the inbox of all my colleagues are filled with stories like Carrie's, Debbie's, Barb's and they highlight the breadth of what the ACA means to the American people: the ability of young people to stay on their family's insurance, lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors' prescriptions, the elimination of lifetime caps. These protections are on the line  on the docket of the Supreme Court. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-judge-barretts-views-are-so-extreme-as-to-make-her-unqualified-to-serve-on-the-supreme-court,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Judge Barrett’s views are ‘so extreme as to make her unqualified to serve on the Supreme Court’,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,joinedMSNBC Live to discuss the judicial philosophy of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and the impact of her confirmation on the American people. As I'll lay out in detail, she has broadcast clearly that her views onrespecting precedent  which is afancy way of saying going backand overturning long-settledcases  are more in line withJustice Thomas, putting her atthe absolute far right end ofthe Supreme Court, moreconservative even than JusticeScalia. This doesn't just affect theAffordable Care Act  although that's important in the middle of a pandemic.This may affect reproductive rights, it may affect individual liberties, it may affect immigration law and long settled issues in criminal law and criminal justice that your averageAmerican doesn't think is atstake in this confirmationhearing.I understand that for millions ofAmericans, they have morepressing concerns than listeningto this confirmation hearing,but I think they should payattention to the ways in whichJudge Barrett has views soextreme as to make herunqualified to serve on theSupreme Court. Full audio and video availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-republicans-in-the-senate-and-president-trump-keep-trying-to-overturn-affordable-care-act,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘Republicans in the Senate and President Trump keep trying to overturn’ Affordable Care Act,2020-10-11,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Chris Wallace on Fox News to discuss the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. I'm going to be laying out the ways in which Judge Barrett's views, her views on reaching back and reconsidering and overturning long settled precedent are not just extreme, they're disqualifying. She has taught at a well-regarded law school, she clerked for Justice Scalia, but she has views that make her not qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. President Trump has said he would only nominate someone who would overturn the Affordable Care Act taking away health care protections for more than 100 million Americans in the middle the pandemic and members of the majority on this committee have said they would only vote for a nominee who would overturnRoe v. Wade,said Senator Coons. Senator Coons added,When I spoke with a constituent here in Delaware last week, someone with a pre-existing condition, she said I thought this was settled, I thought years ago that the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. I said that's right, but Republicans in the Senate and President Trump keep trying to overturn it, this is their last desperate measure to jam someone on the Court to accomplish that goal by Supreme Court decision what they could not accomplish by legislative action in the Congress. Full audio and video availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Senator Coons, your caucus just plain does not have the votes at this point to block Judge Barrett's nomination to the Court, so what is your strategy for the hearings this week? Sen. Coons:Well, I'm going to be laying out the ways in which Judge Barrett's views, her views on reaching back and reconsidering and overturning long settled precedent are not just extreme, they're disqualifying. She has taught at a well-regarded law school, she clerked for Justice Scalia, but she has views that make her not qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. President Trump has said he would only nominate someone who would overturn the Affordable Care Act taking away health care protections for more than 100 million Americans in the middle the pandemic and both President Trump and members of the majority on this committee have said they would only vote for a nominee who would overturnRoe v. Wade. As I will lay out in my questioning this week, we should not be having this hearing with two members of the committee infected with Covid. It is rushed, it constitutes court packing, and her views are too extreme to qualify her to serve on this Court. Q: Let me point out there's been a number of hearings since Covid began that had virtual membership participation by some of the senators. So this is nothing new in this period of time. I want to get back to your main point. Based on her writings and even some of her votes as a judge in the Seventh Circuit, do you have any doubt that a Justice Barrett would vote to overturn Obamacare and would vote to either overturn or restrict a woman's right to abortion? Sen. Coons:I think she's made that very clear in recent writings. Frankly, don't just believe me, believe President Trump. He said publicly I would only nominate someone who will overturn the Affordable Care Act. Judge Barrett directly criticized Chief Justice Roberts just three years ago saying that his decision eight years ago upholding the Affordable Care Act stretched the plausible limits of the text and criticized him for not being a proper textualist. This is hard for your average American to follow, I think. When I spoke with a constituent here in Delaware last week, someone with a pre-existing condition, she said I thought this was settled, I thought years ago that the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. I said that's right, but Republicans in the Senate and President Trump keep trying to overturn it, this is their last desperate measure to jam someone on the Court to accomplish that goal by Supreme Court decision what they could not accomplish by legislative action in the Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-world-food-programmes-nobel-peace-prize,Sen. Coons’ statement on World Food Programme’s Nobel Peace Prize,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the Nobel Committee awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP): In the midst of the worst ongoing refugee and displacement crisis since the Second World War, the World Food Programme continuesto lead vitalwork around the world to combat hunger and starvationand build peace.I'm thrilled that the Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to the WFP, Executive Director David Beasley,and all of the men and women who carry out the WFP's mission around the world. I often hear from Governor Beasleyas he works in challenging environments across the world,and he brings to his work an energy and dedication rooted in faith and optimism. I cannot think of a more deserving organization or individual.The WFP'swork is a reminder of how U.S. partnership with the United Nationscan do so muchgood in the world, saving lives and stabilizing war-torn countries. On Friday morning, the Nobel Committeeannouncedthe award to the World Food Programme ""for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-in-foreign-affairs-a-bipartisan-foreign-policy-is-still-possible,ICYMI: Sen. Coons in Foreign Affairs: ‘A Bipartisan Foreign Policy Is Still Possible’,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,todaypublished anessayinForeign Affairs.Despite four years of President Trump'sisolationism and unilateralism,Senator Coons writes that U.S. policy-makerscan restore bipartisan consensus on foreign policy and chart a strategy that is rooted in American values and more connected to the needs of the American people. Foreign Affairs: A Bipartisan Foreign Policy Is Still Possible By Chris Coons U.S. foreign policy is stronger when it enjoys bipartisan support. For the United States to play a steady, stabilizing role in world affairs, its allies and adversaries must know that its government speaks with one voice and that its policies won't shift dramatically with changing domestic political winds. The best way to ensure that clarity and consistency is to pursue policies that are guided by American values of freedom, openness, opportunity, and inclusivityand that have the support of policymakers and ordinary Americans across the political spectrum. After four years under U.S. President Donald Trump, returning to clarity, consistency, and bipartisanship will not be easy. Trump's America first political narrative has proved to be compelling and politically powerful. It taps into a long-standing strain of isolationism in U.S. politics, and it resonates with many Americans who question the benefits of globalization and of endless military engagement overseas. Trump's supporters are not going away, and they cannot be easily dismissed as extremists. If U.S. policymakers seek to restore a bipartisan consensus favoring American global leadership, they must persuade ordinary Americans that international engagement and alliances are worth the cost. Advocates of U.S. international leadership must recognize that domestic and foreign policy are inextricably linked and that a successful and durably bipartisan foreign policy depends on the American people's appreciation of that link. The United States does not have to choose between being the world's policeman and total retrenchment: it can engage the world more selectively, in principled and pragmatic ways that better serve the interests of working Americans. To read the full essay, clickhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-increasingly-convinced-judge-barrett-is-more-conservative-than-justice-scalia,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons ‘increasingly convinced’ Judge Barrett is ‘more conservative than Justice Scalia’,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJoe Scarborough on MSNBC to discuss a COVID relief package and Supreme Court hearings.\ On COVID relief, Senator Coons said,We have a next version of that, a bipartisan next version of that ready to go. But frankly, when the House tried to pass it, it was blocked and the White House, until President Trump's late-night tweet last night, had refused to move forward with piecemeal solutions. On SCOTUS confirmation hearings, Senator Coons said, Instead of doing what we should be doing, which is negotiating a final COVID relief package for the American people, the Senate Majority and the Judiciary Committee are racing ahead with a Supreme Court Confirmation. If the Senate is too unsafe for us to be there in person this week to vote on judges, it's unsafe for us to be holding this confirmation hearing for Judge Barrett. On Amy Coney Barrett, Senator Coons said, I've been consulting with my legal team. I've been reading her opinions and law review articles, and I'm increasingly convinced that she's even more conservative than Justice Scalia for whom she clerked on the Supreme Court and she has demonstrateda willingnessto reverse long-settled precedent. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Joining us now, Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. He's a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees. He's got anew piece in Foreign Affairs Magazinetitled A Bipartisan Foreign Policy is Still Possible. We'll talk about that in just a moment. Senator Coons, good morning. I want to begin by asking you about what's going on in the Congress right now in terms of COVID stimulus, COVID relief. We had theFedChairman, Jerome Powell, saying it is critical to get something into the system for this economy. As you know, it is critical to small business owners and families in the state of Delaware, the president coming out publicly and killing the negotiations effectively yesterday in a tweet. So where does Congress stand right now, most importantly, in getting moneyintothe hands of people who need it? Sen. Coons: Well, we've been working for months in the Congress to put together a package that we can get passed. As you know, six months ago we unanimously passed in the Senate the CARES Act, which delivered about $2.3 trillion worth of relief and is what's keeping our economy from collapsing. Four months ago, the House passed a bold, substantial relief package, which Majority Leader McConnell never took up seriously in the Senate. We have waited for week after week after week without Republicans in the Senate coming to the table to negotiate. Speaker Pelosi ultimately in the last few weeks has been negotiating directly with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, with Senator Schumer, the Minority Leader in the Senate, and it's been very difficult to get to any agreement, even asSpeaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer have agreed to come down by a trillion dollars from that initialHouse package. This is just another example of how difficult it is to negotiate with President Trump. It's like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. He's canceling all negotiations and then within a few short hours saying, no, no, we urgently need more money to be enacted tomorrow. We are not in session this week because of the COVID outbreak that has infected three of my colleagues. Instead of doing what we should be doing, which is negotiating a final COVID relief package for the American people, the Senate Majority and the Judiciary Committee are racing ahead with a Supreme Courtconfirmation. Q: As you know, talking to your constituents, people in Delaware, people out the country, they're not much interested in the politics of how this is happening. They just know they need some help and they need it fast. So what do you say to that small business owner in Wilmington or somewhere else in your state who's saying, I'm about to go under unless you guys do something and do it fast? Sen. Coons:Well, that's literally a conversation I'm having every day as folks I know here are texting me, emailing me, calling my office saying, when are you going to get this next relief package done? I'm on the Small Business Committee. I helped write some of the PPP provisions that helped millions of businesses and nonprofits stay open in the CARES Act. We have a next version of that, a bipartisan next version of that ready to go. But frankly, when the House tried to pass it, it was blocked and the White House, until President Trump's late-night tweet last night, had refused to move forward with piecemeal solutions. We still have the unresolved and critical issue of funding state and local governments, which have already laid off more than a million and a half public employees. The middle of a pandemic is no time to have teachers and paramedics, nurses and police officers facing layoffs because of the ongoing recession caused by President Trump's bungled mishandling of this pandemic. Q:Do you think those $1,200 checks, the way that President Trump described them last night, those standalone checks, the bill... Is that a possibility? Is that something real that could get into the pockets of your constituents? Sen. Coons:It would distribute, I think, roughly $400 billion dollars to the American people. I'll remind you, President Trump insisted on putting his name on it the last timesomething unprecedented in the distribution of federal support and reliefincomparablerecessions. That may be something that's considered today. Bluntly, Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer have tried their best to make progress in these negotiations, and the unpredictability of President Trump's response and the unwillingness of the Republican majority in the Senate to focus on this pandemic relief package rather than the confirmation of Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court has made progress very difficult. Q:Let's talk about that confirmation process, Senator. Mitch McConnell says he wants to go ahead starting the hearings in some form on Zoom. As you mentioned, three of your colleagues have come down with COVID-19. Some of themsay they expectto bewell enough to be back in person for a hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. How do you see this playing out? As you know Republicans have the votes to confirm her. What does this process look like to you over the next few weeks? Sen. Coons:Well, we should not be racing ahead with this partisan process. There is no precedent in our nation's history for the Senate holding a confirmation hearing for a Supreme Court nominee this close, just 27 days before a presidential election where people are already voting in more than half the states. Nonetheless, the majority committee chairman, Lindsey Graham of South Carolinaisinsisting on holding a confirmation hearing and an initial vote next week. If the Senate is too unsafe for us to be there in person this week to vote on judges, it's unsafe for us to be holding this confirmation hearing for Judge Barrett. I am still preparing for these upcoming hearings. I've been consulting with my legal team.I've been reading her opinions and law review articles, and I'm increasingly convinced that she's even more conservative than Justice Scalia for whom she clerked on the Supreme Court and she has demonstrated a willingness to reverse long-settled precedent. I look forward to questioning her more about that, and I think the American people need to realize President Trump himself said the only reason he was choosing this judge to be a justice and pressing for her to be seated before the election was so that she could participate in decisions about the election if it is closely contested, and so she could be seated to help overturn the Affordable Care Act in the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for November 10th.It is a bitter irony that Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to gender equality, and the provision of the Affordable Care Act that protects women from discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy or literally just being a woman, this is a key feature of the Affordable Care Act that protects all American women from discrimination by insurance companies.That's on the docket. Avote for Judge Barrett is a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That's what I'll be trying to lay bare in the upcoming hearings, which we frankly should be delaying until after the election. Q: So you disagree with Judge Barrett on major policy issues, obviously, but do you think she's qualified as a judge? Sen. Coons:I think she is qualified as a judge; I think she's going to be an engaging candidate. But, frankly, what matters here is not whether she's taught at a well-regarded law school or whether she answers questions well. What matters is her judicial philosophy, how she will change the balance on the Court and what the consequences will be for tens or hundreds of millions of Americans. We're in the middle of a pandemic. It is stunning that the Trumpadministration is in the Supreme Court trying to take away health care protections from millions and millions of Americans. Pre-existing condition protection covers more than 100 million Americans. And there're more than 7 million Americans newly infected in this Covid pandemic who have a new pre-existing condition. So, frankly, I think the focus here ought to be on the consequences of Judge Barrett joining the Supreme Court. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-message-to-delawareans-ahead-of-scotus-confirmation-hearings,VIDEO: Sen. Coons message to Delawareans ahead of SCOTUS confirmation hearings,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons
(D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a video message to
Delawareans about his concerns with holding confirmation hearings for Judge Amy
Coney Barrett, nominated for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court,
despite a recent outbreak of COVID-19 among SJC members. ""I am working very hard today with my legal team to
prepare for what Chairman Lindsey Graham says will be confirmation hearings
next week for Judge Barrett who's been nominated to fill the Supreme Court
vacancy caused by the untimely passing of Justice Ginsburg. ""As I've been reading through Judge Barrett's law
review opinions, her legal opinions, her speeches, and her written record, I
have one overwhelming question, which is, why are we proceeding at all? We have
three U.S. senators who are infected with the COVID-19 disease. We have a
spreading pandemic that continues to infect thousands and thousands of Americans
every week  more than 7 million who have been infected to date and a COVID-19
outbreak in the White House. ""I have joined all the Democrats on Judiciary,
writing Majority Leader McConnell and Chairman Graham, urging them not to proceed.
We have suspended Senate votes this week. If it is not safe enough for us to go
to the Senate to cast votes, it's not safe enough for us to proceed with a
confirmation hearing for Judge Barrett. ""We are now just 29 days from the election. Millions
of Americans have already voted in 27 states. We have never had the Supreme Court
nomination of a justice considered by the Senate this close to an election  in
our history. ""I don't think we should be proceeding and neither do
you; I've heard from thousands of Delawareans, who've called or emailed or
messaged my office, expressing their opposition to moving forward. Despite that,
I am convinced that the Republican majority will demand that we move ahead, and
we cannot block them by the rules of the committee. Just one member is required
to be present for there to be a quorum. ""So, I likely will be questioning Judge Barrett next
week, but during the proceeding, my first question will be, why are we doing
this at all?"" To watch Sen. Coons' full video message, visit youtu.be/PyHVfKbxano. Upcoming
SJC proceedings, meetings, and live-stream events are accessible via judiciary.senate.gov.   
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-we-elected-a-reality-tv-star-who-doesnt-take-seriously_the-risks-that-he-is-putting-others-through,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘We elected a reality TV star who doesn’t take seriously … the risks that he is putting others through’,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedErin Burnett on CNN to discuss the president's return to the White House and the health risk he and his administration are posing for the American people. When asked about President Trump's photoshoot upon return to the White House, Senator Coons said,I can't believe that I'm still capable of being surprised at anything Donald Trump does. This is just another reminder that we elected a reality TV star who doesn't take seriously the health and the risks that he is putting others through. The CDC just renewed their guidance that COVID-19 can be spread, can be airborne, particularly in indoor spaces. And after tweeting out that he's learned a lot about COVID-19 in his brief stay at Walter Reed, he demonstrated first that he cares more about appearances than substance, second that he doesn't take seriously the health and safety of the folks at the White House. If even the President of the United States, surrounded by people with world class health care, being tested every day, can get COVID-19, that means we need to be more vigilant,Senator Coons said. Full audio and video availablehere.A transcript is provided below. Q: So I want to go now to Senator Chris Coons. So I want to ask you now, now that the story's changed a little bit, right? He goes up, takes his mask off, he goes in with people, he's unmasked,he then wants to reshoot it. So they all stay around him while he keeps his mask off to reshoot it so he likes how it looks. Your reaction? Sen. Coons: Erin, I can't believe that I'm still capable of being surprised at anything Donald Trump does. This is just another reminder that we elected a reality TV star who doesn't take seriously the health and the risks that he is putting others through. The CDC just renewed their guidance that COVID-19 can be spread, can be airborne, particularly in indoor spaces. And after tweeting out that he's learned a lot about COVID-19 in his brief stay at Walter Reed, he demonstrated first that he cares more about appearances than substance, second that he doesn't take seriously the health and safety of the folks at the White House. I'll remind you nearly 20 people wereinfected in recent days over events at the White House. And last, he shows he isn't the leader we need to bring us through this pandemic safely. Just since he went to Walter Reed, 10,000 more Americans have been infected, and this coming week, 5,000 Americans will die. President Trump is not setting a good example of how to respond in this pandemic. Q: So the fact is though that he also, he did just stage this, right  he staged the whole thing. He produced it with the helicopter arrival. He then literally wanted to stage and do re-dos, as if this is a reality TV show, I mean as if it's fiction, right, as if it's entertainment. I guess let's just call it that  it's entertainment. Meanwhile, those who are there, that's their job. They just were put in a position of risk, right, personal health risk. Sen. Coons: Erin, it reminds me of how he chose to go out for a ride around town to wave at his supporters, putting at risk the Secret Service agents who were compelled to travel with him. The ways in which his example is misleading Americans into doing risky things. You just had Kristen on, who lost her father, who believed it was ok to go unmasked because he saw President Trump doing that. I'll remind you in recent months, President Trump has led thousands of his supporters in large rallies unmasked, not socially distant, not following public health guidelines. Q: In retrospect, everybody has learned a lesson in the very basic thing in that you can't have us test 72 hours before. I'm putting aside the fact as to whether the president even had one that was negative because they've refused to disclose that information. But 72 hours is too many hours, ok, and an honor system isn't acceptable. We've learned a whole lot of things. So now, you know, I was talking to a doctor this weekend. He said the obvious thing is to put plexiglass up whether you're separating them or not. And so what's your response to that from the vice president's own team still mocking basic safety? Sen. Coons: We need to be more vigilant... we need to be more determined to keep people safe. If even the President of the United States, surrounded by people with world class health care, being tested every day, can get COVID-19, that means we need to be more vigilant. And for the vice president to mock my colleague, Senator Harris for this, for Lindsey Graham to be barreling ahead with confirmation hearings in the Senate without a clear path towards doing so safely, is just a reminder of the ways in which in this pandemic, our Republican leadership  the president and vice president  haven't been committed to our safety. Q: Senator, thank you very much. I appreciate your time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-coons-kennedy-celebrate-national-wildlife-refuge-week,"Sens. Coons, Kennedy celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week",2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a resolution to designate the week of October 11-17 as National Wildlife Refuge Week.' The resolution celebrates the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in our National Wildlife Refuges and recognizes the numerous activities they support including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the nation's largest network of public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and plays a significant role in wildlife conservation. I'm proud to call attention to the importance of our National Wildlife Refuge System by introducing this resolution with my friend and colleague, Senator Kennedy,said Senator Coons.Delaware's Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges provide critical habitats for several species of migratory birds and other wildlife, while also offering great recreational opportunities for people throughout the state. I'm proud that Congress recently passed theGreat American Outdoors Act, which will provide much-needed maintenance funding for refuges across the country. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis to support the National Wildlife Refuge System. Louisiana is home to diverse and breathtaking wildlife, and I hope Louisianians take the opportunity to enjoy our wildlife refuges in person. I'm thankful to partner with Sen. Coons to help everyone appreciate the role these ecosystems play in our communities,said Senator Kennedy. The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 568 refuges and 38 wetland management districts located in every State and territory of the United States. Each year, refuges contribute more than $3 billion to local economies and support more than 41,000 jobs. Read the National Wildlife Refuge Week resolutionhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-president-trumps-positive-covid-test-his-own-covid-status,"Sen. Coons’ statement on President Trump’s positive COVID test, his own COVID status",2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after President Trump and the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. I'm hoping for a swift recovery for President Trump and the First Lady. This is a reminder that all of us are vulnerable to this dangerous virus and should follow public health guidelines about mask wearing, social distancing, and more. I was tested for COVID-19 again this morning and received a negative result. I continue to pray for the President and the First Lady, for all who have been infected during this pandemic, and for all of our frontline, essential workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-stripping-health-care-protections-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-seems-to-be-the-highest-priority,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: ‘[S]tripping health care protections in the middle of a pandemic seems to be the highest priority’,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)spokeat the Senate Judiciary Committee's business meeting about the committee's upcoming consideration of the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and what this nomination could mean for the Affordable Care Act. The Trump administration is waging an attack against health care protections using every tool at its disposal Just a week after the upcoming election, there will be an argument in front of the Supreme Court where the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is at stake,said Senator Coons.The administration and this committee is rushing through a nominee in time to have that nominee seated for that argument. A nominee, President Trump has promised, will tear down a law that protects more than a hundred million Americans. On other priorities in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Coons said,There's so many other priorities we could be lending our time to today: fixing our broken immigration system, protecting our elections from ongoing foreign interference, or stopping our president from intentionally sowing doubt on the validity of our upcoming election. We should be working together to improve our constituents' lives and solve their problems. This nomination will do neither and we should not proceed,Senator Coons concluded. Full audio and video availablehere. His remarks, as delivered, are provided below. Over a hundred million. Over a hundred million Americans have pre-existing conditions. Over a third of my own constituents in Delaware have pre-existing conditions, including many loved ones and family, folks in my immediate community, folks I've met up and down my home state. And as we know today, 7 million more Americans  because they've been sickened in this pandemic  have a new additional pre-existing condition. We are in the midst of a global public health crisis that has seen its  in many ways  worst response here in the United States. We're in the midst of a pandemic crisis that the Trump administration has utterly mishandled and failed to decisively respond to. And today, instead of providing relief to millions desperately in need, we are rushing through a partisan confirmation process that will inflict division and possibly lasting harm on this institution, this Senate, on the Supreme Court of the United States and its legitimacy, and in our nation's ability to keep being a beacon of democracy to the world. More importantly though than the harm to these institutions, is the harm confirming this nominee will do to our constituents. President Trump's made big promises. He's made lots of promises. But one he clearly intends to keep and fulfill is that he would only nominate to the Supreme Court a potential justice committed to repealing the Affordable Care Act. We should believe him. And in going through the record of the nominee, there's plenty of reason to believe that he has chosen successfully. The Trump administration is waging an attack against health care protections using every tool at its disposal. First, they tried legislatively. Then, they tried administratively. Now, they're trying in the Court. Just a week after the upcoming election, there will be an argument in front of the Supreme Court where the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is at stake. And the administration and this committee is rushing through a nominee in time to have that nominee seated for that argument. A nominee, President Trump has promised, will tear down a law that protects more than a hundred million Americans. This coordinated attack on my constituents' health care is deeply disturbing. It's disturbing that stripping health care protections in the middle of a pandemic seems to be the highest priority here. It is deeply disturbing that this administration is working to tear down a law that protects against gender discrimination, that prevents insurance companies from charging women more for insurance just for being women, insurance companies which had previously treated pregnancy as a pre-existing condition. If we think about it, there is no more direct way to dishonor the legacy of Justice Ginsburg, who dedicated her life to fighting for gender equity and against discrimination on the basis of sex, than to intentionally tear down these last remaining protections that are critical to the architecture of the ACA. There's so many other priorities we could be lending our time to today: fixing our broken immigration system, protecting our elections from ongoing foreign interference, or stopping our president from intentionally sowing doubt on the validity of our upcoming election. We have a president who has made every other priority secondary to packing the court with judicial nominees, many of whom including one before us today, who's been labeled as not qualified by the American Bar Association. This has become the new normal here. Let me close by urging my colleagues not to move further down the slippery slope, but to refocus instead on the people we are called here to represent, to be working together on that next round of needed relief, to be working together to address issues long unaddressed here but which we could quickly move. We should be working together to improve our constituents' lives and solve their problems. This nomination will do neither and we should not proceed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-james-comey-to-sen-coons-us-adversaries-have-primary-goal-of-dividing-us,[VIDEO] James Comey to Sen. Coons: US adversaries have ‘primary goal’ of ‘dividing us’,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) discussed election security and questioned former FBI Director James Comey in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled Oversight of the Crossfire Hurricane Investigation: Day 3. On mail-in ballots, Senator Coons said,Current FBI Director Wray has said the FBI has not seen evidence of any coordinated voter fraud effort. Over thirty million people voted by mail or absentee 4 years ago in 2016. In your time as FBI director, did you see any evidence of widespread or coordinated voter fraud? The former FBI director replied, No. On the business ahead of the Senate and the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Coons concluded,We're in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, a time of heightened racial tension and concern about criminal justice. And instead of dedicating the next week or two to finalizing a next round of COVID relief, we're going to be spending our time at least here  not looking at election security for 2020, not dedicating our time to a next round of pandemic relief, but participating in a rushed and partisan process to confirm a next Supreme Court Justice. It is important to remind folks that our elections are beingattacked at this very moment, that we know from recent testimony by the current FBI director that there continues to be a foreign interference in our elections. On the 2016-7 Crossfire Hurricane investigation, Senator Coons asked Director Comey, did you believe politics would play a role in the [Michael] Flynn case?Comey replied, no, I knew it would play no role.Senator Coons continued, So during your time at the FBI, under the previous administration, were you ever pressured to take an investigative step or support a conclusion that was not based on the facts and the law?Comey replied, No. Full video is availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Comey, for your testimony today and for engaging with us in this vigorous and thorough review of matters that occurred now 4 and 5 years ago, but that remain relevant and important. But I want to remind all of us the context in which this hearing is taking place. We have thirty-four days until our presidential election  more than half the states have already started voting. We're in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, a time of heightened racial tension and concern about criminal justice. And instead of dedicating the next week or two to finalizing a next round of COVID relief, we're going to be spending our time at least here  not looking at election security for 2020, not dedicating our time to a next round of pandemic relief, but participating in a rushed and partisan process to confirm a next Supreme Court Justice. It is important to remind folks that our elections are being attacked at this very moment, that we know from recent testimony by the current FBI director that there continues to be a foreign interference in our elections. And so I think at some level, there is irony in light of the fact that last night our currently serving president said and did things to undermine some of the legitimacy of our upcoming election. Let me start with just a few questions about that if I might, Mr. Comey. Current FBI Director Wray has said the FBI has not seen evidence of any coordinated voter fraud effort. Over thirty million people voted by mail or absentee 4 years ago in 2016. In your time as FBI director, did you see any evidence of widespread or coordinated voter fraud? Mr. Comey: No. Sen. Coons:And last night, repeated allegations were made by President Trump of mail-in voting being subject to widespread fraud. Do comments like this work to undermine democratic legitimacy and in any way serve the interests of our opponents who are seeking to spread disinformation and attack mail-in voting?  Mr. Comey: Well, I don't think I'm qualified to respond on the particular comment. Obviously our adversaries, especially Russia, have as their primary goal dividing us and dirtying up the democratic enterprise. Sen. Coons:Let me just say to the core issues that have been discussed and debated here. I've joined Senators Leahy and Lee in an amendment to try and promote FISA reform. I agree that we need our FISA process to be sound, to be transparent, to be something the American people can believe in. And I think the Inspector General's recommendations address some of these key issues and give us a road map for a number of the things that have to be addressed. But I also frankly am concerned about the way in which the current FBI director has been under relentless criticism and assault, and there seems to me to be, from our president, a politicization, a backwards looking series of attacks. Let me just ask you a few questions about that if I might. President Trump has repeatedly referred to something he calls Obamagate. He has said it is worse than Watergate. Are you aware of any evidence that President Obama or former Vice President Biden has committed any federal crime? Mr. Comey: No. Sen. Coons:Did you ever see any evidence that President Obama or Vice President Biden targeted any individual for investigation based on politics or their political views? Mr. Comey: Never. Sen. Coons:There was a January 5th, 2017 meeting at the White House. Was Peter Strzok at that meeting in the Oval Office? Mr. Comey: No. Sen. Coons:And at the meeting, did either President Obama or Vice President Biden suggest prosecuting Lieutenant General Flynn under the Logan Act? Would you remember that if that suggestion had been made to you? Mr. Comey: I would remember it because it would be highly inappropriate for a president or vice president to suggest prosecution or investigation of anyone, and it did not happen. Sen. Coons:At that meeting on January 5th at the White House in 2017, did President Obama give any indication that he wanted to direct the course of a criminal investigation into General Flynn's comment? Mr. Comey: No. Sen. Coons:And when you left the meeting, did you believe politics would play a role in the Flynn case? Mr. Comey: No, I knew it would play no role. Sen. Coons:So during your time at the FBI under the previous administration, were you ever pressured to take an investigative step or support a conclusion that was not based on the facts and the law? Mr. Comey: No. Sen. Coons:But only weeks after his inauguration, my recollection is President Trump asked you to drop the investigation into Lieutenant General Flynn and to let this go. Is that accurate? Mr. Comey: Yes, February 14th. Sen. Coons:So my concern, broadly speaking, is that we have seen politics injected into our justice system countless times over the last four years. Is there any doubt in your mind that Lieutenant General Flynn lied to the FBI about his conversations with the Russians? Mr. Comey: None. I saw publicly he pled guilty to it twice. Sen. Coons:Can you explain why lying to the FBI strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system? Mr. Comey: Because the FBI's ability to figure out what's going on in a criminal investigation or counterintelligence investigation is at the core of our ability to protect the American people. If we don't hear the truth, see the truth, gather the truth  we can't achieve the mission. Sen. Coons:There's been a lot of discussion today about the so-called Steele dossier. Did the Crossfire Hurricane team rely on information from that dossier in its decision to open the investigation? Mr. Comey: No, not at all. Sen. Coons:Was the team even aware of the information when they opened the investigation? Mr. Comey: No, I think it was two months later that the Steele information came to the crossfire hurricane team. Sen. Coons:So when you said earlier that this was an appropriately predicated and opened investigation, it's because of that difference in time and sources, and the basis on which those decisions were made? Mr. Comey: Correct. As the Inspector General found, in opening it, we complied with the policies and regulations that govern the opening of a counterintelligence investigation. We should have been fired - there ought to have been a hearing if we didn't investigate given the evidence that we were given by a foreign  friendly foreign government. Sen. Coons:And last when he testified to this committee in June, Rod Rosenstein suggested he did not believe that any of the 199 criminal counts that resulted from the Mueller investigation relied on information provided by Steele. Do you have any reason to doubt that assessment? Mr. Comey: I have no reason to doubt that. Sen. Coons:I just want to thank you for your appearance before us today. There are many urgent things we could and should be working on together. It is my hope we will get back to them. I do agree the FISA process requires transparency and improvement, but frankly I think there's a connect the dots game going on here that doesn't connect, and I am gravely concerned about ongoing efforts to denigrate and politicize the FBI today. Thank you, Mr. Comey, for your testimony. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-op-ed-on-foxnewscom-dont-fill-supreme-court-seat-left-vacant-by-ginsburg-until-2021_protect-our-institutions,ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed on FoxNews.com: ‘Don’t fill Supreme Court seat left vacant by Ginsburg until 2021 – protect our institutions’,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, published anop-edon FoxNews.com urging his Republican colleagues to delay consideration of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to protect our institutions and to allow the Senate to focus on delivering COVID-19 relief to the American people. FoxNews.com:Don't fill Supreme Court seat left vacant by Ginsburg until 2021  protect our institutions By Chris Coons Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a towering figure in America's long march toward greater justice. The impact of her lifelong fight for gender equality will be felt for generations, and I continue to pray for her loved ones and mourn her loss. Justice Ginsburg's passing has come at a particularly difficult moment for our nation. More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19, and more than seven million have been infected. Small businesses across the country are fighting to keep their doors open, and individuals from coast to coast are struggling to pay rent and keep food on the table for their families. Americans in every state are in desperate need of relief, and in Congress it's a critical part of our job to help our constituents navigate this crisis. We've had months to negotiate a relief bill, but the Senate has failed to act. Instead of debating how to provide assistance to those who are suffering the consequences of this pandemic, the Senate appears set to focus on filling Justice Ginsburg's seat in what may be a deeply damaging and partisan fight. Just before she died, Justice Ginsburg made clear that her most fervent wish was that her successor be chosen after the next presidential inauguration, when President Trump will be sworn in for a second term or former Vice President Biden will be sworn in as our next president. This wish wasn't personal or partisan  it was principled  and every American, Republican and Democrat, should consider why Justice Ginsburg made this her dying wish: to protect the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the rule of law in this country for all of us. To read the full column, clickhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-judge-barrett-we-should-not-be-having-this-rushed-process,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Judge Barrett: ‘We should not be having this rushed process’,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  On Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.),a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined The Story with Martha MacCallum to discuss President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, and the risks that her nomination may pose to the Affordable Care Act. We are just 36 days out from a presidential election, and we should not be having this rushed process. We should have the time to consider Judge Barrett's writings, her opinions, things that she said as a law professor so that we really can weigh her nomination,Senator Coons said.More than a million votes have already been cast in the presidential election. That's why I think it would be more appropriate for the voters to choose the next president, the next president to choose Justice Ginsburg's successor. On Judge Barrett's upcoming confirmation hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee,Senator Coons said,What's at issue is her judicial philosophy, her policies, and so I look forward to questioning her about that. President Trump, before he chose her, said that he would only pick someone for the Supreme Court who would overturn the Affordable Care Act. Senator Coons continued,It'd be a great surprise if she actually upheld the Affordable Care Act. Great because that would leave in place protections for the hundred million Americans who have pre-existing conditions, the 7 million more who've been infected in this out of control pandemic, and thus have a new pre-existing condition. Full text and audio availablehere. A transcript is provided below. Q: Democrat Senator Chris Coons also sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee and joins me now. Senator, thank you for being here, good to have you here tonight. Sen. Coons: It's always good to be on with you, Martha, we've got a lot to talk about tonight. Q: We sure do, so what do you think about them saying they won't meet with her, and I understand that you do plan to meet with her? Sen. Coons:Yeah, Martha, look, we are in the middle of a pandemic, so whether I will meet with her in person or talk with her by phone, I think that's part of the normal process of considering a nominee, but this is not normal timing. We are just 36 days out from a presidential election, and we should not be having this rushed process. We should have the time to consider Judge Barrett's writings, her opinions, things that she said as a law professor so that we really can weigh her nomination. Q: She was just confirmed a couple of years ago by a decent margin, so it's not as if you're starting from scratch. We have seen these sorts of processes take place in the time frame that we do have, correct? Sen. Coons:That's right, but there is no precedent in our history for the Senate confirming a presidential nominee to a Supreme Court vacancy this close to an electionwhereI will remind you more than half of the American states have already started voting. Twenty-seven states have folks, more than a million votes have already been cast in the presidential election. That's why I think it would be more appropriate for the voters to choose the next president, the next president to choose Justice Ginsburg's successor. Q: Well, some of the polls definitely agree with you and some of the folks that we spoke here with in Ohio agree with you as well. I'm curious, you know, I would imagine that then Senator Hirono and Senator Blumenthal would probably notthey would also not ask questions at the hearing I would imagine, given that they don't seem to have any questions for herifthey don't want to even do theinitialmeeting. Sen. Coons:I'm sure they have questions. Martha, speaking for myself, I certainly intend to question her. I questioned her in her previous hearing,and I think Judge Barrett, who's got a strong record of teaching at an admirable university, a beautiful family, that's not what's at issue here. What's at issue is her judicial philosophy, her policies, and so I look forward to questioning her about that. President Trump, before he chose her, said that he would only pick someone for the Supreme Court who would overturn the Affordable Care Act. And, as you know, that's on the docket of theCourt just a week after the election. So if she is newly confirmed, she will be joining the Supreme Court to hear that important landmark case and she has previously criticized the decision by which Chief Justice Roberts upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Q: But as you know, the president said they didn't discuss how she would decide on any cases. And given her history and her writings, I would find it very unusual if they had discussed any specific cases or how she would decide on them since they are not before her yet. The other thing that I would just mention is that the case that you just referred to with regard to Justice Roberts was looking at the health care bill in a very different light. It was all in one piece at that point. Now the individual mandate has been droppedoutand the case they are about to hear has to do with severability, whether or not the rest of the law still stands having had that part removed. And typically, a conservative jurist is likely to lean on the side of allowing the rest of the law to stand. Just given the history of how conservatives have tended to judge that sort of case. Of course, I can't say how she would at this point. Sen. Coons:Well, it'd be a great surprise if she actually upheld the Affordable Care Act. Great because that would leave in place protections for the hundred million Americans who have pre-existing conditions, the 7 million more who've been infected in this out of control pandemic, and thus have a new pre-existing condition. And Martha, as you well know,Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality and one of the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against women for being women. It's hard to believe, but insurance companies have in the past charged women more just for being women and have treated pregnancy as a preexisting condition. That is something the ACA bans and that is why I think it's so important that and it's on the docket of the Supreme Court. Q: I think most Americans would probably agree that that would be unjust. Thank you very much, SenatorCoons. Itwas good to see you tonight. Thanks for your time as always. Sen. Coons:Thank you, Martha. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-to-erin-burnett-the-aca-hangs-by-a-thread,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons to Erin Burnett: The ACA ‘hangs by a thread’,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedErin Burnett on CNN to discuss the potential impacts of Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act, including protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions and protections against gender discrimination. The Affordable Care Act, as you know, hangs by a thread. It was Chief Justice Roberts whodecided a 5-4 decision upholding its constitutionality now eight years ago, and Judge Barrett criticized that decision,Senator Coons said.That's on the docket of the Supreme Court just a week after the election and Erin, as you well know, Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to gender equality, and the Affordable Care Act prevents insurance companies from discriminating against women. Full video is availablehere. Atranscript is provided below. Q: You're also going to meet with Judge Barrett. Several Democrats though, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, say they won't. Are they making a mistake? Sen. Coons:Well, frankly, what they are trying to do is to highlight just how unconventional, how unacceptable this rushed and partisan process is. And I understand that. Frankly, it's a tough choice between giving some legitimacy to something we shouldn't be doing, which is proceeding with this highly partisan nomination with just 36 days to go before an election where more than half the states are already voting. But I think to miss the opportunity to highlight for the American people the consequences of Judge Barrett's confirmation hearing would be a missed opportunity. Q:So let me just ask you one thing to this point. I understand your point about the timing, but yet, Noah Feldman, Harvard Law professor, obviously, he testified in favor of Trump's impeachment last year. He wrote in an op-ed that he's known Barrett for more than 20 years, she's more than qualified. He says, It is better for the republic to have a principled, brilliant lawyer on the bench referring to her, calls her brilliant and principled  than a weaker candidate. That's Barrett. What do you say to that? Is it possible that forgettingthat the timing is unfortunate, she'squalified, capable, and deserves her spot. Sen. Coons:What I would say frankly is that this isn't about her qualifications. It's about the motivation of Donald Trump in picking her. There are two things that President Trump said he needed her on thisCourt to do. One is to decide any election related dispute in his favor, and the other is to overturn the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act, as you know, hangs by a thread. It was Chief Justice Roberts whodecided a 5-4 decision upholding its constitutionality now eight years ago, and Judge Barrett criticized that decision. That's on the docket of the Supreme Court just a week after the election and Erin, as you well know, Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to gender equality, and the Affordable Care Act prevents insurance companies from discriminating against women. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-sen-coons-joins-cnbc-to-discuss-further-covid-19-relief-judge-amy-coney-barrett,"[VIDEO] Sen. Coons joins CNBC to discuss further COVID-19 relief, Judge Amy Coney Barrett",2020-09-28,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del.  This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)joinedJoe Kernen on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the need for another COVID-19 relief bill and the upcoming Senate confirmation hearings forPresident Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. On the failure of Congress to passanotherround of stimulus bills, Senator Coons said,There are a lot of different things we could and should do together. I take encouragement from the fact that the CARES Act, six months ago, passed unanimously. I am discouraged by how hard it's been. I'm on the Small Business Committee. Senator Rubio, Senator Cardin, a whole group of us agree on another round of PPP for small businesses. We should be getting this done. Frankly, my hope is that we can do this now because the cost to the American people is just going to get greater the longer we put it off. Yes, it's a huge amount of spending, but it's only because of that CARES Act that we passed six months ago that we are not in the second great depression,continued Senator Coons. On theupcoming hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, Senator Coons said,I will participate in the hearings because I think it's important that the American peoplehearquestions ofJudge Barrett about her publicly stated views on repealing the Affordable Care Act. [A] hundred million Americans have pre-existing conditions, 7 million more with this pandemic, and those preexisting condition protections in the ACA are on the docket of the Supreme Court the week after the election.Judge Barrett has spoken publicly about how she doesn't thinkthis isconstitutional and President Trump has said he will put someone on theCourt who will help repeal the Affordable Care Act. There's no replacement plan. To me,to strip away health care and health protections from a majority of Americans in the middle of a pandemic is grossly irresponsible,Senator Coons continued. Full video of the interview is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z