SOTU Analysis: Leading the way in energy innovation

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama emphasized the importance of scientific research and development, praising innovation and declaring that “we need to invest in the best ideas.” Senator Coons is a passionate believer in the importance of basic and applied science and is a strong supporter of innovative products being developed in Delaware.

President Obama called attention to innovative 3D printing that “has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.” In Delaware, the revolution has already begun. At the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, scientists such as Tariq Rahman and Whitney Sample have used 3D printing to create customizable assistive devices to help children overcome mobility challenges. These cutting edge innovations gave five-year-old Emma Lavelle plastic appendages that allowed her to play and hug her mother for the first time.

Last night, President Obama called for “a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space Race.” He specified that today, no area holds more promise than investments in American energy. Delaware is once again leading the way, with energy research that is truly paradigm-shifting.

The University of Delaware was named as an Energy Frontier Research Center by the U.S. Department of Energy. An award of more than $17 million dollars will be used to find more efficient ways to convert complex molecules from biomass into chemicals and fuels. UD is also at work fueling innovation in partnership with Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation with transformational projects like super-strong magnets and hydrogen-fuel cells.  As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a leading champion of ARPA-E, Chris will continue to support these game-changing initiatives.    

During a recent visit to the University of Delaware’s STAR campus, Chris test-drove a car built by a joint project between the UD and NRG Energy. The car allows rechargeable battery-operated vehicles to also serve as a source of power to the electrical grid. With scientists such as UD professor Willett Kempton leading the way, Delaware at the forefront of realizing the President’s vision. 

SOTU Analysis: Responsibly reducing our deficit

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama underlined the importance of responsible deficit reduction.  He reminded Americans that “over the last few years, both parties have worked together to reduce the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion – mostly through spending cuts, but also by raising tax rates on the wealthiest one percent of Americans.  As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $4 trillion in deficit reduction that economists say we need to stabilize our finances.”  He said is now time for Congress to “finish the job” and end the cycle of “drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next.”

Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, believes that our national debt and deficit are dangerous and unsustainable. 

Democrats, Republicans and independent experts all agree that excessive debt hurts our competitiveness and crowds out critical investments in our country's future, in areas like education, infrastructure, research and development.  That’s why Chris believes it is essential for members of both parties to come together and support balanced, responsible deficit reduction to get our nation’s finances back in order. 

SOTU Analysis: The next generation of manufacturing jobs

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama said that while “our economy is adding jobs…too many people still can’t find full-time employment.” 

Senator Coons agrees, which is why he has been working closely with Delaware businesses to find innovative ways to help them grow and create jobs, even in a tough economy. Along with the other members of the Delaware Congressional delegation, he hosted nine job fairs in two years, connecting employers ready to hire with 10,000 Delaware job seekers

Chris believes more must be done to support and sustain American innovators—especially in the manufacturing sector.  If we want to stay competitive in a global economy, we have to invest in job training programs and policies that create cutting-edge, high-quality jobs.

In his address, President Obama noted that our manufacturing sector has added about 500,000 jobs over the past three years and announced three new “manufacturing hubs,” while challenging Congress to create a network of fifteen of these hubs to “guarantee that the next revolution in manufacturing is Made in America.”

Chris has worked hard on incentivizing the growth of America’s advanced manufacturing sector and has urged Congress to pursue policies support the growth of high-tech and clean energy manufacturing in America. 

He has met with Delaware manufacturers and turned their ideas into legislative action, building bipartisan support for new tax credits to support local manufacturers and ensure quality  products are “Made in America, Manufactured in Delaware.” 

For example, Chris introduced the Startup Innovation Credit, a bipartisan bill that would allow innovative startup companies to take advantage of the successful Research and Development Tax Credit.  He is also an original cosponsor of the Bring Jobs Home Act, which offers tax credits from companies that relocate their manufacturing operations from abroad back to the United States. 

SOTU Analysis: Improving elections and making voting easier

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama zeroed in on the importance of protecting “our most fundamental right as citizens:  the right to vote.” He said that “when any Americans – no matter where they live or what their party – are denied that right simply because they can’t wait for five, six, seven hours just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals.”

That is why just after the election, Senator Coons introduced the FAST Voting Act to help states improve their elections and make voting faster and more accessible to all voters. Chris’ bill would create a competitive grant program to encourage states to aggressively pursue election reform, with the states that demonstrate the most comprehensive and promising reform plans earning a greater portion of the grant funding.

President Obama shared the story of 102-year-old Desiline Victor, a Floridian who waited for hours to cast her ballot on Election Day. The crowd patiently waiting at the polling pace cheered when she finally received her “I Voted” sticker.

Chris believes that voters like Desiline should not have to wait hours to exercise their fundamental right to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Last night, President Obama announced he is creating a non-partisan commission to improve our elections process, led by one Republican and one Democrat who are experts in the field. Chris supports this non-partisan approach, and is hopeful the commission will build on the work of election commissioners from around the country, both Republicans and Democrats, who want to do better for their constituents.

SOTU Analysis: Investing in energy efficiency

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

Last night in his State of the Union address, President Obama identified a key driver of economic growth that is both powerful and straightforward to implement: increasing the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses, where over 40% of our nation's energy is used.

President Obama announced he is setting a new goal of cutting in half the energy wasted by our nation’s homes and businesses over the next twenty years. Energy efficiency saves money, creates jobs, protects the environment and promotes energy independence.

Senator Coons has been a leading voice on energy efficiency in the Senate. In the last Congress, he co-sponsored the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act with Senators Shaheen and Portman to promote energy efficiency, as well as legislation to raise the standard for energy efficiency in our household appliances. In the current Congress, he is working hard to ensure that a strong program to maximize energy efficiency becomes law.

Chris is a vice chair of the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency. A recent report released by the Alliance outlined policies that can double how effectively our economy uses energy by 2030. Doing so will bring a 100% return on investment, add 1% to the nation’s GDP, save the average household $1000 per year and create 1.3 million jobs around the country.

SOTU Analysis: Affirming a strong U.S. foreign policy

In this series of blog posts, Senator Coons’ legislative staff shares their analysis of the President’s State of the Union address with Delawareans.

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama laid out clear foreign policy goals to promote security, stability, and democracy.   As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Coons shares these goals and is working to protect America’s interests abroad and defend against global security threats. 

Chris shares the President’s view that a strong foreign policy rooted in American values must aim to promote democracy and freedom, protect human rights, defend U.S. interests abroad, and increase U.S. investment and trade globally. 

Regarding security, President Obama noted that “different al Qaeda affiliates and extremist groups have emerged – from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa.  The threat these groups pose is evolving.  But to meet this threat, we don’t need to send tens of thousands of our sons and daughters abroad, or occupy other nations.  Instead, we will need to help countries like Yemen, Libya, and Somalia provide for their own security, and help allies who take the fight to terrorists, as we have in Mali.  And, where necessary, through a range of capabilities, we will continue to take direct action against those terrorists who pose the gravest threat to Americans.”

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee, Chris has worked to highlight these evolving security threats, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.  Regarding Mali in particular, he has called for a strong and comprehensive U.S. policy to address the al Qaeda takeover of Northern Mali, which has become the largest territory controlled by extremists in the world.  He has also welcomed the strong multilateral, international response to the situation in Mali at the United Nations while offering continued U.S. support for ongoing French-led military operations aimed to deprive al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb of a safe haven in Northern Mali.

Regarding democracy, the President said that “in defense of freedom, we’ll remain the anchor of strong alliances from the Americas to Africa; from Europe to Asia. In the Middle East, we will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights, and support stable transitions to democracy. We know the process will be messy, and we cannot presume to dictate the course of change in countries like Egypt, but we can -- and will -- insist on respect for the fundamental rights of all people. We’ll keep the pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people, and support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian. And we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a lasting peace.”

Chris is one of the strongest voices in the Senate advocating for democratic reform and good governance, especially in Africa.  He has chaired hearings on this critical subject with specific attention to the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He has also voiced his pressing concern about ongoing violence and violations of human rights in Syria, where he has urged the U.S. to take a stronger role in providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, refugees, and responsible leaders of the Syrian opposition.  He also recently gave a speech on the Senate floor demonstrating his strong support for the Syrian people, urging the Obama administration to consider military options aimed at degrading Assad’s air force. 

Regarding Israel, Chris has been a steadfast supporter of the ironclad relationship between the United States and Israel and has urged international leaders to support a mutually agreed-upon and negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as opposed to unilateral Palestinian action at the United Nations.

Video: Senator Coons praises Senate passage of VAWA

Senator Coons attended a Senate press conference on Tuesday after the Senate voted 78-22 to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Chris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been an outspoken advocate for the reauthorization of VAWA  to prevent domestic violence in Delaware and around the country.

Opportunity: Africa, as told through Twitter

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Feb. 11 – Feb. 17

Monday, February 11 at 8:00 a.m. — The Senator will host a conference on sustainable development and trade with Africa. The Opportunity: Africa conference will give Delawareans a seat at the table with some of the nation’s leading voices on sustainable development and trade with Africa, looking closely at how Delaware’s businesses, faith communities, and individuals can engage with Africa. Senator Coons, Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. Elkanah Odembo, and author/columnist Michael Gerson will keynote. Delaware State University, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:45 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113^th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing entitled, “Opportunities and Challenges for Natural Gas.” The hearing will explore opportunities and challenges associated with America’s natural gas resources.  366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Budget Committee hearing. The hearing will focus on the Congressional Budget Office’s budget and economic outlook for fiscal years 2013-2023. Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, will testify during the hearing. 608 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. — The Senator and his wife, Annie, will attend the secretary of state’s annual dinner. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the president’s annual State of the Union address. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, February 13 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with business leaders from around the nation. The meeting will focus on innovation, job creation, and strengthening the economy. S. 207, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.  

Wednesday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. — The Senator will chair the second panel of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on comprehensive immigration reform. The hearing will take place a week after Senator Coons and Chairman Patrick Leahy called on their colleagues to ensure that the immigration reforms remain “grounded in civil and human rights, and ensure due process, equal treatment, and fairness. Witnesses include the Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security; Jose Antonio Vargas, Founder of Define American; Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies; Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC; Chris Crane, President of National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council 118 of the American Federation of Government Employees; and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 3:30 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113^th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. Senator Coons is poised to be reappointed to the chair of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. S-116 Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact: Foreign Relations Committee’s Jodi Seth at 202-224-4159.

Thursday, February 14 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Ducks Unlimited reaches 13 million acres of habitat conservation

Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced on Thursday it has reached a conservation milestone with more than 13 million acres of habitat conserved in North America. According to the organization, the groundbreaking number is a cumulative accomplishment of the millions of DU members, as well as volunteers and partners, who have been a part of the organization over the past 76 years.

“Coming on the heels of DU’s 75th anniversary year, this milestone is a fitting tribute to the hard work of each and every member, volunteer and staff member who has contributed in any way over the past three-quarters of a century,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “If not for their dedication and commitment to conservation, this accomplishment would not have been possible.”

The milestone is a perfect example of how much can be achieved when hunters and others with a passion for waterfowl and wetlands conservation work together for a common goal. DU’s mission has always been to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitat for North America’s waterfowl, and this milestone is a direct reflection of that statement.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has been an advocate for environmental conservation. Over the past two years, Chris was the lead sponsor of a bipartisan resolution celebrating the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Wildlife Refuge Week, which officially runs from October 14th to the 20th. The 2012 resolution passed unanimously in September, with 25 bipartisan cosponsors.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on environmental conservation.

Click here to learn more about Ducks Unlimited.