Mr. President, I rise today to speak about my friend and colleague Lindsey Olin Graham. Now, some watching might be surprised that I would describe T5Lindsey Graham as my friend, but those who know me and know the 16 years I have spent here know that Lindsey and I traveled the world together, legislated together, served together, fought for our Nation together. We had our ups and downs. We certainly had our disagreements, and I will tell a few quick stories, if I might, in his memory.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+16$2.6M raised
Christopher Coons
Senator · Delaware · Democrat
Christopher Coons
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, all of us who hold the office of Senator know that we really only succeed in our service to the States which we represent because of the tireless dedication of the men and women who make up our teams, back home where we are from and here in Washington, DC. While we may be the face or the voice on television--it is our name on the bills; it is our name on the door--it is really the folks who make up our teams that make it possible for us to make a difference every day for the people we represent. I am blessed to represent a million Delawareans.
Mr. President, 50 years ago this Saturday, our Nation celebrated its bicentennial--its 200th anniversary of that day on the 4th of July, in 1776, when a group of Delegates from around the then- Thirteen Colonies gathered to declare their independence from Great Britain. This coming Saturday, July 4, 2026, I will once again be gathering with a whole group of friends and family in the small town of Hockessin, DE, where I celebrated our bicentennial. In 1976, we had what some might think of as a sad small gathering that celebrated the Fourth of July. It wasn't huge.
Biography
Christopher Coons began his career as a legal counsel for a nonprofit, focusing on humanitarian issues before entering public service. Elected to the U.S. Senate for Delaware in 2010, he prioritizes bipartisan cooperation on judicial nominations, strengthening American manufacturing, and combating climate change. Coons has played a central role on the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees and co-authored legislation supporting domestic semiconductor production. He is known for building consensus across party lines to deliver practical results for Delawareans.
Education
- M.A.R., Yale University, New Haven, CT1992
- J.D., Yale University1992
- B.A., Amherst College, Amherst, MA1985
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2010–PresentSenator from Delaware. 3 terms.
County Executive, New Castle County
2005–10Associate (legal Counsel), W.l. Gore & Associates
1996–2004President, New Castle County Council
2000–04
Policy Focus
International Affairs12%
Commerce8%
Labor and Employment4%
Energy3%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Christopher Coons's record in Congress.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Helped negotiate and pass the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, securing major investments in roads, bridges, and broadband.
Global Vaccine Access
Led efforts to secure billions in U.S. funding for global COVID-19 vaccine distribution through the COVAX initiative.
Manufacturing USA Program
Championed legislation to expand federal support for advanced manufacturing innovation hubs across the United States.
STEM Education Funding
Secured increased federal funding for STEM education and workforce development programs, benefiting Delaware schools and students.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Select Committee on EthicsVice Chairman
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Senate Committee on Appropriations
Sen. Christopher Coons FAQ
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