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.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=45B750B4-47BE-42AF-8583-998B7C0419C6,Delaware is at Refusal Speed,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the Navy, we had the term Refusal Speed the speed at which an aircraft heading down the runway can either take off, or slow down. While 2017 was a contentious year for our country, Delaware remained focused on the mission at hand, continuing our work to make the First State a great place to live, raise a family, and start and grow a business. Together, with my partners in Congress, Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, state and community leaders, and engaged Delawareans, we have made progress by following what I like to call the Three Cs: Communication, Compromise and Collaboration. Throughout 2017, Delaware had a number of wins to help sustain and grow our economy and set Delaware up for success in the years to come. I believe our collective hard work this year has brought Delaware to Refusal Speed, and we are ready to take flight in 2018. After the announcement that Dow and DuPont would merge, the entire state came together to make the best of a difficult situation. Highlighting Delawares unmatched workforce and generational ties to DuPont, we secured DowDuPonts new Agriculture Division and Specialty Products Division headquarters here in Delaware. We then found innovative ways to protect and foster one of Delawares most incredible resources world-class scientists. In October, we secured a $3 million Economic Development Administration grant to secure the Delaware Innovation Space, combining Delawares scientists with the resources of DuPont and the University of Delaware to help our scientist-entrepreneurs build new businesses and foster a community of scientific innovation right here in Delaware. We've also continued to foster science, technology and future manufacturing growth in Delaware. Plans are underway for two multi-modal rail stations in Newark and Claymont that will better connect Delaware to our surrounding regions and serve as a catalyst for development. At the University of Delawares STAR Campus, where thousands of workers once made cars and trucks at the old Chrysler plant, we broke ground on the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, and Chemours Discovery Hub. The development were seeing where shuttered manufacturing plants used to stand gives us hope for future job growth in the First State. Along Delawares 21 miles of oceanfront, we have more 5-star beaches than any other state.Over the past few years, our beaches have seen terrible damage from Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, a number of Noreasters, and Winter Storm Jonas in January 2016. Our beaches are more than environmental treasures, they generate more than $6.9 billion in coastal tourism annually and support 10 percent of Delawares workforce. Thats why its so important to invest in building up our dunes and beaches so they can protect our homes, businesses and infrastructure along the coast from rising seas and more frequent, larger storm damage. This year, we secured federal funding to begin replenishing the beaches in Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, all damaged from these powerful storms. In the Delaware River itself, we secured the final $29 million needed to complete the decades-long project to deepen the waters around the Port of Wilmington. The Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is scheduled to be completed next year and will allow larger ships from all over the world to utilize our port, and keep Delaware competitive in the 21st Century global economy. Completing the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the Greater Philadelphia area. Weve also continued our constant efforts to support our men and women in uniform and our military community that calls the First State home. The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, (NDAA) authorizing funding for the Department of Defense, included much needed funding to support the National Guards air fleet across the country, including $96.11 million for C-130H modernization and $26.8 million for general upgrades. This is crucial funding to keep the Delaware National Guards C-130s on pace and ready to go at a moments notice. We also made progress in our never-ending duty to care for those who have borne the battle, opening a new 10,000-square-foot Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Georgetown, bringing health care closer to our veterans in Sussex County. All across the First State, Delawareans worked together regardless of politics to support their communities, grow our economy and make 2017 a remarkable year. All of these accomplishments, and more, make me confident that Delaware is at Refusal Speed and ready to take flight in 2018. Happy New Year, and God bless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-11-14-us-global-leadership-coalition-conference,2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.22.17 2017-11-14 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Conference",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CCAC33D1-6ABF-4CB0-A108-C308A509577C,We should have traveled this road together,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, Republicans in Congress approved, then celebrated, a $1.5 trillion partisan tax reform bill that begins repealing the Affordable Care Act and makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of middle class tax relief. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top one percent of earners in our country will receive 83 percent of this bills tax benefits. After seeing a modest tax cut, Americans with middle to lower incomes will actually start to see their taxes rise two or three years from now. By 2027, Americans earning less than $75,000 will pay higher taxes than they do now. To add insult to injury, according to non-partisan analyses, this bill will causehealth carepremiums to skyrocket and 13 million people to lose their health insurance over the next decade. Short-term gain, long-term pain. For years, Ive called on my colleagues to enact reforms to our tax system that are fair, encourage economic growth and job creation, simplify the tax code and do it all in a way thats fiscally responsible. From doubling the standard deduction for families, to increasing the child tax credit and making it refundable, to making common sense changes to our tax code that ensure businesses large and small can compete and win in todays global economydone right, a number of things in this bill couldve provided the basis for a historic, bipartisan agreement on tax reform legislation. But we never really had a fair chance. From the start, my Republican colleagues were in a desperate race to get their own tax reform across the finish line and declare victory, at any cost. On the bicameral conference committee for this proposal, Republicans didnt even allow Democrats to offer amendments. It was a farce.In their haste, my Republican colleagues robbed Delawareans and all Americans of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a bill that will shake up our entire economy and cripple our nations spending power for decades to come.They also snuck in a partisan, dangerous provision that begins to repeal the Affordable Care Act without any plans to protect the 13 million Americans who will lose health insurance because of it. In the years to come, this bill will blow up our deficits, squeeze our budgets and raise taxes on millions of Americans. It wont be long before Delawareans and Americans across the country see that this bill is grossly unfair. It didnt have to be this way. If we had traveled this road together and Republicans had allowed Democrats to come to the table, we couldve worked together to enact bipartisan tax reform. Sadly, its a missed opportunity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4640DBDF-1A0A-4FA9-AB6E-E2681D833D78,Carper Statement On Passage of the Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), released the following statement after voting to approve a short-term spending bill that will fund the government through January 19, 2018. Ensuring the federal government has the funding it needs to operate is one of the most fundamental duties of Congress, which is why I reluctantly voted today to prevent a government shutdown. Yet again, Congress scrambled to keep the lights on for another month, kicking the can down the road on a number of critical decisions, including protecting our Dreamers, funding health care for millions of children and providing disaster recovery funding. Our failure to enact thoughtful bipartisan policies to address these challenging issues and fund the government in a responsible way is an embarrassment. Frankly, its shameful the way we are concluding the last votes of the 115thCongress in 2017. This year was marked by many missed opportunities as Republicans in Congress wasted precious time and political capital with a purely partisan approach to governing. Their fruitless attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act yielded higher premiums, fewer insurance options and fear for millions of Americans who depend on the law for health care. After those repeated failures, Republicans got their win this week by passing a$1.5 trillion billthat wounds, but does not repeal, the ACA, raises taxes on millions of middle class families and disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Americans. All the while, urgent issues facing our nation, demanding Congresss attention and action, were put on the back burner. Millions of families are desperately waiting on Congress to pass long-term funding solutions for CHIP, health centers and other critical health programs. Nearly 800,000 young men and women are waiting on Congress to act with common sense and common decency to renew DACA protections, and allow them to live, work and study in the only home theyve ever known. At a time when millions of jobs remain unfilled, it baffles me that my Republican colleagues would turn their backs on these impressive young people who embody the American dream. Leaving Washington with these and so many other critical issues unresolved brings me no joy, but Im leery to shut down the government at this juncture, and I remain hopeful that this continuing resolution gives us the time needed to craft a bipartisan solution to address all of these priorities in a comprehensive manner that funds these programs and secures permanent protections for these deserving young people. Today we leave Washington, and a great deal of work unfinished.While weve managed to keep the government up and running for now, I would remind my Republican colleagues that another deadline is looming, and its critical we conclude our negotiations before the clock runs out. Im hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will return in the New Year with a renewed commitment to working together on truly bipartisan priorities for the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB94F5AB-7D4F-4AF7-B4CD-C2183C61A101,Carper Ensures Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination is Sent Back to the White House,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, released the following statement after the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was returned to President Trump as the Senate closed the first session of the 115th Congress. Earlier this week, Senator Carper announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow Whites nomination to be held over into this Congress second session. While we have been able to make progress in recent weeks on several qualified and reasonable environmental nominees, others, like Kathleen Hartnett White and Michael Dourson, have proven far too extreme to hold such important positions or be confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Whites concerning record, unacceptable statements and shockingly poor performance before the EPW Committee last month have elicited serious concerns on both sides of the aisle and all across the country. I am pleased that Ms. Whites nomination has been returned to the White House, and I am hopeful that President Trump will seize on the opportunity to start the new year and the new session of Congress off on the right foot by nominating a new and better qualified candidate to lead this consequential office. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-15-signing-day-for-service-academies,2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.21.17 2017-12-15 Signing Day for Service Academies U.S. Senator Chris Coons surprised three Delaware students with principal nominations to U.S. service academies for the Class of 2022. Senator Coons visited the Delaware Military Academy, Cape Henlopen High School and Saint Marks High School. Competitive alternate nominees were notified the following week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-december-20-2017,"Senator Coons joins MTP Daily December 20, 2017",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/carper-coons-judicial-candidates-nominated-for-us-district-court-bench,"Carper, Coons’ Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Carper, Coons Judicial Candidates Nominated for U.S. District Court Bench White House nominates Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly for bench positions WILMINGTON, DE Today, the White House announced that Maryellen Noreika and Colm F. Connolly, who were recommended by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) for judgeships on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, will be nominated for the bench. Ms. Maryellen Noreika and Mr. Colm Connolly, both of Wilmington, will be nominated for the two judicial vacancies created when Judge Sue L. Robinson (now retired) and Judge Gregory M. Sleet took senior status. Delawares courts are renowned for their judges expertise. Maryellen Noreika and Colm Connolly are two highly-respected, sought-after attorneys who have displayed a vast knowledge of the law and a thorough understanding of the courts during their extensive careers working in the Delaware judicial system, said Senator Carper. Now that the White House has put forth their nominees, I hope we can swiftly move through the Senate confirmation process so that Delawares courts are running at full strength once again. Im pleased that the White House consulted with Senator Carper and me and accepted our recommendations for the U.S. District Court bench. I am also grateful for our Judicial Nominating Committees hard work in evaluating several excellent candidates. said Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Colm Connolly and Maryellen Noreika are seasoned attorneys, with impressive trial skills, deep experience in federal practice, and profound respect for the law. I am confident that they will both be capable jurists, and I look forward to their confirmation hearings. Ms. Noreika has practiced law in Delaware for nearly 24 years at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, in Wilmington, where she is a partner and represents plaintiffs, defendants, individuals, and companies large and small. She began her career litigating corporate and commercial disputes, and later focused on intellectual property matters and complex litigation in federal courts. Ms. Noreika has been appointed to multiple advisory committees assisting the court and has served as a mentor for young attorneys in a federal judges training program. She has a B.S. in Biology from Lehigh University, an M.S. in Biology from Colombia University and a J.D. from University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Connolly has been a partner with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, in Wilmington where he is a member of the litigation and intellectual property groups. He was a United States Attorney from 2001 to 2009, during which he established the Delaware Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council consisting of 25 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to coordinate training and the collection and dissemination of intelligence information. Connolly was previously a partner at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP. He has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in Political Philosophy from the London School of Economics and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law Press Contact Katie Wilson (Carper) 302-598-4915 or katie_wilson@carper.senate.gov Brian P. Cunningham (Coons) 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1D318F1F-741E-426E-BB89-BD1F7095FEF1,Carper Statement After Voting Against Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement after voting against the Republican tax bill in the Senate. When I served in the U.S. House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to sit on several bicameral conference committees tasked with finding consensus on various pieces of legislation. On the conference committee for the Republican tax reform proposal, Republicans running the show didnt even permit amendments to be offered. It was a farce. From the start, Republicans race to get partisan tax reform across the finish line has made a mockery of our legislative process. The American people have been robbed of the substantive and exhaustive debate in Congress they deserve on a $1.5 trillion bill that will shake up our entire economy and cripple our nations spending power for decades to come. Tonight, after stripping provisions that didnt meet Senate rules, Republicans approved a proposal that makes permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, this bill will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits. Within ten years, the top 1 percent of earners will receive 83 percent of this bills tax relief. By the same time, Americans earning less than $75,000 will actually see their taxes go up. My Republican colleagues are desperate for a win, and clearly willing to call anything a win. But people in Delaware and across the country will soon see that this bill is grossly unfair. In the years to come, as the Republican tax bill blows up our deficits, squeezes our budgets and raises taxes on millions of Americans, it will hang like an albatross around the neck of every member of Congress who voted for it. It didnt have to be this way. From doubling the standard deduction for families, to increasing the child tax credit and making it refundable, to making common sense changes to our tax code that ensure businesses large and small can compete and win in todays global economydone right, a number of things in this bill couldve provided the basis of a historic bipartisan agreement on tax reform. If Republicans had allowed Democrats to come to the table, we couldve worked together to enact reforms to our tax system that are fair, encourage economic growth and job creation, simplify the tax code and do it all in a fiscally responsible way. Sadly, its a missed opportunity. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4BADE157-F13B-4FA4-82A4-B20AE16A912B,EPW Hearing Statement: Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee: Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are and Where We Need to Go,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held the hearing, Freight Movement: Assessing Where We Are Now And Where We Need To Go. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: Subcommittee Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Cardin, before we begin, I just want to take a moment and personally thank you for holding this oversight hearing on the movement of freight on our nations water and transportation infrastructure. Our nations freight transportation network -- which includes an interconnected network of trucks, trains, aircrafts, ships and barges -- moves 55 million tons of goods worth more than $49 billion each day.In addition, freight supports 44 million jobs. Seaports and highways are economic engines and vital freight gateways to the global marketplace for American farmers, manufacturers and consumers and serve as critical infrastructure for the U.S. military. It is, therefore, appropriate that this Subcommittee is examining the operation of our freight system because the safe and efficient movement of goods, both into and out of the United States, is the backbone of our economy. In my home state of Delaware, the Port of Wilmington has the largest dock-side refrigerated complex in North America and is the top North American port for imports of fresh fruit, specifically bananas, and juice concentrate. So think of Delaware the next time you are having breakfast! Our port also handles automobiles, steel, forest products, livestock, petroleum and other cargo. This hearing is coming at a critical time. The amount of freight in the U.S. is projected to grow 40 percent by 2045, including by 44 percent for truck tonnage and 38 percent for water. Americas trade volume is also expected to quadruple after 2030, with the U.S. projected to export more than 52 million shipping containers through U.S. seaports each year. We must prepare the nations infrastructure to meet this growing demand for the safe and efficient movement of freight. As you know, the President has raised the issue of America needing to modernize and rebuild aging infrastructure. Democratic Senators released a blueprint for addressing infrastructure challenges earlier this year. I believe that members on both sides of the aisle are supportive of addressing our freight infrastructure needs, but before we can really understand the scope of the problem and what needs to be part of a bill, we need to have discussions such as we are having today. We must work in a bipartisan fashion to really address these concerns and build consensus on a path forward for our economy. Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FDCAEF03-6BF1-47C3-812B-74E816375E2C,"Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Congratulate Dover Air Force Base on Outstanding Unit Award",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) congratulated Dover Air Force Base for recently earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award citation recognized the 436th Airlift Wing for its operation of the Department of Defenses largest aerial port, flying more than 8,900 C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III sorties and delivering more than 196 million pounds of cargo and transporting 37,000 passengers. This award reflects the wings outstanding service during the time period of Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2017. Additionally, during this time period, the wing conducted the Air Forces largest runway reconstruction project worth $114 million, which replaced 90-year-old infrastructure with new materials extending the life expectancy by at least 50 years. I am thrilled that the men and women of Team Dover have won this honor for their hard work and dedication to maintaining an excellent base,"" said Senator Carper. Maintaining the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense is no easy task, but these patriots continue to be successful at making Dover Air Force Base a superior military installation that the rest of the Air Force can emulate. Our congressional delegation will continue to support infrastructure improvements at the base so it can continue its important mission. Its wonderful to see the talented airmen and women of Dover Air Force Base recognized for their hard work and dedication to excellence as an Air Force Outstanding Unit, said Senator Coons. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to fight for continued investment. The outstanding men and women of Team Dover deserve nothing less. No one is more deserving of this honor than the outstanding men and women of Team Dover, said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. As a unit, their unmatched dedication is vital to maintaining a successful operation at Dover Air Force Base. We see the results of their hard work day in and day out, but it is great to see them garnering the national recognition that they merit. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to U.S. Air Force units that demonstrate exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. This is the 19th time Dover Air Force Base received this award. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-mtp-daily-with-chuck-todd-december-20-2017,"Senator Coons joins MTP Daily with Chuck Todd December 20, 2017",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-wolf-blitzer-december-19-2017,"Senator Coons joins Wolf Blitzer December 19, 2017",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-graham-reps-lujn-wilson-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-help-drive-investment-in-new-energy-technologies,"Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Luján, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Sens. Coons, Graham, Reps. Lujn, Wilson introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to help drive investment in new energy technologies Bill establishes a non-profit foundation to facilitate stronger partnerships between the Department of Energy and the private sector. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy. Research and development (R&D)drivesinnovation and accounts for nearly 7% of the United States real GDP growth. However, recent declines in research funding have jeopardized U.S. economic competitiveness. For example, from 2008 to 2013, venture capital funding in energy startupsfellby 60% and resulted inasteep decline in thedevelopment of theseimportant startup companies. Unlike other sectors, the energy sector has several unique challenges to innovation including requiring high capital needs, long development times, theneedto overcome incumbent technologies, and operating within a shifting regulatory environment. Addressing these challenges requirespartnerships with government, industry, startups, and outside funding organizations. This bill establishesa nonprofit foundationtoengage with the private sector to raise funds that support the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that address tomorrows energy challenges. The IMPACT for Energy Act would bolster efforts to support private-sector investment, accelerate commercialization by facilitating public-private partnerships and prize competitions, and would serve as an agent in convening industry leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate, share ideas, and solve some of your most complex and challenging problems,said Senator Coons.I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Graham and my co-authors in the House that helps drive innovation in the energy sector and helps bring the next generation of energy technologies. Investing in research and development particularly as it pertains to energy is a wise move. The IMPACT for Energy Act would allow the Department of Energy to partner with the private sector, creating a unique opportunity for innovation. I was proud to work with my long-time friend and colleague Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina, along with Senator Coons, and Congressman Lujn, on this important legislation,said Senator Graham.Our bill will help foster new ideas and partnerships to keep America on the cutting edge of economic and technological developments. The non-profit foundation created by this bill will serve as the ideal framework to organize, connect, and coordinate a diverse group of partners from government, industry and the venture capital sectors,said Congressman Lujn.Similar foundations at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have all demonstrated that they can raise tens of millions of private sector dollars towards cutting-edge research and innovation. This foundation will complement and enhance the agencys mission, leverage the work of our national laboratories and enable new products and services to come to market more quickly. The IMPACT for Energy Act will provide a great opportunity to work towards solving our nations complex energy needs. This bill will help channel private sector investment and aid in the development of meaningful technologies that can grow our economy and create jobs,said Congressman Joe Wilson.I am grateful to have the opportunity to work on this important bipartisan, bicameral legislation with my colleague in the House, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, and my colleagues in the Senate, Senator Chris Coons and fellow South Carolinian Senator Lindsey Graham. TheIncreasing and Mobilizing Partnerships to Achieve Commercialization of Technologies (IMPACT) for Energy Actwould: Support private-sector investment.Provides a mechanism to channel private-sector investment into commercializing energy technology. Accelerate commercialization.Facilitates public-private partnerships and encourages new ideas such as increased regional economic development and prize competitions. Convene industry leaders. Supports events, briefings, and symposia to create a forum for stakeholders to share ideas and collaborate on complex energy problems. The bill text can be foundhere. A one-pager on the bill can be foundhere. Supportive quotes for the IMPACT for Energy Act can be foundhere. ### Press Contact Sean Coit (Coons) at 202-224-5042 orSean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-tax-bill-this-is-a-huge-giveaway-to-the-very-wealthiest-americans-and-the-most-profitable-corporations,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: “This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations”,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the tax bill: This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations Sen. Coons: It will benefit corporations, but not the middle class, which is what President Trump campaigned on. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) yesterday joined CNNs Wolf Blitzer to discuss the GOP tax bill. The problem with that is, who's going to end up paying for these tax cuts? The way it's structured, taxes will go up on many of the middle classand more importantly, right up-front, Republicans said, it was their intention to cut Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for these tax cuts. My hope is that corporations will use those newfound profits or repatriated profits to invest in hiring people and in capital equipment, but there's no indication that they will. Most will, instead, do stock buybacks or provide dividends or boosts to their senior management. I do think we could have structured this build differently, so that some of the new corporate revenue would end up being invested in infrastructure or being spent more likely on hiring people and on capital. But this is just a straight corporate rate cut and corporate leaders and corporate shareholders will do with it what they will. Full audio and video availablehere. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on the House revote:Well, I expect every Democrat in the Senate will vote against this tax package. Both because of the process that got us here and because of the result and the likely impact on the American people. This did not have to be a one-party-only bill. I worked hard across the aisle to propose alternative paths that would have led us to a significant middle-class tax cut, the sort of thing the president ran on, but that is not what this bill is. This is a huge giveaway to the very wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations. I think there's no doubt that it specifically benefits real estate investors and those who earn their income from real estate. And in many cases, the modest tax cuts for the middle class are temporary and the big tax cuts for shareholders of corporations and for the wealthiest families, those will go on long-term. More on the tax bill:And, as I've said both at home and here, the problem with that is, who's going to end up paying for these tax cuts? The way it's structured, taxes will go up on many of the middle class after five years and more importantly, right up-front, Republicans said, it was their intention to cut Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for these tax cuts. We've already got House Republican leadership talking about entitlement cuts in the coming year, in order to be sort of their next step towards fiscal sanity. I did work hard with Republicans, those who were concerned about the debt and deficit to propose an alternative path that wouldn't have cost $1.5 trillion. But ultimately, this turned into a straight party line vote. Senator Coons on the impact on Delaware corporations:Well, my hope is that corporations will use those newfound profits or repatriated profits to invest in hiring people and in capital equipment, but there's no indication that they will. Most will, instead, do stock buybacks or provide dividends or boosts to their senior management. I do think we could have structured this build differently, so that some of the new corporate revenue would end up being invested in infrastructure or being spent more likely on hiring people and on capital. But this is just a straight corporate rate cut and corporate leaders and corporate shareholders will do with it what they will. More on the tax bill:That's right, there will be more money flooding into corporations and into the wealthiest families in the United States. And I can only hope that they will make up some of the projected drop in charitable giving and some of the projected needs that we have in terms of increasing skills, investment in infrastructure, and investment in capital equipment. That would be a good outcome. And frankly, I don't hope that this fails. I hope that this succeeds. And that surprisingly, we'll see 4.5% growth in the next couple of years. But as you said in the opening to this section, most Americans who have been polled on this bill oppose it and most economists who have studied it think it will simply add to the deficit and debt. Senator Coons on the impact on his constituents: Well, it is true that those who have 401(k)s have already benefited from the rise in the stock market. It is unusual to do a tax cut of this size and this breadth at a time of near full employment and record corporate profits. Typically, a big tax cut like this is done in order to strengthen economy that is failing, not to add on top of it. But if that's what happens, that the total capital markets, the equity markets go up, then it should benefit those who have got 401(k)s, that's right. Senator Coons on the impact of the bill on 2018 elections:Well, it depends how the average American feels about this bill once they really learn all the details and all the different provisions. It was rushed through in a process that made it hard to really follow what was ultimately in the bill, once voted on by the Senate, and what was in the bill when it came back from conference. Most surveys that I've seen nationally, suggest that a majority of Americans dislike this bill, and they believe that it is designed to benefit the wealthiest. That it will benefit Donald Trump, President Trump, personally. And that it will benefit corporations, but not the middle class, which is what President Trump campaigned on. We'll have to see. We'll see the actual impacts and then the American people will judge for themselves. Senator Coons on President Trump:I don't know. I hope that he will. President Trump, when he announced that he was going to end the DACA -- the deferred program, said that he wanted to see some bipartisan legislation to address it. And there have been diligent efforts by a bipartisan group of senators to try to come to a consensus bill that would put in statute, in law, the protection that the DACA beneficiaries, about 800,000 of them, previously enjoyed. We've got a lot of other end-of-year issues here that haven't yet been resolved. We have about 9 million children who benefit from the Children's Health Insurance Program. That ran out three months ago and states are going to have to begin shut down health care benefits through that program. Community Health Center funding has run out. That's also something that needs to be extended. And there's a program that helps our intelligence community, the FISA program, that also runs out at the end of this calendar year. There's a lot on our agenda here, wolf, that hasn't been dealt with, and as we get to the end of this calendar year, there is a risk that a miscalculation or a failure to negotiate in good faith between the parties could lead to a government shutdown, which I think would be a big mistake. Senator Coons on whether this will all be passed between now and the end of the year:What I'm expecting is that we will, instead, have a clean extension of the current spending bill until January. And by the end of January, that whole package we just talked through will get taken up, negotiated and passed. Senator Coons on President Trumps national security strategy:That's the real challenge of the president's remarks yesterday. There was a real tension between the national security strategy document that was released, which I have not read in full. Ive only gotten an executive summary of it, and the remarks that President Trump made in releasing it. He made remarks that were very -- much more campaign-like, more typical of his nationalistic and isolationist stance during the campaign. But it's really at difference and variants with what was released in print. The national security strategy in print recognizes that Russia is an adversary, an aggressive form power, and has interfered in a number of elections across democracies, including our own. President Trump has not said that. That is not something he has said as a major challenge in the US/Russia relationship. The national security strategy also, for example, talks about China as a revisionist power that is seeking to grow its influence in the indo pacific at our expense. Yet one of Trump's first steps was to withdraw from the transpacific partnership, which was principally designed in order to strengthen the United States' role in the pacific and to diminish China's future opportunities for trade. So, there's a number of ways in which the rhetoric doesn't meet the reality. It is my hope that the printed security strategy reflects the direction that the Trump administration will go. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C1FCD2A4-735C-4AF3-B3D3-C2BDD84114AE,Carper Says Kathleen Hartnett Whites Nomination Must be Sent Back to the White House,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced that he would object to any unanimous consent agreement that would allow the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to serve as Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to be held over into the second session of the 115th Congress. At the close of the first session, or first year, of a congress, Senate rules require all unconfirmed nominations pending before the Senate be sent back to the White House. The president may re-nominate any of these individuals once the next Senate session begins. Traditionally, the Senate agrees to a unanimous consent request that allows any number of pending nominees to be held over into the next session so consideration may continuewithout re-nomination. Senator Carpers objection would send Kathleen Hartnett Whites nomination, which was opposed by every minority member of the EPW Committee, back to President Trump and give the White House an opportunity to nominate another, better-qualified candidate for the position. Throughout her nomination process, Kathleen Hartnett White has confirmed what her record clearly shows: her views are extreme, her words are staggeringly inappropriate and her disrespect for science and our nations chief environmental laws is a danger to public health, said Senator Carper. When given the chance to clarify her confounding performance at her confirmation hearing through numerous questions for the record submitted by every minority member of the EPW Committee, Ms. White chose instead to copy and paste the work of other nominees and, in other instances, to double down on some of her most concerning stances. The Senates rejection of Dr. Dourson should serve as a lesson unqualified or controversial nominees will not simply be rubber-stamped by the Senate. Lets start the new year off with a clean slate and allow President Trump the opportunity to nominate a leader for the Council on Environmental Quality who takes environmental laws and public health protections seriously. Kathleen Hartnett White is one of the most controversial nominees to come before the EPW Committee this year. She has consistently and repeatedly expressed radical views on environmental protection, climate science and the science underpinning fundamental public health protections. She has contradicted the accepted views of the health effects of air pollution, saying that people do not die of particulate matter levels, that ozone isnt harmful unless you put your mouth over the tailpipe of a car for eight hours a day, and that the Clean Air Act no longer provides an effective, scientifically credible, or economically viable means of air quality management. She has compared the views of those who believe that human activity is causing climate change to those of pagans and communists. She has suggested that policies to reduce global warming pollution could lead to extreme poverty and even concentration camps. She has said several times that fossil fuels ended slavery. When given the opportunity to clarify her past statements in questions for the record submitted by minority members of the EPW Committee, Ms. White submitted at least 18 separate responses that were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and EPAs Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Bill Wehrum. When minority members asked Ms. White to submit new and original answers that represented her own views, Ms. White chose not to, instead sending a dismissive response to the Ranking Member. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=689488D6-D04C-4492-958E-2DEABA098B41,"Following Reports of Pruitts $40,000 Trip to Morocco, Carper Asks Inspector General to Expand Investigation into EPA Administrators Travel",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, sent aletterto Arthur Elkins, Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting he expand his current audit of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitts travel to include Administrator Pruitts recentlyreportedfour-day trip to Morocco to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports an issue that does not fall within the jurisdiction of the EPA. Inspector General Elkins first opened a formal audit into Administrator Pruitts travel following a request from Senator Carper to investigate mediareportsthat during the first three months of Administrator Pruitts tenure, he spent nearly half his time in his home state of Oklahoma. Inspector General Elkins originalresponseto Senator Carper in August stated that EPAs Office of Inspector General would review Administrator Pruitts travel through July 31, 2017. On October 6, 2017, Inspector General ElkinsannouncedEPA OIG would expand the scope of the audit to include all travel by the Administrator through September 30, 2017. Senator Carper wrote,I write to ask you to expand the scope of your current audit regarding Administrator Pruitts travel in light of his recent trip to Morocco. This trip reportedly cost taxpayers $40,000, and one purpose of the trip was to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. Specifically, I request that you review the purpose of Administrator Pruitts travels to determine whether his activities during each trip are in line with EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment. He continued,In light of the Administrators recent trip to Morocco, I request that you further expand the scope of your audit to include all travel up to the present, with an examination of whether the purpose of travel is consistent with the EPAs mission. The text of the letter to Inspector General Elkins can be found below and in pdf formhere. December 18, 2017 Dear Mr. Elkins, I write to ask you to expand the scope of your current audit regarding Administrator Pruitts travel in light of his recent trip to Morocco. This trip reportedly[1]cost taxpayers $40,000, and one purpose of the trip was to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas exports.[2]Specifically, I request that you review the purpose of Administrator Pruitts travels to determine whether his activities during each trip are in line with EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment.[3] I first wrote to you on August 4, 2017 and asked you to examine Administrator Pruitts travel with regard to frequency, cost and purpose of his travel, the extent to which he is accompanied by staff, and include a review of both his domestic and international travel. On August 28, 2017, you announced that you would undertake an audit of the Administrators travel that included trips to Oklahoma, through July 31, 2017. On October 6, 2017 you then announced that you would expand the scope of the audit to include all travel by the Administrator through September 30, 2017.[4] In light of the Administrators recent trip to Morocco, I request that you further expand the scope of your audit to include all travel up to the present, with an examination of whether the purpose of travel is consistent with the EPAs mission. Thank you very much for your attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-reuters-journalists-arrested-in-burma,"Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.17 Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on Reuters journalists arrested in Burma WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement about the Reuters journalists who were arrested in Burma on Tuesday. As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we are gravely concerned about the arrests of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo,in Burma who werewritingstories about the crisis in Rakhine State following the militarys brutal crackdown on the Rohingya. We join the U.S. Embassy in Burma in calling for the Burmese government to explain the arrests and allow access to the journalists. Freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic value and critical to ensuring accountability for violence against the Rohingya. We urge the Burmese government torespect press freedom and protectall journalistsinstead of preventing them from accurately reporting facts on the ground andbringing atrocities to light. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=0F5A26EA-5160-40DB-8E51-21E95A371981,Only two days left!,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Affordable Care Act marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year’s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace. On Monday, I visited Westside Family Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018. Health insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance. For anyone who still needs to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC. Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you. Don’t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2353D241-B946-4DAC-9F69-C897CCEC6E5B,Carper Statement at Tax Bill Conference Committee,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), former governor of Delaware, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee instructed to reconcile the Senate and House-passed tax bills, released the following statement on the committee’s first meeting. “President Trump made a number of promises to the American people about his plans to reform our tax system. He told us that his proposal wouldn’t enrich people like him. He said it would help middle income families. And he also said it would help foster economic growth and create jobs. Well, the tax bills passed by Republicans in the House and the Senate break all these promises. Just how much worse the so-called deal that my Republican colleagues announced today will be for the American people has yet to be seen as it was written in secret before the conference committee even met. “This whole process has been a farce. House and Senate Republicans have rushed through bills that create temporary tax breaks for individuals, with benefits for lower- and middle-income families that phase out over the next year. Some of those benefits start going away as soon as 2019! Meanwhile, the plans make permanent, trillion-dollar corporate tax cuts under the guise of economic growth and job creation. In reality, it will just ensure that wealthy shareholders and executives will take an even bigger cut of corporate profits.  “I know a little bit about managing a budget and designing a tax plan. I was privileged to serve as governor of Delaware for eight years. We cut taxes in seven out of those eight years and we balanced the budget eight years in a row. We paid down our debt and earned triple AAA credit ratings. More jobs were created in those eight years than in any other eight-year period in the history of the state of Delaware. It wasn’t just our tax policy, it was because we focused on creating a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation.  “The Republican tax proposal has a price tag of about one and a half trillion dollars. Couple that with the interest the federal government will owe on the money it has to borrow to pay for these tax cuts, and the price tag exceeds $2 trillion over the next ten years. If my Republican colleagues want to spend that kind of money to grow the economy and put people back to work, they could get a lot better bang for the American buck. In fact, making an investment of that size in our roads, highways, bridges, rail, airports, broadband, water and sewer infrastructure, would stimulate the economy and make us more competitive around the globe, all the while growing our GDP by hundreds of billions of dollars and creating millions of jobs. I hope my colleagues with think about that, perhaps, benefit from a little bit of perspective. “In any case, I always look at tax reform proposals through a prism of four questions: Is it fair? Does it encourage economic growth and job creation? Does it simplify the tax code, or make it more complicated? Is it fiscally responsible? The Republican plan fails all of those tests, but, for me, its impact on our federal deficit is among the most painful. There are times when we have to deficit spend – drastic economic downturns, wars, national calamities – but paying for tax cuts that disproportionately advantage the richest of the rich just doesn’t make sense. Eight years into the largest economic expansion in the history of our country, we should be paying down the debt, not adding to it. “The good news is, I’m an optimist, and even though I’m incredibly discouraged by how this process has played out over the past few weeks, I know it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s an African proverb that says, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.’ It’s a shame that we have not traveled together so far, but there’s time to change course. I hope we will.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=716E83F6-E03D-4377-9DEB-8DE104434076,Carper Statement on Withdrawal of Dourson Nomination,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding news that the nomination of Dr. Michael Dourson to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention has been withdrawn. “My staunch objections to Dr. Dourson’s nomination were never a matter of partisanship. I sincerely believe he is the wrong person to hold this important position, and it’s become clear that, even with a Republican majority in the Senate, he could not be confirmed. Dr. Dourson, an individual who has spent most of his career promoting less protective chemical safety standards, had no business overseeing our nation’s chemical safety laws. The withdrawal of his nomination, and his removal from serving in a non-confirmed position at EPA, is in the best interest of all Americans.  “Moreover, the withdrawal of Dr. Dourson’s nomination should serve as a lesson to the Senate. In this body, our responsibility is to provide advice and consent – not to rush to approve unqualified or controversial nominees or ill-advised legislation for shortsighted political wins. I hope that we can all learn from this moment, and I hope the administration will work swiftly to find an independent, credible chemical safety regulator – one who will protect public health and lead the implementation of the bipartisan Toxic Substances Control Act reforms we worked so hard to enact last year.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CD1E110D-0388-4DA9-BE41-330CC2F1E1F5,EPW Hearing Statement: Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Committee.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding today’s important hearing. Oversight is a critical part of this committee’s work. The subject of this hearing is also very timely, as the nuclear industry faces significant challenges. The nuclear industry is at a crossroads. The path the industry decides to take will have ramifications for our country and its citizens for decades to come. “Let me begin by noting that it is important to examine the benefits – and drawbacks – of nuclear energy. First, and foremost, nuclear power helps curb our nation’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels and reduces air pollution that threatens our health and climate. Second, nuclear energy has been – and can continue to be – a real economic driver. It creates construction, manufacturing and operations jobs for communities across this nation. “Despite all the benefits of nuclear power, I would be remiss not to mention some of the potential consequences of nuclear energy. We have seen, from serious incidents in places like Fukushima, the damage that nuclear power can cause if the proper safety precautions are not in place, not up to date, or not strictly followed. With nuclear energy, safety has been and must remain a top priority in the operation of nuclear reactors. “Unfortunately, the costs of safety precautions – along with the costs of construction, operation and maintenance – for current nuclear reactors can be expensive, especially when compared to the costs of other sources of energy, such as natural gas. In fact, some U.S. reactors are retiring sooner than expected due to market forces. At the same time, our country’s nuclear reactors are getting older and will need to be replaced in the years to come. Building new reactors – as we’ve seen in Georgia and in South Carolina – has proven more difficult than predicted a decade ago. “As most of my colleagues know, I often try to see the glass half-full, and I believe that the challenges the nuclear industry faces today can make it stronger and more efficient tomorrow. If our country is smart, we will replace our aging nuclear reactors with new technology developed in this country that is safer, produces less spent fuel and is cheaper to build and operate. If we seize this opportunity, the U.S. can be a leader in nuclear energy again, reaping the economic and clean air benefits that flow from that leadership. In order to do so, though, we must make sure that the NRC has the resources it needs to review these new technologies and make certain our current nuclear reactor fleet continues to operate safely. “Since joining the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have worked closely with my colleagues to strengthen the ‘culture of safety’ within the U.S. nuclear energy industry. In part due to our collective efforts, and to the NRC leadership and the Commission’s dedicated staff, the NRC continues to be the world’s gold standard for nuclear regulatory agencies. “Success at any organization starts with the leadership at top, and I must say I have been quite impressed with the current Commission at the NRC and its members’ ability to work with each other. Each Commissioner brings a unique set of skills to the Commission, which has served the NRC – and our country – well. These three Commissioners have done an excellent job; however, having a full complement of NRC Commissioners would be ideal. “As my colleagues know, the committee has reported out some quality NRC nominees, including Jeff Baran’s renomination, that await Senate confirmation. I hope we can quickly confirm all three of the NRC nominees, giving the nuclear industry critical regulatory certainty at a time when there is so much uncertainty in other areas. “An organization also needs a strong and dedicated workforce, with the necessary resources, in order to be successful. At one time, employees ranked the NRC as the top place in the federal government to work, but now the NRC is 11th. Budget cuts and uncertainty in the nuclear industry play a big role in this change. I look forward to hearing from the Commissioners today about all of these issues, but most importantly, would like to hear what more we can do to better retain and recruit a quality workforce at the NRC, which is still revered across the globe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F57FC2B1-E743-4E51-B475-E0A95B6988A7,Only two days left!,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Affordable Care Act marketplace is up, running and has already helped millions sign up for health care for 2018. But this year’s open enrollment period is far shorter than in years past and this Friday, December 15th is the last day anyone can buy health insurance through the marketplace. On Monday, I visited Westside Family Healthcare, a powerful partner for Delawareans who have questions or issues getting the health care they need. Over the past few weeks, their experts have helped thousands navigate healthcare.gov to secure health insurance for themselves and their families for 2018. Health insurance for your loved ones is one of the wisest investments you can make. Many health plans in the ACA marketplace have premiums lower than $100 per month, and eight in 10 people will qualify for financial assistance. For anyone who still needs to enroll in health insurance, is looking for a more affordable option or is looking to qualify for financial assistance, free help is available at Westside Family Healthcare, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, La Red Health Center and Chapman LLC. Go to choosehealthde.com to find help near you. Don’t let your family, friends or neighbors miss out on quality, affordable health insurance coverage for next year. Friday, December 15th is the final day, and I urge everyone to spread the word!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-gives-nea/neh-floor-speech-december-13-2017,"Senator Coons gives NEA/NEH floor speech, December 13, 2017",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-13-2017,"Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 13, 2017",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-blunt-co-chairs-of-the-law-enforcement-caucus-thank-the-capitol-police-for-their-service,"Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.17 Sens. Coons, Blunt, co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus, thank the Capitol Police for their service WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, hosted a holiday event to thank the Capitol Police for their service. “The openness and accessibility of the U.S. Congress is a hallmark of our democracy – and a testament to the efforts of the Capitol Police. Their hard work and professionalism are exceptional, and I greatly appreciated this opportunity to thank the members of the Capitol Police for their service,” said Senator Coons. “My co-chair, Senator Blunt, and I are extremely pleased that the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus now has twenty-six members, which is representative of the fact that Senators from both parties share a deep admiration and gratitude for the work of the Capitol Police.” “The U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly to keep members, staff, and visitors safe,” said Senator Blunt. “During the holiday season, many officers will sacrifice time with their loved ones to fulfill their duties, and we are extremely grateful to them and their families for their service. I’m glad to join Senator Coons, co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, in expressing our appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police force, and for all of our law enforcement personnel across the country.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=43C335EA-5F81-42FC-AFF1-84400CD829FB,"Amid Evidence of Plagiarism, Carper Leads EPW Minority in Calling on CEQ Nominee to Submit New and Original Answers",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the minority members of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee called on Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality and serve as his most senior environmental advisor, to submit new and original responses to questions for the record after it was discovered that at least 18 of her responses were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee. Repeatedly, Ms. White’s answers to questions of opinion – on issues including climate change, hazardous air pollutants and environmental justice – matched answers previously provided by President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominees, including EPA Administrator Pruitt and EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum. In a letter led by Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), the lawmakers wrote, “We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing…We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.” The senators requested that Ms. Hartnett White identify and give appropriate citation to all responses that include someone else’s work and submit new answers to each of the plagiarized responses that represent her own views by December 22, 2017. Senator Carper was joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). The text of the letter is available below and here.  December 12, 2017 Dear Ms. White:             We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record[1] sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing.  In at least 18 instances (attached), your responses to these questions included language that also appeared verbatim in responses to questions for the record received from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt[2], and EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Bill Wehrum[3].   For example, when asked a question about EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) rule, you stated: “The quantifiable monetized benefits of the HAP reductions predicted to occur under MATS measured only a few million dollars. I understand that EPA has recalculated the benefits attributable to MATS in response to the Supreme Court remand. I am not familiar with the new estimates and I cannot prejudge any decision that might be made by EPA as it conducts its ongoing review of the rule.” Mr. Wehrum stated the following in response to a similar question: “The quantifiable monetized benefits of the HAP reductions predicted to occur under MATS measured only a few million dollars. I understand that EPA has recalculated the benefits attributable to MATS in response to the Supreme Court remand. I am not familiar with the new estimates. If confirmed, I intend to consider them objectively.” Similarly, in response to five questions about climate change submitted to you by Senators Merkley, Sanders and Whitehouse, you stated: “If confirmed, I will work to ensure that any regulatory actions are based on the most up to date and objective scientific data, including the ever-evolving understanding of the impact that increasing greenhouse gases have on our changing climate.” Mr. Pruitt responded to a similar question as follows: “If confirmed, I will work to ensure that any regulatory actions are based on the most up to date and objective scientific data, including the ever-evolving understanding of the impact increasing greenhouse gases have on our changing climate. I will also adhere to the applicable statutory authorities to fulfill EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment consistent with the process and rule of law established by congress. I also believe the Administrator has an important role when it comes to the regulation of carbon dioxide, which I will fulfill consistent with Massachusetts v. EPA and the agency's Endangerment Finding on Greenhouse Gases respective of the applicable statutory framework established by Congress. I believe the most effective path towards achieving these objectives is through close partnership with the states granting them regulatory leeway as ascribed by the rule of law.”             We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.  We request that you promptly provide responses to the following questions: Please list each response to a question for the record submitted to you by any Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee for which you either plagiarized someone else’s work or that you did not write part or all of the answer yourself. For each item listed in your response to question 1, please list the source or person from which you derived part or all of your response. Please submit a new answer to each such item that represents your own views and effort. Thank you very much for your attention to this important matter.  Please provide your response no later than close of business on Friday December 22, 2017. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-foreign-relations-committee-zimbabwe-december-12-2017,"Senator Coons, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Zimbabwe, December 12 2017",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-december-12-2017,"Senator Coons, Senate Judiciary Committee, December 12, 2017",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-sfrc-qanda-on-zimbabwe-december-12-2017,"Senator Coons SFRC Q&A on Zimbabwe, December 12, 2017",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-discusses-delaware-opioid-crisis-in-judiciary-committee-hearing,[VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons discusses Delaware opioid crisis in Judiciary Committee hearing Sen. Coons: “Just my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.” The purpose of the hearing was to examine the effectiveness of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, passed in 2016, and potential unintended consequences. “Delaware, under the leadership of our Attorney General, Matt Denn, recently enacted new regulations that allow prescribers to better monitor each opioid prescription and limit an adult from receiving a first-time prescription for more than seven days, except under exceptional circumstances. That's led to a 12% decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions just since April 1. Shouldn't we be looking at some of the positive, innovative work that's being done in states like Delaware?” Full and audio available here.  Excerpts from Senator Coons’ Q&A are below: Senator Coons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to ask the committee and I'd like to, on behalf of all of us on the committee, thank those of you on the panel who have testified today. The ongoing opioid addiction crisis is something that has harmed every single community, has affected every state. Just my small state of Delaware lost more than 300 people who died in drug overdoses last year, and what we are trying to do is strike the right balance between making sure that people who suffer from persistent and chronic pain, like Ms. Chambers, can get access to appropriately prescribed and managed opioids and those who are abusing or misusing them are appropriately held to account. So, striking that balance is the purpose of our hearing here today, and I'd appreciate a few pointed answers to some simple, hopefully pointed questions. To Attorney General Frosh, Delaware, under the leadership of our Attorney General, Matt Denn, recently enacted new regulations that allow prescribers to better monitor each opioid prescription and limit an adult from receiving a first-time prescription for more than seven days, except under exceptional circumstances. That's led to a 12% decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions just since April 1. Shouldn't we be looking at some of the positive, innovative work that's being done in states like Delaware? Attorney General Frosh, State of Maryland: Yes, absolutely. A number of states have prescription drug monitoring programs, they can be extraordinarily effective. Despite the fact that laws like those have been enacted in Delaware and across the country, we still have this tidal wave of opioids washing across, and those are important steps forward, but we have a lot of work that remains to be done.  Senator Coons: So, help me, Attorney General Frosh, Dr. Catizone, if you would, the DEA's use of immediate suspension orders has dropped, but other enforcement tools like orders to show cause have increased. Are these other tools sufficient to combat the misuse or mis-prescription of opioids?  Attorney General Frosh, State of Maryland: I don't think they are. I mean, and you only have to look through results to come to that conclusion. DEA has essentially had the same tools for four decades, and they have not been sufficient to overcome the wave of opioids that has washed across the country, so I would say not. Now, the prescription I would give is holistic: we not only need effective law enforcement, interdiction of illegal supply, but we also need treatment, we need prescription drug monitoring, we don't have nearly enough treatment beds in our country, and we're not making forward progress. We are making progress, but it's incremental. It needs to be much more rapid.  Senator Coons: I agree. Dr. Catizone, what else do you think DEA should do or what else can we do as a committee and a society to address the significant problem of opioid addiction?  Dr. Carmen Catizone: I think the answer is the balance that you spoke about. We need to have a balance between access of effective law enforcement, and to the prior question, we haven't had time to analyze the data the committee presented today, but if you look at the overview, the DEA has taken action in other areas to compensate for the inability or their concern about trying to take an ISO. So, there has to be some balance there as well. ISOs should be restricted the most serious, egregious cases, where the patients are going to be killed. If that pharmacy, that distributor, that doctor continues to operate. In those cases, the standard worked, you saw by the data the amount of times the ISOs were used was very limited. So, we think restoring or eliminating that data, that new standard, is a means that would give the DEA that important tool back to use that in very limited, but very serious situations.   ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-delivers-the-weekly-democratic-address-december-11-2017,"Senator Coons delivers the Weekly Democratic Address, December 11, 2017",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-new-day-december-11-2017,"Senator Coons joins CNN New Day December 11, 2017",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-rep-sewell-op-ed-on-key-alabama-court-nominee-brett-talley,"ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.17 ICYMI: Sen. Coons, Rep. Sewell op-ed on key Alabama Court nominee Brett Talley Brett Talley, current Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, has been nominated for an open seat on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representative Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) today published an op-ed on the nomination of Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama. The Hill: Senate must reject Brett Talley’s nomination for federal district court in Alabama By Chris Coons and Terri Sewell It’s no secret that Americans all over the country are watching Alabama this week. The candidacy of former Alabama judge Roy Moore for the vacant U.S. Senate seat, particularly in light of appalling allegations raised by several women, has made the state the epicenter for our national conversations about not just politics, but race, the rule of law, and even basic morality. But the Senate is quietly considering another critical issue that impacts Alabama and the rest of the country too: the nomination of a 36-year-old man named Brett Talley for a lifetime seat on the federal district court in Alabama.   As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Alabama’s only member of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are deeply concerned – disturbed even – by the prospect of Mr. Talley becoming a federal judge in Alabama, and we believe all Americans should be, too. First, the context and history of the seat Mr. Talley is nominated for in the Middle District of Alabama is critical to understanding why his potential confirmation could be so damaging. The Middle District of Alabama has played a central role in our nation’s progress on civil rights over the past half century.  For example, it was a decision from the Middle District of Alabama that allowed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s marchers to continue their journey to Montgomery.  It was a decision from the Middle District of Alabama that declared Montgomery’s segregated buses unconstitutional following the boycotts galvanized by Rosa Parks’ arrest.  The Middle District of Alabama ruled that African American men and women must be allowed to serve on Alabama juries, struck down Alabama’s poll tax, and mandated integration of public schools. It is within this context and history that we must view the nomination of Mr. Talley, whose background and lack of experience are, frankly, shocking.  Mr. Talley’s behavior and history outside of the courtroom paints a portrait of someone almost uniquely unfit to serve as a federal judge in Alabama.  Thousands of Internet posts and comments – which Mr. Talley failed to even disclose – reveal a prejudice that has no place in the nation’s judiciary. The full column is available here.  ###   Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=D41245E2-DD30-4B32-A7EE-23515A93CB22,"Wishing you a happy, healthy 230th Delaware Day",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"History was made 230 years ago today, when a group of 30 elected delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover to debate and decide the fate of our state and country. After three days of deliberation, those delegates made the unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution and make Delaware the First State of what would eventually become our union. Throughout Delaware’s unique history, our caring, welcoming community has endured, and each Delaware Day, I am excited to celebrate the dauntless spirit of the “Delaware Way."" The “Delaware Way” means working together to continuously improve our state and our country. It also means caring for our neighbors as we care for our family. The Affordable Care Act allows us to care for our family, friends and neighbors by guaranteeing health care for every Delawarean and every American. Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month. Unfortunately, Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces ends on December 15th – a little more than a week away. So, on this Delaware Day, I hope we will all be inspired by the “Delaware Way” and reach out to our friends, neighbors and co-workers to make sure that every one of them has health care in 2018. Along with my partner in the Senate, Chris Coons, and Delaware’s Congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester, we are working to spread the message that every Delawarean and every American has access to affordable health care for the new year. I hope you’ll join us and spread the word that the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace is open at healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com until December 15th only. I wish you all a happy, healthy Delaware Day! God bless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C5CA474E-9442-4F2B-8B2C-C87F7E726835,Senator Carper on Confirmation of Susan Bodine to Serve at EPA,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor before the Senate approved, by voice vote, Susan Bodine’s nomination to serve as the assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). Senator Carper’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: “Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the confirmation of Susan Bodine to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). “For those who may not know, that is a big job and an incredibly important one. The EPA’s enforcement office protects the health of our citizens and our environment by ensuring that everyone is playing by the same rules. When bad actors don’t follow the rules that we have put in place to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all Americans, it is EPA’s enforcement office that holds them accountable. In the past, the actions taken by this office at EPA have led to reductions in toxic air pollution, as well as the clean up of contaminated land and waterways. In fact, last year alone, EPA’s enforcement work required companies to invest $13.7 billion dollars in similar clean up efforts. “I have said from the time she was nominated that Susan Bodine’s resume would be very helpful if she were confirmed to serve as the head of EPA’s enforcement office. Ms. Bodine has served as a staffer in the House and the Senate for over a decade and also spent time working in the Bush Administration. Given this experience, I believe she has a good understanding of the relationship that should exist between the separate, but equal branches of our government and the critical role that EPA’s enforcement office plays. “When she was nominated for this position, Ms. Bodine was kind enough to come to my office to discuss the job and her qualifications, which I appreciated. She talked about the work that she had done for Senators Inhofe and Barrasso – both of whom have taken their oversight roles on the EPW committee very seriously. From the day we met in my office, I made explicitly clear to Ms. Bodine that, while I think she is qualified for this job, I also take my oversight role seriously. “From the day of that meeting with Ms. Bodine until now, my request has been consistent, yet simple: EPA should provide complete, adequate and timely responses to the committee that oversees its work. “Absent a serious commitment to do so, I have consistently said that I would be unable to support moving forward on any EPA nominees. “I have also said from the very beginning that I do not make such statements lightly or with any sense of joy. But I believe firmly that this body and its members have a constitutional duty to perform rigorous oversight and that we must protect that responsibility, regardless of which party happens to be in power. And over 200 days is far too long to wait for a response to serious inquiries, like those about a toxic pesticide that this EPA has deemed safe after the previous administration proposed banning it. I know that, no matter who’s in charge, we can do better than that. “Now, as my Democratic colleagues and I know all too well, we are not the majority party. We don’t control the Senate or its activities, who’s confirmed here or even who’s debated on the floor. For instance, despite my many objections and those of my colleagues, Bill Wehrum was confirmed to serve as the head of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. So my repeated requests have been just that: an ask, with the hope that all of us, as members of this body, could agree that certain responsibilities are more important than political wins. Some of my Republican colleagues have supported me in this, and I thank them for that support. “As of late, I see that EPA is making a good faith effort to respond to our requests. I am now satisfied with many of the responses they have sent so far, I am pleased that we are seeing progress, and I am hopeful that this progress will continue. “I have served in this body for 17 years now. My colleagues know me, and I think that they know that I try to be fair. I have voted for President Trump’s nominees and for the nominees of past Republican presidents.  I do not have – and have never had – an interest in delay for delay’s sake. “In fact, I said just last week that if a sub-set of the letters that were due back from EPA were completed in short order and were truly responsive, we would make progress on nominations. The agency has done its part and now we are here, with Ms. Bodine set to be confirmed by this body today. “I hope that this is the beginning of a new chapter and that EPA’s responses to our oversight requests will be more timely going forward. Having said that, a sincere congratulations to Ms. Bodine and her family. I look forward to continue working with her in her new role to ensure EPA’s enforcement office remains an indispensable and credible ‘cop on the beat.’” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/2017-12-06-taste-of-delaware,2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 12.07.17 2017-12-06 Taste of Delaware United States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, hosts the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) organized the free and public event that was held in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The Taste of Delaware celebrates the history of the state’s food and beverage industry as well as Delaware becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Dec. 7, 1787.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-chuck-todd-december-6-2017,"Senator Coons joins Chuck Todd December 6, 2017",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-jake-tapper-december-6-2017,"Senator Coons joins Jake Tapper December 6, 2017",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-and-tillis-rep-lowenthal-introduce-resolution-honoring-human-rights-day,"Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.17 Sens. Coons and Tillis, Rep. Lowenthal introduce resolution honoring Human Rights Day WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47) today introduced companion resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 69th Anniversary of the 1948 ratification by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “On Human Rights Day, we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honor those around the world who work tirelessly to advance fundamental rights like freedom, justice, and equality,”  said Senator Coons.  “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I call for passage of this resolution and recommit myself to advocating for the freedom of all those who suffer from violence and persecution.” “I am proud to introduce the Human Rights Day resolution that honors the adoption of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 affirming the rights of individuals and setting the standard for human rights protections,” said Senator Tillis. “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to fight on behalf of those who advocate for basic human rights and ensure that the United States continues to be the standard for promoting freedom across the world.”   “The promotion of respect for human rights as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key component of the leadership role the United States plays around the world,” Congressman Lowenthal said. “The Congress, and the world, must recognize that those who are denied basic human rights, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, and political expression, are also denied basic human respect and dignity. It diminishes our shared humanity when people are denied these basic and universal rights. The world would be a safer place if human rights were universally protected.” ? Joining Senators Coons and Tillis in introducing the resolution were Senators Blumenthal, Inhofe, Baldwin, Rubio, Brown, Young, Franken, McCain, Van Hollen, Murkowski, Menendez, Merkley, Casey, Wyden, and Klobuchar.   Joining Congressman Lowenthal in introducing the resolution were Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, Raul Grijalva, Jerry McNerney, Jimmy Gomez, Suzanne Bonamici, Jackie Speier, Ro Khanna, Trent Franks, Gerry Connolly, Luis Gutierrez, Mark Pocan, David Cicilline, Bill Foster, Zoe Lofgren, Salud Carbajal, Jan Schakowsky, Barbara Lee, James McGovern, Katherine Clark, Betty McCollum, Michael Capuano, Dwight Evans, Lou Correa, Brian Higgins, Joseph Crowley, Scott Peters, Alcee L. Hastings, Darren Soto, Marcy Kaptur, Sheila Jackson Lee, Keith Ellison, Doris Matsui, Sander Levin, Grace Napolitano, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Norma Torres, Frank Pallone, Judy Chu, Gwen Moore, Jamie Raskin, Adam Schiff, John Yarmuth, Jared Huffman, Eric Swalwell, Seth Moulton, Randy Hultgren, Val Demings, Matt Cartwright, Anna Eshoo, Andre Carson, Linda Sanchez, Dina Titus, Joyce Beaty, Tom Garrett, Peter King, Brenda Lawrence, Debbie Dingell, and Susan Davis.  The text of the resolution is available here. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-pres-trump-we-are-seeing-more-and-more-evidence-that-would-lead-to-an-obstruction-charge,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: “We are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.”,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Pres. Trump: “We are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Donald Trump, Jr., and President Trump.  “This is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating,” said Senator Coons. “But, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and, in part, Russia's interference in our elections in 2016.”  Full audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Flynn's comment on Russian sanctions: Well, this is just another example of a whole series of inappropriate conversations and actions by former National Security Advisor, General Mike Flynn, and helps explain why he might be cooperating with Mueller's investigation. I assume that Mueller was able to reveal a whole series of inappropriate actions and statements by General Flynn and that would have put him in significant legal risk and, as a result, he is cooperating. But, it's a reminder that other individuals with whom Flynn was communicating in the transition team, on Inauguration Day in the new Trump administration, were already taking really striking steps given that the reason for the sanctions against Russia were because of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and, in part, Russia's interference in our elections in 2016. More on Flynn: The two aren't mutually exclusive. Sadly, what seemed to be a pattern with General Flynn was that he was both advancing a partisan political interest in his role on the Trump campaign and continuing to advance his own personal enrichment as someone who was representing Turkey or representing groups from Ukraine, groups aligned with Russia's interests. So, the idea that he could have been advancing both an enrichment goal and a narrow or partisan goal, it seems to me they're not in conflict. Senator Coons on Trump, Jr.: Well, Donald Trump, Jr., was a participant in a very important meeting in Trump Tower, it's important to get clarity on what was the foundation for that meeting, why was it taken, what were the questions asked and what information was reported back up to President Trump if any. So, those are just a few of the questions I would expect might have been asked today in front of the House Intelligence Committee.   Senator Coons on obstruction of justice: Well, that's a legal conclusion I don't think we have yet fully reached, but the evidence supporting an obstruction of justice claim just keeps building up. I'll remind you, it was recently that there was public reporting that, in the past couple of months, President Trump personally reached out to Senator McConnell, to Senator Burr, to Senator Blunt, urging them to wrap up the Russia investigation early. This just follows a pattern that goes back to his early days of meeting with FBI Director Jim Comey, seeking some commitment of personal loyalty and asking him to go easy on Mike Flynn, former National Security Advisor. So, I do think we are seeing more and more evidence that would lead to an obstruction charge. I also think there was a striking development this week in that President Trump's own lawyers are now making the argument that the President can't commit obstruction of justice because he is in charge of all law enforcement. That is not a tenable argument. We would no longer have rule of law in this country if the President were utterly unrestrained to interfere in any way he chose in an investigation.  ###   Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=271BB88A-7AB5-4365-B171-C39596BD5D3F,EPW Hearing Statement: Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as submitted for the record: “Mr. Chairman, before we begin, I just want to take a moment to thank you personally for holding this nomination hearing for Mr. R.D. James to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. As you know, this is a critical leadership position at the Corps of Engineers. As we have seen in the recent months with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Corps’ role in protecting and rebuilding critical infrastructure in disaster- affected communities is one that cannot be understated.   “Thank you, Mr. James, for joining us today, and for your willingness to serve.  I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to your wife Jennye for sharing you with us. The families of our nominees are often the unsung heroes of public service, and I would also like to recognize their sacrifices and contributions to our country. “If confirmed, Mr. James, you will be overseeing the Army’s Civil Works Program. Through this important program, the Corps is responsible for responding to and reducing the likelihood of flood damage. The Civil Works Program also includes the construction, operation and maintenance of our nation’s ports and inland waterways, which are the gateway to both domestic and international commerce. It also includes shoreline and coastal protections for the areas of this country dramatically affected by large bodies of water, such as my home state of Delaware. If confirmed, you will also oversee the Corps of Engineers’ activities for environmental regulation and permitting. “Mr. James, the responsibilities of the position to which you have been nominated are daunting. If confirmed, you will be leading efforts that dramatically affect every part of this country. As such, we on this Committee must take your nomination very seriously. In your role as a member of the Mississippi River Commission for the last 36 years, you have had a direct impact on a number of successful initiatives for that region. The geographic scope that the Commission manages, however, is a relatively narrow one. When I met with you earlier this week, you committed to coming with me to visit Delaware to learn about the needs of a geographic region much different from that of the Mississippi River. As you know, 80 percent of the Country’s population lives within 150 miles of a coastline. In fact, as of the 2010 census, 39 percent of the nation's population, some 123 million people, live in a county that directly borders a shoreline. “This country, much like this Committee, has a very diverse and broad geographic make-up – from coastal communities such as those represented by Senators Booker and Whitehouse – to rural communities such as those represented by Senators Ernst and Rounds – to inland communities such as those represented by Senators Barrasso and Duckworth. All of these regions have various water interests managed by the Corps of Engineers. In your new role, should you be confirmed, you will have to balance a wide range of competing interests. It is extremely important that you visit these different types of communities to garner a broader understanding of the challenges each faces.   “As you know, the President has said that America’s aging infrastructure should be modernized and rebuilt. Democratic Senators released a blueprint to rebuild our infrastructure earlier this year. Senators on both sides of the aisle are supportive of investing in infrastructure, and such an investment should include funding that would allow the Corps to address our country’s water infrastructure needs. “While I’m interested in learning how the Corps can be more efficient with the appropriated funds it receives to get the most out of every taxpayer dollar, I also believe that the Corps has been considerably underfunded for a number of years. Water infrastructure investment is a shared responsibility with state and local governments, and I want to make sure these jurisdictions get the help they need. I also want to learn more about how we can make sure that we prioritize the most critical investments that need to be made in our nation’s aging infrastructure. “With that said, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving this problem. Should you be confirmed, you will be a central figure for making sure these bipartisan concerns are addressed. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these important matters. Again, Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing today and I look forward to learning more about this nominee.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-at-the-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-firearm-accessory-regulation,Sen. Coons at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Firearm Accessory Regulation,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-coons-questions-panel-senate-judiciary-cmte-firearm-accessory-restrictions,Sen. Coons questions panel Senate Judiciary Cmte Firearm Accessory Restrictions,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-floor-speech-on-rich-heffron-december-6-2017,"Senator Coons Senate floor speech on Rich Heffron December 6, 2017",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-isakson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-college-access-and-graduation-rates,"Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Sens. Coons, Isakson introduce bipartisan legislation to increase college access and graduation rates WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation in the Senate to incentivize colleges to expand access for low-income students and increase graduation rates for all students.  The Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education Act, or ASPIRE Act for short, will spur the nation’s institutions of higher education to enroll more low-income students and to ensure that these students actually graduate with a degree. The bill devotes resources to help boost completion rates at institutions that serve disproportionately high numbers of low-income students.  “In today’s economy, access to higher education is one of the best ways to provide students from all backgrounds a ladder to success,”said Senator Coons. “That’s why the federal government invests significant resources into helping low-income and first-generation college students succeed in college. Yet despite this investment, our higher education system is failing to deliver results for the students who need it most. Our graduation rates are too low and too many resource-rich colleges have failed to expand access to qualified students who come from low-income backgrounds. Our bill will address both of these issues by holding selective colleges accountable on improving low-income student access, and by providing resources to increase graduation rates at colleges struggling to support their high numbers of low-income students.  We can and must do more to address resource disparities and ensure colleges help all students access and complete a high-quality education.” “Georgia universities such as Georgia State University have seen success using innovative approaches in reaching more students and helping them graduate,” said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “This legislation will help incentivize other colleges and universities to follow suit to ensure quality education is accessible for all who chose to pursue it.” Currently, the U.S. government spends roughly $180 billion each year in federal student aid and tax benefits to help low- and middle-income students. This aid includes little accountability or basic benchmarks to be met. In addition to basic benchmarks, the federal government does not do a good job targeting resources to where they are needed most.  Despite the significant federal investment in the higher education system, U.S. college graduation rates are currently among the lowest in the developed world.  The Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education Act would help set benchmarks and priorities while also rewarding institutions that are already on the right track when it comes to access and completion. The bill would make additional competitive funding available for completion efforts, with priority for minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Finally, it enables high-performing institutions on access and completion to apply for non-financial rewards, such as bonus points in federal competitive grants or a reduced regulatory burden. Highlights of the Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education (ASPIRE) Act: Completely self-financing, requiring no new appropriations. The bottom 5 percent of institutions based on percentages of enrolled first-time, full-time Pell Grant recipients are given at least four years to improve access, or risk paying a penalty.  Penalties collected are then used to fund completion improvement efforts. The bottom 5 percent of institutions based on six-year graduation rates that choose to opt-in to the bill’s completion standards would receive significant funding and at least five years to develop and implement plans to improve completion, or risk paying back that funding plus a fine. Up to $200 million a year would be devoted to graduation efforts. Institutions would not prescribe improvement strategies—institutions must create their own plans. Click here for the full bill text. Click here for a one-pager on the bill. Click here for a section-by-section summary of the bill. Full list of supporting organizations: American Student Assistance Education Reform Now HBCU Collective Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) National College Access Network National Education Association (NEA) Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) The Education Trust Third Way Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Georgia State University Delaware Charter Schools Network Delaware State University Goldey-Beacom College Wesley College Widener University Wilmington University  WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ASPIRE: American Student Assistance Director of Consumer Advocacy, Kevin Fudge: ""To survive and thrive in the changing workplace of the 21st century, Americans need the skills gained from postsecondary education more than ever before. For the greater economic strength of both our citizens individually and our nation collectively, it is imperative that all students in the US, regardless of income, have the opportunity for access, success and persistence in education beyond high school."" Education Reform Now Advocacy President, Shavar Jeffries: “Senator Coons' and Isakson's ASPIRE higher education access and accountability plan is thoughtful and nuanced. The Coons-Isakson plan is thoughtful in using the federal investment in higher education to prod elite colleges to open their doors wider to talented students from low-income families. It's thoughtful in providing additional financial help to under resourced colleges, particularly HBCUs, that currently serve a substantial number of students from low-income families. But the Senators are also tough and nuanced in demanding better performance from colleges, including for those who fail to improve requiring a return of funds. Higher education should not be an accountability-free zone. It's heartening to see bipartisan agreement on the fundamental idea that in higher education, like in K-12 education, we need increased resources and reform in order to get markedly better results for students, families, and the country.”  HBCU Collective Founder, Robert T. Stephens: “The HBCU Collective applauds Sen. Coons and Sen. Isakson for introducing legislation that expands access to higher education for low-income students. Education continues to be one of the best pathways low-income students use to pull themselves out of poverty, increase opportunities, and achieve their dreams."" Institute for Higher Education Policy President, Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D: “Smart policy solutions that help more of today’s students access a college education and earn high-quality degrees can cultivate thriving communities. The ASPIRE Act will help to narrow the access and degree completion inequities that stubbornly persist within our higher education system and enable more hardworking students, regardless of economic status, to pursue a college education. We thank Senator Coons and Senator Isakson for their leadership and commitment to expanding college access and fostering degree completion.” National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) President and CEO, Dr. Lezli Baskerville: “The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, NAFEO, is appreciative to Senators Coons and Isakson for heeding NAFEO’s appeal for a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to explore ways of incentivizing a greater number of colleges and universities to educate the growing populations of this nation—low-income and racial and ethnic minority students, and rewarding those institutions graduating disproportionate percentages of the growing populations of the states. The ASPIRE legislation will move the nation toward acknowledging and rewarding institutions like HBCUs and MSIs graduating disproportionate percentages of low-income students, first generation students, and students of color."" National College Access Network Executive Director, Kim Cook: “NCAN supports the goal of the ASPIRE Act to encourage institutions to increase access for low-income students and to incent completion. Students who attend their best academic fit are most likely to succeed, and encouraging students to expand the number of seats available to low-income students will help more low-income students reach both college and graduation.” Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) Executive Director, Quyen Dinh: “SEARAC strongly supports the ASPIRE Act and its goals to increasing low-income students’ access to a post-secondary education and the graduation rates for all students. This proposal helps to address the compounded socio-economic and educational disparities that we know are persisting in Southeast Asian American communities who experience both poverty and lack-of higher education degrees at higher rates than the national average.  We applaud Sen. Coons for introducing a policy solution to stand up for vulnerable students such as Southeast Asian Americans from refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities"" The Education Trust Vice President of Higher Education Policy and Practice, Wil Del Pilar: “The urgent question for higher education right now is “How can we dramatically increase high-quality degree completion while expanding – not limiting – access among low-income students and students of color?” The ASPIRE Act represents an attempt to answer that question in a cost-neutral way that puts students first and pushes institutions to focus on getting students to graduation.  It will spur wealthier institutions to increase access for low-income students, and it will provide additional resources to drive improvements in colleges and universities -- including minority-serving institutions -- that make commitments to significantly improving outcomes for their students. This kind of forward-thinking legislation is an important step toward making higher education more equitable and effective.” Third Way Vice President for Social Policy & Politics, Lanae Erickson Hatalsky: “We are grateful to Senator Coons and Senator Isakson for recognizing that a large number of our nation’s postsecondary institutions are failing to serve as true mobility machines for millions of low- and moderate-income students. Far too many students who enter college today do not graduate, and too many of our elite institutions aren’t doing enough to take in the Pell students who could benefit from their high graduation rates and solid post-graduation outcomes. While the ASPIRE Act may not be able to fix all of these problems overnight, it refocuses attention on both access and completion by incentivizing good schools to open their doors to more low-income students while holding accountable those schools that fail to better their students’ lives.” Georgia State University President, Mark P. Becker, PhD: “I congratulate Senators Isakson and Coons for their bipartisan efforts to craft legislation tackling the difficult task of increasing access for students who would otherwise not attend college.  Thousands of qualified students are not entering college, and thousands who do enter leave without a degree.  There is no more important challenge facing higher education today than leveling the playing field for all students.  I thank Senator Isakson for his continued support of Georgia State University and our success in increasing graduation rates by 22 percentage points in recent years.  I look forward to working with Senator Isakson and Senator Coons to make our nation once again the most educated and innovative nation in the world.” DE Charter Schools Network Executive Director, Kendall Massett and Board President, Chuck Taylor: “We have charter school leaders that spend 12 years preparing low-income students for college. The ASPIRE Act would help fulfill the promise we make to these students, and show that hard work, discipline and resilience have their rewards.""  Delaware State University President, Dr. Harry L. Williams: ""At Delaware State University, we are committed to retaining and graduating first-generation college students. This commitment is further evidenced by our steady progression on these most-important metrics and our partnerships with private foundations to expand our innovative efforts to retain and graduate our students.  The Completion Bonus Program within the ASPIRE Act further incentivizes institutions to redouble their efforts to boost retention and graduation rates to help make the United States #1 in college completion."" Goldey-Beacom College President Gary L. Wirt Letter of Support University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis: “The intent of the ASPIRE Act aligns with the University of Delaware’s commitment to provide an accessible and affordable world-class education to every student, especially those with the greatest financial need. Thousands of Delawareans benefit from UD’s financial aid and academic support, which contribute to above-average retention and graduation rates. We applaud the senators’ efforts to address this complex challenge.”  Wesley College Provost, Dr. Jeffrey Gibson: “The ASPIRE Act is key to promoting educational opportunity and access to the nation’s colleges and universities, and Wesley College is proud to support initiatives that increase the higher education options available to students.  Better still, the legislation introduced by Senators Coons and Isakson will further bolster efforts to enhance student success and increase graduation rates.  Each student who succeeds benefits our local communities and the country as a whole.”  Widener University President Julie E. Wollman: “As a university leader, I believe it is vital to increase degree completion rates by providing the comprehensive support necessary to achieve this goal.  Furthermore, we must continue our work to optimize access to higher education for all students.  Access and degree completion are essential to the quality of our society and the strength of our nation.”  Wilmington University President, Dr. LaVerne Harmon: “The ASPIRE Act is supported by Wilmington University because the intent of this bill is to increase access for low-income and marginalized students to close the completion gap in institutions of higher education. This is critically important to us, since approximately 46 percent of our first-time, full-time students are PELL Grant recipients, and the ASPIRE Act gives students the opportunity to experience a quality education they can afford. Wilmington University is a student-centered organization, and we work diligently to provide for our students sound financial counseling as well as rigorous academic programs that prepare them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and in the workforce. We are committed to offering education to all who seek it, and the ASPIRE Act aligns with our commitment to excellence in teaching, relevancy of curriculum, and individual attention to all students, regardless of their economic limitations.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-aspire-act,Senator Coons discusses the ASPIRE Act,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-discusses-the-repeal-hiv-discrimination-act-of-2017,Senator Coons discusses the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2017,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-speaks-on-the-senate-floor-about-the-gop-tax-plan,Senator Coons speaks on the Senate floor about the GOP tax plan,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-delaware-state-chamber-of-commerce-to-host-7th-annual-taste-of-delaware-,"Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Senator Coons, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to host 7th Annual Taste of Delaware WILMINGTON, DE – United States Senator Chris Coons, member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee, will host the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware event on Wednesday, December 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are encourages to register as the guest list annually reaches capacity. To register, click HERE. “I’m excited to be the honorary host for the 7th Annual Taste of Delaware, and to be working with the State Chamber to celebrate our state on Capitol Hill,” said Coons. “This event is a tremendous showcase of the talented and gifted restauranteurs, chefs, bakers, distillers and brewers who make Delaware a great place to live, visit and do business.” Taste of Delaware made its first appearance in 2010, featuring Grotto Pizza, Capriotti’s, and Dogfish Head in a small conference room. The event has grown into an annual event among government officials, restauranteurs and food-fans alike, dubbed Delaware’s ‘party on the Hill.’ “This event has become one of the Chamber’s favorite events over the years,” said DSCC President Rich Heffron. “We enjoy the partnership with Senator Coons’ office and staff, and have fun giving the spotlight to Delaware’s wide variety of talent in the hospitality industry to the hundreds of people who attend.” This year’s event will include some of Delaware’s best restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bakeries and representing all three counties. Scheduled to attend are: Bluecoast Rehoboth, Brick Works, Chic Treats, Civil Cider, De La Coeur Café, Delaware Technical Community College's Culinary Arts Program, Delcastle Technical High School's Culinary Program, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Grandpa (MAC), Home Grown Café, Johnnies Dog House, Maiale Deli and Salumeria, Mispillion River Brewing, Painted Stave Distilling, Po' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch Restaurant, Sea Watch International, Ltd., The Starboard, Twin Lakes Brewing Company, UDairy Creamery, University & Whist Club, Waggies by Maggie & Friends, WiLDWiCH and William Penn High School's Culinary Program. Press Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-demand-review-of-federal-state-laws-that-discriminate-against-those-with-hiv/aids,"Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Senators demand review of federal, state laws that discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation aimed at helping end stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes that negatively impact Americans living with HIV/AIDS. The Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (“REPEAL”) HIV Discrimination Act of 2017 would require an interagency review of federal and state laws that criminalize certain actions by people living with HIV.  “It’s simply not fair that someone with a treatable medical condition should automatically be subjected to a different set of criminal laws,” said Senator Coons. “A disturbing number of state and local criminal laws pertaining to individuals with HIV/AIDS are rooted not in science, but in outdated fear. They run counter to effective public health strategies, discourage HIV testing, and perpetuate unfair stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS – people who are our friends, family members, and neighbors. Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals. Our laws need to catch up to our science and our morals, and this bill would take an important step in that direction.”  “We should not have policies or laws on the books that discriminate, perpetuate stereotypes, or aren’t based in sound science,” said Senator Markey. “The REPEAL Act will help ensure that individuals with HIV/AIDS are not criminalized for having a treatable medical condition, and that all Americans are subject to the same set of laws.”  “Unfortunately, too many individuals living with HIV and AIDS still face stigma and discrimination despite great advances in prevention, treatment and awareness,” said Senator Baldwin. “That is why I am proud to join Senators Coons and Markey in advancing this critical measure to ensure that federal and state criminal laws are grounded in sound medical science and do not place an undue burden on individuals with HIV and AIDS. To truly break down barriers and improve access to testing, support and treatment, we must continue to fight the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.” “Too many state and federal laws target people living with HIV/AIDS and unfairly criminalize their actions. These laws have no basis in science and no place in our country,” said Senator Murphy. “This bill will force our nation to take a hard look at the stigmas and barriers we impose on people living with HIV/AIDS.” “There are more than 45,000 individuals with HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania, and I believe that we must make every effort to ensure that they are treated fairly,” said Senator Casey. “This means that laws and regulations must reflect the most up-to-date knowledge available. The REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act is a commonsense measure that will help states and communities throughout the Nation enact modern policies, that align with current knowledge. I am pleased to cosponsor this measure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to see it advance. ”  “Discriminating against Americans because of their HIV/AIDS status is simply wrong,” said Senator Merkley. “Our laws should never treat someone differently based on their private medical history. This bill is an important step to stop perpetuating damaging misperceptions about HIV/AIDS and to create a fairer, more just nation.” Today, 33 states and 2 U.S. territories have criminal statutes based on outdated information about perceived exposure to HIV, rather than actual transmission.  These laws often do not take into account the medical advances and scientific discoveries in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  In the last decade, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have affirmed that condom use, antiretroviral drug regimens, and other prevention strategies can drastically reduce the rate of HIV transmission.  However, most of these laws do not treat condom or antiretroviral use as a mitigating factor.  These laws breed fear, discrimination, and distrust, and undermine our ability to fight the disease and provide care for those living with HIV.  Laws that single out people with HIV for severe punishment in the absence of intentional wrong-doing and treat a positive HIV test as evidence of a crime discriminate on the basis of outdated fear and misunderstanding. ### Press Contact Sean Coit (Coons) at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-banking-consumer-protections-help-local-banks-and-credit-unions,"Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Sens. Carper, Coons join bipartisan bill to boost banking consumer protections, help local banks and credit unions WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) tonight announced their support for bipartisan legislation authored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), to enhance consumer protections and reduce regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions.  The bill, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which has 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, will be voted on in the Senate Banking Committee tomorrow. “After the financial crisis, Congress passed much-needed reforms to strengthen the banking system and help protect consumers by reining in predatory and reckless behavior. Seven years later, we know that many of those reforms are working well, while others require adjustments to ensure community banks and credit unions continue to be a valuable source of affordable loans for families and small businesses,” said Senators Carper and Coons.  “After extensive discussions with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we have decided to join this bipartisan effort to further protect everyday American families and support community banks and credit unions.  Our support for this bill, however, only came once we were able to make important changes to it, including the addition of a provision that allows all active-duty service members to receive quality, free credit monitoring, an important service they deserve but don’t currently receive. When it comes to banking legislation, our first priority is to ensure strong consumer protections. This legislation will further protect American consumers and help local banks and credit unions successfully serve their communities. “Finally, we don’t believe this bill is perfect, but we do believe that it is a step in the right direction for both consumers and community banks and credit unions.  We also believe this is the product of both bipartisan compromise and regular order, two things in far too short supply in the Senate today.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at sean_coit@coons.senate.gov Meghan Pennington at Meghan_pennington@carper.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-gop-tax-bill-while-the-gospel-is-good-news-to-the-poor-this-tax-bill-surely-is-not,"[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: “While the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not”",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on GOP tax bill: “While the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not” Sen. Coons: “When we listen to each other and compromise, we produce better legislation, better laws, better justice” WASHINGTON – Yesterday evening, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor about the Senate Republicans’ tax bill that was passed late Friday night. “It seems to me that while the Bible, the New Testament, and the Torah teach these things about God's deep preference that we would be kind to one another, that we would care for one another, that we would support those in need around us, that doesn't inevitably lead to one party's position or another, it doesn't inventively lead to one clear economic theory or policy than another, but it does say that before we take dramatic action that will reset the ground for a generation that I believe will inevitably lead to a loss of security and stability and opportunity for those in need in our country, we should have reflected,” said Senator Coons. “In moving this bill forward, we have failed in our must fundamental call to hear each other, to work together, and to be mindful that we do not cause harm to those in our society who look to us to make the future brighter, to open the doors of opportunity wider, and to listen to some of the most ancient and profound voices in the traditions that laid the foundation of this free society: that we legislate worst when we legislate against the least of our brethren,” said Senator Coons. Full audio and video available here.  Senator Coons’ full speech, as delivered, is below: Mr. President, when we were last here together, it was roughly 2:00AM Saturday morning.  As this Chamber took up and passed by a very narrow margin, I believe 41 to 49, one of the biggest, broadest, most comprehensive pieces of financial legislation likely in our lifetimes.  The last time this Congress took up and passed comprehensive tax reform, I was 21 years old.  It has been a long time since a bill of this scope and reach and impact has been considered, debated, and passed in this chamber.  And I wanted to give some reflections this evening on what happened very early Saturday morning and what it means.   First, it did not have to be this way.  That bill passed on a straight party-line vote.  Not one Democrat voted for it and all but one Republican Senator voted for it.  I joined more than a dozen of my colleagues in a press conference I think two weeks ago saying we wanted to work across the aisle and we were trying, yet getting no opportunity to do so.   Weeks and weeks ago, a group of us put out a letter to our colleagues saying we wanted to work together on tax reform that would make our country more competitive, that would deal with some of the long unaddressed issues in our tax code, yet be fiscally responsible.  And, right up until Saturday, I was working with a group of Republicans and Democrats to try and find a way to move forward on tax reform that would not blow up our deficit and debt, give real tax relief to middle-class Americans, and significantly reduce the corporate tax rate.  Yet, alas we came up short.  I wanted to give just a few moments of reflection on how I see the tax bill that ultimately moved through this Chamber last week.   First, on the process. The idea that you do your best work at something like 2:00AM in the morning, adopting a nearly 500 page piece of legislation without anyone having had the chance to really read it and understand it I think defies common sense.  Second, the idea that the best legislating is done by one party only I think has been proven to be incorrect.  Whether it's big pieces of legislation done only by Democrats or big pieces done only by Republicans, part of the point of this Chamber and the balance and the separation of powers that our Founders crafted into the Constitution was the idea that when we listen to each other and compromise, we produce better legislation, better laws, better justice.  But last, I wanted to just talk for a moment about the values that underlie not just this process, but this outcome, this bill.   Because, in speeches and comments, in debates here on the floor, and in materials put out over the last two weeks, there has been lots and lots of talk about financial matters, about percentages, about numbers, about the Joint Committee on Taxation or the Congressional Budget Office, there has been lots of jargon and lots of insider talk that has frankly left a cloud that has made it difficult for most Americans to understand what was at stake and what was at work in the steady progress towards that partisan passage of the tax bill so early on Saturday morning.  Let's talk for a moment if we could about the human values implicated by this bill.  Let's talk less about fiscal jargon and financial details and more about where it will land.  I'm sure, Mr. President, it comes of no surprise to you that ultimately I voted against the bill.  I was willing to do bipartisan tax reform that would allow President Trump to meet his expressed goal of delivering a Christmas gift to the American people, in particular to the American middle-class.   Yet, I wasn't willing to sign off on a bill that will add a trillion dollars to our national debt and lay the groundwork we are already hearing for calls to slash Medicare and Medicaid and where once this Christmas package is opened, the middle-class will realize its real impact is the steady increase of the tax burden on them and the steady decrease over years ahead of critical, vital federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid that have made such a difference to so many in need over so long.  For reasons that elude me, most of this country was not actively engaged in this tax debate.  I got about 230 calls from Delaware last Friday, 200 opposed and 20 in favor, so 10 to 1 against.  But I didn't hear from folks who might have understood and might have spoken up about the long-term grinding impact this tax bill would have on those in real need in our country.  And I wanted to take a moment here on the floor and reflect on something that happened late last week on the Budget Committee as they were marking up the bill.  As several dozen clergymen, men and women of different faiths, gathered together outside in a moment of civil disobedience.  A few of them, friends of mine, were arrested, arrested in a cry they had hoped would be heard to express their concern about the impact of this tax bill on the poor and needy in our nation.   I stand tonight as a Senator, I stand tonight as someone who represents Delaware, I stand tonight as someone who is elected not to serve one particular faith tradition, but who is deeply informed by my faith tradition.  And the gospel that I read and the gospel according to Luke: ""Jesus said he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.""  And I just wanted to stand here for a moment and say while the gospel is good news to the poor, this tax bill surely is not.   Some of the best known simple passages in the New Testament of the Christian Bible say you cannot serve both God and wealth, and in Jesus' call in Matthew 25: "" In is much as you did this to the least of these you did it unto me.""   But, this preference for the poor, this focus on the least among us is not new to the so-called New Testament, it's deeply rooted in Torah and in the Judeo-Christian values that underlies all of Christianity.  In proverbs the Torah teaches: ""Those who oppress the poor insult their maker.""  And in Deuteronomy Chapter 15, it teaches: ""You should open your hand to the poor and needy, the neighbor in your land.""  And last, it seems to me that while the Bible, the New Testament, and the Torah teach these things about God's deep preference that we would be kind to one another, that we would care for one another, that we would support those in need around us, that doesn't inevitably lead to one party's position or another, it doesn't inventively lead to one clear economic theory or policy than another, but it does say that before we take dramatic action that will reset the ground for a generation that I believe will inevitably lead to a loss of security and stability and opportunity for those in need in our country, we should have reflected.   We should have listened to each other.  We should have respected the greatest traditions of this country that say that we are most America, we are most Americans, when we open the doors of opportunity to all, when we create chances for those who are struggling amongst us to have a brighter future and as I searched through what I understood of this 500 page bill thrust upon us late on a Friday night, marked up and voted early on a Saturday morning, I found none of that.   I found an incredibly expensive bill that even some titans of industry have said will add little to the growth of this economy and much to the burden of debt of this country.   I know people of good faith on both sides have differing views about the impact of this bill, but I for one felt called tonight to come to this floor and say I think we have made not just a mistake of fiscal policy, but I think in moving this bill forward we have failed in our must fundamental call to hear each other, to work together, and to be mindful that we do not cause harm to those in our society who look to us to make the future brighter, to open the doors of opportunity wider, and to listen to some of the most ancient and profound voices in the traditions that laid the foundation of this free society: that we legislate worst when we legislate against the least of our brethren.   Thank you.  With that, Mr. President I yield the floor.  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=84D53359-255E-4051-8FBF-F8A144975FE7,"In the eleventh hour, a secret tax bill",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"For each of the nine years that I’ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy. It stands in stark contrast to what we witnessed on the Senate floor early Saturday morning. In the eleventh hour—with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order—Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan has somehow come to fruition in mere hours makes a mockery of our legislative process.  President Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises. Late last week, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan will actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year. By 2019, the CBO found that Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off. Within ten years, more than three-quarters of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest five percent of Americans—nearly two-thirds of the tax breaks would go to the wealthiest one percent. To add insult to injury, it also begins repealing the Affordable Care Act, causing premiums to skyrocket and 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance over the next decade. It doesn’t have to be this way. As I’ve reminded my Republican friends time and time again, there are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together to lift families up, keep our businesses competitive and simplify the tax code—from strengthening the child tax credit, to lowering the corporate rate, to doubling the standard deduction. As the Senate heads to conference with the House of Representatives on this proposal, I urge my Republican colleagues to abandon partisanship and work with Democrats to transform this bill into one that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, simplifies the tax code and doesn’t blow a hole in the deficit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=79207F04-0B56-4BEF-8642-ABB0443698B3,Carper Statement on President Trumps Unprecedented Move to Strip Protections from Existing National Monuments,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump’s unprecedented announcement that he will shrink two existing national monuments in Utah – Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Bears Ears, established under the Antiquities Act by President Obama, is not only majestic, but also contains 100,000 sites of significant cultural importance to five Native American tribes, including grave sites, ceremonial grounds and ancient cliff dwellings. President Trump’s decision to strip protections from these monuments is the largest elimination of protected area designation in U.S. history. “For more than a century, the Antiquities Act has successfully protected the most treasured spaces across our country that tell the incredible, unique story of America. The Antiquities Act helped to establish Delaware’s First State National Park, which has preserved the historic sites where our Founding Fathers fought for independence, ratified our Constitution and began to build this nation. The Antiquities Act ensured that future generations could visit the Statue of Liberty, see Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad firsthand and experience California’s giant sequoias. These monuments inspire awe and showcase our heritage, which is why protecting them, as so many past presidents have recognized, is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good environmental and economic sense. “President Trump’s decision to shrink existing national monuments flies in the face of that tradition dating back to President Teddy Roosevelt. President Trump’s announcement today will open up over 2 million acres of cherished, public spaces and cultural sites to those who want to develop the land for financial gain. What’s more, he is choosing to do so after the public submitted more than 2.8 million comments on Secretary Zinke’s proposal – with more than 98 percent of those comments urging the Interior Department to keep existing protections in place. “The classic Woody Guthrie song reminds us that ‘This land was made for you and me’ – not the highest bidder. Protecting these lands for the enjoyment and education of future generations was truly one of our country’s best ideas, and President Trump’s short-sighted decision threatens that bipartisan legacy. I will keep fighting to ensure that all Americans are able to enjoy these spectacular landmarks like we have for over a century. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-cnn-wolf-blitzer-december-4-2017,"Senator Coons joins CNN Wolf Blitzer December 4, 2017",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-suggestion-that-president-cant-obstruct-justice-is-a-laughable-propositionno-one-is-above-the-law,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can’t obstruct justice “is a laughable proposition…No one is above the law”,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: Suggestion that President can’t obstruct justice “is a laughable proposition…No one is above the law” Sen. Coons: Manafort is either “not listening to his lawyers or he's more afraid of the Russians than he is of federal prosecution in the United States” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined CNN’s Wolf Blitzer to discuss recent news regarding Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort. “There are recent reports that over the summer the president also reached out to a number of senior Republican senators, chair of the Intelligence Committee, majority leader and others to urge them to wrap up this investigation quickly,” said Senator Coons. “It suggests an ongoing deeply troubling pattern of personal intervention in an ongoing investigation by the president. And the suggestion today by the president's lawyers that he can't be charged with obstruction of justice, that he can't commit obstruction of justice because he oversees the Department of Justice and the federal law enforcement infrastructure, I think is a laughable proposition. It would mean that the president would be above the law. And one of our core foundational constitutional principles in this country is that no one is above the law.”  Full video and audio available here. Excerpts from the interview:  Senator Coons on Flynn: Well, that's a legal conclusion for others to reach, but it certainly strongly suggests that the president was aware that in reaching out to Jim Comey, the former FBI director, and urging him to go easy on Flynn that he was engaging in an inappropriate intervention in an ongoing investigation. There are recent reports that over the summer the president also reached out to a number of senior Republican senators, chair of the Intelligence Committee, majority leader and others to urge them to wrap up this investigation quickly. It suggests an ongoing deeply troubling pattern of personal intervention in an ongoing investigation by the president. And the suggestion today by the president's lawyers that he can't be charged with obstruction of justice, that he can't commit obstruction of justice because he oversees the Department of Justice and the federal law enforcement infrastructure, I think is a laughable proposition. It would mean that the president would be above the law. And one of our core foundational constitutional principles in this country is that no one is above the law.  More on Flynn: I don't buy that one bit, Wolf. I think it's Nixonian to argue that somehow the president has carte blanche to do whatever he wants with regard to law enforcement and ongoing investigations; in particular, an investigation into his conduct. That would create a presidency that is completely above the law and unaccountable. I do think there is a debatable proposition about whether impeachment is the only means of removal of a president, but I don't think it's debatable whether the president has impunity to interfere with whatever investigations he chooses.  Senator Coons on whether the president can pardon himself: That's also something that's never been tested before. But I think going back to the Federalist Papers, to the very founding of our country, there has often been asserted the principle that you cannot be both judge and jury in a case. And if the president were to pardon himself, he would literally be acting as both judge and jury in a case against himself.  Senator Coons on Trump’s tweet: Well, first, I've been encouraging the president since his inauguration to stop tweeting so much. It is not good for him or for our country. Second, if his lawyer crafted that tweet, he might want to reconsider his representation because that certainly didn't serve the president's interests. I think Mr. Dowd has already conceded that it was certainly sloppy. Third, it suggests that the president or his lawyer representing him knew that there was reason for the president if he intervened with Jim Comey to try to get him to lighten up on Flynn. To be doing so in a way that was obstructing justice. It is a truly concerning tweet if this accurately reflects the president's knowledge and state of mind. And if it doesn't, I don't know why his lawyer representing him would have -- would have approved this tweet, put it in front of the president and had him sign off on it.  Senator Coons on the credibility of the investigation: Wolf, what I think strengthens the credibility of Robert Mueller individually and the investigation he's leading is that we know in an instance where there was some suggestion of bias by a critical agent, it was investigated, it was dealt with and he was dismissed. So this isn't something that is hanging out there as an unresolved issue, it's something that Robert Mueller when he became aware of it is reported to have acted decisively to remove any potential interference or bias in his ongoing investigation and I find that reassuring.  Senator Coons on Manafort: Wolf, this is simply stunning news. The idea that Paul Manafort, President Trump's former campaign chairman, who's facing federal criminal charges and had reached a plea agreement -- excuse me, a bail agreement where he was free to move without an ankle bracelet to leave his home, but on the condition that he not engage in public statements. He was literally drafting an editorial with a Russian known to American intelligence. That is just stunning. A word I know is now overused, but that is deeply foolish. Clearly he's not listening to his lawyers or he's more afraid of the Russians than he is of federal prosecution in the United States. I mean, I have a really hard time squaring that news with the idea that Paul Manafort is rational. That's an enormous risk for him to take and will almost certainly lead to the restoration of a different arrangement for his freedom in advance of his facing trial.  More on Manafort: Just for those who may have forgotten about Paul Manafort, he was the director, the manager, the chairman of the Trump presidential campaign and had received millions of dollars from Ukraine's former lead, Yanukovych, who is closely aligned with Vladimir Putin and with Russian interests. The idea that he would reinsert himself into that maelstrom of issues that compete with American national security interests at such a sensitive time is really striking.  More on Manafort: If accurate, that reporting is deeply troubling. It suggests that Manafort's ties to Russians connected to Russian intelligence services continues and continues unabated and he continues to work with them and cooperate with them, even while he faces federal criminal charges. That suggests a striking indifference to the legal situation he's in and an unwillingness to take responsibility for the ways in which he deflected or impacted the Republican platform during their convention on issues of Russia and Ukraine. And impacted U.S. national security interests while he was the chairman of the Trump presidential campaign. This really is stunning breaking news.  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1B653A30-5404-4142-A6E5-EC298FC93559,Carper Statement on GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans approved a partisan and reckless tax bill that blows a $1.5 trillion hole in our federal deficit over the next 10 years, provides only temporary relief to individual Americans and begins to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. “For each of the nine years that I’ve served on the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. Many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation as a member of the House of Representatives. In 1986, with President Reagan in the White House, accomplishing tax reform in Congress took years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. That open process and fastidious work reaped bipartisan agreement and long-lasting policy.  “It stands in stark contrast to what we’ve witnessed today. In the eleventh hour—with no public hearings, no bipartisan negotiations and not even a semblance of regular order—Republicans garnered the votes needed to pass a bill at any cost. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan has somehow come to fruition in mere hours makes a mockery of our legislative process. What’s been approved in the Senate today is a wildly partisan and poorly designed bill that is not only riddled with inadvertent errors, but it will also send shockwaves through our entire economy. It’s no surprise that this deeply flawed process has created an equally flawed product. “President Trump promised Americans an overhaul of our tax system, but he promised us one that would create a simpler tax code, put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and ensure the wealthiest among us pay their fair share. Sadly, the Senate Republican tax reform bill does nothing to keep those promises. “Today, our Republican colleagues approved a bill that will blow a hole of nearly $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit in order to provide permanent tax cuts to corporations and millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. Within ten years, more than three-quarters of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest five percent of Americans—nearly two-thirds of the tax breaks would go to the wealthiest one percent. That is shameful.  “To add insult to injury, it also begins the repealing the Affordable Care Act, causing premiums to skyrocket and 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance over the next decade. “We can—and, more important, we should—do better than this. “It doesn’t have to be this way. There are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together to lift families up, keep our businesses competitive and simplify the tax code—from strengthening the child tax credit, to lowering the corporate rate, to doubling the standard deduction. As the Senate heads to conference with the House of Representatives on this so-called tax reform plan, I urge Republicans to abandon their partisanship and work with Democrats to transform this bill into one that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, simplifies the tax code and doesn’t blow a hole in the deficit.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-statement-on-gop-tax-bill,Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.02.17 Sen. Coons' statement on GOP tax bill WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement regarding the Republican tax bill being voted on in the Senate tonight. ""Throughout the past months, I've urged my Republican colleagues to work across the aisle on a bipartisan tax reform bill that Senators from both parties could get behind. Last week, I joined more than a dozen Democratic Senators to ask our Republican colleagues to slow this process down and work together. ""Finally, over the last few days, I've been working with a handful of my Republican and Democratic colleagues to try to find a way - any way - to stop this backroom, partisan process and force both parties to work together on tax reform. We got close to an agreement, but ultimately didn't succeed. ""The bill that appears likely to pass the Senate soon is a bad one. There's no sugar coating it. This bill gives away tens of billions in corporate tax cuts with no strings attached, hurts the middle class over the long run, guts the Affordable Care Act, and adds more than $1 trillion to the national debt. It was written with no meaningful consultation between the two parties, and it is highly unpopular with the American public.  ""This process isn't finished yet, as the Senate and House bills remain very different, but I am very concerned that we're close to making our already-broken tax code even worse. As always, I remain willing to work across the aisle to pass a real, bipartisan tax reform bill for the middle class, but our opportunity to do that is quickly slipping away."" Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-guilty-plea-from-former-national-security-advisor-michael-flynn,Senator Coons’ statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.17 Senator Coons’ statement on guilty plea from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Sen. Coons: “It’s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the F.B.I. “This morning’s guilty plea from President Trump’s former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, is a clear indication that Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team have found conclusive evidence of illegal activity and are actively proceeding with their investigation.  “Robert Mueller is a highly respected and skilled law enforcement official, and when he was named Special Counsel, he had overwhelming support from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.   “It’s now more important than ever that Special Counsel Mueller is able to continue his investigation without interference, and I am continuing to work on bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel from being fired without cause.”  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-0351 or sean_coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=06AB892F-F328-4B1C-A805-DD49B4C4652C,"Carper Slams Republican Tax Reform Plan On The Senate Floor, Urges Republicans To Work With Democrats On Bipartisan Tax Reform Plan",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, spoke on the Senate floor yesterday on the Republican tax reform plan. You may watch Senator Carper’s full remarks by clicking here. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.  “Nine years have passed since I first joined the Senate Finance Committee. For each of those nine years, I’ve looked forward to working on tax reform. As a member of the House of Representatives many years ago, I had the privilege of working on tax reform legislation led by President Reagan, Speaker Tip O’Neill and others. “But tax reform takes a lot of time, energy and effort. In 1986, enacting tax reform in Congress took two years of public hearings, meetings and bipartisan negotiations. The idea that a permanent and enduring tax reform plan will come to fruition in mere weeks is the triumph of man’s hope over experience. Any tax legislation that is purely partisan, written in the dark, and rushed to the finish line is bound to be poorly designed and riddled with inadvertent errors. A flawed process results in a flawed product. “When considering any tax policy, I look at it through a prism of four questions: Is it fair? Does it encourage economic growth and job creation? Does it simplify the tax code, or make it more complicated? Is it fiscally responsible? “Unfortunately, the Republican tax reform plan fails the test on all four of those questions. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan would actually increase taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year—by 2019, Americans earning less than $30,000 a year will be worse off. By 2021, Americans earning less than $40,000 a year will be worse off. By 2027, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will be worse off. “In fact, within ten years, more than 77 percent of the tax cuts in this bill will go to the richest 5 percent of Americans. In fact, nearly 62 percent of the tax breaks will go to the richest 1 of every 100 Americans. None of this meets a reasonable definition of ‘fair.’ “This bill does little to foster economic growth—and I fear, in the long run, it will actually impair growth. Last week, a survey of top economists—including economists from across the political spectrum, as well as Nobel Prize winners and former presidents of the American Economic Association—found that only 1 out of the 43 experts surveyed believe this type of tax reform would boost economic growth. Just one. “The truth is, any economic growth from this bill will be swamped by the deficits it creates. I’ll talk more about fiscal responsibility in a moment, but an important point here is that the increased national debt will be a huge drag on economic growth. More federal borrowing means higher interest rates, which means it will cost more for businesses—both large and small—to borrow to finance investments. It will cost more for families to take out a mortgage. It will cost more to borrow for college. “One goal of tax reform was supposed to be simplifying the tax code, and reducing unpredictability and uncertainty. Unfortunately, this bill introduces new and complicated provisions. For example, new requirements to claim the child tax credit, and an awkwardly designed tax deduction for ‘pass through’ businesses—that will make it difficult for Americans to file their taxes. As we learned from the Joint Committee on Taxation during consideration of this bill in the Finance Committee earlier this month, this tax bill will actually make the Internal Revenue Code and regulations longer. Making the tax code longer is not simplification. “A large part of the additional complexity results from an enormous new ‘fiscal cliff’ created by this bill, which will make tax policy unpredictable for families and businesses. Which brings me to my third question. “This bill blows a 1.5 trillion-dollar hole in the debt, and it will be far costlier than that as the deficits grow in the years and decades ahead. With respect to the ‘fiscal cliff’ I just mentioned, almost all of the individual tax provisions expire within nine years. The bill’s increase in the standard deduction, the increase in the child credit, the new tax rate for ‘pass through’ businesses, and most other provisions affecting individuals will, under this Republican bill, expire by the end of 2025. At the same time, the tax cuts for corporations in this bill are permanent. “Many of our friends on the other side of the aisle are saying that all of these individual provisions will be extended and made permanent. Well, if that’s the case, then why not do it now? The truth is, extending these provisions would dramatically increase the deficit—adding far more to the national debt than the $1.5 trillion that this bill already costs. Making the individual provisions temporary and the corporate tax cut permanent is, at bottom, an elaborate attempt to ‘have your cake and eat it too.’ “At best, making the individual provisions expire is, simply put, an elaborate scheme to hide the true cost of this tax bill, obscuring the fact that this bill will add much more to the debt—possibly twice as much—than the $1.5 trillion that’s been advertised. At worst, making the individual tax provisions expire is a sneaky way to increase taxes on American families—all in order to pay for a permanent and expensive corporate tax cut. Either way, the result is unconscionable and an affront to fiscal responsibility. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of rushing ahead with a partisan product that haphazardly remakes the American economy, there are many areas where Democrats and Republicans could work together on tax reform. One of those areas is the standard deduction. I would support a well-designed proposal to double the standard deduction, which would simplify filing for taxpayers. “Another area where we can find common ground is the corporate rate. I think many of my Democratic colleagues would agree that business tax rates should be reformed to ensure that American businesses remain competitive with our global trading partners. While lowering the rate to 20 percent is far too low and certainly too fiscally irresponsible, a more sensible and moderate proposal would bring both Democrats and Republicans together. “Another area for common ground is the child tax credit. This bill increases the child credit, but fails to deliver the benefits to the middle- and working-class families that need it the most. A better tax reform proposal would have reformed the child credit to be fully refundable and, just as importantly, permanent. “Despite these many areas for bipartisan agreement, our Republican colleagues’ partisan rush to the finish line leaves us with no room for negotiations on a plan that blows a $1.5 trillion hole in the debt while actually raising taxes on millions of Americans beginning next year. “President Trump made three promises on tax reform: Not to help people like him by providing excessive tax breaks to the wealthiest people in our country, to put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and to simplify the tax code. Democrats are all-in on a tax reform plan that keeps those promises. But, from what we know, this plan does nothing to fulfill the president’s three promises. I join my colleagues in urging Republicans to slow down and work with Democrats on a plan that’s actually fair, fiscally responsible, encourages economic growth and job creation, and simplifies the tax code. “I’ll end with an African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast: travel alone. If you want to go far: travel together.’ We need to travel together. If we do, we’ll go far, and we’ll lift with us the economy of this country and the families who need our help.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D69DE3-299F-4FE5-AB6E-223D8812AA7D,EPW Business Meeting Statement: Consideration of CEQ and EPA Nominees,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a business meeting to consider the nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White, of Texas, to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality, Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and 19 General Services Administration resolutions. Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me begin by noting that we’ll be approving 19 General Services Administration lease prospectus resolutions today. We have not acted on these resolutions previously because we’ve been waiting for responses from GSA to a number of inquiries we had submitted this year. Your Democratic colleagues on this committee are appreciative of GSA’s recent efforts to respond to our oversight requests. While we continue to review the content of these responses to make sure they are complete, GSA has acted with sufficient good faith to allow us to move forward today. “With that said, let me turn to the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be the Deputy Administrator of EPA. During his hearing, and in response to questions for the record, I believe that Mr. Wheeler demonstrated a more transparent and straightforward approach to engaging with Members of this Committee than any other Trump Administration EPA nominee has thus far. I find that encouraging, and I hope you do, too. “However, to be honest with you, I remain less encouraged by Administrator Pruitt’s progress in responding to the 31 letters requesting information that have been sent to him by Democratic Members of this Committee. Thus far, he has only adequately responded to 12 of those letters. Six of the unanswered letters are more than six months old. That’s just unacceptable. “Having said that, it is my understanding that EPA is making an effort to respond to more of our letters and soon. We look forward to reviewing those responses, and the related documents we have requested, and to receiving responses to future oversight inquiries on a timely basis going forward. “Let me say this as clearly as I know how. If the responses that are being crafted by EPA now are completed in short order and are truly responsive, we’ll make progress on a number of nominations. If the responses are further delayed, or are unresponsive, that progress may not be realized.   “I’d like to devote the remainder of my opening statement this morning to the nomination of Kathleen Hartnett White to be the White House’s top environmental official. The importance of the Council on Environmental Quality cannot be overstated. It has historically played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all federal agencies on cross-cutting and important environmental issues. I know this from first-hand accounts from one of my earliest mentors, Russell Peterson who served as CEQ Chair during the Nixon and Ford Administrations. “Before serving in the White House, Russ Peterson had a distinguished career as a chemist and senior leader at the DuPont Company and went on to serve as Governor of Delaware from 1969 through the beginning of 1973. Despite his being a Republican and my being a Democrat, Russ graciously served as a mentor to me from the time we met in 1976 until his death in 2011. He spoke fondly of his time as CEQ Chair and explained to me, on more than one occasion, the real importance and influence of the job. As CEQ Chair, you are like an orchestra conductor – not playing the instruments, but making sure everyone is playing from the same sheet music and in harmony. “Make no mistake about it, CEQ’s role, responsibility and influence is considerable and consequential, and it has been for many years. That is why I am deeply disappointed in the nomination of Ms. White, whose views are extreme, whose words are staggeringly inappropriate, and who shows a remarkable disrespect for science, the environmental laws that are on the books, and our federal government. Let’s take a look at her record.  “Ms. White refers to renewable energy sources as a ‘false hope,’ and ‘parasitic.’ She’s called repeatedly for the repeal of the solar and wind tax credits. She’s also called for the repeal of the Renewable Fuels Standard repeatedly over the past decade, stating the program is ‘counterproductive,’ ‘ethically offensive,’ and ‘destructive.’ “Ms. White has compared the views of those who believe that human activity is causing climate change to those of ‘pagans’ and ‘communists’ – those are her words not mine. She’s suggested that policies to reduce global warming pollution could lead to poverty and even concentration camps. She has said – several times – that fossil fuels ended slavery. “Ms. White consistently denies the cause and impacts of climate change. She has repeatedly stated that we would benefit from more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, not less, and she has actively supported groups that promote this extreme point of view. “Moreover, Ms. White has repeatedly contradicted the accepted views of previous Republican and Democratic administrations alike about the health effects of air pollution, saying that ‘people do not die of particulate matter levels,’ that ozone isn’t harmful ‘unless you put your mouth over the tailpipe of a car for eight hours a day,’ and that the ‘Clean Air Act no longer provides an effective, scientifically credible, or economically viable means of air quality management.’ “Nothing that Ms. White said at her hearing or in her responses to post-hearing questions provides me with as much as a shred of confidence in her suitability for almost any Senate-confirmed role, let alone one that carries with it the responsibilities of chairing the Council on Environmental Quality in this or any other administration. “If she is confirmed to serve in this important leadership position, I believe we will have failed in our responsibility as United States Senators to provide advice and consent, and we will have failed the people of this country. I cannot urge my colleagues more strongly to oppose her nomination.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-morning-joe-november-29-2017,"Senator Coons joins Morning Joe November 29, 2017",2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-november-29-2017,"Senator Coons Senate Judiciary Committee hearing November 29, 2017",2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-tax-bill-im-still-struck-by-the-difference-between-what-donald-trump-campaigned-on-and-what-this-bill-is-actually-delivering,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: “I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering”,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on tax bill: “I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this morning joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss the GOP tax bill.  “As the Republicans barrel towards trying to deliver on President Trump's Christmas promise of a big gift to the American people, I'm struck at the difference between what President Trump campaigned on, a real middle class tax cut, and what this tax bill seems to be, which is something that will add $1.5 trillion to our deficits and debt and that overwhelmingly favors the wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations.”  “There have been no public hearings on this bill. It was introduced and rushed immediately to markup. There was a Finance Committee markup but there were no hearings. So, actually understanding what's in this package is something that will only be known once it's passed. When one party tries to ram through a big piece of legislation without including the other, without public hearings, the results don't usually turn out as well, as hopeful or as expected. That's going to be true here as well, I think.""  Full audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview:  Senator Coons on the future of the tax bill: Well, I hope not but that certainly seems more likely today, after it advanced through the Budget Committee. I'll remind you and our viewers that there are still significant differences between the Senate version and the House version that will have to be worked out. As the Republicans barrel towards trying to deliver on President Trump's Christmas promise of a big gift to the American people, I'm struck at the difference between what President Trump campaigned on, a real middle class tax cut, and what this tax bill seems to be, which is something that will add $1.5 trillion to our deficits and debt and that overwhelmingly favors the wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations.  More on the tax bill: A number of real fiscal conservatives who continue to be concerned of deficits and debt like Senator Corker are trying to add into this bill some sort of trigger mechanism that would roll back some of the bigger tax cuts if the growth that's promised doesn't materialize and deficits soar. That might be too little, too late to fix the hole in our annual budget that would be caused by this bill but I at least commend Senator Corker for trying to slow down this hurdling train and look at it and try to fix it. I'm still struck by the difference between what Donald Trump campaigned on and what this bill is actually delivering, which will be significant cuts that will harm lots of middle class Americans by eliminating all sorts of things on which they rely and giving permanent tax cuts to America's corporations.  More on the tax bill: The last time tax reform happened under President Reagan more than 30 years ago, there were dozens of hearings. It was truly bipartisan and revenue-neutral. There have been no public hearings on this bill. It was introduced and rushed immediately to markup. There was a Finance Committee markup but there were no hearings. So, actually understanding what's in this package is something that will only be known once it's passed. When one party tries to ram through a big piece of legislation without including the other, without public hearings, the results don't usually turn out as well, as hopeful or as expected. That's going to be true here as well, I think.  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-charities-and-those-who-rely-on-them-will-suffer-under-the-gop-tax-bill,"Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill",2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.17 Sen. Coons: Charities, and those who rely on them, will suffer under the GOP tax bill WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the potentially devastating impact of the Republican tax plan on American charities. “I have serious concerns about many provisions of the Senate Republicans’ tax plan, including those that will greatly increase the national debt, provide no-strings-attached tax cuts to corporations, and hurt middle class Americans who deserve a fairer tax code the most. But today, on Giving Tuesday, I also want to shed light on the devastating impacts that the GOP tax plan would have on charitable giving in the United States,” said Senator Coons. “The non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimates that under the Republican tax plan, we will see charitable giving in the United States fall by at least $13 billion each year. Charities, including many faith-based organizations, provide countless services to Americans in need, from helping the homeless and providing health care to supporting disadvantaged young people and strengthening our communities. It is my sincere hope that my Republican colleagues will work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan tax plan that we can all support, and one that will help, not hurt, American charities. Even in times of tight budgets, I strongly believe we have a moral obligation to put a circle of protection around our neighbors most in need.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-ari-melber-on-msnbc-november-27-2017,"Senator Coons joins Ari Melber on MSNBC November 27, 2017",2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein,"ICYMI: After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein",2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.17 ICYMI: After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, on Wednesday, after Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Last Wednesday, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing.  The text of the letters can be found below:  November 22, 2017 The Honorable Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Grassley: I am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices.  My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice. Recently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response.  Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a federal prosecutor.  President Trump’s reported demand for his resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this resignation was not business as usual. Mr. Boente’s resignation is merely the latest in a series of events that have left me concerned that the President does not comply with norms honoring the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.  From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump’s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family’s businesses, to the President’s attempts to cultivate a loyalty relationship with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara before firing him, I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified.  I recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.  However, I believe this pattern of events warrants the scrupulous oversight of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  I respectfully request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices. Sincerely, Christopher A. Coons          November 22, 2017  The Honorable Jeff Sessions Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20530 The Honorable Rod Rosenstein Deputy Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein: I am writing, once again, to express my concern regarding reports that U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, Dana Boente, wanted to remain in his position as a federal prosecutor but was forced to resign by President Trump.  My November 7, 2017 letter requesting additional information about this matter has gone unanswered. Attorney General Sessions, as a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you understand how important it is for the Department of Justice to respond to congressional inquiries in a timely fashion.  In fact, just last month, during your appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you emphasized your efforts to prioritize responding to all congressional inquiries.  I respectfully reiterate my request for information about why Mr. Boente, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign.  Please provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente’s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible.  Sincerely, Christopher A. Coons                         ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=C19A3D28-88E7-459A-8FAF-C8299B833D41,"Give thanks, get covered",2017-11-23,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. So today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: “Are you covered?"" We are half way through this year’s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year – that’s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month. Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options.  The health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don’t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018. I wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless. Later today, as many of us gather with family, friends, neighbors and welcome strangers, we will sit down around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for this year. For most, we cherish the health and well-being of our loved ones above all else. So today, as you go around the dinner table and ask everyone what they are most thankful for, I encourage you to ask a second question: “Are you covered?"" We are half way through this year’s open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces, and already more than one and a half million Americans have signed up for health insurance for next year – that’s nearly 50 percent higher than enrollment rates this time last year. Hundreds of thousands more Americans are going to healthcare.gov and finding affordable health care that works for them. Eight out of 10 people qualify for financial assistance and many plans cost less than $100 a month. Anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer, Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, can find a health care plan that works for them in the ACA marketplace on healthcare.gov or choosehealthDE.com if you live in Delaware. Enrollment is quick, and help is standing by to discuss your coverage options.  The health of our loved ones is our most deeply held desire. But the December 15th deadline to sign up for coverage in 2018 is right around the corner. So this Thanksgiving, spread the word to family, friends and neighbors that health care is available to everyone. Don’t let your loved ones go without health care in 2018. I wish all of you and your families a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Take care and God bless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-rachel-maddow-november-21-2017,"Senator Coons joins Rachel Maddow November 21, 2017",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-dana-boentes-forced-resignation-sen-coons-requests-judiciary-hearing-on-presidential-interference-with-doj-demands-answers-from-ag-sessions-rosenstein,"After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.17 After Dana Boente’s forced resignation, Sen. Coons requests Judiciary hearing on presidential interference with DOJ, demands answers from AG Sessions, Rosenstein WASHINGTON – After Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to provide an explanation for the forced resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today requested a Judiciary Committee hearing on potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorney’s offices and once again demanded answers from Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on November 7, 2017 and requested an answer no later than yesterday, November 21, 2017. However, Senator Coons did not receive a response from the Department of Justice. Today, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing. The text of the letters can be found below: November 22, 2017 The Honorable Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Grassley:  I am writing to request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices.  My request is based on a series of events that leave me concerned that President Trump does not respect the important boundaries between politics and the prosecutorial decisions of U.S. Attorneys within the Department of Justice. Recently, I sought additional information from the Department of Justice regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente, but I have not received a response.  Mr. Boente has had an impressive career as a federal prosecutor.  President Trump’s reported demand for his resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this resignation was not business as usual. Mr. Boente’s resignation is merely the latest in a series of events that have left me concerned that the President does not comply with norms honoring the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.  From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump’s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family’s businesses, to the President’s attempts to cultivate a loyalty relationship with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara before firing him, I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified.  I recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.  However, I believe this pattern of events warrants the scrupulous oversight of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  I respectfully request that the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing to examine potential presidential interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices.  Sincerely, Christopher A. Coons         November 22, 2017  The Honorable Jeff Sessions Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20530 The Honorable Rod Rosenstein Deputy Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20530  Dear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein: I am writing, once again, to express my concern regarding reports that U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, Dana Boente, wanted to remain in his position as a federal prosecutor but was forced to resign by President Trump.  My November 7, 2017 letter requesting additional information about this matter has gone unanswered.  Attorney General Sessions, as a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you understand how important it is for the Department of Justice to respond to congressional inquiries in a timely fashion.  In fact, just last month, during your appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you emphasized your efforts to prioritize responding to all congressional inquiries.  I respectfully reiterate my request for information about why Mr. Boente, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign.  Please provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente’s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible.  Sincerely, Christopher A. Coons                           ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-rachel-maddow-discuss-dana-boentes-forced-resignation,"[VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente’s forced resignation",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.17 [VIDEO]: Sen. Coons, Rachel Maddow discuss Dana Boente’s forced resignation Sen. Coons: “While the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with an ongoing investigation” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, last night joined The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss the forced resignation of Dana Boente. On November 7, 2017, Senator Coons sent a letter to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein demanding answers on why Boente was forced to resign. Today, Senator Coons sent two additional letters, one renewing his request to the Justice Department for answers and a second asking the Judiciary Committee for a hearing. “The national security division has a central role in law enforcement matters that relate to actions by our adversaries or actions that implicate our intelligence community, and I think it would be easy to conclude why that might be specifically relevant to Russian attempts at interference in our last election or any counterintelligence matters that might be a part of that ongoing investigation. I also want to raise the matter that Dana Boente, the Eastern District of Virginia US Attorney is fourth in line of succession.”  Audio and video available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Boente: Well, I've got real questions, but I don't have a firm answer as to why Dana Boente was pushed. As I laid out in the letter that I sent to the Attorney General, which has gone without a response so far and as I laid out in my letter to the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for a hearing, this fits within a broader troubling pattern of interference with U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and while the president does have the right to ask for US Attorneys’ resignations, he can't do it for an improper purpose, to interfere with an ongoing investigation. And, as you pointed out in the run-up to this segment, there's some very troubling intersections between the ongoing investigation, the announcement of indictments, and, in the case of Papadopoulos, a guilty plea, and the timing of Dana Boente's now-revealed forced resignation.  More on Boente: It is part of why I'm also concerned. The national security division has a central role in law enforcement matters that relate to actions by our adversaries or actions that implicate our intelligence community, and I think it would be easy to conclude why that might be specifically relevant to Russian attempts at interference in our last election or any counterintelligence matters that might be a part of that ongoing investigation. I also want to raise the matter that Dana Boente, the Eastern District of Virginia US Attorney is fourth in line of succession. So, if there would happen to be a set of circumstances where the Attorney General was recused, the Deputy Attorney General was ordered by the president to do something improper, refused to do so and resigned, Dana Boente would be the third in that line of succession. Those of us who know our Watergate history and the Saturday Night Massacre know that it's possible that there will be a fact pattern where the president orders folks in the senior levels at headquarters at the Department of Justice to do things which they refuse to do. The first person in that line of succession outside of DOJ headquarters is the Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney. More on Boente: Well, it's my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue to work in a bipartisan way. It is my expectation that we'll have a chance to continue to seek the production of both documents and witnesses in the coming weeks. There are folks who I think should be appearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee because of their incomplete or misleading previous answers, and it's my hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman will agree that these are folks that ought to be in front of us and that getting to the bottom of what's happening with Dana Boente is an appropriate use of committee resources, and protection of the independence of the Department of Justice.             ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=767299FE-71E1-421A-B9CF-FC9C71E37221,"Carper, Colleagues Conduct Oversight to Protect Servicemembers and Student Veterans",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves, joined his colleagues in conducting oversight on the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect and defend the education benefits of servicemembers and student veterans from unscrupulous for-profit institutions. On November 9, the VA notified Ashford University that it is not in compliance with GI Bill eligibility requirements related to state approval and has 60 days to come into compliance or lose eligibility. Today, Senator Carper joined Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and seven Senate Democrats in urging DOD Secretary James Mattis and VA Secretary David Shulkin to take steps to protect servicemembers using Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits at Ashford in light of the company’s impending loss of VA Post-9/11 GI Bill approval. “We are pleased with the VA’s actions to enforce the law and regulations. But the fact remains that Ashford’s noncompliance threatens to interrupt the education of service members using TA benefits and some 9,000 veterans using GI Bill education benefits to attend the institution,” the Senators wrote. “We believe additional steps must be taken to adequately protect veterans [and service members] now that it is likely Ashford will lose GI Bill eligibility.” In the letters to Secretary Mattis and Secretary Shulkin, Senators urged DOD and VA to immediately notify, through direct email and mail, all of the TA students and the more than 9,000 GI Bill students currently enrolled at Ashford of the impending disruption of benefits and provide these students with resources about their rights and high quality transfer options. They also urged DOD and VA to prohibit new service members using TA benefits and veterans using GI Bill benefits from enrolling at Ashford until further notice. The letter to Secretary Mattis can be found here. The letter to Secretary Shulkin can be found here. Yesterday, Senator Carper joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and seven Senate Democrats in urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce stricter penalties against Victory Media, Inc. after the company misled servicemembers and veterans by failing to disclose that educational institutions had paid to be included in publications falsely marketed as real reviews. Victory Media reaches servicemembers through its magazines G.I. Jobs, the Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and Military Spouse, its websites, including militaryfriendly.com, militaryspouse.com, and gijobs.com, and on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. A Veterans Education Success report found that Victory Media knowingly perpetuated deceptive and fraudulent marketing practices that unfairly targeted veterans and servicemembers by enticing them with post-secondary education opportunities. “Victory Media…has used its websites like ‘Militaryfriendly.com’ and its publications like GI Jobs magazine to target and prey on military servicemembers and veterans looking to utilize their hard-earned and well-deserved GI benefits to advance their education and careers after the military,” the Senators wrote. “We appreciate the Commission’s efforts to take swift legal action against this unscrupulous behavior, but believe FTC must take stronger steps to adequately deter future offenses by Victory Media and other bad actors.” In the letter to Chairwoman Maureen Ohlhausen, Senators called on the FTC to seek compensation for veterans harmed by Victory Media’s deceptive marketing tactics, particularly those who were directed to institutions under investigation for fraudulent and predatory activity. The letter to Chairwoman Ohlhausen can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-coons-joins-bbc-november-21-2017,"Senator Coons joins BBC November 21, 2017",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One year since Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day,” and Trump still owes the American people money. Sen. Coons on MS NOW: ""Trump hasn’t listened, hasn’t learned, and is now putting us at great risk"" Trump took money out of Delawareans’ pockets with his illegal tariffs. It’s time to give it back. If you need documents to vote, why shouldn’t you need them to buy a semi-automatic rifle?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-the-bbc-this-is-an-historic-moment-for-the-people-of-zimbabwei-am-hopeful-that-there-will-be-a-peaceful-transition-of-power,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: “This is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe…I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power”,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on the BBC: “This is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe…I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Africa subcommittee, today joined BBC News to discuss the current situation in Zimbabwe. “The economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process to choose the future leadership of Zimbabwe that can reform the economy and repair the health of the country.” Audio and video available here.  Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Mugabe: Well, this is an historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe. As you've mentioned, for 37 years, Robert Mugabe has been a president who was initially a liberator, but gradually became a dictator. The economy is in shambles, there have been violations of human rights, and ways in which democracy has been thwarted since the 2008 election that Mugabe lost, but somehow maneuvered to be able to remain as president. I am hopeful that there will be a peaceful transition of power. Mugabe has resigned and has called for a peaceful transition, but this will be up to the people of Zimbabwe, and regional leaders from SADC and the African Union to insist on an inclusive and an open process. My hopes are that the transition will respect the rule of law and will lead to an open and inclusive election in which there will be a democratic process to choose the future leadership of Zimbabwe that can reform the economy and repair the health of the country.   More on Zimbabwe: Well, the United States, as you know, has imposed fairly strong sanctions against Zimbabwe many years ago against both Robert Mugabe and some of his inner circle of advisors as well as impacting the country as a whole. The United States continues to provide significant amounts of humanitarian relief because of the famine, the drought, excuse me, throughout Zimbabwe. But, we do not provide any direct government-to-government assistance. If the new government of Zimbabwe presents itself as being more transparent and more open to reform, the United States could consider lifting some or all of those sanctions. We could be a strong partner with Zimbabwe for its future development, along with our vital ally, the United Kingdom, and others throughout Europe and the world, we could create the environment for significant improvement in Zimbabwe's economy, as long as there is respect for human rights and a sort of transparency and democracy that has been lacking for the last 37 years. More on Zimbabwe: My hope is that the transition will be one that will allow for more openness. It seems likely that Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in as the new president and that Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, who was the winner of the '08 election will play some role. It is my hope that these gentleman and others will view the transition as an opportunity to establish new standards for conduct, for rule of law, and for openness to engagement with the west, in particular the United States and UK. More on Zimbabwe: Yes, I'm very concerned about the lack of an active, forward-leaning presence by the United States. I think the last American delegation to visit Zimbabwe was led by my friend, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona, he and I and two other senators and a congressman, visited southern Africa in February of 2016 - we actually met with Robert Mugabe, a truly memorable, troubling long meeting, and I share your expressed concern. They think that China has a significant foothold in Zimbabwe, they trained many of the liberation struggle leaders, and they have a strong economic presence. China and the United States have a different approach to engagement in Africa. They do not advocate for democracy and free press and human rights and, instead, are much more interested in economic relationships. I think it is long past time for China to stand up for international standards in terms of how we conduct business across Africa, and for the people of countries like Zimbabwe to have a voice in the future of their nation. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=50048F34-7034-4478-84CC-FA862209DD40,Let's do tax reform right,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Last night, my Republican colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It’s shocking. In fact, it’s almost unbelievable. This bill to overhaul the U.S. tax code was written behind closed doors, without a single public hearing, bipartisan roundtable or any negotiations with members across the aisle. When my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they’d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening. To learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country’s health care system was beyond the pale. According to the non-partisan CBO, this bill will cause health insurance premiums to skyrocket and millions of people to lose their coverage in the decade ahead. I have a great deal of respect for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, the process that’s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of our committee. Since I first joined the Finance Committee more than nine years ago, I’ve wanted to do bipartisan tax reform to encourage economic growth and job creation, and help our businesses compete and succeed in the global marketplace. Unfortunately, that’s not the type of tax reform being considered in Congress right now. As senators head home for next week’s Thanksgiving break, Americans will have a chance, for the first time, to scrutinize this tax reform proposal. When we return, I hope Congress can come together – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike – and start anew on a real bipartisan basis. I’m encouraging my colleagues to work together on a tax bill that can be permanent, that will endure: to write a tax reform bill that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. On behalf of all Americans, I’m urging my colleagues: let’s do tax reform right.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D70F0676-235E-483C-87C5-D8AAD16FEA39,Congress Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Misuse and Abuse of Government Purchase and Travel Cards,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—In case you missed it, yesterday the Senate approved the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in federal agency travel and purchase card spending. The Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and Travel Cards Act, now headed to the president’s desk for signature as part of the 2018 NDAA, would help prevent charge card misuse and abuse by requiring agencies to take a series of steps to strengthen accountability and oversight over purchases made using federal government charge cards. “Federal agencies have made progress in strengthening financial controls over government travel and purchase cards, but more needs to be done to root out waste and abuse in charge card spending. By helping agencies better track and analyze card charges, we can curb wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more wisely and effectively across the federal government,” Senator Carper said. “This bill will save taxpayer dollars, and it’s a great example of what Democrats and Republicans can accomplish by working together. I thank Senators Grassley and McCaskill for their partnership on this issue.” “This provision builds on my previous work to establish accountability and rein in misuse of government charge cards,” Senator Grassley said. “There’s no excuse for the lax standards and practices we’ve seen. Government agencies are obligated to safeguard tax dollars and prevent and stop abuse.” “One of my top priorities in the Senate is making sure that Missourian’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted,” said Senator McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. “I’m glad to have come together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to crack down on federal employees who are using government dollars for their own personal gain.” The Saving Federal Dollars Through Better Use of Government Purchase and Travel Cards Act will: Establish Federal-Wide Charge Card Analysis and Oversight. The legislation directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to review its existing database of charge card purchases of federal agencies for patterns of potential misuse. Under existing law, individual agencies must establish certain types of control and oversight over charge card usage, but only the GSA has government-wide data that can reveal patterns agencies might miss on their own. Under this bill, GSA would assist agencies by conducting sophisticated, federal-wide analysis of the data for potential waste and fraud. Help Agencies Share Information and Best Practices. Federal agencies do not routinely share information about the use and abuse of charge cards. As a result, agencies might not learn and/or establish best practices to address spending issues. Under the bill, agencies would share with each other information about fraud schemes, high-risk sellers, and other information that might help prevent charge card abuse and fraud. Support Strategic Sourcing. The sharing and analysis of charge card data helps agencies better leverage federal purchasing power through what is often called “strategic sourcing.” This analysis helps to determine when agencies are purchasing numerous amounts of an item with purchase cards that could be bought in a more cost-effective manner, such as with negotiated discounts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-joins-bipartisan-bill-to-enforce-current-law-regarding-the-background-check-system-for-firearms-purchases,Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Sen. Coons joins bipartisan bill to enforce current law regarding the Background Check System for firearms purchases WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in sponsoring the Fix NICS Act to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). “I want to commend Senator Cornyn for leading efforts to ensure the National Background Check System works,” said Senator Coons. “I also want to commend his cosponsors, including Senators Murphy and Murkowski, as well as Senators Blumenthal, Hatch, and Feinstein. We must do all we can to ensure that individuals who are prohibited don’t obtain firearms. I look forward to supporting the Fix NICS Act along with other efforts to strengthen existing laws and keep our communities safe.” Background on the Fix NICS Act ·       Requires federal agencies and states to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading all information to the background check system showing that a person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under current law—including measures to verify the accuracy of records. ·       Holds federal agencies accountable if they fail to upload relevant records to the background check system through public reporting and prohibiting bonus pay for political appointees.  ·       Rewards states who comply with their NICS implementation plans through federal grant preferences and incentives, while increasing accountability through public reporting for those who do not comply with their plans. ·       Reauthorizes and improves important law enforcement programs to help state governments share relevant criminal record information with NICS. ·       Creates a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative to ensure that states have adequate resources and incentives to share all relevant information with NICS showing that a felon or domestic abuser is excluded from purchasing firearms under current law. ·       Provides important technical assistance to federal agencies and states who are working to comply with NICS record-sharing requirements.   ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=22D8D504-65A7-4C39-A8D8-CBB2110D20F3,Carper Statement on Senator Franken,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Sexual harassment is always unacceptable, and the behavior attributed to Senator Al Franken a decade ago is deeply troubling and disappointing. The Senate Ethics Committee should look into this matter, and I understand Senator Franken welcomes this investigation. “Assertions of deplorable behavior by President Trump have been made by many women over many years, and I deeply regret those allegations will never be scrutinized the way they should be.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DAA9A04B-E6F6-4DFC-B907-92405C10525F,Carper Statement on Republican Tax Bill,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after Republicans on the committee approved legislation to remake our entire economy and begin dismantling the Affordable Care Act. “This evening, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to repeal a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, and blow a hole of at least $1.5 trillion in our federal deficit over the next 10 years in order to give millions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. It’s shocking. In fact, it’s almost unbelievable.  “When my Republican colleagues unveiled their tax reform proposal last Friday, we knew they’d rejected our pleas for true bipartisan negotiations, and chosen instead to force through a bill in mere days that would remake our entire economy. That alone was incredibly disheartening. To learn this week that their effort would also include a sleight of hand maneuver that will begin dismantling our country’s health care system was beyond the pale. “I have a great deal of respect for our chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process that’s been followed over the past few days makes a mockery of the bipartisan tradition of this committee. “We can—and, more important, we should—do better than this. “This process stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan efforts led by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Patty Murray on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to find principled solutions to stabilize the health care exchanges in all 50 states. If my Republican friends are motivated to work on health care legislation, we should build on those efforts. “It’s not surprising that a flawed process has produced a flawed product, but we can change course. I implore Chairman Hatch and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Let’s go back to the drawing board and start anew on a real bipartisan basis. Let’s write something that can be permanent, that will endure. Let’s write a tax reform bill that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. On behalf of all Americans, let’s do tax reform right.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-coons-op-ed-try-bipartisan-tax-reform-it-worked-for-reagan,ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: “Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.”,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.17 ICYMI: Sen. Coons op-ed: “Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan.”  WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in The News Journal about his concerns with the GOP tax bill and what he believes we should do instead to pass bipartisan, revenue-neutral tax reform.  The News Journal: Try bipartisan tax reform. It worked for Reagan. By Chris Coons As you may have heard in the newspaper or on TV, the conventional wisdom in Washington, DC is that bipartisan tax reform is too hard. According to the skeptics, the parties are simply too far apart to come together to make our tax system better for working Americans.  I disagree.  Back in 1986, the conventional wisdom was the same. Even though our tax system was broken then, too, the skeptics assured us that it couldn’t be fixed.   But then, something unexpected happened: Republican President Ronald Reagan, Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, and members of Congress from both parties worked together to get the job done.  Even though fixing the tax code was complicated, their approach was simple. They knew they had strong disagreements, but they held lengthy public debates, compromised on both sides of the aisle, and eventually passed a major tax reform bill that was bipartisan and did not add to our deficits and national debt.  Now, thirty-one years later, our tax code is once again in need of a major overhaul. Our tax system is complicated and full of loopholes, our business tax laws are making us less competitive, and the middle class is overdue for a tax cut.  Unfortunately, this time around, Republicans in Congress and the White House are taking the exact opposite approach that President Reagan and congressional leaders took the last time we passed real tax reform. I think that’s a big mistake.  The full column is available here. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=219A1084-2EA0-4E11-8D22-DA1A820BDFE7,EPW Hearing Statement: Promoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Promoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions Through Innovation.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “I would like to thank the Chairman for having this hearing today. I believe that improving the understanding and celebrating the role that technological innovation plays in helping the country meet our clean air and climate challenges is very important, and I hope we can have more hearings like this. I also thank our witnesses for being here today. “Abraham Lincoln famously said that the role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do for themselves. One of those tasks, I believe, is for government to help create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation.  Our government also has an obligation to help protect the health of the public to ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty and happiness. Luckily, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, history shows that cleaner air is good for business. “Today, our country is undergoing a clean energy revolution. That didn’t happen by accident. Over the past eight years, starting with the Recovery Act, the federal government has provided economic incentives, environmental targets and has supported market development to encourage investments in the clean energy of the future. This carrot and stick approach resulted in more than $507 billion dollars of investment in the clean energy sector over the last decade and in our country becoming a leader in exporting clean air and clean energy technologies. Thanks to our investments, consumers are paying less for energy, and jobs are being created here at home to keep up with the demand for the products that these technologies enable. In 2016 alone, one out of every fifty new jobs added in the United States was created by the solar energy industry. “Today, we will hear from one of our witnesses about a particular manufacturing sector that has reaped the benefits of the past actions of the federal government – the automobile industry. I’d like to remind my colleagues how this sector has changed over the past decade. It’s a story near and dear to my heart and I think a perfect example of how American innovation and economic opportunities can be driven by federal investments AND regulations. “Despite decades of federal government funding for advancements in automobile fuel efficiency technology, it wasn’t until after Congress increased fuel economy standards in 2007 that consumers really started to see the benefits. The 2007 compromise crafted by my colleagues former Senator Stevens, Senator Feinstein, then-Congressman Markey and myself increased the fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and vans for the first time in 32 years. The 2007 light-duty vehicle efficiency targets were replaced by tighter efficiency targets and greenhouse gas emissions limits in 2010 and again in 2012, with the support of the major automakers, labor, environmental and health groups, and consumer groups. The results have been remarkable, but you don’t have to believe me – the numbers prove it. “Taken together, these car and light-duty truck standards are projected to almost double the fuel economy of cars and light-duty trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. These standards are reducing the amount of oil we import by 2 million barrels per day, and will save American drivers nearly $1.7 trillion in gasoline they will no longer have to buy. “In even better news, these regulations have not been the job killers that many would have you believe. In fact, they have been quite the opposite. Automakers found that making more fuel-efficient vehicles allowed American companies to better compete here at home and abroad. Early implementation of these standards occurred during seven years of unprecedented growth in the auto industry and record sales in 2016. The industry has also added roughly 700,000 direct auto sector jobs since 2009. “It’s clear we’ve made great gains in reducing emissions in our transportation and energy sectors over the past eight years, while still growing our economy. We’ve been doing something right. And, although our air is cleaner today and our economy is strong, we still need to do more to protect public health and ensure that America remains a leader in the global economy. “Having said that, I fear this Administration is taking us in the wrong direction in this arena. Walking away from the Paris Climate Agreement – leaving the U.S. the only country in the entire world not part of this historic deal - and walking away from other climate and clean air protections is beyond irresponsible. And saying that you have to do so for the good of the American economy is blatantly false. In fact, scrapping forward-looking standards will only provide more uncertainty for businesses and threaten to stifle American innovation. “For me, it is clear – this is not an either/or situation. In order for the United States to continue to be the world’s leader in this new clean energy revolution, we need both federal investments in technology AND commonsense regulations. Thank you again to the Chairman for holding this important hearing. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses their ideas on how we can do that.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-flake-booker-isakson-statement-on-the-situation-in-zimbabwe,"Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 Sens. Coons, Flake, Booker, Isakson statement on the situation in Zimbabwe WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Africa subcommittee, released the following statement on the current situation in Zimbabwe. “For nearly four decades, Zimbabweans have suffered under the authoritarian rule of President Robert Mugabe, a dictator who has repressed his people and presided over the economic deterioration of his country. While a change in leadership is long overdue, we are concerned about the military’s actions. We urge the leaders of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces to ensure the protection of all citizens and a transparent return to civilian control. As the country grapples with a new political reality, Zimbabwe’s leaders must adhere to democratic processes and establish a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power that is consistent with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the will of its people. Finally, we urge the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to mediate a democratic process that reinforces the rule of law, promotes economic reforms, and respects the human rights of all Zimbabweans.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit (Coons) at Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/photos/senator-coons-speaks-at-the-iam-patent-policy-event,Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet Chris Services Issues Newsroom Contact Page Top 11.14.17 Senator Coons speaks at the IAM Patent Policy Event",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/corker-coons-bill-to-improve-accountability-and-effectiveness-of-us-role-in-international-organizations-passes-committee,"Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee",2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.17 Corker, Coons Bill to Improve Accountability and Effectiveness of US Role in International Organizations Passes Committee Multilateral Aid Review Act Establishes Interagency Task Force to Evaluate Performance of Multilateral Institutions WASHINGTON – The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the committee, to review and improve the accountability and effectiveness of U.S. participation in international organizations. The Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017 (S.1928) would establish an interagency task force with peer review to conduct regular evaluations of how well multilateral institutions carry out their missions and how they serve American interests and taxpayers. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). “American taxpayers deserve to know how our involvement in these organizations benefits this country,” said Senator Corker. “Establishing a rigorous, thoughtful review process will give us a better way to evaluate the performance of these institutions. From there, we can make more informed decisions about how to prioritize scarce resources and demand better outcomes. I thank our cosponsors and the committee for supporting this good governance initiative that we believe can protect taxpayer dollars and be a useful tool for advancing U.S. interests abroad more effectively.”  “It is in our nation’s best interest to provide transparency and to maximize the impact of what we spend overseas,” said Senator Coons. “Multilateral organizations are at the forefront of the fight to alleviate global poverty. Congress owes it to the American people to review how U.S. tax payer dollars are being spent and to make sure it’s done efficiently and effectively.  I'm pleased that our bill passed the committee, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and House until it becomes law.”   Full text of the bill as approved by the committee is available here, and a one page summary is available here. ### Press Contact Sean Coit (Coons), 202-224-5042 Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9CBAE2E7-A2D9-40D5-8700-2E24DE15FADF,Carper Statement on Finance Committee Markup on Senate Republican Tax Plan,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on the committee’s markup of the Senate Republican tax plan.  “For more than nine years, since I first joined this Committee, I’ve wanted to do tax reform. I’ve always believed that a sensible, equitable, fiscally responsible tax overhaul would help grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and boost wages so more families have a better shot at the American dream. “I have a great deal of respect for our Chairman, Senator Hatch, and for our friends on the other side of the aisle. Many of us have worked together for a long time. Unfortunately, however, the process used to try and force this tax bill across the finish line is not a credit to the bipartisan tradition of this Committee. We can—and, more importantly, we should—do better than this. “I was here when this Committee wrote the Affordable Care Act. I recall that our friends on the other side of the aisle objected, claiming that Congress was moving ‘too fast’ in trying to ‘remake one-sixth’ of the economy. A closer review of the process we used then suggests otherwise. We didn’t move too fast. In fact, in the year before this Committee passed the ACA, more than a dozen bipartisan hearings were held on the health reform proposal that became the ACA. We held multiple bipartisan roundtables and several bipartisan options papers were published. In addition, there were detailed, exhaustive negotiations with three senior Democratic members and three senior Republican members of this Committee that lasted for months. “Unfortunately, we’ve had no hearings on this tax reform proposal. None. We’ve held no bipartisan negotiations. None. We’ve held no bipartisan roundtables. None. The proposals in this bill, which was released just four days ago, attempt to remake 100 percent of the economy. Meanwhile, the public has been told next to nothing about how this legislation affects them. “A truly bipartisan effort would not involve ramming through such imperfect legislation on a partisan vote using the Reconciliation process. A truly bipartisan effort would have begun months ago. It would have been done through regular order, with bipartisan engagement, with careful and thoughtful negotiations occurring over months. A truly bipartisan effort would have been open and inclusive, with Members of both parties sitting at the table. Unfortunately, none of that applies to the process used here. “This process stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan efforts led by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Patty Murray on the HELP Committee to find bipartisan solutions to stabilizing the health care exchanges. “It’s not surprising that a flawed process has produced a flawed product. This isn’t the kind of bipartisan tax reform we should be doing. “As my colleagues may recall, when considering any tax policy, I look at it through a prism of four questions. The first question is: Is it fair? “In answer to that question, I’m afraid that this tax bill will likely increase taxes on millions of middle class families beginning next year. I fear that this bill will make it harder for many Americans to buy a home. I fear that this bill will imperil state and local funding for education and funding for health care, as well as for college aid and job training, and for transportation, and for first responders, and for so many other crucial services.  “Yet, there is somehow enough fiscal room in this bill to offer large tax cuts to high-income households and many corporations. This bill makes it easier for family dynasties to give inheritances to their wealthy heirs. This bill cuts the top tax rate, and eliminates the required minimum tax for the wealthiest Americans. None of this meets my definition of ‘fairness.’ “The second question I always ask when faced with a tax reform proposal is: Does it foster economic growth and job creation? “It’s hard to separate the economic effects from the large deficits that this bill would create. As more and more Federal debt piles up as a result of this tax bill, interest rates are likely to rise—making it harder and harder for Americans to buy a home, finance a higher education, or run a business. “This bill also includes reforms to the international tax system, but lacks the necessary guardrails to prevent the offshoring of American jobs, and the offshoring of our tax base. As more American jobs go overseas as a result of this bill, and as more corporate profits are shifted overseas as a result of this bill, Americans will be looking back at this moment—at this point in time—at this process in Congress—and they will know who is to blame. “The third question I always ask when faced with a tax reform proposal is: Does it make the tax code simpler or more complex? “I’d support a well-designed proposal to double the standard deduction, as this bill does. But there’s still more work to be done to make the tax code simpler. Unfortunately, this bill introduces new and complicated provisions—for example, new requirements to claim the child tax credit—that will make it difficult for Americans to file their taxes. “The fourth question I ask is: Is it fiscally responsible? Absolutely not. This bill blows a 1.5 trillion-dollar hole in the debt. And it will wind-up being far costlier than that, as the deficits continue to grow in the years and decades ahead. Today, we have a 666 billion-dollar federal deficit. Eight years into the longest running economic expansion of our country, the last thing we need to do is run up the deficit. When our economy is expanding, we should reduce the deficit. Truth be told, exploding our deficits to pay for a tax break for the wealthiest people in this country is not just unnecessary, it’s unconscionable. “Not a single senator up here is opposed to every single thing in this bill. But the bulk of this bill is, frankly, unacceptable. It is not good for the American economy, American families, American workers, American businesses, American children. And its cost will be borne by future generations. “I implore the Chairman and my friends on the other side of the aisle: Let’s go back to the drawing board and start new, on a real bipartisan basis. Let’s write something that can be permanent, that will endure. Let’s write a tax reform that is truly fair, fosters broad-based economic growth, is simpler and is fiscally responsible. Let’s do tax reform right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=CB1BC94C-5379-465F-B63B-096D3E95D22A,Honoring our student veterans by closing the 90/10 loophole,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"This Veterans Day weekend, as we honor those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, we remember our continual obligations to our veterans. We owe it to our veterans to ensure they have access to high-quality health care, a place to call home and the skills they need to have a successful life as a civilian. We also owe our veterans the opportunity to obtain a world-class education that will lead to a fulfilling career and a productive life. After serving in the U.S. Navy for five years in a hot war in Southeast Asia, I returned home to a GI Bill that provided me $250 per month, enabling me to earn my MBA at the University of Delaware. Today, veterans have access to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the most generous GI Bill in the history of our country that fully covers tuition, fees, books and housing at many of our nation’s colleges and universities, like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, for veterans and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill affords veterans the invaluable opportunity to attain a high-quality education here at home after their service, and they deserve nothing less. Since 2009, more than 1.7 million service members, veterans and their families have financed their higher education using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, over the past seven years, 40 percent of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit colleges, even as questions are raised about these institutions’ graduation, default and job placement rates. Today, many of the top recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are currently under investigation for deceptive and misleading recruitment practices or other possible violations of state and federal law. The 90-10 Rule is a bipartisan federal law passed by Congress in the 1990s that requires for-profit schools to derive at least 10 percent of their revenues from sources other than the federal government. However, a loophole exists that allows for-profit schools to count military and veteran education assistance as non-federal revenue. As a result, some for-profit institutions have aggressively—and sometimes deceptively—recruited veterans and their GI Bill benefits to receive 100 percent of their revenues from taxpayers. That’s why, yesterday, I joined with Senators Patty Murray (D-Washington), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and representatives from Student Veterans of America, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veterans Education Success to reintroduce the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act. This bill would close the 90/10 loophole, protecting student veterans by counting military and veterans’ education dollars as federal dollars, which they are. While not all for-profit schools are bad actors, one veteran misled or mistreated by a for-profit school is one veteran too many. Our commitment to care for our veterans is a sacred obligation. On behalf of our veterans, I’m urging my colleagues in Congress to come together and close the 90/10 loophole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=16CA61FD-F7BD-4F7A-B414-2F0AFCE268CB,Senators Reintroduce Military and Veterans Education Protection Act with Groundbreaking Support from Veterans Service Organizations,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) reintroduced the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act, legislation that would close a loophole that allows for-profit schools to avoid having to secure at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal sources. More than two decades ago, Republican President George H.W. Bush signed a bipartisan law that limited how much federal funding for-profit schools may receive from taxpayers. Now called the 90/10 rule, this limit requires for-profit schools to obtain at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. However, a loophole in the law excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) education funds, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA), from being counted as federal funds. Some for-profit schools exploit this 90/10 loophole by using aggressive recruitment practices and deceptive marketing tools to enroll servicemembers, veterans and other GI Bill beneficiaries. The Military and Veterans Education Protection Act would close the 90/10 loophole by counting VA and DOD funds as federal dollars. “While not all for-profit schools are bad actors, one veteran misled or mistreated by a for-profit school is one veteran too many,” said Senator Carper. “Unfortunately, too many for-profit schools are taking advantage of the 90/10 loophole and exploiting our veterans and service members for their generous education benefits. Meanwhile, schools like ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges, which together received over $1 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, went bankrupt and closed their doors for good, leaving taxpayers and thousands of veterans in the lurch. Closing the 90/10 loophole and counting G.I. Bill dollars as federal dollars, which they are, is a commonsense fix that will help us improve educational outcomes for veterans and protect taxpayers.” “This bill is one of many commonsense reforms we need to bring greater accountability to a for-profit industry that enrolls nine percent of students, but accounts for 17 percent of Department of Education student financial aid and 33 percent of all student loan defaults,” said Senator Durbin. “It’s time for Congress to get serious about addressing for-profit colleges in our higher education system. We’ve been bystanders for too long as for-profit colleges have taken advantage of loopholes like the 90/10 Rule and used unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices to lure students, including veterans and service members, into enrolling while leaving them with worthless diplomas and mountains of debt.” “The collapse of Corinthian and the immoral, fraudulent behavior of ITT Tech taught us that new law is necessary to protect our servicemembers and veterans from bad actors in the for-profit college industry,” said Senator Blumenthal. “We must stop the for-profit college industry from treating our armed services like a cash cow. Real action from Congress is necessary to stop bad actors from shamefully shaking down servicemembers and veterans, raking in in billions of dollars in VA education benefits every year. Taxpayers and our men and women in uniform deserve action.” “President Trump and Secretary DeVos have proved time and time again that students and veterans cannot count on this Administration to protect them from predatory institutions. But it is our responsibility to ensure the opportunities being presented to them will open doors, not rob them of their education and savings,” said Senator Murray. “So I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act to simply close a loophole and ensure our veterans and our members of the military are not being taken advantage of by predatory for-profit colleges.” “From both a veteran and taxpayer perspective, this is a no-brainer,” said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Too many of our brave men and women have faced headaches and hardships in getting an education after they serve our country. This bill will help veterans get a quality education without letting for-profit schools take advantage of the system and the veterans they are supposed to serve.” In addition to Senators Carper, Durbin, Blumenthal, Murray and Tester, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nevada), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) are cosponsors of the legislation. Since 2009, more than 1.7 million service members, veterans and their families have used the Post-9/11 GI Bill to finance their higher education. However, over the past several years, about 40 percent of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill tuition benefits have gone to for-profit schools, even as questions continue about their graduation, default and job placement rates. Additionally, some of the largest recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill funds have closed down after years of delivering poor outcomes to students and taxpayers. Two now-shuttered for-profit colleges, ITT Technical Institutes and Corinthian Colleges, received over $1 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits before suddenly closing their doors, leaving nearly 7,000 student veterans and every American taxpayer in the lurch. Far too many veterans and service members have exhausted their hard-earned benefits at now-defunct schools. In response, a broad coalition of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and other advocacy groups are rallying behind this commonsense effort to close the 90/10 loophole to protect military and veteran students, as well as taxpayers, from bad actors in the for-profit educational sector. “Student Veterans of America (SVA) has been committed to closing the 90/10 loophole since 2011,” said William Hubbard, VP of Government Affairs for the Student Veterans of America. “Prospective and current student veterans remain the target of predatory programs that deliver a low-quality education. We remain committed to transparency in higher education and helping student veterans become informed consumers. SVA supports closing this loophole and is pleased to be working with Congress to make that a reality.” The American Legion passed a resolution at their 2017 National Convention in Reno, Nevada, stating, “The American Legion expresses its strong support for legislation and federal agency action to ensure better quality and student outcomes for institutions approved for use of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits by excluding Department of Defense and VA funds from the 90/10 calculation.” “The 90/10 loophole allows predatory schools to take advantage of the benefits survivors loved ones served and died for,” said Ashlynne Haycock, Manager for Education Services for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). “Just like veterans, surviving family members have been taken advantage of by institutions of higher learning that want access to their educational benefits, only to be left with useless degrees and untransferable credits. If a school is not doing anything morally wrong, they should not object to the closure of the loophole. We must close the loophole to help ensure that surviving families and veterans have access to the highest quality education. These families have already sacrificed so much for this country, they should never be taken advantage of, and should be given every opportunity to pursue their dreams.” “Just as the Military Order of the Purple Heart fights to expand veterans' educational opportunities as we did with the recently passed Forever GI Bill, we must also make sure that those opportunities are of the highest quality possible,” said Neil Van Ess, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. “Closing the 90/10 loophole would be a big step toward achieving that goal, and we thank Senator Carper for introducing this important legislation.” “In recent research by VES on the 90/10 loophole, we found that revenue has increased by 60% from military education benefits indicating high reliance on the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance benefits to stay in business,” said Tanya Ang, Director of Policy and Outreach for Veterans Education Success. “This is concerning, at best, and something must be done to ensure service members, veterans, and their family members are protected from the predatory practices of fraudulent institutions.” “The 90/10 loophole has created a reality that unjustly wastes the money of American taxpayers and deprives veterans of the education benefits they have earned,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Legislative Director Tom Porter. “While closing the loophole is not the only solution, it is a significant step Congress should take to improve education outcomes for veterans. Education is the best tool veterans have to transition to civilian life and develop the skills to find a new career. IAVA is committed to ensuring that every veteran can take advantage of their full earned benefits. That means refusing to allow predatory for-profit colleges from targeting GI Bill benefits and failing to deliver on promised quality education.” Organizations supporting the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act include: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition, Veterans for Common Sense, Non Commissioned Officers Association, VetsFirst, VetJobs, High Ground Veterans Advocacy, AMVETS, Wounded Warrior Project, The Retired Enlisted Association, Got Your Six, National Guard Association of the United States, Association of the United States Navy, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, National Military Family Association, Swords to Plowshares, Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6AC935E5-7AC7-47E3-804F-E114FABA0B40,Senator Carper Decries Senate Confirmation of Bill Wehrum,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to voice his strong opposition to the nomination of Bill Wehrum to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation – a position to which Mr. Wehrum was nominated in 2005, but failed to win Senate confirmation because his views were too far outside the mainstream. Senator Carper highlighted Mr. Wehrum’s prior work at EPA to undermine clean air protections, disregard the rule of law and actively prevent progress to reign in mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Despite Mr. Wehrum’s dangerous record, Senate Republicans voted to confirm Mr. Wehrum by a vote of 49 to 47. Every Democrat, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), voted against Mr. Wehrum’s nomination. Below are excerpts from Senator Carper’s closing statement. Senator Carper also spoke earlier in the day on Mr. Wehrum’s previous work at EPA to undermine rules to cut mercury and other toxic air pollutants. Last night, Senator Carper spoke on Mr. Wehrum’s record, including his work suing the EPA on behalf of his industry clients and fighting against critical worker safety protections.   “Mr. President, as we prepare to vote on this nominee, I implore my colleagues to take one last moment to think about the decision before them. I ask them to recall the words I said just a bit earlier this morning from that hymn my wife, Martha, and I heard at church one Sunday morning this spring: ‘For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.’ “That powerful message reminds me of the incredible responsibility we have in this body to serve and protect the people who sent us here. We must serve as stewards also of this planet that has been entrusted to us and care for the most vulnerable among us. For me, that is not just my responsibility as a parent or as an official elected to serve the people of my state for all these years – it is a moral imperative and a sacred obligation. And there is perhaps no more basic human need than having clean air to breathe. “I implore my colleagues – we have already seen Mr. Wehrum’s extreme agenda at the EPA once before. It would be the height of irresponsibility and a shirking of our moral obligation to confirm him here today. I implore you – join me in voting no on Bill Wehrum.” You can view Senator Carper’s floor statements here: Senator Carper on Bill Wehrum’s record undermining Clean Air Act protections Senator Carper on Bill Wehrum's failure to address mercury and other air toxic pollutants Senator Carper Urges a No vote on Bill Wehrum   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=749540A6-B242-4393-BCD2-E9B14EC453BA,"Carper, Colleagues Introduce Assault Weapons Ban",2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and 20 colleagues in introducing the Assault Weapons Ban of 2017, a bill to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. “Congress cannot ignore our country’s gun violence epidemic. The names of too many American communities and cities—from Sutherland Springs to Las Vegas, Orlando to San Bernardino, Newtown to Aurora—invoke painful memories of murder and mayhem inflicted by these deadly weapons,” Senator Carper. “In the wake of these tragedies, it's time to renew the ban on military-style assault weapons. These deadly weapons were designed for the battlefield—they have no place in our neighborhoods.” Joining Senators Carper and Feinstein on the bill are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Key provisions Bans the sale, manufacture, transfer and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners can keep existing weapons.   Bans any assault weapon that accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and has one or more military characteristics, including a pistol grip, a forward grip, a barrel shroud, a threaded barrel or a folding or telescoping stock. Owners can keep existing weapons. Bans magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, which allow shooters to quickly fire many rounds without needing to reload. Owners can keep existing magazines.  Exemptions to bill The bill exempts by name more than 2,200 guns for hunting, household defense or recreational purposes. This list will be updated to include additional weapons.  The bill includes a grandfather clause that exempts all weapons lawfully possessed at the date of enactment. Other provisions: Requires a background check on any future sale, trade or gifting of an assault weapon covered by the bill. Requires that grandfathered assault weapons are stored using a secure gun storage or safety device like a trigger lock. Prohibits the transfer of high-capacity ammunition magazines. Bans bump-fire stocks and other devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at fully automatic rates. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-forced-resignation-president-trump-is-signaling-that-he-is-asserting-his-authority-over-the-department-of-justice,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: “President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice”,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.09.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente forced resignation: “President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice” Sen. Coons: “I am concerned about an abrupt action by the president given ways that this investigation is closing in on his inner circle.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday joined Hardball with Chris Matthews to discuss his letter to Attorney General Sessions on the forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. “I’ll remind you that when the former FBI Director James Comey was fired initially there were offered reasons that had to do with his handling of Hillary Clinton's e-mail investigation. Then President Trump himself went on national television and said it had to do with the Russia thing,” said Senator Coons. “The reason I sent a letter questioning the timing and the reasons behind the resignation of Dana Boente was because of this now-increasing pattern of behavior by the president of trying to interfere in this ongoing investigation. It's possible that this is entirely without reason for alarm, but I think the circumstances around the departure of Dana Boente raise legitimate questions.” Full video and audio available here. Senator Coons on Dana Boente: What concerns me, Chris, as I mentioned in the letter that I just sent to Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein is a whole series of things surrounding the abrupt firing of Dana Boente, a popular, successful career federal law enforcement official, Eastern District of Virginia, a U.S. Attorney. According to public reports, he had a grand jury that had issued subpoenas against both Paul Manafort and former National Security Adviser Flynn, and the timing, the proximity to when there were indictments handed down and the fact that it was directed at just him rather than others having been let go left me with a whole series of questions. I expect to get answers out of the attorney general or the deputy attorney general, and if I don't get a response, I will go to the committee chair and press for a response on behalf of the committee.  Senator Coons on whether this is part of President Trump’s reach for more power: That's my concern. As the investigation has gotten closer and closer to the senior levels of the Trump campaign, the Trump administration, or even members of the Trump family, I am concerned that President Trump will act in even more irrational ways that may undermine the rule of law. That's why I have worked with Republican Senator Thom Tillis to introduce a bill that would strengthen protections for Special Counsel Robert Mueller. I think that Senator Tillis wants to strengthen the independence of the Department of Justice. I am concerned about an abrupt action by the president given ways that this investigation is closing in on his inner circle.  More on Boente: I’ll remind you that when the former FBI Director James Comey was fired initially there were offered reasons that had to do with his handling of Hillary Clinton's e-mail investigation. Then President Trump himself went on national television and said it had to do with the Russia thing. The reason I sent a letter questioning the timing and the reasons behind the resignation of Dana Boente was because of this now-increasing pattern of behavior by the president of trying to interfere in this ongoing investigation. It's possible that this is entirely without reason for alarm, but I think the circumstances around the departure of Dana Boente raise legitimate questions.  More on whether President Trump is testing his authority: I am concerned about that. Chris, let's go back to a point you made quickly in passing that's worth focusing on for a moment. If there were to be a situation where the president orders, let's say Rod Rosenstein to fire Robert Mueller, he may then resign. The leadership of the department then passes to the number three, and if she declines to do so, it passes to number four. Dana Boente was number four in the Department of Justice. This is since the attorney general is recused in all matters relating to the Mueller investigation. I do think, by insisting on his own choice, President Trump is signaling that he is asserting his authority over the Department of Justice. I am equally troubled by reports that the president has personally interviewed candidates for U.S. Attorney positions in several key jurisdictions. That's inappropriate. Attorney General Sessions testified to our Judiciary Committee in the Senate that that was inappropriate. I think we have got lots of signals here that our president doesn't understand the appropriate boundaries.  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30FF929F-CF2B-4705-BF9E-F67C2EF4C327,EPW Hearing Statement: Nominations of Ms. Kathleen Hartnett White of Texas to be Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Mr. Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held the hearing, “Hearing on the Nominations of Kathleen Hartnett White to be a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality and Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.” Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery: “Let me begin by thanking both of you for appearing before us today. Before I discuss your nominations, I must once again note my concern that Administrator Pruitt has yet to appear before this Committee to testify on the EPA budget request, more than a month after the start of the fiscal year. It turns out that this week, he’s reportedly headed to a luxury resort in South Carolina, on yet another taxpayer-funded trip, rather than appearing before the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Mr. Pruitt has also yet to make additional progress in answering the mail; of the 30 public letters requesting information led by Democratic Members of this Committee, he has provided satisfactory responses to only ten. More effort must be made before I can agree to support the confirmation of any EPA nominees.  “Turning to today’s hearing, we have two nominees before us who have been nominated to serve in very important capacities. The Council on Environmental Quality is led by the White House’s top environmental official. C.E.Q. has historically played a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all federal agencies on cross-cutting and important environmental issues. For example, C.E.Q. co-chaired President Obama’s Climate Adaptation Task Force to help communities strengthen their resilience to extreme weather and prepare for other impacts of climate change. “C.E.Q. leads the office of Federal Sustainability, which develops policies to modernize federal property and save money through increased energy efficiency and other purchasing requirements. C.E.Q. also plays a key role in identifying ways to make sure federal agencies work together well and in a coordinated fashion. And, C.E.Q. helped to get the almost unanimously enacted Toxic Substances Control Act over the finish line by coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders during negotiations between the House and the Senate. “The nominee to carry on this important work must be someone who can build alliances, work with Congress and be a credible leader. Unfortunately, the nominee before us today, Kathleen Hartnett White, does not, in my opinion, meet this standard. In her years serving on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and thereafter, Ms. White has shown a disdain for science, a disregard for the laws and regulations already on the books, and a staggering disrespect for people who have views with whom she disagrees. Ms. White – who has been asked to hold the top environmental position in the White House – has shown that she is not only a science denier, but actively promotes misinformation on climate, ozone, mercury, particulate matter and other known health hazards that impact our air and waterways. “From describing the Renewable Fuel Standard as unethical, to comparing people who believe in climate science to pagans, to saying that environmentalism will  lead to mass starvation or other large-scale calamities, her tone, her words and her actions are simply unacceptable.  “Our second nominee, Andrew Wheeler, once occupied a seat on this side of the dais and is no stranger to the Environment and Public Works Committee. As a longtime staffer for the senior senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Wheeler was someone with whom we didn’t always agree on each and every policy, but he did prove to be one with whom we were able to work together on policies that we did agree on. Given the polarizing nature of Scott Pruitt’s EPA, as well as the polarizing nature of one of Mr. Wheeler’s long-time clients, Bob Murray of Murray Energy, I’m anxious to hear from Mr. Wheeler about whether he can assure Members of this Committee that his confirmation to be the Deputy Administrator of the EPA would not be a ‘more of the same’ approach at the agency.  “I’d like to know if Mr. Wheeler can leave his clients and conflicts of interest behind and start over with the interests of the country as his number one priority. I also want to understand whether, unlike Ms. White, he can embrace and acknowledge accepted environmental and public health science. “Thank you very much Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-coons-presses-ag-sessions-on-forced-resignation-of-us-attorney-dana-boente,Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.17 Sen. Coons presses AG Sessions on forced resignation of U.S. Attorney Dana Boente In letter, Sen. Coons relays concern about proximity of forced resignation to indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller and connection between Boente’s Office, Russia investigation WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter yesterday afternoon to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein requesting additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana Boente. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is reportedly connected to the Manafort and Flynn investigations and also has a record of handling sensitive national security cases, with jurisdiction over the Pentagon, the CIA, and Dulles airport.  The text of the letter is below: Dear Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein: I am writing to request additional information regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division Dana Boente.  I was disappointed to learn that Mr. Boente submitted his resignation to the President last week, but since that news, I have become deeply concerned by reports that Mr. Boente wanted to remain in his position but was forced to resign by President Trump. I recognize that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President, and it is customary to request the resignations of U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous presidents.  However, this reported demand for a single U.S. Attorney’s resignation, the sudden nature of its timing, its proximity to the indictments issued by Special Counsel Mueller, and reported connections between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to the investigations of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, leave me concerned that this is not business as usual. Moreover, I have become increasingly troubled during this administration that the President does not comply with the norms that honor the independence of the Department of Justice, which is vital to our democratic system of government.  From the prior dismissal of 45 U.S. Attorneys without any successors in place, to President Trump’s interviews with U.S. Attorney candidates in jurisdictions with oversight of his and his family’s businesses, to the President’s attempts to cultivate loyalty relationships with former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and former FBI Director James Comey – before firing both of them when they refused to accommodate him – I cannot take on faith that this dismissal was normal or justified.   Mr. Boente is a career prosecutor and public servant who has served in the Department of Justice since 1984, when he joined as part of the Attorney General’s Honors Program.  When President Obama nominated Mr. Boente to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Senate confirmed him by voice vote.  The Department of Justice and the White House should provide their reasoning for why someone like this, who was initially asked to continue serving in his important role, was suddenly forced to resign. Please provide the reason that the President asked for Mr. Boente’s resignation and when that request was made as soon as possible but no later than November 21, 2017. Sincerely,  Christopher A. Coons   ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-on-boente-resignation-it-makes-me-concerned-about-robert-mueller,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: “It makes me concerned about Robert Mueller”,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons on Boente resignation: “It makes me concerned about Robert Mueller” Sen. Coons on yesterday’s election: “It will make it clear to the president or at least members of his team that if they don't begin some real outreach to Democrats on tax reform and other priorities they have, they will not get their legislative agenda through.” WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss yesterday’s election results, the latest on tax reform, and the resignation of Dana Boente.  “I just was troubled that immediately following the release of indictments given reporting that has suggested Mr. Boente was running a fairly active component of the Mueller investigation that he was fairly abruptly asked to resign,” said Senator Coons. “I just wanted to ask some questions about the timing given the troubling pattern of the president's personal intervention by interviewing candidates for U.S. Attorneys in several key jurisdictions and given everything else going on, it makes me concerned about Robert Mueller and his security. Dana Boente would have been the fourth in succession in the Department of Justice. I think it's an important feat and an important role that he played that deserves some oversight.” Video and audio available here. Excerpts from the interview: Senator Coons on Trump’s trip to Asia: I’m encouraged by the tone and tenor of the trip, obviously the self-promotion notwithstanding to have President Trump move towards a more diplomatic tone after some early bluster. Now that we have prepositioned three aircraft carrier groups, personnel, and material in the region, I think that President Trump is striking the right balance between having previously being overly threatening and now pursuing diplomatic alternatives – there has to be an off-ramp for North Korea to consider taking, he’s going to have to be strong with Xi Jinping the next couple of days—that’s going to be crucial—but all of us worry about our security and the human consequences and a potential confrontation going wrong have to be encouraged by President Trump’s tone.  Senator Coons on last night’s election: I think that's right, that's a great question. There is a lot of attention paid to the big wins in Virginia and New Jersey, just across the Pennsylvania state line for me are a series of counties, so-called “collar counties” of Philadelphia, where at the county level there were big wins for Democrats in Bucks county, in Delaware county, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, there has never been a county elected Democrat since the 1700s and Democrats swept the county offices that were up for election. What does that mean? I think it means members of the House that represent the suburban districts who are Republicans will have to begin moving towards the middle. I think it will make it clear to the president or at least members of his team that if they don't begin some real outreach to Democrats on tax reform and other priorities they have, they will not get their legislative agenda through. I think the president slowing a sideways grenade back at Ed Gillespie after his loss last night isn't very encouraging for Republican electeds like Susan Collins who I think will now look forward and say their path towards legislative success will rely on working across the aisle here in Congress rather than counting on President Trump to necessarily lead them forward as a coherent party.  More on elections: Well the Democratic senators who are incumbents up for election this time in the five states are referencing states like Indiana, North Dakota, Montana, Missouri, West Virginia are terrific, active, engaged, local campaigners, they're very authentic people. They connect well in their home states. I'd say to them, avoid letting your campaign be nationalized. Don't really make this about Democrats versus Republicans, make it about you, your leadership, and your capabilities. These are folks willing to meet with President Trump to consider working with him across the aisle where it makes sense, but they've also stood firm in sticking to core principles on things like defending the ACA and access to good, quality health care for folks in their states. We had a meeting with a group. There were about 12 Democratic senators yesterday evening who met with Gary Cohn, the chief economic adviser to President Trump. The president called in from Asia. I think it's important that these Democrats running for reelection in deeply red states show that they continue to try to legislate responsibly across the aisle.  More on the Cohn meeting: The president said a number of things and I, frankly, just appreciated the opportunity to sit down with some of his chief advisers and that he took the time from his trip to Asia to call in. It was an interesting conversation. He touched on a number of different topics, but if there was one theme from our side, it was we should have been included and consulted earlier. We've got ideas, we want to work across the aisle to strengthen the middle class, to support manufacturing, to make our country more competitive and the folks on the other side of the table, including the president calling in from Asia said, just wait, you will see a different tax bill in the Senate than the House, we're at the beginning of a process, not at the end.  Senator Coons on Boente: Well, Dana Boente is a career federal prosecutor who was not just running the Eastern District of Virginia but the acting head of the national security division in the Department of Justice. I just was troubled that immediately following the release of indictments given reporting that had suggested Mr. Boente was running a fairly active component of the Mueller investigation that he was fairly abruptly asked to resign. I just wanted to ask some questions about the timing given the troubling pattern of the president's personal intervention by interviewing candidates for U.S. Attorneys in several key jurisdictions and given everything else going on, it makes me concerned about Robert Mueller and his security. Dana Boente would have been the fourth in succession in the Department of Justice. I think it's an important feat and an important role that he played that deserves some oversight.  ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E31581F9-80B5-407C-BA5A-4D7FAB15C2BA,Carper Leads Letter Requesting FTC Investigate and End RIN Market Manipulation,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Thomas Carper,C000174,www.carper.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, highlighted concerns regarding possible market manipulation in the compliance system used for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, known as the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market.   In a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acting Chairman Maureen Olhausen, Delaware’s congressional delegation of Senators Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.), as well as Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), asked the agency to investigate and end any possible RIN market manipulation under the jurisdiction of the Commission’s Petroleum Market Manipulation Rule. The lawmakers wrote, “Over the past four years, RIN prices have fluctuated wildly. Since earlier this year alone, they have spiked over 200 percent. This price volatility creates great uncertainty for obligated parties, especially for merchant refineries like the ones along the East Coast that have limited capability to blend biofuels into their products and need RINS to comply with the RFS program’s requirements. East Coast refineries already face slim profit margins, in part, due to their dependence on international markets for crude feedstocks, high gasoline inventories and the competition they face from global refiners. Volatility in the RIN market only adds to the East Coast refineries economic concerns. They continued, “RIN market manipulation hurts all parties and directly harms our constituents. That is why we urgently request that the Federal Trade Commission use its authority to address RIN market manipulation.” The text of the letter is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reuters-sen-coons-seeks-explanation-for-career-prosecutor-boentes-abrupt-resignation,Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 Reuters: Sen. Coons seeks explanation for career prosecutor Boente's abrupt resignation Reuters: Senator seeks explanation for career U.S. prosecutor's abrupt resignation https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-prosecutor/senator-seeks-explanation-for-career-u-s-prosecutors-abrupt-resignation-idUSKBN1D735P WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic Senator said on Tuesday he wants answers from top Justice Department officials about why a career prosecutor was asked to resign days before a special counsel unveiled the first criminal charges in an investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. Election. Dana Boente was asked to quit in late October as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, whose district has played an important role in the investigation. Just days later, Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators charged President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another aide, Rick Gates, with conspiring to launder money and other charges. It was also announced on Oct. 30 that a third former Trump adviser, George Papadopoulos, had pleaded guilty earlier in the month to a charge of lying to the FBI. U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was writing to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to ask if Boente’s departure was “normal or justified.”  “I‘m concerned about the abrupt departure of Dana Boente after a career as a federal prosecutor ... There’s a lot of circumstances that connect the ongoing Mueller investigation to the Eastern District,” Coons said in an interview. A Department of Justice spokesman said the agency does not comment on personnel matters. Boente could not immediately be reached for comment. Investigations into whether Republican Trump’s campaign associates colluded with Russia last year to help him defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the presidency arose after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia carried out a campaign of hacking and propaganda to interfere in the election. Russia has repeatedly denied meddling allegations and Trump has denied any collusion.  A Justice Department veteran, Boente has stepped in to help stabilize the law enforcement agency in frequent periods of turmoil during the first year of the Trump administration.  Boente has also been temporarily serving as the acting assistant attorney general for the department’s National Security Division. He previously was acting attorney general after Trump fired the prosecutor in that post, Sally Yates. After that, Boente also briefly was acting deputy attorney general. A person familiar with the matter confirmed that Sessions, a former Alabama Republican senator and close Trump ally, asked Boente to tender his resignation in late October.  Boente will step down as head of the National Security Division once Trump’s nominee John Demers is confirmed by the Senate. After that, Boente will continue as head of the Eastern District in Alexandria, Virginia, until he is replaced. Trump has not yet nominated anyone for that post.  The Eastern District post is the fourth most powerful position in the department’s line of succession. A judge in the district approved the search warrant for the Alexandria, Virginia home of former Trump campaign manager Manafort in July.  A grand jury in the district earlier this year became part of Mueller’s probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is under scrutiny for his work as a lobbyist for a Turkish businessman. ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-coons-tillis-statement-on-president-trumps-trip-to-asia,"Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump’s trip to Asia",2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 Sens. Coons, Tillis statement on President Trump’s trip to Asia WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s trip to Asia. “President Trump is in the midst of a trip to Asia with several important goals, including addressing the threat of North Korea’s nuclear program and promoting U.S. exports throughout the region.  We have been pleased to see the President reaffirm our economic and security partnerships with our allies in Japan and South Korea.  In the coming days, the President will also visit China, Vietnam, and the Philippines – three countries that fail to respect the human rights of all their citizens.  In China, activists are detained and the political opposition is silenced.  In Vietnam, basic rights such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion are restricted.  In the Philippines, a 'war on drugs' has resulted in over 7,000 deaths, many via unlawful executions and extrajudicial killings.  As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we urge President Trump to raise these human rights concerns and to promote the United States’ commitment to human rights and democratic values during his meetings with President Xi Jinping in China, President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam, and President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. The United States must continue to stand up for the oppressed around the world.” ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov   Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-coons-i-do-think-trump-should-sit-down-with-vladimir-putin,[VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin”,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 [VIDEO] Sen. Coons: “I do think [Trump] should sit down with Vladimir Putin” Sen. Coons: “Without help from China and Russia, we don't stand a chance of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with North Korea” Sen. Coons on the Texas shooting: “It's important for us to try to honor the tragedy here, the loss here, by finding a way to come together as a country and address the very real mental health, public safety, and gun safety issues that our Congress and federal government has failed to address so far” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, yesterday joined CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront to discuss the Texas shooting and President Trump’s trip to Asia. “The last time President Trump met with Putin, it was on the sides of a major conference. He did so without anyone else from the US government, without the use of a translator. I don’t think he should follow that pattern,” said Senator Coons. “I think he should have his aides with him. But, I do think he should sit down with Vladimir Putin to make clear to him directly that if he interferes in our next election the way he interfered in our last election, he will face serious consequences. And, I do think it's important for President Trump to call on Vladimir Putin to work with Xi Jinping from China and the United States and our allies to bring North Korea to account for its reckless aggressive actions with its missile program and its nuclear weapons program. Without help from China and Russia, we don't stand a chance of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with North Korea. So, I'm one Democrat who will say I think he should try to engage with Vladimir Putin, but do it in a responsible and measured way."" “I think it's important that as we all try to come to grips with this one of the most brutal shootings in a house of worship in America’s history, that we also look straight-on at the fact that Congress should not be paralyzed and unable to act in the face of yet another event,” said Senator Coons. “It seems clear that there was a breakdown in the background check system that the Air Force didn't forward to federal officials the fact that this shooter was convicted of a domestic violence incident, one that led to him being imprisoned for a year. Our president has said that this is a mental health issue; yet, in February of this year, he repealed a step taken by the previous administration to prevent 70,000 Americans with a history of mental health problems from being able to access weapons.” Full video and audio available here. Senator Coons on the Texas shooting: I think it's too early to come to any conclusions about what this particular shooter's motive was. But I think, as has been the case tragically so often, we see a pattern in elected officials saying we need to send our thoughts and prayers to the families, to the victims, but then not proposing any action. I think it's important that as we all try to come to grips with this one of the most brutal shootings in a house of worship in America’s history, that we also look straight-on at the fact that Congress should not be paralyzed and unable to act in the face of yet another event. It seems clear that there was a breakdown in the background check system that the Air Force didn't forward to federal officials the fact that this shooter was convicted of a domestic violence incident, one that led to him being imprisoned for a year. Our president has said that this is a mental health issue; yet, in February of this year, he repealed a step taken by the previous administration to prevent 70,000 Americans with a history of mental health problems from being able to access weapons. After the Las Vegas shooting, Senator Feinstein introduced a bill, which I’ve co sponsored, dozens of senators have co-sponsored, but it hasn't moved to ban so-called bump stocks or trigger cranks, the tools that the shooter in Las Vegas used. I think it's important for us to try to honor the tragedy here, the loss here, by finding a way to come together as a country and address the very real mental health, public safety and gun safety issues that our Congress and federal government has failed to address so far.  More on the shooting: I think we need to do a better job of funding mental health and of funding our national background checks system. There are a number of holes or flaws or weaknesses in our background check system. After the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, a bipartisan bill attempted to address some of the flaws in the current background checks system. There have been other proposals put forward. This particular incident may point to another weakness where the UCMJ or the military criminal justice system here, there was a breakdown in conveying the information from the Air Force to civilian authorities. I also get the impression that in Texas you don't have to have a permit to purchase and carry a long gun, this particular rifle that this shooter was using. He was denied a concealed carry permit for a handgun. I do think we need to do more to enforce the laws that we have on the books. But, I also think there are loopholes and weaknesses in how the current laws work that may require further legislation from Congress.  Senator Coons on whether President Trump should meet with Putin: The last time President Trump met with Putin, it was on the sides of a major conference. He did so without anyone else from the US government, without the use of a translator. I don’t think he should follow that pattern. I think he should have his aides with him. But, I do think he should sit down with Vladimir Putin to make clear to him directly that if he interferes in our next election the way he interfered in our last election, he will face serious consequences. And, I do think it's important for President Trump to call on Vladimir Putin to work with Xi Jinping from China and the United States and our allies to bring North Korea to account for its reckless aggressive actions with its missile program and its nuclear weapons program. Without help from China and Russia, we don't stand a chance of a peaceful resolution of this confrontation with North Korea. So, I'm one Democrat who will say I think he should try to engage with Vladimir Putin, but do it in a responsible and measured way.   ### Press Contact Sean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-call-for-trump-administration-to-support-additional-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic,"Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.06.17 Sens. Carper, Coons call for Trump Administration to support additional funding to combat opioid epidemic WILMINGTON, DE – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) signed on to a letter to President Donald Trump with 21 other senators calling on the President to support additional funding necessary to combat the opioid epidemic. The letter, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) reads, “We appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency. While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance.” The senators continued, “Researchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic. The President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees. The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.” Earlier this year, Senator Carper joined law enforcement, first responders, health care industry leaders, addiction treatment representatives and patient advocate groups to discuss the opioid epidemic in Delaware and how a repeal of the Affordable Care Act would undermine the efforts Delaware is making in combating addiction. Senator Coons has been an outspoken leader in Congress on combating the opioid crisis, having hosted with Sen. Carper former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli, last summer for an opioid crisis roundtable, convened a town hall discussion with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch on federal resources to combat law enforcement challenges, and penned a column in the Delaware News Journal to ensure opioid crisis funding remains a federal priority. The letter to President Trump can be read here.   ### Press Contact CONTACT: Katie Wilson at 302- 573-6460 or katie_wilson@carper.senate.govBrian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-carper-coons-join-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-comprehensive-approach-to-disaster-recovery,"Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.06.17 Sens. Carper, Coons join Senate Democrats in calling for comprehensive approach to disaster recovery WILMINGTON, DE – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) have joined Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in calling on the Trump administration to put forward a comprehensive package to help several areas of the country recover from the onslaught of natural disasters in recent months. The administration has committed to releasing such a package in the coming weeks. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Senate Democrats outlined what must be included in a comprehensive package that would ensure adequate investments in infrastructure, health, housing, education, agriculture, and conservation needs that will mitigate further damage in future disasters and make our communities more resilient.  The text of the letter is available HERE: https://www.leahy.senate.gov/download/omb-supplemental-request-11-3-17.    In October, the Senate passed a $36.5 billion emergency supplemental that contained $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, $16 billion for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt forgiveness, $1.27 billion for nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico, and $576.5 million to combat wildfires. In September, the Senate passed a $15.25 billion emergency supplemental package that contained $7.4 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and $450 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. In addition, the legislation provided $7.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to Carper, Coons, Schumer and Leahy, other senators to sign the letter included: Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), Kirsten Gilibrand (N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Michael Bennet (Colo.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Press Contact CONTACT: Katie Wilson at 302- 573-6460 or katie_wilson@carper.senate.govBrian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z