SOTU Analysis: Opening new markets to American goods

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 reaffirmed his commitment to opening up fast-growing new markets around the world to American goods and services, creating new trade opportunities that will help American businesses grow and create jobs. 

President Obama proposed that we “complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” which would “boost American exports, support American jobs, and level the playing field in the growing markets of Asia.”  He also announced that the he will “launch talks on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union, because trade that is fair and free across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs.”

Senator Coons has been working hard to help open new global markets where Delaware companies can sell their goods and services. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, he is working to ensure that these fast-growing new markets with burgeoning middle classes are open to American products to help strengthen our economy here at home.   

Gaining access to markets all over the world has been instrumental in helping the American economy grow and prosper over the last century.  To continue our economic recovery, Chris believes it is crucial that we continue to create better access to international markets and help American business and workers by removing barriers to our goods and products.

In particular, markets in both Asia and the European Union present important opportunities for Delaware's poultry companies to expand their exports. This trade will allow us to make progress in breaking down barriers to Delaware's poultry exports.

Forty years of Roe v. Wade

For 40 years, the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade has protected the right of women in Delaware and around the country to make their own decisions about reproductive health and family planning.

As we mark the anniversary of this landmark decision, we must redouble our efforts to protect this fundamental right and to ensure that women and families have access to safe and affordable reproductive health care, no matter where they live or what their income level.

Although Roe v. Wade is settled law, the rights that it protects remain under assault. In the past two years, 30 states have passed 135 new laws restricting access to abortion – despite the fact that 63 percent of Americans do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned.

It is therefore critical that we remain vigilant about protecting the rights of women and their families to make their own private health care decisions, and to ensure accessible and affordable reproductive care for Delawareans and all Americans. 

ICYMI: Sen. Coons talks Delaware River dredging in interview

Dredging Today published a Q&A on Tuesday highlighting Senator Chris Coons’ thoughts on the job-creating potential of the Delaware River dredging project currently underway.

We are already seeing signs of job creation and growth as a result of the Delaware River dredging project. I have heard from businesses, labor leaders and private equity companies that they see the Port of Wilmington and the other ports on the Delaware River as perfectly situated to handle more cargo and take advantage of their proximity to major population centers on the East Coast. With the completion of the 45’ channel in the Delaware River, we will see tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs created as ports are expanded, cargo volume increases and people are hired to handle every downstream aspect of what comes in and what goes out.

Click here to read the full article.  

Senate passes Coons bill to expand protections for White Clay Creek

The Senate voted unanimously on Sunday to pass legislation authored by Senator Coons that would add approximately nine miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries to the existing Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the waterway.

The White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Expansion Act of 2011, which was co-sponsored by Senator Tom Carper and Senator Bob Casey, now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.

“The White Clay Creek watershed is rich in natural resources, and it is important that we preserve those resources for the next generation,” Chris said. “Growing up, I spent considerable time in the White Clay Creek watershed and know that it is an important resource for Delaware and the region. It’s up to all of us to fight to protect our natural resources.”

“Yesterday, the Senate passed an important piece of legislation that will help safeguard one of Delaware’s great outdoor treasures,” said Senator Carper. “Through preserving nine additional miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries, this measure will help ensure that Delawareans will continue to enjoy this waterway’s natural, cultural and recreational benefits for generations to come.”  

The legislation, which comes at no cost to taxpayers, would expand the original Wild and Scenic Rivers designation to include two small stream sections that were omitted from the original designation.

Representative Joseph Pitts (R-Pa.) is the lead sponsor of the companion legislation in the House. However, if the House does not pass this version of the legislation before January 3, both the Senate bill and the House bill must be reintroduced and reconsidered by both chambers in the next Congressional session. Unanimous Senate passage provides strong momentum that could help the new version of the bill move quickly in the next Congress.

Senator Coons inspired by Pearl Harbor survivor

MILFORD — To mark the 71st anniversary of the day our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Senator Coons spent the afternoon of December 7th visiting the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford. 

While he was there, Chris was deeply moved by the harrowing story of Thomas Morris, a World War II veteran who survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  Now over 90 years old, Mr. Morris shared his inspirational story of courage and determination from December 7, 1941.

Originally from Cecil County, Maryland, Mr. Morris joined the Navy and was serving aboard the USS California on the day Pearl Harbor was bombed.  After a torpedo hit his ship, he rushed to rescue his fellow service members and fetch ammo. While he was below deck, a second strike blew him back 100 feet and burned him across his body.

After making it onto one of the last lifeboats and finding his way to shore, Mr. Morris was told by a triage doctor at the Honolulu aid station that there was no way to save his life. The doctor ordered him wrapped in gauze to make him more comfortable, and urged him to prepare for death. The next morning, the astonished doctor found that Mr. Morris was in fact, very much alive – and ready to get back in the fight.

Mr. Morris spent two full months recovering from his injuries, motivated by his desire to fight for his country at a time it needed him. He made a remarkable recovery and immediately joined the crew of a destroyer, where he worked his way up to the rank of gunner’s mate, third class. After fighting honorably, eventually, skin damage caused by his burns required him to return home to his family farm.

“Extraordinary stories of courage from our military veterans are key threads in the rich fabric of our nation’s history,” Chris said.  “Mr. Morris’ story was touching and inspirational, and I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to hear him describe that terrifying day aboard the USS California first-hand.  His lasting legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire Americans for generations to come.”

The Delaware Veterans Home provides long-term care services to Delaware veterans and it is the only facility of its kind in the state.

Senator Coons honors Delaware Teacher of the Year

Last week, Senator Coons congratulated John Sell for earning the title of Delaware Teacher of the Year. Mr. Sell teaches English at Sussex Tech High School in Georgetown, where he is known for his innovative teaching techniques, such as singing poetry to his students.

As the son and grandson of classroom teachers, Chris is committed to strengthening education in Delaware and supporting our extraordinary teachers like Mr. Sell.  He joined the Delaware Teacher of the Year Awards Dinner to share his personal appreciation with all of this year’s finalists, selected from 9,000 Delaware public school teachers to represent each of the state’s 19 school districts.

At the awards dinner, Chris said “Tonight, we honor and appreciate all of our teachers, and we also recognize 19 in particular who have gone above and beyond. As nominees for Delaware’s Teacher of the Year, you have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to your students, as well as the ability to inspire the kind of love learning that lasts a lifetime.”

To read more about Chris’ work on education, click here.

Senator Coons honored for work against domestic violence

Last night, Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, received the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s (DCADV) 2012 Vision of Peace Award.

The award was presented at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts in Wilmington during DCADV’s Purple Ribbon Event, hosted annually during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“When we shine light on these horrific acts by educating the public, empowering the victims, and punishing the offenders, we can help break the cycle of abuse,” Chris said in accepting the Vision of Peace Award.

The Vision of Peace Award is presented by the DCADV to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and sustained commitment in their efforts to end domestic violence. Chris is fighting to advance the reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) and has worked for many years to help prevent domestic violence in Delaware while empowering victims to come forward.

To learn more about Chris’ work on the Judiciary Committee, click here.

To learn more about DCADV’s work click here.

Senator Coons joins summit for healthy lungs

Senator Coons attended a Regional Patient Advocacy Leaders Summit hosted by the American Lung Association last week.  This summit gave staff, volunteers and leaders in patient advocacy the opportunity to learn about issues on the horizon. The summit also included networking and discussions of new avenues for advocacy.

Senator Coons addressed about 70 regional patient advocates. He talked about the bipartisan Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act of 2011, a bill he introduced to increase the awareness, understanding and research being done to find the root cause – and a cure – for Pulmonary Fibrosis. He also discussed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which has already helped 6,000 young Delawareans get insurance.

For more on Chris’ work on health care, click here.

Senator Coons marks grants to support healthy community

On Thursday, Senator Coons joined Senator Carper and Congressman Carney at the Delaware Children’s Museum in Wilmington to announce two federal grants awarded to Nemours for a combined total of nearly $6 million to help build healthier communities. 

 “These grants will serve tens of thousands of Delawareans, helping them live happier, healthier lives,” Chris said. In his remarks, he reiterated the significant impact that these grants will have on preventative care and early intervention, touching upon how it could enact change in areas such as the struggle with obesity and chronic diseases in young children.

For more on Chris’ work on health care, click here.

Senator Coons stands with startup businesses

Senator Coons spoke Wednesday at the first annual New Castle County Economic Development Luncheon.  The lunch discussion focused on ways to foster and develop a strong economic and entrepreneurial system in New Castle County and across Delaware.  

Chris reiterated his commitment to Delaware startups, noting that new businesses are powerful drivers of job creation and economic recovery. Over a 25 year period between 1980 and 2005, most of the net new jobs in America – about 40 million jobs – were created by firms that were five years old or less.  

Since he arrived in the Senate, Chris has used his private sector experience to shape a number of job creating pieces of legislation that support innovative startups and entrepreneurs. He has especially focused on making the Research and Development Tax Credit available to newer businesses, in addition to more established companies.

To read more about Chris’ work supporting job creation and economic competitiveness, click here.