Chris Coons

The reason our federal judicial system exists is for the resolution of wrongs and for controversies.

Presidential appointments and lifetime tenure insulate judges from political influence.

I certainly agree, as a number of witnesses have suggested, that we can and should do more to fill the existing vacancies.

I would like to enter into the record a statement from Senator Leahy, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, on the Federal Judgeship Act of 2013.

Senate advice and consent helps guarantee judicial competence.

America's federal courts serve as a model for courts and judicial systems around the world.

I have never frankly seen a greater level of public engagement on an issue since, frankly, the healthcare reform debate of 2009.

I do think it's possible for us to take action that reinforces a global red line against chemical weapons use, but to still continue to strengthen and broaden our engagement with the opposition in a way that moves toward a post-Assad Syria…

Our actions here are not just meant to deter Assad, but to send a strong message to Pyongyang, to Tehran, to non-state actors around the world.

I think the authorization of the use of force, I think the commitment of Americans' military strength is one of the most important issues that we will ever debate in this Congress.

I believe it is up to us to ensure that our vast supply of energy of all types, but, in particular for me, of renewable types, is a vital part of that equation.

Address barriers to industry progress and pass Senator Moran's and Senator Coons's MLP Parity Act

The MLP Parity Act, co-sponsored by Senators Coons, Moran, Stabenow, and Murkowski, would open up MLPs to renewables and other kinds of energy projects.

As you know, Senator Coons, when you invest enormous amounts of dollars in R&D, you do not know where they are going to lead.

I think that you see that some of the SSOs are looking at transfer obligations.

I am very pleased to chair this nomination hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations' Committee Subcommittee on African Affairs for Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

Federal Defenders will be bearing the brunt of the shortfall.

How we solve our budget challenges has real implications for how we also continue to deliver on our fundamental commitment to justice.

I leave this hearing today deeply concerned about how the sequester is impacting justice in the United States.

Congress' disappointing inability so far to responsibly replace the sequester and save the courts from these Draconian cuts is eroding our constitutional rights.

Broadly speaking, America's judiciary stands as a shining example of the genius of our founders.

I fear that continued, sustained, and indiscriminate cuts to discretionary Federal spending could push us to a point of crisis.

The Federal courts' sequestration effects are having true implications for the people's right under the Constitution.

The sequester is slowing the pace, increasing the cost, and potentially eroding the quality of the delivery of justice in our country.

I think the longer delays there are, the more that happens.