Delaware

State Senators:

Chris Coons (D)

Term Start: November 15, 2019

Full Name: Christopher Andrew Coons
Date of Birth: September 9, 1963
Birthplace: Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Chris Coons was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, and raised in nearby Hockessin, Delaware. He attended Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware. Coons earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Political Science from Amherst College in 1985. During his time at Amherst, he spent a semester at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, where he developed an interest in international development and politics. He later earned a Master of Arts in Ethics from Yale Divinity School and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1992.

Personal Life: Chris Coons is married to Annie Lingenfelter Coons, and they have three children. The family resides in Wilmington, Delaware. Coons is known for his commitment to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents through thoughtful and collaborative legislation.

Early Career: Before entering politics, Coons worked as a legal counsel for several organizations. After graduating from Yale Law School, he clerked for Judge Jane Richards Roth on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He then worked for the National “I Have a Dream” Foundation in New York City and as an attorney for the Delaware-based law firm W.L. Gore & Associates.

Political Career:

New Castle County Council: Coons began his political career as the president of New Castle County Council, where he served from 2001 to 2005. During his tenure, he focused on fiscal responsibility, economic development, and environmental protection.
New Castle County Executive: In 2005, Coons was elected as New Castle County Executive, a position he held until 2010. As county executive, he worked on issues such as land use, public safety, and fiscal management. Coons was known for his efforts to reduce the county’s budget deficit and improve the efficiency of county government.
U.S. Senate: In 2010, Coons ran for the U.S. Senate in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Vice President Joe Biden. He won the election and took office on November 15, 2010. Coons has been re-elected since and serves as the senior senator from Delaware. As a senator, Coons has focused on issues such as foreign policy, economic development, judiciary matters, and social justice. He is known for his bipartisan approach and dedication to finding common ground on key issues.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Committee on the Judiciary
Select Committee on Ethics (Chairman)

Political Positions and Legislative Work:

Bipartisanship: Known for working across the aisle on key issues. Ranked among the top three most productive senators by GovTrack.
Economic Development: Advocates for job creation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative.
Social Justice: Strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s health, and criminal justice reform. Supported the PRO Act to protect workers’ rights.
Healthcare: Opposed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and worked on legislation to combat the opioid crisis.
Foreign Policy: Active on issues of international development and human rights, chairing subcommittees related to these areas.

Senator Chris Coons is recognized for his pragmatic approach to governance, his commitment to bipartisanship, and his focus on addressing both local and national issues through collaborative efforts

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly

Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Select Committee on Ethics: Committee plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the Senate by ensuring that all members and staff adhere to the highest ethical standards. It operates with a bipartisan approach to uphold the ethical principles and accountability of the legislative body.

Voting patterns

Senator Coons has a voting record that highlights his commitment to bipartisanship, environmental protection, national security, and public health.

Key Voting Patterns:

Foreign Policy:

Diplomacy and Alliances: Coons is a strong advocate for robust international diplomacy and the maintenance of strong alliances. He supports measures to strengthen NATO, improve relations with global allies, and promote international cooperation.
Human Rights: Coons consistently votes for legislation that promotes human rights and democratic values worldwide. He supports measures to address human rights abuses and provide humanitarian aid.

Economic Policies:

Tax Reform: Coons supports progressive tax policies aimed at reducing income inequality. He has voted for measures to increase taxes on the wealthy and large corporations while providing tax relief for middle- and low-income families.
Job Creation and Infrastructure: Coons supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. He has voted for legislation to modernize transportation, broadband, and public utilities, which he believes will create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Coons is a strong supporter of the ACA and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. He advocates for measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve access to mental health services.
Public Health Initiatives: Coons supports increased funding for public health initiatives, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and preventive care.

Environmental Protection:

Climate Action: Coons supports aggressive measures to combat climate change. He has voted for legislation that promotes renewable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and invests in green technology. He supports rejoining the Paris Agreement and implementing policies to achieve net-zero emissions.
Conservation: Coons advocates for the protection and conservation of public lands and natural resources. He has supported measures that enhance conservation efforts and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Social Justice:

Civil Rights: Coons is a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He supports legislation to address systemic racism, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and promote gender equality.
Criminal Justice Reform: Coons supports criminal justice reform measures aimed at reducing mass incarceration, addressing police brutality, and promoting fair sentencing practices.

Education:

Funding and Support: Coons supports increasing funding for education at all levels. He has voted for measures to improve teacher salaries, expand access to early childhood education, and increase funding for vocational training programs.
Higher Education: Coons advocates for making higher education more affordable and accessible. He supports policies that reduce student loan debt and increase funding for scholarships and grants.

Immigration:

Comprehensive Reform: Coons advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protections for DACA recipients, and measures to improve the immigration system.
Border Security: While supporting humane treatment of migrants and refugees, Coons also emphasizes the importance of secure borders and effective immigration enforcement.

Senator Coons’ voting patterns demonstrate his dedication to bipartisan cooperation, environmental sustainability, national security, and public health. His legislative actions reflect his commitment to addressing both Delaware’s and the nation’s most pressing issues

Full Name: Thomas Richard Carper
Date of Birth: January 23, 1947
Birthplace: Beckley, West Verginia, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Tom Carper was born in Beckley, West Virginia, and grew up in Danville, Virginia. He attended Whetstone High School in Columbus, Ohio, and later graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1968. Carper served as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1973, including three tours of duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After active duty, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Captain in 1991. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Delaware in 1975.

Personal Life: Tom Carper is married to Martha Ann Stacy, and they have two sons. The family resides in Wilmington, Delaware. Carper is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through effective and collaborative legislation.

Early Career: Along with serving in the military, Senator Carper worked in Delaware’s economic development office after completing his MBA.

Tom Carper (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2001

Political Career:

State Treasurer of Delaware: Elected in 1976 and served three terms, during which he improved the state’s credit rating.
U.S. House of Representatives: Served as Delaware’s at-large representative from 1983 to 1993. During his tenure, he focused on fiscal responsibility, economic development, and education.
Governor of Delaware: Served two terms from 1993 to 2001, focusing on balanced budgets, tax cuts, employment growth, and reducing state debt.
U.S. Senate: Elected in 2000, re-elected in 2006, 2012, and 2018. As a senator, Carper has focused on issues such as environmental protection, healthcare, fiscal responsibility, and government efficiency. He is known for his bipartisan approach and efforts to find practical solutions to complex problems

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Environment and Public Works (Chairman)
Committee on Finance
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Legislative Achievements:

Environmental Protection: As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Carper has championed legislation to address climate change, reduce emissions, and promote clean energy. He supports measures to protect air and water quality and conserve natural resources.
Healthcare: Carper is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked to expand access to healthcare, reduce costs, and improve quality. He advocates for measures to lower prescription drug prices and enhance preventive care.
Economic Development: Carper focuses on policies that promote economic growth and job creation. He supports tax reform, infrastructure investment, and measures to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Homeland Security: As a member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Carper has worked on legislation to enhance national security, improve cybersecurity, and ensure efficient government operations.
Transportation: Carper advocates for robust investment in transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail networks. He supports policies that promote sustainable transportation and reduce congestion.

Senator Carper has been a steadfast figure in Delaware politics, known for his dedication to environmental issues, healthcare, and economic policy. His long career includes significant contributions both as a governor and a senator, consistently working towards bipartisan solutions for the benefit of his state and the nation.

Committees

Environmental and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.

Voting patterns

Senator Carper has a voting record that reflects his commitment to progressive values, including environmental protection, healthcare, economic policies, homeland security, and transportation infrastructure.

Key Voting Patterns:

Environmental Protection:

Climate Action: Carper supports aggressive measures to combat climate change. He has voted for legislation that promotes renewable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and invests in green technology. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, he has championed policies to protect air and water quality and conserve natural resources.
Conservation: Carper advocates for the protection and conservation of public lands and natural resources. He supports measures that enhance conservation efforts and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Carper is a strong supporter of the ACA and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. He advocates for measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve access to mental health services.
Public Health Initiatives: Carper supports increased funding for public health initiatives, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and preventive care.

Economic Policies:

Tax Reform: Carper supports progressive tax reforms aimed at reducing income inequality. He has voted for measures to increase taxes on the wealthy and large corporations while providing tax relief for middle- and low-income families.
Job Creation and Infrastructure: Carper supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. He has voted for legislation to modernize transportation, broadband, and public utilities, which he believes will create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Homeland Security:

National Security: As a member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Carper has worked on legislation to enhance national security, improve cybersecurity, and ensure efficient government operations.
Border Security: Carper supports measures to secure the borders while also advocating for humane treatment of migrants and refugees. He supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Transportation:

Infrastructure Investment: Carper advocates for robust investment in transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail networks. He supports policies that promote sustainable transportation and reduce congestion.
Public Transit: Carper supports increased funding for public transit systems to improve accessibility and reduce environmental impact.

Social Justice:

Civil Rights: Carper is a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He supports legislation to address systemic racism, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and promote gender equality.
Criminal Justice Reform: Carper supports criminal justice reform measures aimed at reducing mass incarceration, addressing police brutality, and promoting fair sentencing practices.

Senator Carper’s voting patterns reflect his dedication to environmental sustainability, economic stability, and bipartisan legislative efforts, aiming to address both local and national issues effectively.