Chris Coons: “I rise in support and recognition of the tireless efforts of my friend and colleague from West Virginia. We were sworn…”

“I rise in support and recognition of the tireless efforts of my friend and colleague from West Virginia. We were sworn in the same day, moments apart, and we were sworn in by a man who held this seat and this desk for 36 years. Born in Scranton, PA, Joe Biden, our Vice President, served Delaware for 36 years. I know Joe and I know one of the things he tirelessly fought for, and that was the working men and women of this country--just like my colleague from Missouri, who speaks from the desk long held by Harry Truman and in whose honor she spoke about our keeping our promises that date back to a law passed by this Congress and signed into law by Harry Truman that promised pensions and health care to 100,000 coal miners. I too have to keep faith with my predecessor in this seat, Joe Biden, and our neighboring State to the north, Pennsylvania; my great and good friend, Joe Manchin from West Virginia; Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota; and many others who have spoken before me and simply say: I understand that large, complicated appropriations bills never include every item that every Member wants. I wanted a provision that would help a manufacturing company in my State, the 48 ITC provision. The investment tax credit would help keep a company that manufactures fuel cells in my State alive and running.…”