{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"TN\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/voting-increase-direct-payments-coronavirus-relief", "Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many constituents received my end-of-year postcard in the mail. The card featured a powerful photograph of the airport by Memphis photographer Jeffrey Jacobs but the artist was not properly credited as he is here. Thanks to Mr. Jacobs for such fine work representing our city.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I voted to increase economic impact payments under our coronavirus relief measure passed earlier this month from $600 to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per couple and $2,000 for each dependent). I voted to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides assistance to Vietnam-era victims of Agent Orange and mandates the removal of names that honor the Confederacy from military installations; offered some guidance about the new coronavirus vaccines; appeared on national television to discuss the relief bill and the horrific bombing on Second Avenue in Nashville; and announced a significant sickle cell research grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Override Presidential Veto of the Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\tOffering Guidance about Access to Coronavirus Vaccine\n\t\t\t\tAddressing Relief Bill and Nashville Bombing on MSNBC\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing a Significant Grant for Sickle Cell Research to St. Jude\n\t\t\t\tWishing Everyone a Happy New Year 2021\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, the House convened to pass a bill increasing direct payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000 under the coronavirus relief measure that passed both Chambers last week to deal with the pandemic and its dire financial consequences. This means that those eligible will receive $2,000 for each person, including children and non-child dependents. Democrats have consistently pushed for larger relief checks, but Republicans refused to accept it before voting for the original bill. It remains unclear at the moment whether the Senate will take up this crucial bill. It would have been nice if the President had been more engaged in the negotiations in the weeks leading up to the relief bill's passage, and had let us know his position, so that this relief could have reached millions before the holidays. I think we're all looking forward to a more competent and coherent response to this crisis under President Biden.\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Override Presidential Veto of the Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\tEarlier this month, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act, a bipartisan measure containing vital provisions for our service members, supporting Vietnam-era veterans dealing with exposure to Agent Orange, authorizing a $2 million multi-drone intelligence program that will be housed at the University of Memphis and beginning the process for removing the names of Confederate officials in the Civil War from our military installations, among its important provisions. It also includes paid parental leave for federal civilians and a 3 percent wage increase for service members. The President vetoed the measure over misguided objections to the Confederate names provision, among others, and the House overwhelmingly overrode that veto Monday night on a 322 to 87 vote. The law will pass once the Senate takes a similar override vote.\n\t\t\t\tOffering Guidance about Access to Coronavirus Vaccine\n\t\t\t\tWith more than 336,000 of our fellow Americans dead from the coronavirus and cases surging, particularly in Tennessee, I urge everyone to be especially vigilant as winter weather forces us to retreat indoors. The bright spot on the horizon is the eventual availability of effective vaccines, now rolling out to health care workers, first responders, those 18+ who cannot live independently and elderly residents of long-term care facilities. Memphians who believe they qualify in the current phase should contact the Shelby County Health Department at 901-222-9000. Please consult the Tennessee Department of Health's website here for the very latest on vaccination protocols and availability and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's FAQs here if you have questions about the vaccines themselves. Though taking a vaccine is not a cure, it is one of the most important steps we can take as a community to end this devastating pandemic.\n\t\t\t\tPlease continue to observe CDC guidelines, including wearing masks, keeping a safe social distance from others, avoiding crowds and foregoing holiday parties. We can see a better future. Let's get there together.\n\t\t\t\tAddressing Relief Bill and Nashville Bombing on MSNBC\n\t\t\t\tOn Sunday morning, I went on MSNBC to talk about the prospects for passing the bill providing $2,000 coronavirus relief checks and, sadly, the Christmas Day suicide bombing that shook Nashville. See my remarks during that appearance here.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing a Significant Grant for Sickle Cell Research to St. Jude\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital received a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health for sickle cell disease research. See that release here.\n\t\t\t\tWishing Everyone a Happy New Year 2021\n\t\t\t\tMany are expressing relief that this terrible year is coming to a welcome end. We have all endured unexpected disappointments large and small in 2020 but there are good reasons to be hopeful about 2021, not least the vaccine and a more thoughtful and compassionate leader in the White House. I wish everyone a delightful, safe and prosperous New Year.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week \n\t\t\t\tCheers for a New Year and another chance to get it right.  Oprah Winfrey.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-grant-st-jude-sickle-cell-research", "Congressman Cohen Announces Grant to St. Jude for Sickle Cell Research", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $733,558 grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for research on sickle cell disease.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nSickle cell diseasedisproportionately affects Black Americans, and I'm pleased St. Jude's researchers' and scientists' efforts will continue to advance the important work being done to understand and eventually eradicate this disease.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-override-presidential-veto-defense-spending", "Congressman Cohen Votes to Override Presidential Veto on Defense Spending", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today joined his colleagues in a bipartisan vote overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure contains vital provisions for our service members, addresses Vietnam-era veterans dealing with exposure to Agent Orange, and begins the process for removing the names of Confederate officials in the Civil War from our military installations, among its important provisions.\nThe vote, which required a two-thirds majority, was 322 to 87.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nEarlier this month, I voted for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and today I voted to override the President's misguided veto of this critical measure. The bill, which will become law if a similar override vote passes the Senate, has language that authorizes a $2 million multi-drone intelligence program that will be housed at the University of Memphis.The bill also removes all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. It also includes paid parental leave for federal civilians, a 3 percent wage increase for service members, substantial funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and parts of my Artificial Intelligence Careers Act to improve Artificial Intelligence education and preparedness for the workforce.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-provide-2000-relief-checks", "Congressman Cohen Votes to Provide $2,000 Relief Checks", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Cash (CASH) Act, increasing from $600 to $2,000 ($4,000, up from $1,200, for joint filers) the direct relief checks to be provided to eligible individuals under the coronavirus relief portions of the Fiscal Year 2021 Omnibus spending bill passed in both Houses last week. Dependents in each household would also receive $2,000 under the new measure. The measure phases out payments for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000 or $150,000 for couples.\nToday's bill incorporates the direct payment figure level for individuals originally proposed by Democrats that Republicans refused to support.\nThe vote was 275 to 134.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nAt this difficult time for so many Americans, it is important that we provide them with adequate financial aid which in turn should help our foundering economy. While the additional federal supplement to state unemployment payments in the original bill may have a more immediate impact, this increase in direct payments to most Americans is a significant improvement. It would have been nice if the President had been more engaged in the negotiations over the past several weeks, and had stated his position before the original bill passed, so that we could have provided this assistance to those in need sooner.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-senators-support-disaster-declaration-following-nashville-bombing", "Cooper, Senators Support Disaster  Declaration Following Nashville Bombing", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE  Yesterday Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) along with Tennessee's two U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn, sent a letter to President Trump asking him to approve Governor Bill Lee's disaster declaration for Tennessee.\nOn Christmas morning a bomb detonated in downtown Nashville, causing personal injury and damage to several downtown structures. Cooper, Alexander, and Blackburn all signed thisletter in support of the declaration.\nNashvillians are grateful for the quick action by Governor Lee to request an emergency declaration to the President, Rep. Jim Cooper said. If approved, funding will start flowing to our damaged city.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-1-8-million-fema-funding-safe-room-belle", "Congressman Cohen Announces $1. 8 Million in FEMA Funding for Safe Room at Belle Forest High School", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County Schools have received a $1,847,530 grant from the Department of Homeland Security and its Federal Emergency Management Agency to construct a safe room at Belle Forest High School. The grant will go toward the design and construction of a tornado safe room on the campus of Belle Forest High School. When school is in session, the safe room will be able to protect 1,187 students and 118 staff members of the school, for a total of 1,305 occupants. When school is not in session, it will provide protection to residents located within a half-mile radius of the school.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThe Mid-South region gets more than its fair share of serious storms and tornadoes, so this is money well spent in an investment in our students' and our community's safety.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-12-million-early-head-start-funding-porter", "Congressman Cohen Announces $1.2 Million in Early Head Start Funding to Porter-Leath", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Porter-Leath Inc. will receive a $1,235,346 grant to operate its Early Head Start Programs in Shelby County from the Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased that Porter-Leathwill be receiving this Early Head Start funding to helpensure young children in our community are ready for kindergarten. In August, I announced another significant grant to Port-Leath's Head Start Programs, preparing slightly older children for school. Early Head Start provides essential preparation forShelby Countychildren whoneed help to prepare both academically and socially for an increasingly complex world. This new and significant funding is an investment inour community.\nPorter-Leathhas served the Memphis community for more than 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families. Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Children Services, Porter-Leathoffers residential, foster care, and adoption services alongside numerous other forms of assistance for families.\nThe Administration of Children and Families partners with local providers to address and respond to the needs of vulnerable families, while the Office of Head Start allocates grant funding to 1,700 nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services. Both organizations emphasize inclusive and holistic early development programs in order to better communities across the United States.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-research-funding-st-jude", "Congressman Cohen Announces Research Funding for St. Jude", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $209,791 grant from the National Cancer Institute for research on tumor DNA.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased to see St. Jude is receiving this important cancer research grant which will both improve the quality of life for young patients and keep the hospital at the forefront of critical work in this field.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-congratulates-two-newest-tva-board-members", "Congressman Cohen Congratulates Two Newest TVA Board Members", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today congratulated former Tennessee General Assembly Speaker Beth Harwell and Eastern Tennessee State University President Brian Nolan on their Senate confirmations as the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThese are first-rate appointments to the TVA board and I congratulate them both. I served with Beth Harwell in the General Assembly and found she served honorably as Speaker of the House. I have great faith in her ability and integrity. I've known Dr. Nolan for many years and have found him to be one of the most outstanding state employees I've ever worked with. As a state Senator, he was my right arm in crafting the lottery education program. There's not a better public employee.\nIt remains an unfortunate fact that the Board lacks an African American member, an oversight that I hope will be rectified in the near future.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-coronavirus-relief-and-fiscal-year-2021-spending", "Congressman Cohen Votes for Coronavirus Relief and Fiscal Year 2021 Spending", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for the Omnibus Appropriations bill containing full-year funding for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2021, and including $900 billion in much-needed coronavirus health and economic relief for millions during the first weeks of the Biden Administration. The bill contains in its entirety the Airport Readiness Act (AIR) Act which the Congressman introduced. The measure also includes major wins for Memphis, including the transfer of flood control obligations from the City to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an airport funding formula assuring a solid support for Memphis International Airport.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nMy constituents know that the coronavirus health and economic relief established in this bill is long overdue. Much of its contents were in a House measure approved months ago. Nonetheless, I'm pleased it will begin flowing so that it can provide some measure of holiday cheer. The new year, and the new Biden Administration, provide reason for optimism on both the health and economic fronts.\nI am hopeful that the relief elements of the bill, including a renewed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans, will be administered in keeping with the spirit of these times and go to the industries most affected, including small and minority-owned businesses. I'm pleased funding is specifically targeted to the restaurants, entertainment venues and movie houses that I have been calling for.\nI'm pleased that my language, worked out in collaboration with the City of Memphis, is in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) contained in this measure, transferring the cost and obligation of Memphis flood control from the City to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I'm also glad it contains the Airport Readiness (AIR) Act that I introduced with Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, that ensures that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calculates Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement grants based on Fiscal Year 2018 or 2019 enplanements, rather than on Fiscal Year 2020 enplanements, which are expected to be significantly lower due to the coronavirus pandemic.\nAltogether, this bill is a welcome resolution of many complex issues just in time for the new year.\nIn addition to the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bills, the spending package approved by the House today contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Among its provisions, the bill provides:\n Billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus;\n\t$13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis;\n\tA new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child;\n\tA $300 per week in unemployment insurance benefit enhancements for Americans out of work;\n\t$82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open; An additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus;\n\t$284 billion for first- and second-round forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, including key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants;\n\t$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions;\n\t$1.7 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and certain other institutions; and\n\t$25 million for the Minority Business Development Centers program under the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-secures-critical-funding-east-tennessee", "Fleischmann Secures Critical Funding for East Tennessee", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Chuck Fleischmann", "F000459", "fleischmann.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) released the following statement applauding the House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021:\n\nI am proud to have secured critical funding for East Tennessee in my role on the House Appropriations Committee. From the Chickamauga Lock, to the Oak Ridge Reservation, and the Chattanooga Federal courthouse I will never cease fighting for East Tennessee's priorities, Fleischmann continued. I am also glad to see funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic included in this package of legislation. This funding will help the students, families, front-line medical workers, and small businesses who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nBackground: \n\nEast Tennessee: \n Full funding for Chickamauga Lock\n\tFull funding ($750M) for the Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12\n\tStrong overall support for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including HFIR and SNS, supercomputing, and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility\n\tStrong funding to continue nuclear cleanup at the Oak Ridge Reservation (over $440M total)\n\tSecures funding for multiple public-private partnerships in the energy space\n\t$25 million and report language in Fish and Wildlife Service to control Asian carp, including $3 million for contract fishing\n\tFunding for the Federal courthouse in Chattanooga, TN\n \nCombating COVID-19: \n Supporting our Working Families and Students\n\t\t$600 stimulus checks per individual/child ($1200 per married couple)\n\t\t\tCapped at $75,000 gross adjusted income per individual ($150,000 for married couples)\n\t\t\n \n Providing Relief to our Small Businesses\n\t\tProvides over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program\n\t\t\tCreates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 dollars\n\t\t\tAllows employers to deduct PPP related businesses expenses\n\t\t\tRepeals CARES Act provision that requires PPP borrowers to deduct their EIDL advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount\n\t\t\tExtends the repayment period of deferred payroll taxes through December 31, 2021\n\t\t\tPenalties and interest on deferred unpaid tax liability will not accrue until January 1, 2022\n\t\t\n \n Producing and Distributing a Cure\n\t\tNearly $20 billion for the production of vaccines and therapeutics, covering the cost for everyone who needs it\n\t\t\t$8.75 billion for distribution of vaccines. This includes cold chain, advance freezers, and supporting state efforts\n\t\t\t$3 billion for the national stockpile\n\t\t\n \n Protecting our Physicians\n\t\tMany of our physicians expected to see payment reductions in 2021. (This is the E&M code issue that many specialty physicians have been concerned about.) We prevent at least 2/3 of these cuts from going through by establishing:\n\t\t\t\tA three-year delay of a new add-on code that reduces reimbursement to specialty providers\n\t\t\t\t\tA $3 billion across the board increase in physician payments in 2021\n\t\t\t\t\tThree additional months of Medicare sequester relief\n\t\t\t\t\tWays to allow more providers to access Alternative Payment Model bonuses, giving physicians added incentives to provide high-quality and cost-efficient care\n\t\t\t\t\tAn additional $20 billion distribution from the Provider Relief Fund to help doctors who have had to reduce services\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-vote-continuing-resolution", "Congressmen Cohen to Vote for Continuing Resolution", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will vote for tonight's Continuing Resolution to provide an additional 24 hours for finalizing the compromise negotiators have achieved, and made the following statement:\nI'm pleased that we have been able to reach a compromise and give the American people some relief, which many deserve at the end of this dystopian year. This bill will provide holiday money and perhaps belated holiday cheer to the millions we know are suffering from the combined effects of this ongoing health and economic crisis. Of course, we know that this aid would have been much sooner in coming if the Scrooge-like, Republican-led Senate had been willing to act, as the House did, months ago. This much-needed measure is long overdue.\nA vote on the compromise bill is expected sometime Monday.\nAs part of the agreement, Democrats have secured provisions that include:\n \nAccelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\t\nEnds surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care.\n\t\nStrong support for small business: Democrats secured critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants,and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\t\nCommunity Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions: The agreement includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID19 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities. \n\t\nRental assistance: Democrats secured $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\t\nStrengthens the Low Income Housing Tax Credit: The package enhances the LIHTC to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects.\n\t\nDirect payment checks: Democrats secured a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. \n\t\nStrengthened Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit: The agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families.\n\t\nSupports paid sick leave: The agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework.\n\t\nEmployee Retention Tax Credit: The agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue.\n\t\nEnhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Democrats averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\n\t\nNutrition assistance for hungry families: Democrats secured $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure.\n\t\nEducation and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n\t\nHistoric expansion of Pell Grants: The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit.\n\t\nBroadband access: The agreement invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic.\n\t\nFights the climate crisis: The agreement includes sweeping clean energy reforms, R&D enhancements, efficiency incentives, and extends clean energy tax credits to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the clean economy. The package also phases out superpollutant HFCs, positioning the U.S. to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming.\n\t\nWRDA: The agreement includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, creating good-paying jobs strengthening and improving the vital water infrastructure that Americans rely on while unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.\n\t\nGlobal Health: Democrats secured an additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/awaiting-vote-much-needed-coronavirus-relief", "Awaiting Vote for Much-Needed Coronavirus Relief", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I monitored negotiations for a new coronavirus relief bill and learned this evening that they will continue into the weekend. Although it will be quite late for many enduring the pains of this pandemic and its economic fallout, I'm hopeful that I can vote for a compromise that will ease the suffering of many during the holidays. I also mourned the passing of the Reverend James L. Netters Sr., a giant of Civil Rights and a great, open-minded leader of the Memphis community. I was pleased to vote for and see the House pass the bill I introduced with CongressmanDanny K. Davis to study Rosenwald Schools to begin the process of creating a national park celebrating the 5,300 communities where Julius Rosenwald's philanthropy advanced opportunities to educate Black students in the rural South; commendedMemphis native Derek Fordjour for his phenomenal successes in the art world; welcomed William Barr's resignation from the Department of Justice, who I have called the worst U.S. Attorney General in American history; congratulated the Congressional App Challenge winners Jayda Murray, Anaya Murray and Johnathan Sherrill; announced a major grant to Shelby County's Head Start programs; announced a grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; offered U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 calendars; and provided a weekly health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tAwaiting Vote for Much-Needed Coronavirus Relief\n\t\t\t\tRemembering the Reverend James L. Netters Sr.\n\t\t\t\tAdvancing Rosenwald Schools Toward National Park Recognition\n\t\t\t\tCommending Acclaimed Memphis Native Artist Derek Fordjour\n\t\t\t\tWelcoming the Resignation of the Worst Attorney General \n\t\t\t\tCongratulating the Ninth District Winners of the Congressional App Challenge\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Major Grant to Shelby County Head Start Programs\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Vision Research Grant to UTHSC\n\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 Calendars\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAwaiting Vote for Much-Needed Coronavirus Relief\n\t\t\t\tWe have been waiting far too long for Congressional negotiators to produce a coronavirus relief package, and it looks like we will go into the weekend hoping for a compromise to address the suffering of so many during the holidays. I will keep you apprised of progress. I look forward to the start of the 117th Congress in a few weeks and a more robust and coherent response to the ongoing health and economic crisis.\n\t\t\t\tRemembering the Reverend James L. Netters Sr.\n\t\t\t\tI was saddened to learn on Sunday of the passing of the Reverend James Netters, a giant of Civil Rights and an open-minded and influential leader in our community. I extend my condolences to his family, friends, the Mount Vernon Baptist Church community, and many admirers. His was a life well-lived. See my statement to the press here and my remarks in The Congressional Record here.\n\t\t\t\tAdvancing Rosenwald Schools Toward National Park Recognition On Thursday, the House passed my bill, introduced with Congressman Danny Davis of Illinois, to study the Rosenwald Schools throughout the rural South built by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald to provide opportunities for Black students, and a plan to link them in a future national park. See my release on the bill's passage here and my remarks in The Congressional Recordhere.\n\t\t\t\tCommending Acclaimed Memphis Native Artist Derek Fordjour\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I commended Memphis native Derek Fordjour for his recent streak of notable achievements in the art world. Mr. Fordjour's painting Rhythm and Blues (above) recently sold at auction for $410,000, with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In November, his work was highlighted in The New York Times. See that article here. And he was recently featured as a rising star in the New York art world on CBS News. See that here. It is spectacular what Mr. Fordjour does with his depictions of Historically Black College and University marching bands and other deeply layered masterpieces. I recently spoke with former Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Director Kaywin Feldman, now the Director of National Gallery of Art in Washington, about displaying the work of this rising star in the nation's capital. I'm sure our new Vice President Kamala Harris would appreciate seeing his painting of the marching band from her alma mater, Howard University, at the National Gallery. So would I.\n\t\t\t\tWelcoming the Resignation of the Worst Attorney General \n\t\t\t\tOn Monday night, I released a statement as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, welcoming the resignation of William Barr, whom I referred to as the worst Attorney General in our nation's history. As many of you know, I have been seeking to impeach Barr for quite some time and am pleased to see the chicken has gone home to roost. See my statement here.\n\t\t\t\tCongratulating the Ninth District Winners of the Congressional App Challenge\n\t\t\t\tI congratulate Congressional App Challenge First Place winners Jayda Murray, the team leader from Faith Heritage Christian Academy; Anaya Murray of Homeschool Academy; and Johnathan Sherrill of Power Center Academy for their innovative app design. I'm proud that we have such talent in the Ninth Congressional District. Their app, Walk in My Shoes: Raising Awareness and Change, is thought-provoking and I expect all three will have bright futures. I want to offer an additional congratulations to Johnathan and Jayda for their acceptance into TED-ED Student Talks program and Raising Good Gamers Organization. Keep up the good work!\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing $12.8 Million Grant to Shelby County Head Start Programs\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I announced the Shelby County Board of Education will receive a $12.8 million grant for its Head Start programs. This is an investment in our community's future we can all support. See my release here.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Vision Research Grant to UTHSC\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a significant grant for vision research. See that release here.\n\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 Calendars\n\t\t\t\tMy office will have a limited number of 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tI'm sorry I must make the same recommendation again as coronavirus cases continue to reach new levels in Tennessee and around the country: Please stay home. The holidays will be different this year, but there's no way to avoid that. Please heed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, keep your distance from others, particularly when you're indoors, and avoid crowds. Assume those not in your regular bubble are infected, and stay safe.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week \n\t\t\t\tIn this battle for the soul of America, democracy prevailed. We the people voted. Faith in our institutions held. The integrity of our elections remains intact.And so, now it is time to turn the page. To unite. To heal.  President-elect Joe Biden after the Electoral College confirmed his victory Monday night.\n\t\t\t\tI want to wish all my friends and constituents a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-davis-applaud-house-passage-rosenwald-schools", "Congressmen Cohen and Davis Applaud House Passage of the Rosenwald Schools Study Act", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS -- CongressmenSteve Cohen (TN-09)andDanny Davis (IL-07), who co-introduced H.R. 3250,the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Study Act,last June, applauded its passage by the House this afternoon by a vote of 387 to 5.\nThe measure begins the process of establishing a national historic park to honor the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald, a successful entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist who made lasting contributions to the advancement of African American education during the twentieth century. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois introduceda companion measure in the Senate.\nRosenwald established the Julius Rosenwald Fund that partnered with local communities to create more than over 5,300 schools in the rural South to address the lack of education for African Americans. The Rosenwald Fund also supported the early NAACP cases that eventually led toBrown v. Board of Education of Topeka,ending the separate but equal doctrine and segregation in public schools. The fund also supported a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Fisk, Dillard, and Howard.\nThe esteemed contralto singer Marian Anderson, discriminated against in the Jim Crow South, won a prestigious Julius Rosenwald Fellowship that allowed her to tour Europe, entertaining heads of state, making headlines in American newspapers and creating Marian Mania around the world. Returning to the United States, she was invited by President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to play the White House in 1936 and, famously, sang My Country'Tisof Thee from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday 1939 after being denied the stage of the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall by segregationists.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nJulius Rosenwald was a visionary philanthropist whose altruism and philosophy of giving embodied the Jewish concept oftzedakah social justice and charity to those in need. He partnered with African American communities across the South to help build schools for children with limited access to good public education. At one time, one-third of all Black students in the rural South received their education in a Rosenwald School. It is my hope that the study called for in this bill will ultimately lead to a national historical park linking still-standing Rosenwald schools and calling lasting national attention to Mr. Rosenwald's legacy. This is a history worthy of celebration.\nCongressman Davis made the following statement when he introduced the bill in June:\nJulius Rosenwald was an astute business executive, philanthropist, leader, and humanitarian. I know the importance of the work that he did with education in the rural South. Many of the small towns where African Americans lived during his time had no school at all and, if they had one, it only went to the sixth or eighth grade. I began school in a one room schoolhouse with one teacher. Although I did not attend a Rosenwald school, I know the impact of their presence.As one who has lived in and represents the area where Sears Roebuck was headquartered, I understand the importance of his influence on the cultural and economic development of his presence in Chicago and throughout the world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-environmental-groups-release-report-on-tn-impact-of-withdrawal", "Cooper, Environmental Groups Release Report on  TN Impact of Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), along with Climate Nashville, Nashville Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club Middle Tennessee Group, The Nature Conservancy  Tennessee Chapter, Tennessee Conservation Voters, and the Tennessee Environmental Council released a report on the impacts of President Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.\nThe report, put together by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, revealed that over the next five decades nearly 80,000 premature deaths and almost 70,000 visits to the emergency room could be prevented in Tennessee.\nI am confident President-Elect Biden will keep his promise and the U.S. will rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement in 2021, Rep. Jim Cooper said. It was reckless and irresponsible to leave the Agreement and we will be spending decades trying to reverse the impact on our climate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DABE269F-3222-4B2D-B613-999D8D07FE6D", "Alexander: There is No More Widely Respected and Experienced Federal Prosecutor in East Tennessee Than Chuck Atchley", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 17, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement afterhe voted for andthe Senate confirmedby a vote of 54 to 41ChuckAtchley to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee:\r\nChuck Atchley's roots in East Tennessee go back to 1785 when Thomas Atchley settled in what is now Sevier County, and he has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee.\r\nHe has tried more than 100 cases andhas served asthe First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. I have spoken to all of the judges in the Eastern District, and they all gave him high recommendations. Mr. Atchley is ready to be a federal judge, and I am glad the Senate voted to confirm him today.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-128-million-shelby-county-head-start", "Congressman Cohen Announces $12.8 Million for Shelby County Head Start Programs", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Shelby County Board of Education will receive a $12,829,760 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to operate its Head Start programs.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased to see this significant funding, which will help young children in our community gain access to the skills and resources they need to thrive. Disadvantaged children need early help to navigate an increasingly competitive world, and Head Start provides that help in a safe place for them to learn and interact during their formative years.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CD04806-79AC-4223-A1B5-8C000928AFDE", "Alexander: Katherine Crytzer is Second Woman to Be U.S. District Court Judge for Eastern District of Tennessee", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 16, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement afterhe voted for andthe Senateconfirmed by a vote of 48-47 Katherine Crytzerto serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee:\r\nI am glad the Senate voted to confirm Katherine Crytzer today to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge. Ms. Crytzer is an East Tennessee native and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, summa cum laude. She has served for the last six years at the Justice Department and is currently the Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy. Before that, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Ms. Crytzeris nowthe second woman to be a federal district judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee,and I know she will serve all Tennesseans well.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CAF3CBBB-E299-4189-96D5-B75EA3540790", "Alexander: FDA Approval of Reliable, Low-Cost, At Home Diagnostic Test is A Genuine Breakthrough in COVID-19 Testing", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 15, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Ellume's new over-the-counter, at-home diagnostic COVID-19 test:\r\nThis is a genuine breakthrough in COVID-19 testing. A low-cost, reliable test that can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription and taken at home in 15 minutes. This is the result of the extraordinary efforts of the National Institutes of Health's Shark Tank,' or RADx initiative, which has produced 22 new ways to create tens of millions of diagnostic tests in the last 8 months.\r\nAlexander and Senate health appropriations committee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) led an effort in April to pass funding for the competitive Shark Tank at NIH so it could workin coordination with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the private sector to fast track new technologies designed to produce tens of millions of tests.\r\nMore about Ellume's test,accordingto NIH:\r\nTwo unique test cartridges contain a single-use, digital fluorescent immunoassay antigen test that returns accurate results in 15 minutes or less. One cartridge testing nasal swabs can be read out on two platforms by healthcare professionals, at the point of care or in laboratory settings for higher throughput. A second cartridge is being developed for home use with a self-administered nasal swab.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-vision-research-grant-uthsc-0", "Congressman Cohen Announces Vision Research Grant to UTHSC", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHISCongressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will receive a $380,000 grant from the National Eye Institute for retina research.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased that our Memphis medical school will continue its important work in vision research with this grant funding.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-calls-barr-worst-attorney-general-american-history", "Congressman Cohen Calls Barr the Worst Attorney General in American History", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, made the following statement after hearing that Attorney General William Barr has resigned:\nIt is poetic justice that the man who subjugated himself and his office to this President won't finish out his term. His efforts to inflate the powers of the presidency weren't enough to satisfy Trump and he has embarrassingly had to leave office prematurely. Barr has been the worst Attorney General in American history, beginning his tenure by misleading the American people about the contents of the Mueller report, delaying its release and redacting critical parts and then ignoring lawful Congressional subpoenas.\nBarr for a long time refused to appear before the Judiciary Committee and, when he did, he was sullen and dismissive. He also helped give false credence to the idea that mail-in voting was dangerous, fomenting disunity and damaging democracy.\nBarr also pummeled the First Amendment by paving the way for peaceful protestors to be violently removed from Lafayette Park so that Trump could walk to St. John's Church and conduct a publicity stunt with a Bible.\nFor all of these reasons, I introduced H. Res. 1032 on June 30 to begin impeachment proceedings against Barr.\nHis tenure has been divisive, dangerous and beyond improper. However, his departure does leave me concerned that an even more craven sycophant could open the country to more treachery in the closing days of the Trump presidency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E76550CF-E892-4F91-BAB7-8F80B53476FB", "Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 14, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the presidential election:\r\nThe presidential election is over. States have certified the votes. Courts have resolved disputes. The electors have voted. I hope that President Trump will put the country first, take pride in his considerable accomplishments, and help president-elect Biden get off to a good start. Especially during this pandemic, an orderly transition of power is crucially important.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-reverend-james-netters", "Congressman Cohen Remembers Reverend James Netters", "2020-12-13", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after learning of the passing of longtime pastor and civic leader the Reverend James Netters.\nMemphis has lost a giant. The Reverend James Netters was a giant in the pulpit as a stand-up pastor and in our community where his friendships and influence knew no limits. In 1968, he was one of the first three Black City Council members and later served as a community liaison for Mayor Wyeth Chandler and as an open-minded civic leader for the rest of his life. There was not a prejudiced bone in his body. I valued his friendship and his solid support, particularly in my campaigns for Congress. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the Mount Vernon Baptist Church community. He led an exemplary life and will be missed.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AD39D739-2D02-401B-863C-3FD77C172759", "Alexander Statement on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 11, 2020 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech:\r\nProducing a 95 percent effective vaccine in 8 months instead of the 8 years it often takes is truly a medical miracle. Each of us should be grateful to the scientists in pharmaceutical companies and the federal government who produced this result,boththe Trump Administration for leading it and Congress for funding it.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/planning-vote-new-coronavirus-relief-bill", "Planning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I monitored negotiations for a new and much-needed coronavirus relief bill before the end of the year. I urged negotiators to assist state, local and Tribal governments by extending the deadline for spending funds already appropriated, and I also asked them to prevent the President from falsely claiming credit for any future Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks. I also voted for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that will transfer the City of Memphis' flood control responsibilities to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes paid parental leave, considerable funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a pay increase for service members and priorities for Memphis; introduced a bill addressing childhood obesity; questioned a State Department expert about the rise of anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe; discussed the abuse of the presidential pardon power on national television; reminded constituents of the December 15 deadline for signing up for 2021 health plans at Healthcare.gov; offered U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 calendars; announced a significant medical training grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; and offered a coronavirus-specific health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tPlanning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill\n\t\t\t\tTransferring Memphis Flood Control to the Corps of Engineers\n\t\t\t\tVoting for Defense Bill Containing Memphis Priorities\n\t\t\t\tIntroducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act\n\t\t\t\tQuestioning Expert on the Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe\n\t\t\t\tDiscussing Abuses of the Presidential Pardon Power\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents of December 15 Healthcare.gov Deadline\n\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Medical Training Grant to St. Jude\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPlanning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill\n\t\t\t\tThis week, Speaker Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Senate Majority Leader McConnell appeared to come closer to a coronavirus relief agreement before the holidays and the formal transition to the Biden Administration to meet the immediate, critical health care and financial needs of millions. As negotiations continued, I wrote letters asking that the end-of-year deadline for spending funds already committed under previous relief bills be extended and urged negotiators to prevent President Trump from putting his name on future Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks as he did to advance his political standing, probably illegally, earlier this year. See the releases and those letters here and here.\n\t\t\t\tTransferring Memphis Flood Control to the Corps of Engineers\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I voted for the annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that included my provision, developed in collaboration with the City of Memphis, to transfer the city's flood control obligations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. See my release on the measure here.\n\t\t\t\tVoting for Defense Bill Containing Memphis Priorities\n\t\t\t\tAlso Tuesday, I voted for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with language that authorizes a $2 million multi-drone/multi-sensor intelligence program that will be housed at the University of Memphis.The bill also removes all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity, includes paid parental leave for federal civilians, a 3 percent wage increase for service members, substantial funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and parts of my Artificial Intelligence Careers Act to improve Artificial Intelligence education and preparedness for the workforce.\n\t\t\t\tIntroducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I introduced the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act to address childhood obesity, which remains a serious and persistent problem in Tennessee and across the country. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey introduced the companion measure in the Senate. See our release here.\n\t\t\t\tQuestioning Expert on the Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, as a senior member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, I participated in a hearing on U.S. priorities and questioned a senior State Department envoy about the rise of anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe. See my release and the exchange with the witness here.\n\t\t\t\tDiscussing Abuses of the Presidential Pardon Power\n\t\t\t\tOn Sunday, I appeared on MSNBC with Alex Witt, who asked me about my recent CNN opinion columnon my concerns about the President's past and potential abuses of the Constitutional pardon power. See that interview here.\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents of December 15 Deadline for Healthcare.gov\n\t\t\t\tThe Healthcare.gov open enrollment period began November 1 and will end this upcoming Tuesday, December 15th. It is important for you to review your options during this period. If you are on Medicare or if your employer offers qualified health insurance in which you are enrolled, you're already covered and won't need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren't sure whether or not you should use the Marketplace to get insurance, call the Marketplace Hotline at1-800-318-2596, visitwww.Healthcare.gov,or you can always call my office at (901) 544-4131.You can also call either of these numbers to find out ifTennCare(Tennessee's Medicaid program) is a coverage option for you.During this devastating pandemic, health coverage is more important than ever, and I have worked to expand access to affordable and comprehensive health care. Iwill continue to urgeGovernor Lee to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which wouldextend life-savingcoverage to thousands of Tennesseans.\n\t\t\t\tOffering 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\tMy office will have a limited number of 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please call my office at (202) 225-3265. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing a Significant Training Grant to St. Jude\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I announced a graduate medical training grant for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. See the details in my release here.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tThis week, in addition to calling attention to alarming rates of coronavirus spread in Tennessee and repeated daily death records in our country, I want to reiterate a serious recommendation: stay home if you can. The holidays won't be the same this year, which is regrettable, but it's the reality of our situation. Our emergency rooms and intensive care units are being overwhelmed with thousands hospitalized in Shelby County with this virus right now. Our health care workers are working tirelessly and we can support them by staying home and following the recommended precautionary measures to stay healthy. Please follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and keep your distance from others, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when indoors and around strangers. It is best to assume those around you are infected, so be safe, and we'll get through this.\n\t\t\t\tQuotes of the Week\n\t\t\t\tI don't want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny -- Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry and Smear.\" Senator Margaret Chas Smith of Maine, June 1, 1950.\n\t\t\t\tMy parents would bring me to protests strapped tightly in my stroller, and my mother, Shyamala, raised my sister, Maya, and me to believe that it was up to us and every generation of Americans to keep on marching. She'd tell us Don't sit around and complain about things; do something.' So I did something. I devoted my life to making real the words carved in the United States Supreme Court: Equal justice under law.  Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-s-flood-control-bill-set-to-become-law", "Coopers Flood Control Bill Set to Become Law", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This week the House passed a final bill with language originally introduced by Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) that would expedite a feasibility study of Old Hickory Dam and Cordell Hull Dam, both upstream of Nashville, to include flood risk management as one of their authorized purposes.\nA decade ago, all of Nashville - East, West, South, and North Nashville - suffered a devastating flood, costing more than two dozen lives and billions of dollars in damages, Rep. Jim Cooper said. To mitigate the chance of future flooding we need to allow the two Army Corps of Engineers-operated dams that are directly upstream from Nashville, namely Old Hickory and Cordell Hull, to be used for flood risk management. Contrary to common sense these dams today may not be used for flood control, even in emergencies, unless they have previously been congressionally authorized to do so.\nThe language was included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which is the omnibus legislation authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works activities. The House passed its original version in July; the Senate now needs to pass the final bipartisan agreement, which is expected, before sending the bill to the President's desk for his signature.\nCooper previously thanked Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chair Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) for their efforts on this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=322E9872-8799-497F-A665-E0A733623A23", "Alexander: Senate Approves Pay Raises, Better Training, More Equipment for Troops", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 11, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after he voted for and the Senate passed by an overwhelming vote of 84-13, the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which establishes the nation's military spending priorities for troops, including those at Fort Campbell, and supportsimportantU.S.Department of Energy national security programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.\r\nFor the last 60 years, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which prioritizes the men and women who serve in our armed forces, Alexander said. This year's defense bill authorizes pay raises for troops at Fort Campbell and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington and makes important investments in research and development of new technology that will help discourage Russian and Chinese aggression, and allow our military to deal with new and emerging threats. This bill will also authorize funding for advanced equipment to help ensure the men and women of the armed forces have the tools they need to protect American interests at home and abroad.\r\nAlexander continued, This legislation will also strengthen our national security by supporting important programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge to help modernize and maintain our nuclear weapons arsenal.\r\nTheHouse of Representatives passed the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act on Tuesday by a vote of 335 to 78.\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act authorizes$740.5billionto fundtheU.S.Department of Defense andtheDepartment of Energy, which includes the following priorities:\r\n \r\nA3.0percent pay increase for members of the military, including troops at Ft. Campbell.\r\n$26.6 billionforU.S.Department of Energy national security programs, which support critical work at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.\r\nStrengthens our national security by authorizing funds for nuclear weapons modernization, replacement of our strategic missile submarines, and environmental cleanup.\r\nProvidesnearly $107 billion for science, technology and research programs, includingfunding for hypersonics programs, like ones carried out at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma.\r\nCreates a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative to discourage growing Chinese aggression and continues support for U.S. military forces stationed in Europe to counter Russian aggression.\r\nReaffirms U.S. commitments to allies across the globe, including NATO and Israel.\r\nProhibits transferring detaineesat Guantanamo Bay to the United States.\r\nSupports development ofadvanced equipment to help ensure the men and women of the armed forces have the tools they need protect American interests abroad and work with our allies to defeat ISIL, al Qaeda, and other violent extremist organizations.\r\nCreatesmore employment opportunities for military spouses by supporting the creation of interstate compacts and helping military spouses get re-certified or re-licensed in their occupation if they move to a different state.\r\nBuilds on previous reforms tothe private military housing program to ensure that our service members and their families have access to safe and affordable housing and that there is proper oversight of government contractors.\r\nAuthorizes the transfer of land at the Milan Army Ammunition plant to the City of Milan and to the University of Tennessee\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=977077A7-C4B2-41DC-A03F-4305672ABEB6", "Congressional Committee Leaders Announce Surprise Billing Agreement", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, key House and Senate Committee leaders announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills and establish a fair framework to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and health insurance companies.\r\nThe deal was agreed to by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA).\r\nWe have reached a bipartisan, bicameral deal in principleto protect patients from surprise medical bills and promote fairness in payment disputes between insurers and providers, without increasing premiums for patients or interfering with strong, state-level solutions already on the books, the bipartisan, bicameral Committee leaders said. Under this agreement, the days of patients receiving devastating surprise out-of-network medical bills will be over. Patients should not be penalized with these outrageous bills simply because they were rushed to an out-of-network hospital or unknowingly treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility. This is a win for patients and their families that will improve America's health care system.\r\nWe are pleased to share this language for stakeholder feedback and look forward to continuing to work together to finalize and attach this important new patient protection to the end-of-year funding package. We're hopeful this legislation will be signed into law in the coming days so we can give Americans confidence they will no longer receive financially ruinous surprise out-of-network medical bills.\r\nThe bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:\r\n \r\nHolds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.\r\n \r\n \r\nProhibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.\r\n \r\n \r\nUnder the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.\r\n \r\n \r\nIf the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.\r\n \r\n \r\nFollowing an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.\r\n \r\n \r\nEmpowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.\r\n \r\nAs part of the legislative agreement, the package includes a long-term extension of expiring public health programs, including: Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs.\r\nLegislative text is available HERE.\r\nSection-by-section is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-reiterates-call-help-states-tribes-and-local", "Congressman Cohen Reiterates Call to Help States, Tribes and Local Governments Access Desperately Needed Funds", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today sent a letter to coronavirus relief negotiatorsexpressing his supportfor an extension of the December 30, 2020 spending deadline for financial assistance to states, tribes and local governments.\nThe letter reads in part:\nUnfortunately, the deadline to use CRF payments is fast approaching, and anyunusedfunds will have to be returned if unspentbyDecember 30, 2020a mere21daysfromtoday.According to the most recentreportfrom the Department of the Treasury, less than 25 percent of the $142 billionin funds for state and local governments have been spent.In fact, due to a wide range ofchallengingcircumstances,from pandemic-relatedconstructiondelaysand supply chain constraintsto the TreasuryDepartment's onerousprogramrequirements, severallocal officials haveindicatedthat there is simply not adequate time to plan and spend their allocated funds.Moreover, notall jurisdictions were afforded timely and equal access to their allocations.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-coronavirus-relief-negotiators-keep-trump-s-name", "Congressman Cohen Urges Coronavirus Relief Negotiators to Keep Trumps Name Off  Economic Impact Payment Checks", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to House and Senate negotiators considering a possible coronavirus relief bill, urging them to include language that would keep President Trump's name from appearing on a second round of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) stimulus checks. A similar prohibition was included in the Heroes Act that passed in May.\nThe letter reads in part:\nAs our nation dipped into the worst recession since the Great Depression, the economic impact payments authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided vital assistance to hundreds of millions of Americans. However, in an overtly political and unprecedented move, the president had his name printed on the payments. While he was not legally able to sign the checks, his signature was included in the payments' memo' section. This was the first time in history that a president's name appeared on an IRS disbursement check, whether refund checks or other stimulus checks that have been mailed during past economic crises.\nBesides increasing confusion and misinformation about the origin of the checks, this move likely constituted a criminal violation of the Hatch Act. It is illegal for any elected official to usegovernment employees and property to promote their own reelection. By having his signature appear on the checks, the President blatantly used taxpayer dollars for his own publicity in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign. This kind of self-serving, self-promoting behavior cannot be allowed ever again.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=15DF514A-B5D9-4FCC-8889-561CB338597E", "Alexander: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Nominations of Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer to Serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 10, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of ChuckAtchleyand Katherine Crytzer to serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee:\r\nChuckAtchley has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee. I am confident he will serve the Eastern District well.\r\nIf confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Crytzer will be the second woman to be a federal district judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. She also will serve Tennessee and the country well.\r\nThere are currently two vacancies in the Eastern District of Tennessee and caseloads are rising quickly. The Senate should confirm judicial nominees with good character, good temperament, high intelligence, and a high respect for the law. Mr.Atchleyand Ms. Crytzer possess these qualities, and I urge the Senate to promptly confirm them both.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-and-senator-booker-introduce-reducing-obesity-youth", "Congressman Cohen and Senator Booker Introduce Reducing Obesity in Youth Act", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey introduced a companion bill in the Senate to address the epidemic of childhood obesity in America. The measure, the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act, has implications for the future health of these children and has a bearing on future national health care costs and national security.\nToday, one in three American teens and children are overweight or obese, placing them at risk of a host of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI have been disheartened that Tennessee has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. The national childhood obesity rate is dangerously high but, in recent years, Tennessee has trended even higher than the national average. These already challenging circumstances have only been exacerbated by the ongoing public health crisis, which has had serious impacts on the health and well-being of children and families. Fortunately, research has shown that early childhood is an important time for developing positive dietary and physical activity behaviors. I am pleased to partner with Senator Booker to introduce the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act that would encourage and support these positive behaviors. The House and Senate bills being introduced today would create a competitive grant program to incentivize the development of earlier health and nutrition education environments for our children. We have to help our children get healthy starts so they can lead healthy lives.\nSenator Booker made the following statement:\nWe know that the choices our children make in their earliest years when it comes to healthy eating and exercise will impact them throughout their lives. This bill will empower communities to work together to prevent childhood obesity and help our children build lifelong healthy habits.\nThe Reducing Obesity in Youth Act would create a grant program to assist in the development of healthier early care and education environments to improve healthy eating and physical activity among children from birth through 5 years of age.\nThe bill has been endorsed by the Nemours Children's Health System.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-training-grant-st-jude", "Congressman Cohen Announces Training Grant for St. Jude", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $164,718 grant from the Department of Health and Human Service's graduate medical training program.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nUnderwriting graduate medical training supports our medical professionals and strengthens research capabilities at St. Jude. This grant will improve our medical infrastructure and support important jobs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-s-taxpayers-right-to-know-act-headed-to-president-s-desk", "Coopers Taxpayers-Right-to-Know Act Headed to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE  Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) along with Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-7) announced their bipartisan Taxpayers-Right-to-Know Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement that will be heading to the President for his approval.\nEarlier this year, the House passed the Taxpayers-Right-to-Know-Act and it has been introduced by Cooper for several Congresses. The House has passed the bill in four straight Congresses, but it will pass the Senate for the first time once the Senate officially passes the final defense agreement, which is expected. President Trump has threatened to veto the NDAA, so it is still uncertain if the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act will finally become law.\nThis is a commonsense bill that both the House and Senate should have agreed to years ago. But hope springs eternal and I'm glad the fifth time is the charm, Rep. Cooper said. We've got to take steps to spend money where it's needed most. In a pandemic, with record unemployment, we need to know where funds are going  and what should be redirected.\nThe amount of wasteful spending black holes across the federal government are endless. That's why we need to shine a light on and streamline these duplicative programs, said Rep. Walberg. Our bipartisan bill establishes a transparent accounting system so federal agencies can be a better steward of taxpayer dollars. Rep. Cooper and I have collaborated on this bipartisan effort for several years, and I'm pleased it has passed the House as part of this defense legislation.\nThe Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act requires federal agencies to report on their federal program activities and provide that information to the Office of Management and Budget to be published online as a complete inventory of the federal government's programs.\nThis information would be updated regularly and posted online in a searchable format. The Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act will allow policy makers to identify areas of duplication and overlap to eliminate waste and inefficiency and provide transparency to taxpayers about how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-vote-transfer-memphis-flood-control-us-army", "Congressman Cohen Applauds Vote to Transfer Memphis Flood Control to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today was pleased to see the Water Resources Development Act pass the House, a measure which includes his language transferring the operation and maintenance of the Memphis flood control system to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Worked out in collaboration with the City of Memphis, the change is consistent with the Corps' Mississippi River and Tributaries Project management of other flood control systems in the lower Mississippi River Valley that protect communities from devastating flooding.\nMemphis is currently the only city along the Lower Mississippi River that owns, operates and maintains the structural systems that provide protection from Mississippi River floods.\nThe measure passed by voice vote. \nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nProtecting communities against flooding is a national priority and should be handled as a national responsibility. I'm pleased the Army Corps of Engineers will now manage our massive flood control system as part of its nationwide program. This long-overdue change is consistent with the Corps' approach to flood mitigation elsewhere along the Lower Mississippi, and ensures flood control efforts and expenses fairly reflect national priorities.\nMemphis' flood control system includes 17,089 feet of flood wall, 5.5 miles of levees, 27 enclosures, and seven pumping stations along the flood backwaters of the Mississippi River-Wolf River-Nonconnah Creek Backwater Flood Control System. These flood control structures protect some of the city's most cherished assets, such as the world-renowned St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Bass Pro Shops flagship facility at the Pyramid,a major Tennessee Valley Authority power plant and many large industrial operations as well as major interstate railroad facilities.\nAt the bill markup in July, Congressman Cohen spoke in favor of the measure. See those remarks here.\nThe overall Water Resources Development Act, typically passed every two years with bipartisan support, continues the tradition of addressing the local water resources needs of our nation in a predictable and transparent process, as well as ensuring that Congress exercises its constitutional oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-focuses-anti-semitism-helsinki-commission-hearing", "Congressman Cohen Focuses on Anti-Semitism at Helsinki Commission Hearing", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Discusses Hungary and Coded Speech with State Department Witness\nMEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today participated in a hearing on U.S. Priorities for Engagement at the OSCE, and focused his questions on anti-Semitism and the situation in Hungary.\nCongressman Cohen asked Ambassador Philip T. Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, about ongoing flare ups of anti-Semitism in Europe and in Hungary, in particular.\nSee Congressman Cohen's exchange with Ambassador Reeker here.\nAt the conclusion of his questioning, Senator Ben Cardin, the Organization for Security and Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly's (OSCE PA) Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance, noted that the situation in Hungary has been a growing concern, and thanked Congressman Cohen for his line of questioning.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-again-expresses-concern-over-treasury-secretary", "Congressman Cohen Again Expresses Concern over Treasury Secretary Mnuchins Oversight of Paycheck Protection Program Loans", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today read with concern press accounts suggesting that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were directed to the tenants of properties owned by President Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner and renewed his request to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for details on PPP loans and loan forgiveness.\nTwenty-five loans worth $3.65 million reportedly went to Trump or Kushner property tenants to pay for rent (to Trump and Kushner properties).\nCongressman Cohen has written three letters  on September 11, September 28, and November 20 -- seeking answers after learning of Treasury plans to offer blanket loan forgiveness for recipients of assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program despite findings by both the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service of egregious instances of fraud.\nSee the Congressman's letters here, here and here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-emergency-eviction-enforcement-act", "Congressman Cohen Introduces the Emergency  Eviction Enforcement Act", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act of 2020 to protect vulnerable tenants from evictions during a public health crisis.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nOur efforts in the CARES Act to prevent evictions during the ongoing pandemic begin to expire at the end of the year and it is critical that we address the issue. This is when the experts tell us we could face the worst of the pandemic. Congress needs to send a clear signal that during national emergencies, no one can be removed from his or her home without full judicial review. Landlords cannot take things into their own hands.\nThe Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act of 2020 would prevent landlords from effecting evictions by: \n \nCreating a private right of action in federal court against landlords for housing tenants who were evicted without a duly issued court order during a national emergency or public health emergency. To deter this conduct, successful plaintiffs would be entitled to treble (3x) damages.\n \n \nCreating a federal crime to prevent an eviction of a housing tenant without a court order during a national emergency or public health emergency.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-letter-urging-extension-funding-minority", "Congressman Cohen Leads Letter Urging Extension of Funding for Minority Business Development Agency Centers", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Chairs of the Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science asking them for their continued support for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) business centers and extended funding through September 30, 2021. Without an extension, businesses centers across the country will shutter on March31, 2021when their five-year grants expire.\nThe letter reads in part:\nWe cannot afford to lose this economic lifeline. Minority-owned businesses employ more than 6.3 million people and generate over $1.8 trillion in annual revenue. They have a significant impact on the national economy that only continues to grow over time. However, minority-owned businesses also face unique challenges that non-minority-owned businesses are less likely to encounter. For instance, banks and investors are less likely to offer loans or investments to minority-owned businesses. The average loans the firms receive are also smaller and charge higher interest rates. Because of the massive racial wealth and income gap, minority business owners also have less access to the informal networks that businesses traditionally rely on for pursuing opportunities. The economic disadvantages of minority communities also reduce the sales and opportunities for businesses that operate in them. The pandemic has only further exacerbated these inequalities.\nThe following House members joined Congressman Cohen in signing the letter: Dwight Evans from Pennsylvania, Joyce Beatty from Ohio, Danny K. Davis from Illinois, Adriano Espaillat of New York , Raul M. Grijalva from Arizona, Henry C. Hank Johnson Jr. from Georgia, Barbara Lee from California, James P. McGovern from Massachusetts, Jerry McNerney from California, Eleanor Homes Norton from Washington, D.C.,Donald M. Payne Jr. from New Jersey, Jamie Raskin from Maryland, and Dina Titus from Nevada.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-more-act", "Congressman Cohen Votes for the MORE Act", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and a longtime member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today voted for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The bill would also establish a method of expunging criminal records for marijuana-related offenses which are often an impediment to employment.\nThe vote on passage was 228 to 164.\nIn a statement released after the vote, Congressman Cohen said:\nThis landmark legislation is long overdue.It will de-schedule marijuana, provide expungement for previous offenders, clarify that those previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses would be eligible for federal benefits, and will establish an excise tax system on marijuana to invest in communities disproportionately affected by our failed marijuana policy.\nI have been working on this issue since I was first elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1982. In this Congress, I have sponsored the CARERS Act, to provide legal certainty for those using medicinal marijuana allowed under state law, and the Fresh Start Act which provides a pathway for expungement for these types of offenses.\nThe history of marijuana as a Schedule-1 drug is one full of bias and discrimination.This policy has served its racist purposes, targeting communities of color and disproportionately incarcerating people of color. \nThe War on Drugs has been a resounding failure, especially regarding cannabis.About 700,000 Americans each year are arrested for cannabis-related offenses.Despite similar usage rates, there are nearly four Black Americans arrested for cannabis offenses for every white American. In my district, the situation is even worse. According to a 2013 ACLU study, in Shelby County, 83.2 percent of people arrested for marijuana possession were Black, which the report cited as one of the highest county-level statistics in the nation. These arrests and convictions have long term impacts. Those with criminal records are limited from receiving federal benefits including SNAP, housing benefits, and Pell Grants. Our policy is exactly backward.We should be supporting those susceptible to substance abuse, not punishing them.\nThis bill rights an historic wrong and invests in the communities most harmed. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill. I thank Chairman Nadler for his leadership on this important issue.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expresing-concern-over-presidents-past-and-potential-abuse-pardon", "Expresing Concern over the President's Past and Potential Abuse of the Pardon Power", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I expressed concern over the President's past and anticipated abuse of the pardon power and urged my colleagues and the American people to consider my proposed Constitutional amendment to limit potential misuse. I also began preparing for the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine with cautionary guidance to my constituents that availability for Americans who are not on the front lines of this pandemic is still several months off. I also voted for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating federal criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures, distributes or possesses marijuana. I sponsored legislation to prohibit evictions without a court order during a national emergency. I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and the Appropriations Committee urging an extension of funding for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers. I was saddened to learn that Terri Freeman will be stepping down as President of the National Civil Rights Museum and wish her all the best. Also this week, I joined my colleague, Don Beyer of Virginia, in writing to the Administration to urge it to abandon plans to liquidate specialized, unarmed planes that are used to enforce provisions of the Treaty on Open Skies; reminded constituents of the fast-approaching December 15 deadline for signing up for affordable health insurance at Healthcare.gov; offered 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars; announced a significant job-training grant for food service workers; and provided a coronavirus-specific health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Concern Over the President's Past and Potential Abuse of the Pardon Power\n\t\t\t\tPreparing for the Phased Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines\n\t\t\t\tVoting for Marijuana Legal Reforms\n\t\t\t\tProhibiting Self-Help Evictions\n\t\t\t\tWriting in Support of Extending Funding for MBDA Business Centers\n\t\t\t\tWishing National Civil Rights Museum President Terri Freeman Well \n\t\t\t\tWriting to Urge the President to Abandon Plans to Hobble Open Skies Enforcement\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents of December 15 Deadline for Healthcare.gov \n\t\t\t\tOffering 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing a Significant Job-Training Grant\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Concern Over the President's Past and Potential Abuse of the Pardon Power\n\t\t\t\tFollowing the President's self-serving pardon of his first National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, who lied to the FBI about his contact with Russians, I reminded my colleagues and the press that I first introduced a Constitutional Amendment in October 2017, and again in the current Congress, to limit any President's pardon power and to prohibit its use for himself, his family and others. See an opinion column on the issue I wrote for CNN on Thursday here. As a young lawyer and Vice President of the Tennessee Constitutional Convention in 1977, I proposed a reform of the Governor's pardon power during a period of pardon abuse by then-Governor Ray Blanton. I have a long history of advocacy on this issue and hope it will be addressed at the federal level soon.\n\t\t\t\tPreparing for the Phased Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines\n\t\t\t\tWe have all heard the good news about progress with COVID-19 vaccines, but we have to be patient and realistic about how soon we can expect vaccinations for the general population to be available. The rollout will be implemented in phases and based on scientific criteria, beginning with front line health care workers. My Congressional web page will always have the latest updates, and I will keep you informed as more details around the vaccination logistics become available.\n\t\t\t\tVoting for Marijuana Legal Reforms\n\t\t\t\tEarlier today, I voted to pass the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, effectively eliminating federal criminal penalties. It also sets up a system for expungement of criminal records for marijuana-related offenses that are often an impediment to employment, housing, education, and accessing federal benefits. In Shelby County, the vast majority of those arrested for cannabis-related offenses are African Americans. The bill also sets up an excise tax for cannabis products and uses those proceeds to invest in the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs, particularly communities of color, and promote diversity in the cannabis industry. As a longtime advocate of sensible marijuana reform laws, I'm pleased this long-overdue measure has passed the House. See my release and statement here.\n\t\t\t\tProhibiting Self-Help Evictions\n\t\t\t\tEarlier today, I sponsored the Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act of 2020, which would prevent self-help evictions during national emergencies. Federal and state evictions protections are expiring right as we expect the worst of the COVID epidemic. This legislation would keep people in their homes by stopping landlords from taking it upon themselves to remove tenants. See my release on the measure here.\n\t\t\t\tWriting in Support of Extending Funding for MBDA Business Centers\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I wrote a letter to Speaker Pelosi and the Appropriations Committee chairs to request an extension of funding for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers. The business centers operate on five-year grants that expire on March 31, 2021. Withoutan extension, the business centers would close on March 31 and minority-owned businesses would be left without services or support during an historic crisis that threatens to shutter thousands of minority-owned businesses, which have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I secured the establishment of the MBDA Business Center in Memphis and want to make sure it has the adequate time and funding to help our minority-owned and small businesses. See the letter here.\n\t\t\t\tWishing National Civil Rights Museum President Terri Freeman Well \n\t\t\t\tTerri Freeman has done an exceptional job as President of the National Civil Rights Museum, and I was sorry to see Thursday's announcement that she will be stepping down. During her tenure, the NCRM commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., showcasing the masterfully curated museum to an international audience. She also helped affiliate the museum with the Smithsonian Institution and its traveling exhibits. I congratulate her on a job well done and wish her all the best.\n\t\t\t\tWriting to Urge the President to Abandon Plans to Liquidate Open Skies Enforcement Aircrafts\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I joined my friend Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) in writing the President and urging him not to liquidate the aircraft that make enforcement of the Treaty on Open Skies possible. See my release and the letter here.\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents of December 15 Deadline for Healthcare.gov \n\t\t\t\tThe Healthcare.gov open enrollment period began November 1 and will end on Tuesday, December 15th. It is important for you to review your options during this period. If you are on Medicare or if your employer offers qualified health insurance in which you are enrolled, you're already covered and won't need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren't sure whether or not you should use the Marketplace to get insurance, call the Marketplace Hotline at1-800-318-2596, visitwww.Healthcare.gov,or you can always call my office at (901) 544-4131.You can also call either of these numbers to find out ifTennCare(Tennessee's Medicaid program) is a coverage option for you.During this devastating pandemic, health coverage is more important than ever, and I have worked to expand access to affordable and comprehensive health care. Iwill continue to urgeGovernor Lee to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which wouldextend life-savingcoverage to thousands of Tennesseans.\n\t\t\t\tOffering 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\tMy office will have a limited number of 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar,please call my office at (202) 225-3265. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing a Significant Job-Training Grant\n\t\t\t\tAlso Monday, I announced that the Delta Regional Authority will provide a grant to ProGeny Place, a Memphis-based collaborative partnership, to train domestic violence survivors in the food-based manufacturing and distribution industry certification program at Southwest Tennessee Community College. See my release here.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tThis week, in addition to calling attention to alarming rates of coronavirus spread in Tennessee and a record number of daily deaths in our country, I want to make a serious recommendation: stay home if you can. The holidays won't be the same this year. That's regrettable but it's the reality. There are 2,413 people hospitalized in Shelby County with this virus right now. Please follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and keep your distance from others, wash hands frequently, and wear a mask when indoors and around strangers. It is best to assume those around you are infected, so be safe, and we'll get through this.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tEven after this office requested that President Trump try and quell the violent rhetoric being born out of his continuing claims of winning the states where he obviously lost, he tweeted out, Expose the massive voter fraud in Georgia.' This is exactly the kind of language that is at the base of a growing threat environment for election workers who are simply doing their jobs.  Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Wednesday.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-cohen-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-end-cruel-outdated", "Representative Cohen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Cruel, Outdated VA Cat Experiments", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today,Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Reps. Dina Titus (NV-1), Brian Mast (FL-18) and 18 other House colleagues in introducing the bipartisanCat Abuse in Testing Stops (CATS) Act to permanently end painful and unnecessary taxpayer-funded experiments on cats by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nAs a proud and longstanding member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in an effort to end these abusive, inhumane and often deadly practices. There are alternative effective methods for conducting this research without resorting to experiments on cats.\nThe CATS Act builds on other efforts to stop unnecessary VA animal testing. The FY20 VA spending bill enacted last year restricted funding for the VA's testing on cats, dogs, and primates, and requested a phase-out plan for the use of these animals. The FY21 VA appropriations bill passed by the House in July 2020 also included a measure to de-fund VA's dog testing.\nAs a State Senator, Congressman Cohen sponsored Tennessee's T-Bo Law, named in honor of his beloved dog, who was killed by a neighbor's larger dog. The T-Bo Law was the nation's first-ever law allowing for victims to recoup damages beyond property valuation stemming from cases of intentional or negligent acts resulting in the death of a companion dog or cat. Congressman Cohen has had three cat housemates.\nCongressman Cohen has been active in animal welfare issues since his days as a Tennessee state Senator. He currently has a 100 percent rating on his voting record on animal welfare issues from both the Humane Society of the United States and the Defenders of Wildlife.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=401ADB89-957F-40F8-9625-FF8CC93BF2E3", "Alexander Delivers Salute to Staff, Suggests New Senate Tradition", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickherefor video of the senator's remarks.\r\n\r\nI'm here today to make a Salute to the Staff' speech. And I know that my colleagues agree that their own accomplishments are the result of working with a superior staff so perhaps a Salute to the Staff' speech might become a new Senate tradition. In a farewell address yesterday I said that I wake up every day thinking I may be able to do something good for our country and that I go to bed most nights thinking that I have. It is has been a great privilege to be a United States Senator and it has been a great privilege over these 18 years to work with such an exceptional staff.  Senator Lamar Alexander\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, December 3, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said on the Senate floor that a Salute to the Staff speech should be a new Senate tradition, while praising the work of his superior staff over the 18 years of his Senate service.\r\nWe have some important traditions here in the Senate  including the maiden speech, which I made 17 years ago, and the farewell speech which I delivered yesterday, but for me, something is missing. So I'm here today to make a Salute to the Staff' speech. And I know that my colleagues agree that their own accomplishments are the result of working with a superior staff so perhaps a Salute to the Staff' speech might become a new Senate tradition,Alexander said.\r\nWhen I say superior staffhere's what I mean: Superior in being what Senator Howard Baker called an eloquent listener'  that the constituent on the phone line might be right  or that other staffer in the other office might be right,he continued.Superior in courtesy to the Tennesseans for whom we work. Superior in insight. Superior in resolving complex issues and wrapping up the result in a nice package ready for passage, which usually will be at some unexpected moment. And superior in writing and speaking plain English that persuades at least half the people we're right.\r\nAlso  superior in working well together so that we have a good time while we're working. Unlike almost every other Senate office, at the suggestion of my chief of staff David Cleary, we created a single team composed of personal office and committee staff, Washington D.C., and state staff.\r\nThe results have been exceptional.\r\nFor eighteen years, I've gotten up every morning thinking I will have the opportunity to do something good for our country and have gone to bed most nights thinking that I have. That could not have happened without an exceptional staff.\r\nAlexander continued,In 18 years, some 270 people have worked on my Senate staff  in Jackson, Nashville, the Tri-Cities, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or in Washington, D.C., in my personal office, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the Senate Rules Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee and while serving as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. 153 women and 117 men.\r\nOur offices have also benefitted from the work of 433 interns. Interns usually work for 1 to 3 months, and they can tell you have real work experiences while they're with us. Thirty of those staff members  that's more than 11 percent of our staff over 18 years  began as interns.\r\nOver those 18 years, our staff has experienced great personal joys: We've celebrated the birth or adoption of more than 30 babies; and just as I met my wife Honey while we were both working in the Senate, some of our staffers met their spouses while working on my staff. We have also experienced profound sorrows. And I have had the great fortune of having many staff members who have stayed with my office for a long time.\r\nAlexander referenced staff accomplishments in his personal office and while he was serving as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, ranking member of the Senate Rules Committee, chairman and ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\nAlexander concluded,To close, I'd like to thank the 270 staff members who have given time and energy to our office. There isn't time to recognize the accomplishments of each one by name but there are many, and I am grateful for each one. I've had the tremendous gift of working with a skilled and dedicated staff. Each person who has served in this office should be proud of what has been accomplished. I've been so fortunate to have you as part of my team.\r\nIn a farewell address yesterday I said that I wake up every day thinking I may be able to do something good for our country and that I go to bed most nights thinking that I have. It is has been a great privilege to be a United States Senator and it has been a great privilege over these 18 years to work with such an exceptional staff.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0362BF38-1386-4A21-B88C-164BB7CA23EE", "Alexander Farewell Address: More Than Ever, Our Country Needs the United States Senate to Turn Pluribus Into Unum", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It doesn't take a genius to figure out how to gum up the works of a body of one hundred that operates mainly by unanimous consent. Here's my view: it's hard to get here, hard to stay here, and while you're here, you might as well try to accomplish something good for the country. But it's hard to accomplish something if you don't vote on amendments. Lately, the Senate has become like joining the Grand Ole Opry and not being allowed to sing.  Sen. Lamar Alexander\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClickherefor the video of Sen. Alexander's farewell address.\r\nClickhereto read Sen. Alexander's farewell address.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON,December 2, 2020 In his farewell address on the Senate floor, United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today warned that ending the filibuster would destroy the impetus in the United States Senate to force broad agreements on hard issues and unleash the tyranny of the majority to steam roll the minority.\r\n\r\nPresidents would like it. They would get their way more easily if we ended the requirement that 60 senators vote to cut off debate before we vote on a legislative issue,Alexander said.The passions of the people would roar through the Senate like a freight train, like they do in the House of Representatives. But the main purpose of the Senate is to work across party lines to force broad agreements on hard issues  creating laws that most of us can vote for and that a diverse country will accept,he said.\r\n\r\nThat's why the motto above the presiding officer's desk is not just one word, pluribus.' It is E pluribus unum, out of many, one.' More than ever, our country needs a United States Senate to turnpluribusintounum, to lead the American struggle to forge unity from diversity.\r\n\r\nIn the 1930s, the country needed the Senate to create Social Security. After World War II, to create the United Nations. In the 1960s, Medicare. In 1978, to ratify the Panama Canal Treaty. In 2013, more recently, to tie interest rates for student loans to the market rates, saving student borrowers hundreds of billions of dollars in the last several years. In 2015, to fix No Child Left Behind. That bill had 100 alligators in the swamp. When President Obama signed it, he said it was a Christmas miracle' because in the end 85 senators voted for it. In 2016, as Senator McConnell mentioned, the 21stCentury Cures Act, moving medical miracles faster into patients' cabinets and doctor's offices. That bill went off the tracks every two or three days. In 2018, the once in a generation change in the copyright laws to help songwriters be fairly paid. This year, the Great American Outdoors Acteveryone agrees that it's the most important outdoor environmental bill in 50 years.\r\n\r\nEnacting these laws took a long time, much palavering, many amendments and many years. Too many years, civil rights leaders, patients, students, songwriters and conservationists would say. But those laws didn't just pass. They passed by wide margins. The country accepted them. And they are going to be there for a long time.\r\n\r\nAnd most of these laws were enacted during divided government, when the presidency and at least one body of Congress were of different political parties.Divided government offers an opportunity to share the responsibilityor the blamefor hard decisions, such as controlling the federal debt.\r\n\r\nAlexander continued,Now, some advocate another way to operate the Senate. End the filibuster, the Senate's best-known tradition. Don't worry about working across party lines. Pass everything with a majority vote.\r\n\r\nLet the passions of the people roar through the Senate.If you're a Democrat: Abolish right-to-work laws. Repeallimits on abortion. Pass restriction on guns.\r\n\r\nThis is very appealingif you are in the majority of the moment.\r\n\r\nBut what about when the other party is in charge and the freight train roars in the other direction, this time to impose National Right to Work, Pro Life and Gun Rights laws? \r\nIs such back and forth and back and forth what a fractured country really needs?\r\n\r\nThat is why the framers created the Senate, to be the cooling saucer for the passions that President Washington talked about. And the filibusterthe right to talk your head off until you force a broad agreementis the preeminent tool we use to force those passions into a compromise that most of us can vote for and that the country can live with.\r\n\r\nAlexis De Tocqueville, the young Frenchman who wandered through the United States in 1831 and 1832 and wrote the best book yet onDemocracy in America, saw two great dangers for the young country: Russia and the tyranny of the majority.\r\n\r\nEnding the filibuster would unleash the tyranny of the majority to steamroll the rights of the minority.\r\nAlexander continued,It doesn't take a genius to figure out how to gum up the works of a body of one hundred that operates mainly by unanimous consent. Here's my view: It's hard to get here, hard to stay here, and while you're here, you ought to try to accomplish something good for the country. But it's hard to accomplish something if you don't vote on amendments. Lately, the Senate has been like joining the Grand Ole Opry and not being allowed to sing.\r\n\r\nYou don't have to eliminate the filibuster to restore the Senate to its traditional role of working across party lines to solve big problems.We don't need a change of rules. The Senate needs a change of behavior. And the behavior that needs to change first is for individual senators to stop blocking amendments of other senators. If you are opposed to something, you ought to vote no. Why stop the entire body from considering the amendment? Why join the Grand Ole Opry if you don't want to sing? And I guarantee you that if 15 or 20 Republicans and 15 or 20 Democrats in this talented body set out to change that practice, it would change.\r\n\r\nAlexander concluded,Some former governors don't like being a senator. Not me. The jobs are just different. In both jobs you pick an urgent need, develop a strategy and try to persuade at least half the people you are right. Being governor is like being Moses. To get something done, you say, Let's go this way.' Being a senator is more like bring a parade organizer. You pick the route, recruit the marchers, select the music, and even pick someone else to be the drum major  and then you walk in the middle of the parade so the marchers don't march into the ditch. That's how you get things done in the United States Senate.\r\nMy favorite time as a senator has been inviting onto the Senate floor American history teachers who are attending the academies that were established in legislation proposed in my maiden address. Invariably one teacher will ask, Senator, what would you like us to tell our students about being a United States Senator?\r\nMy reply is always the same: Please suggest to your students that they look at Washington, D.C., as a split screen television. On one screen are the tweets and acrimonious confirmation hearings. But on the other screen, senators are working together to strengthen national defense, national laboratories, national parks and the National Institutes of Health.I hope you will remind them that we live in a remarkable country with the strongest military, the best universities and 20 percent of all the money in the world forjust 4 percent of the people. That we are not perfect, but, as our Constitution says, we are always working to form a more perfect union. As the political scientist Samuel Huntington wrote, most of our arguments are about conflicts among principles with which most Americans agree.And most of our politics is about disappointments in not reaching the high goals that we have set for ourselves, such as all men are created equal. Remind them that most of the rest of the world wishes they had our remarkable system of government and thatUnited States Senate has been, and I hope continues to be, the single most important institution that helps to unify our country by creating broad agreements that most of us can vote for and that the citizens of the United States will accept.\r\nAnd, finally, please tell them that I wake up every day thinking I may be able to do something good for our country and that I go to bed most nights thinking that I have. Please tell them that it has been a great privilege to be a United States Senator.'\r\n\r\nClickhereto read Sen. Alexander's farewell address.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-beyer-urge-trump-abandon-plan-liquidate-planes", "Congressmen Cohen and Beyer Urge Trump to Abandon Plan to Liquidate Planes Used in Open Skies Efforts", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Don Beyer (VA-08) today wrote to President Trump and urged him to abandon plans to liquidate the unarmed surveillance airplanes used to assure compliance under the 2002 Treaty on Open Skies. The Trump Administration announced that the U.S. would unilaterally withdraw from the agreement last week. Cohen and Beyer maintain the decision should be made by the next Administration and note that the Trump Administration did not comply with a required 120-day notice to Congress of plans to withdraw from the treaty.\nThe letter reads in part:\nThe Open Skies Treaty is an important agreement to try to prevent military confrontation and the U.S. has used these planes to carryout Open Skies flights.Removing them with no plans to buy new planes to replace them will put our county and national security at great risk.\nIt is difficult to avoid the conclusion that these decisions have only one potential beneficiary: Russia as it increases its interference with the nations on its western borders. Blinding our allies to attempted Russian aggression is harmful and dangerous. The decision to keep the OC-135Bs or to scrap them should be left to the next Administration.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-announces-delta-regional-authority-job-training-grant", "Congressmen Cohen Announces Delta Regional Authority Job Training Grant", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Delta Regional Authority will provide a $102,410 grant to ProGeny Place, a Memphis-based collaborative partnership, to train domestic violence victims in the food-based manufacturing and distribution industry certification program at Southwest Tennessee Community College. The grant is expected to train 20 people.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased the Delta Regional Authority is supporting this important training initiative by ProGeny Place, whose goal is to move more people into middle income jobs, and its Southwest Tennessee Community College partners. This collaborative partnership will create strong job opportunities and improve the quality of life for these trainees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=45BB711C-33C0-4C6B-8ADA-68289439406D", "Alexander: $6 Million for 50-75 Miles of Mountain Bike Trails in Cocke County", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Alexander joined Governor Bill Lee, Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-chair Tim Thomas, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe in Cocke County for today's announcement by the ARC.\r\n\r\nHARTFORD, Tenn., November 30, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said a $6 million federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to construct 50-75 miles of mountain bike trails in Cocke County will help encourage more people that visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to come through Cocke County.\r\n\r\nThis is a huge investment from ARC. Cocke County is one of the most economically distressed counties in Tennessee and this investment will help increase the tourism industry in Cocke County by bringing more of the 12 million visitors who come to Smokies each year and the 3 million visitors who come to the Cherokee National Forest each year to the area,Alexander said.This is a result of a three year effort to make better use of the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier and Cocke counties. The focus was about mountain bikes, and the best land for that in Cocke County turned out to be in the Cherokee National Forest instead of the Foothills Parkway. So, I'm thrilled about the 50-75 miles of new mountain bike trails in Cocke County in the Cherokee National Forest. I'm also glad we're also moving ahead with mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County. These new bike trails will help even more Tennesseans enjoy the outdoors.\r\n\r\nThis investment will benefit the people of Cocke County, TN, and all Americans who hope to experience the beauty and majesty of East Tennessee's rugged mountain landscapes for themselves,Tim Thomas, ARC Federal Co-Chairman, said.This project is a result of strong support from Senator Alexander, and is an example of his productive advocacy for Appalachian Tennessee throughout his storied career.\r\n\r\nAlexander joined Governor Bill Lee, Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger, Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-chair Tim Thomas, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe in Cocke County for today's announcement by the ARC.\r\n\r\n\"The great outdoors are one of Tennessee's largest drivers of economic growth and draw millions of visitors every year. Thanks to this significant grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Cocke County will attract even more visitors and the economic activity they bring,\"Governor Lee said.\"I'm grateful to the ARC and to Senator Alexander for his leadership in securing this welcome investment for Tennessee.\"\r\n\r\nWe are very excited for this opportunity,Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger said.The tourism and economic possibilities this project presents for Cocke County are immeasurable. We are very grateful to Senator Alexander, ARC and all those who have come together to help make this vision a reality.\r\n\r\nI am absolutely thrilled with the award given to the Cocke County Partnership,Lucas Graham, president of Cocke County Partnership, said.This project means so much to all of our citizens. It will literally change the face of the County and its economic picture. The potential of tourism activities associated with the success of this project is staggering. This will affect our economic outlook for decades to come. We believe in Cocke County and feel this is just the impetus we need to showcase all of our natural opportunities. I want to thank, of course, first of all, Senator Alexander for his vision and exemplary leadership. I want to thank the Appalachian Regional Commission, Gov. Bill Lee, TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell and his staff and the Tennessee Office of Economic and Community Development for all their assistance. None of this would be possible without the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and we sincerely appreciate them. And lastly, I want to thank my staff for all their hard work. I also want to thank The Conservation Fund, local and regional chapters of IMBA and those private citizens who provide invaluable input along the way. We can't wait to see our visitors and citizens enjoying themselves out on these trails.\r\n\r\nFirst, let me thank all those folks who played a part in this award. From Senator Alexander's office, ARC, Gov. Lee, Commissioner Ezell and his staff, our state and local officials, and of course the GSMNP and CNF, thank you for helping turn a dream into reality,Linda Lewanski, Tourism Director of Cocke County Partnership, said.\r\n\r\nCocke County is so rich in natural resources and these monies allow us to shine a light on them. We know that these trails will be a value-add to what we can offer our tourists. We know our visitors love our four state and national forests and our three rivers and this will be the perfect complement for those already visiting them and our vibrant rafting community. We are so proud of the citizens of Cocke County and their commitment to offering exciting and quality venues for our visitors. Thank you all for believing in Cocke County. The Adventure Side of the Smokies is about to offer a little more adventure!\r\n\r\n\"The Conservation Fund was excited to be involved with Senator Alexander, representatives from Cocke County and Sevier County, and staff from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest to develop a planning document thatexploresdeveloping recreational opportunities on undeveloped sections of the Foothills Parkway,\"Ralph Knoll, Tennessee representative with The Conservation Fund, said.\"We are thrilled to be here at this event knowing that Cocke County now has the financial resources to further examine the creation of mountain biking trails in the local communities that will benefit the natural resource based economy.\"\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-herman-green", "Congressman Cohen Remembers Herman Green", "2020-11-27", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement upon hearing of the passing of blues and jazz saxophonist Herman Green:\nWe will all miss the music Herman Green brought to Memphis, and to the whole world, for more than half a century. Mr. Green was a beautiful man with a big heart. Memphis has lost another of its magnificent musical artists, and he will be missed.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-and-senator-akbari-urge-governor-lee-send-pandemic", "Congressman Cohen and Senator Akbari Urge Governor Lee to Send Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards to Eligible Families, Rather Than Throw Them Away", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and state Senator Raumesh Akbari sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee asking him to redouble efforts to see that Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) cards reach eligible families. The P-EBT program allows families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches to receive food benefits if their schools shut down or they are otherwise not able to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Press accounts indicate the state plans to discard the benefits cards for those it has not reached though eligible students' schools by an arbitrary deadline.\nThe letter reads in part:\nIn the middle of a devastating pandemic and painful economic downturn, the state of Tennessee must to do everything it can to ensure that our state's low-income children receive the food aid to which they are entitled. As these are federally appropriated funds, it is in incumbent on us to ensure this program is utilized by the people for whom it was intended. We respectfully request that you halt any plans to throw away P-EBT cards, and instead distribute these cards directly to eligible families.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-trump-pardon-flynn", "Congressman Cohen Condemns Trump Pardon of Flynn", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today condemned President Trump's pardon of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn with the following statement:\nThis was to be expected but it's clearly wrong. Flynn pleaded guilty twice to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. This shows the kind of damage this President can do in his final days in office and demonstrates the need to pass my H.J. Res. 8, which would prohibit any President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to certain members of a President's family, to members of the President's administration, or to paid employees of the President's presidential campaign.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-bipartisan-letter-supporting-humane-treatment", "Congressman Cohen Leads Bipartisan Letter Supporting Humane Treatment of Wild Horses", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a longtime member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, today led a letter to House Leadership requesting it retain his Interior and Environment appropriations amendment requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to utilize $11 million in funding for humane, reversible fertility control for tens of thousands of wild horses and burros under the BLM's protection.\nThe letter reads in part:\nWe write to urge your continued support for the humane and sustainable management of wild horses and burros on our public lands. To that end, we request dedicated funding in any final spending package for the implementation of humane, proven and reversible fertility control, namely the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptive vaccine by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We are pleased this amendment to support this effort was adopted by voice vote in the House of Representatives as part of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.\nRead the entire letter here.\nIn addition to Congressman Cohen, 21 Members co-signed today's letter including Representatives Vern Buchanan, Salud Carbajal, Gerald E. Connolly, Peter DeFazio, Ted Deutch, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ral M. Grijalva, Deb Haaland, Alcee L. Hastings, John Katko, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Ted W. Lieu, Carolyn B. Maloney, Joe Neguse, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jan Schakowsky, David Schweikert, Adam Smith and Dina Titus.\nCongressman Cohen has been active in animal welfare issues since his days as a Tennessee state Senator. He currently has a 100 percent rating on his voting record on animal welfare issues from both the Humane Society of the United States and the Defenders of Wildlife.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-wishes-all-safe-thanksgiving", "Congressman Cohen Wishes All a Safe Thanksgiving", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement commemorating this year's Thanksgiving holiday:\nI want to wish all my friends, neighbors and constituents a very Happy Thanksgiving. This year, with all we've lost over the past eight months, let's give thanks for what we have: our health, our friends and family, work to do, our homes and all we are blessed to be grateful for. Our traditional family get-togethers have been upended by the ongoing pandemic, and I hope everyone is mindful of the precautions set by medical professionals that we all should heed, including minimizing travel and celebrating at home. If you must travel, please exercise extreme caution, wear your mask and keep an appropriate distance from others. I am particularly grateful this year for the constituents who have returned me to Washington for an eighth term representing the Ninth Congressional District. Happy Thanksgiving.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=71C1B49B-685E-491B-908A-2764FBBD1B7F", "Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 23, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement:\r\nThe presidential election is rapidly coming to a formal end.Recounts are being completed.Courts are resolving disputes.Most states will certify their votesbyDecember8. Since it seems apparent that Joe Biden will be the president-elect, myhope isthat President Trump will take pride in his considerable accomplishments, put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed.When you are in public life,people remember the last thing you do.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-again-seeks-answers-treasury", "Congressman Cohen Again Seeks Answers from Treasury", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote for a third time to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin asking for clarification of the Treasury Department's plan to forgive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans despite clear evidence that some were obtained by fraud. In today's letter, Congressman Cohen urged the Secretary to ensure necessary controls are in place to deliver maximum relief to PPP borrowers while maintaining the government's ability to prosecute PPP fraud.\nThe letter reads in part:\nSince only approximately 1 percent of the 5.2 million PPP loans made have received loan forgiveness decisions, I urge you to immediately take more stringent actions to ensure that taxpayer dollars are adequately safeguarded. Specifically, I request that small-dollar PPP borrowers still be required to certify that loan proceeds were used for permissible uses and maintain relevant documentation in the event of a subsequent audit. While I am mindful that the loan forgiveness process should not and cannot be too burdensome for our small businesses, especially minority-owned small business, I also believe there are controls we can put in place to deliver maximum relief to PPP borrowers while maintaining the government's ability to prosecute PPP fraud.\nSee the entire letter here.\nIn his previous letters to the Treasury Secretary, Congressman Cohen asked Mnuchin to exercise careful scrutiny of PPP loans and to conduct a review coronavirus-related loans to businesses associated with President Trump in light of recent revelations that several businesses with ties to the president received millions of dollars in loans.\nSee his release containing the two previous letters here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-cancer-research-grant-st-jude-5", "Congressman Cohen Announces Cancer Research Grant to St. Jude", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $442,391 grant from the National Cancer Institute for research on epigenetic tumor suppression.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased to see St. Jude is receiving this important cancer research grant which will both improve the quality of life for young patients and keep the hospital at the forefront of this critical scientific work.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-answers-gsa-administrator", "Congressman Cohen Demands Answers from GSA Administrator", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to General Service Administration Administrator Emily Murphy, reminding her of longstanding document requests he made about the Old Post Office in Washington now operating as The Trump International Hotel. Murphy has declined to declare that Joe Biden is the President-elect, preventing the transition to a new administration to begin.\nThe letter reads in part:\nAs a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I've been very alarmed by your handling of the Old Post Office Building, which was outleased by the GSA to Donald J. Trump in August 2013. The lease agreement explicitly prohibited any elected official of the U.S. Government from serving as a lessee or from obtaining any benefit that may arise from the lease. When Donald J. Trump became President of the United States, instead of working with our Committee to ascertain the various constitutional issues and conflicts of interests associated with the lease, you made it a priority to protect the President's personal and financial interests by refusing to provide necessary financial statements and legal memos. When I have contacted you requesting additional information on confidentiality clauses in GSA's outleases or obtaining a redacted lease for the Hotel Monaco, you have ignored my requests entirely or provided unhelpful, vague answers. It is very concerning that you seem more interested in protecting the President as a tenant rather than protecting the American people's interest as a lessor.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/applauding-assembly-biden-administration-team", "Applauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I applauded President-elect Biden's choices for important Biden Administration jobs as the transition to a new administration in January advances. I also expressed frustration at the current President's obstruction during what should be a smooth transition, endangering our national security and slowing critical preparations for coronavirus vaccinations that may become available in the new year. I also voted to send the National Defense Authorization Act, containing several priorities I sought when the measure passed the House in July, to a joint House-Senate conference committee. I congratulated James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman Sr. on their bright futures with the NBA after Wednesday's draft. I provided some guidance for those hoping to come to Washington for the Biden inauguration and a link to watch the virtual National Christmas tree lighting this year. I also announced a significant grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for enzyme research. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Memphis Medical District Cooperative's President Tommy Pacello this week. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tApplauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Dismay at Trump's Disruptive Actions\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Send the National Defense Authorization Act to ConferenceCommittee\n\t\t\t\tCongratulating New NBA Draft Picks for and from Memphis\n\t\t\t\tPreparing for a Safe Inauguration\n\t\t\t\tWatching National Christmas Tree Lighting\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Research Grant for UTHSC\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Condolences on the Passing of Tommy Pacello\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tApplauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team\n\t\t\t\tI was pleased to see President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris begin to assemble a respected and experienced team for their Administration as they prepare to take office in January. I've worked with many of these dedicated public officials and can see that the new Biden team will be prepared to meet our crucial public health, economic and foreign policy challenges on Day One. I am eager to continue working with them in the important work that confronts us.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Dismay at Trump's Disruptive Actions\n\t\t\t\tPresident Trump appears to be attempting to wait out the clock with meritless challenges to his electoral defeat. In doing so, he is delaying critical preparations for a vaccination program, compromising national security and impeding a smooth transition to a Biden Administration economic recovery plan. He is apparently using all his remaining time in office on an attack on democracy itself and our votes, which keeps him from working on compromise relief for health care workers, front-line workers, small businesses, restaurants, movie theatres and others devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. I am hopeful those around him can persuade this selfish man to consider the nation's best interests, step aside when his term ends and let our country move forward.\n\t\t\t\tVoting to Send the National Defense Authorization Act to Conference Committee\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I voted for the House to proceed to a House-Senate conference committee on the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. The House measure passed in July contains several of my priorities, including language that authorizes a $2 million multi-drone/multi-sensor intelligence program that will be housed at the University of Memphis.My amendments would require a report to clarify which countries have consented to Russian military forces within their borders; a report seeking a General Accountability Office (GAO) study of the school-to-prison pipeline; and an audit requirement detailing Department of Defense financial management. It would also provide relief to private student loan borrowers. While I have not always supported these massive defense measures, it is important to meet real national needs while also making clear we will address the issue of military bases named for those who fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War and put forth efforts that ensure the military looks more like the United States of America. I will be closely monitoring the negotiations and will vote on the eventual compromise bill with the interests of my constituents in mind.\n\t\t\t\tCongratulating New NBA Draft Picks for and from Memphis\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday night, former Memphis Tiger standout James Wiseman went second in the NBA draft to the Golden State Warriors, and Tigers' power forward Precious Achiuwa was chosen by the Miami Heat. The Grizzlies will be strengthened by their choices of TCU point guard Desmond Bane and Michigan State power forward Xavier Tillman Sr. Both Memphis programs and the NBA have reason to be proud.\n\t\t\t\tPreparing for a Safe Inauguration\n\t\t\t\tMy office is beginning to hear from constituents who want to take part in President-elect Joe Biden's inaugural events in D.C. in January. Right now, inauguration plans are in flux and are likely to be much less elaborate than in prior years because of the ongoing pandemic. Though nothing has been decided, it appears there will be no major activities on the National Mall as there normally would be, or any big inaugural balls for celebrating as in normal years. My best advice is to check in with my inauguration page on my official Congressional website to see updates and guidance as they become available.\n\t\t\t\tWatching National Christmas Tree Lighting\n\t\t\t\tThis year's lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the National Ellipse will be virtual because of the ongoing pandemic. To see the livestream, go to TheNationalTree.org on or after December 3. The broadcast will include the 56 trees from all the states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Research Grant for UTHSC\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I announced a significant National Institutes of Health research grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. See that release here.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Condolences on the Passing of Tommy Pacello\n\t\t\t\tI was saddened this week to learn of the passing of Tommy Pacello, President of the Memphis Medical District Cooperative, who was always dedicated to making Memphis a better place. See my statement to the press here and my statement for The Congressional Record here. He led a fine life and will be missed.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tThis week, in addition to calling attention to alarming rates of coronavirus spread in Tennessee and the region, I regret to have to make a serious recommendation about the Thanksgiving holiday next week. We all want to continue our traditions during such a difficult year, but public health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warn that family gatherings with those outside of your household could become super-spreader events. Please use every precaution. Thanksgiving will come around again. In the meanwhile, keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tI just want to make sure we're able to be together next Thanksgiving, next ChristmasI would strongly urge -- not just for your sake, but for the sake of your children, your mother, your father, your sisters, your brothers, whoever you get together with for Thanksgiving -- to think about this.  President-elect Joe Biden on Monday, urging Americans to follow public health protocols at Thanksgiving.\n\t\t\t\tI wish everyone a delightful, and safe Thanksgiving.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=07082581-0B93-4A0A-B34F-DC73E9B76BA6", "Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement:\r\nIf there is any chance whatsoever that Joe Biden will be the next president, and it looks like he has a very good chance, the Trump Administration should provide the Biden team with all transition materials, resources, and meetings necessary to ensure a smooth transition so that both sides are ready on day one.That especially should be true, for example, on vaccine distribution.\r\nRecounting votes and resolving disputes after a close election is not unprecedented and should reassure Americans that election results are valid.\r\nAl Gore finally conceded 37 days after the 2000 election, and then made the best speech of his life accepting the result.\r\nMy hope is that the loser of this presidential election will follow Al Gore's example, put the country first, congratulate the winner and help him to a good beginning of the new term.\r\nThe prompt and orderly transfer or reaffirmation of immense power after a presidential election is the most enduring symbol of our democracy.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6A9655D7-F351-468F-8290-7DBB5E4034C1", "Alexander: Tennessee to Receive Significant Funding This Year from Great American Outdoors Act", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I'm thrilled that Tennessee will receive a significant amount of funding from the Great American Outdoors Act. This funding will help ensure even more Tennesseans  and Americans across the country  enjoy the outdoors.  Sen. Lamar Alexander\r\nNASHVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said Tennessee will receive significant funding this year from the Great American Outdoors Act  legislation the senator sponsored and the president signed into law that will cut in half maintenance backlog in our national parks, national forests and other public lands. The new law also fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanently, a goal of Congress since 1964.\r\nThe Great American Outdoors Act is the most important and significant conservation and outdoor recreation legislation in 50 years. It is the largest federal investment in national parks since the Eisenhower years, Alexander said. This law will cut in half the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and national forests and other public lands, fixing pot holes, leaky roofs, trails, roads, visitor centers and campgrounds. For the Smokies that means substantially reducing a $224 million backlog, which is ten times the Smokies' annual budget. The new law also fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), an unrealized goal of Congress and the conservation community since 1964. Fully funding the LWCF was also a recommendation of President Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors, which I chaired in 1985.\r\nAlexander continued, I'm thrilled that Tennessee will receive a significant amount of funding this year from the Great American Outdoors Act this year. The Department of the Interior announced today the Smokies will receive funding from the new law to replace the Sugarlands maintenance buildings and rehabilitate 17 miles of the Foothills Parkway in Blount County. Additionally, the new law will provide up to $1.36 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects in three national park units across our state, including at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Shiloh National Military Park and Stones River National Battlefield. This funding will help ensure even more Tennesseans  and Americans across the country  enjoy the outdoors.\r\nThe U.S. Department of the Interior today released the list of funding national parks across the country will receive for maintenance projects for Fiscal Year 2021  the first of five years of funding. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will receive funding to replace the Sugarlands maintenance buildings and rehabilitate 17 miles of the Foothills Parkway in Blount County. The Department also released the list of funding for Land and Water Conservation projects throughout the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tennessee will be receiving about $1.36 million to preserve and protect Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Shiloh National Military Park and the Stones River National Battlefield.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-elected-steering-and-policy-committee", "Congressman Cohen Elected to Steering and Policy Committee", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Cohen (TN-09) today was elected by the Region VII Delegation as its representative on the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for the 117th Congress that convenes in January.Region VII encompasses Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressman Cohen served as the Region VII Steering and Policy Committee representative in the 116th Congress and, in the 115th Congress, served on the Committee as the appointee of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.\nThe Steering and Policy Committee recommends Democratic Members for committee assignments and advises Leadership on policy issues.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI am honored to receive this vote of confidence from my colleagues from Region VII and the opportunity to continue to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee. I was honored to serve on the committee after my appointment by Speaker Pelosi four years ago. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to using my experience in Congress to help advise the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats must remain committed to protecting civil rights and voting rights for all Americans, preserving the Affordable Care Act, protecting Medicare and Social Security, exercising oversight and creating jobs to build a stronger economy, among other issues. I am grateful my colleagues have placed their trust in me.\nCongressman Cohen was the first Congressman from the Ninth District of Tennessee to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee since Harold Ford Sr. served from 1988-1990 and the first Tennessean to serve on the Committee since John Tanner served from 1996-2004.\nIn 2008, Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Congressman Cohen as the conscience of the freshman class. In addition to serving on the Judiciary and Transportation Committees, Congressman Cohen serves on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology in the 116th Congress and has served on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (also known as the Helsinki Commission) since the 112th Congress (2011-2013). Earlier this month, he was elected to an eighth term representing Tennessee's Ninth Congressional District.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BB750739-CE14-4506-81C2-2724F6CAA418", "Alexander Recommends U.S. District Court Judge Nominees Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer to Senate Judiciary Committee", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Senate should confirm judicial nominees with good character, good temperament, high intelligence, and a high respect for the law. Mr. Atchley and Ms. Crytzer possess these qualities, and I hope they will be quickly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmed by the Senate.  Sen. Lamar Alexander\r\nMARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 18, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced the president's two nominees, Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer, at their confirmation hearing to serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee before the Senate Judiciary Committee.\r\nThe Senate's constitutional power to advice and consent on presidential nominations is one of the Senate's best known and most important responsibilities,Alexander said.Lately, the Senate has been taking one week to confirm five nominations, but it wasn't so long ago that most federal district judges and most presidential nominees were promptly approved by voice vote. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, several of us worked together in a bipartisan way and changed the Senate rules to speed up confirmations. Our agreement soon fell apart. What we needed was not a change of rules, but a change of behavior. Now would be a good time to change that behavior and get the confirmation process back on track.\r\nOn Chuck Atchley:Chuck Atchley's roots in East Tennessee go back to 1785 when Thomas Atchley settled in what is now Sevier County, and he has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee,Alexander said. He has tried more than 100 cases and is now the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. I have spoken to all of the judges in the Eastern District, and they all gave him high recommendations. I have found that Mr. Atchley's nomination is supported by his colleagues, his superiors and even his opposing counsel.\r\nOn Katherine Crytzer:I would also like to express my support for Katherine Crytzer. Ms. Crytzer is an East Tennessee native and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, summa cum laude. Ms. Crytzer has served for the last six years at the Justice Department. She is currently the Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy, and, before that, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Crytzer will be the second woman to be a federal district judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. She will serve Tennessee and the country well.\r\nAlexander concluded:There are currently two vacancies in the Eastern District of Tennessee and caseloads are rising quickly. According to the Federal Court Management Statistics, the Eastern District's criminal docket is the 17th largest in the United States. The Senate should confirm judicial nominees with good character, good temperament, high intelligence, and a high respect for the law. Mr. Atchley and Ms. Crytzer possess these qualities, and I hope they will be quickly approved by the committee and confirmed by the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-grant-university-tennessee-health-science", "Congressman Cohen Announces Grant to University of Tennessee Health Science Center", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a $228,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on biosynthetic enzymes.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased to announce this significant funding for ongoing research at our medical school, which will both improve health outcomes and keep scientists in their labs working to save lives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-tommy-pacello", "Congressman Cohen Remembers Tommy Pacello", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement upon learning of the death of Tommy Pacello:\nTommy Pacello did a lot of exceptional work for his hometown during his abbreviated lifetime. His focus on the Memphis Medical District, and his commitment to its steady improvement over six years, helped transform the area and will be his lasting legacy. It was a pleasure working with him on improvements to the transportation infrastructure of the district, and I was pleased he offered thoughtful ideas at a roundtable forum I hosted on those issues just last year. The way he approached his end with a positive mindset and a focus on the essential was an inspiration to all who knew him. I have no doubt that, had he been given more time, he would have been one of our greatest civic leaders. He led a fine life and will be missed.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4BAF160D-96C4-4764-811F-54C564CF1C22", "Alexander: Senate Appropriations Committee Includes Complete Funding to Construct a New Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Construction of a new courthouse is the only solution to address the significant operation, space, and security deficiencies that exist at the current federal courthouse in Chattanooga  the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse  which was constructed 87 years ago.  Senator Lamar Alexander\r\nMARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 16, 2020 U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on the Senate's Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill that would provide $189.1 million for the construction of a new federal courthouse in Chattanooga.\r\nThis bill, at my request, provides $189.1 million to build a badly needed new courthouse in the largest and busiest judicial district in Tennessee. Construction for this new courthouse has been through a rigorous justification and prioritization process for 21 years, and is the only solution to addressing the significant operation, space, and security deficiencies that exist at the current federal courthouse in Chattanooga  the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse  which was constructed 87 years ago,Alexander said.The Judicial Conference of the United States has designated Chattanooga as a Courthouse Construction Priority, and I am glad that the need for this new facility has been recognized by the committee.\r\nThe $189.1 million will be appropriated in one lump sum to pay for the entire project,Alexander said.Speeding up construction and saving taxpayers money.\r\nThe Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill is consistent with the spending limits included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 approved by Congress, and signed by President Trump, in August 2019. The funding must now be considered and approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to become law.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C5750981-7F9E-45F1-ABCA-16FA2E95F4B9", "Alexander Statement on Judy Shelton Nomination", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 16, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement about the President's nomination of Judy Shelton to be a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board:\r\nI oppose the nomination of Judy Shelton because I am not convinced that she supports the independence of the Federal Reserve Board as much as I believe the Board of Governors should. I don't want to turn over management of the money supply to a Congress and a President who can't balance the federal budget.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-epa-clean-air-grant", "Congressman Cohen Announces EPA Clean Air Grant", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Shelby County a $117,000 grant for ongoing air pollution monitoring.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nAir pollution is a health hazard, especially for those with compromised health conditions, like asthma. The funding I'm announcing today will protect our air resources by supporting a robust program monitoring air quality and enforcing clean-air regulations. This is money well-spent.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/demanding-president-trump-concede-defeat", "Demanding that President Trump Concede Defeat", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I expressed serious concern about the President's failure to concede defeat to President-elect Joe Biden in the recent election and dismay about the President's erratic behavior. I also thanked our veterans, particularly those last remaining members of the Greatest Generation from World War II, for their service and sacrifice. I renewed my ongoing effort to have Attorney General William Barr impeached for his outrageous efforts to sow doubt and suspicion about election results. I also spent this week preparing for the lame duck session of Congress, which begins next week. I also renewed efforts torepeal the Electoral College, which has distorted the results of our elections and undermined the will of the people. I reminded constituents that the abbreviated open enrollment period for Healthcare.gov policies authorized by the Affordable Care Act is under way even as Trump and some Republican state attorneys general argued at the Supreme Court this week to repeal the law and its protections. And, as cases soar around the country, I offered a coronavirus-related set of health tips. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tDemanding that President Trump Concede Defeat\n\t\t\t\tCommemorating Veterans Day\n\t\t\t\tRenewing Efforts to Impeach Attorney General Barr\n\t\t\t\tPlanning to Return to Washington For Beginning of Lame Duck \n\t\t\t\tEncouraging a Serious Focus on Repealing the Electoral College\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDemanding that President Trump Concede Defeat\n\t\t\t\tIt is clear that the 2020 Election is over and that Joe Biden will be our next President. Nonetheless, President Trump is refusing to concede and, through some desperate actions, continues to sow doubt about the results while making last-minute appointments that suggest he will resist a peaceful transfer of power. Be assured I am paying close attention to these developments and will do all I can to protect the will of the American people and the rule of law at this perilous moment in our nation's history.\n\t\t\t\tCommemorating Veterans Day\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I released a statement commemorating Veterans Day and called on all to recognize their service and sacrifice, particularly the remaining few from World War II. I continue to work to make sure our veterans receive the medical, educational and other benefits they have earned. See my statement honoring these dedicated men and women here.\n\t\t\t\tRenewing Efforts to Impeach Attorney General Barr\n\t\t\t\tThroughout Bill Barr's tenure as Attorney General, he has repeatedly undermined our judicial system and perverted the rule of law. In June, I introduced H. Res. 1032, which would instruct the House Judiciary Committee to look into his impeachment. Since then, and particularly since his post-election efforts to cast doubt on and sow confusion about the results by authorizing specious investigations by the Department of Justice, I have renewed my efforts to advance Barr's impeachment. While it is obvious that time won't permit a trial in the Senate before his term in office ends, having the House go on record about his unacceptable conduct will serve as an important historical condemnation of his tenure.See an article in The Nation noting my leadership on this issue here.\n\t\t\t\tPlanning to Return to Washington Next Week to start Lame Duck Session \n\t\t\t\tNext week, the House will reconvene and take up several measures the American people need to see resolved. Negotiations on a coronavirus relief package are still stalled. The House has acted, but we are still waiting for the Senate to act to find a compromise. I continue to urge that a compromise package be voted uponso we can help rush resources to those in need as soon as possible.\n\t\t\t\tEncouraging a Serious Focus on Repealing the Electoral College\n\t\t\t\tThis week, it became clear again why we mustrepeal the Electoral College. This anachronistic institution now regularly distorts the outcomes of our elections and thwarts the will of American voters. The Electoral College is hugely unpopular and clearly undermines the popular will. It is past time to get a successful repeal effort under way now -- before our next presidential election.\n\t\t\t\tReminding Constituents Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun\n\t\t\t\tThe Healthcare.gov open enrollment period began November 1 and will end on December 15th. It is important for you to review your options during this period. If you are on Medicare or if your employer offers qualified health insurance in which you are enrolled, you're already covered and won't need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren't sure whether or not you should use the Marketplace to get insurance, call the Marketplace Hotline at1-800-318-2596, visitwww.Healthcare.gov,or you can always call my office at (901) 544-4131.You can also call the Marketplace Hotline or my office to find out ifTennCare(Tennessee's Medicaid program) is a coverage option for you.During this devastating pandemic, health coverage is more important than ever, and I have worked to expand access to affordable and comprehensive health care.Additionally, Iwill continue to urgeGovernor Lee to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act which wouldprovidecoverage to thousands of Tennesseans.\n\t\t\t\tThis week, the Trump Administration argued before the Supreme Court to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its entirety, including its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I vow to strengthen the law in the coming Congress.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, Shelby County reported 2,290 people hospitalized with COVID-19, up again from the previous week. Cases have been rising since late September; 603 of our neighbors have died so far this year. So, again this week, I want to call attention to the high number of coronavirus cases in Tennessee and rising across the country, that are likely the result of reopening prematurely and a lack of state and nationwide coordination without implementing basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and those adopted by Memphis and Shelby County for staying safe in this ongoing pandemic: Wash your hands with soap frequently for at least 25 seconds; keep a minimum social distance of six feet from others; wear a face mask when out in public; and avoid being in crowds of more than 10. When you're indoors, six feet might not be far enough, according to recent studies; 14 feet might be better. It is best to wear a mask, particularly when indoors in close quarters. Please be mindful of these precautionary measures as we enter the holiday season. Keeping loved ones safe is critical to keeping our community safe. We must work together to get through this.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week \n\t\t\t\tI've long talked about the battle for the soul of America. We must restore the soul of America. Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. And what presidents say in this battle matters. It's time for our better angels to prevail. Tonight, the whole world is watching America, and I believe in our best, America is a beacon for the globe. -- President-elect Joe Biden, acceptance speech in Wilmington, Delaware, last Saturday.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commemorates-veterans-day-2", "Congressman Cohen Commemorates Veterans Day", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen released the following statement commemorating this year's Veterans Day:\nEach November, we pause to pay special tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. This year, we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and cherish our few remaining heroes of that conflict.\nAs we honor all our veterans, we must also keep our promises to them with excellent care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities so they receive the high-quality treatment they deserve. For those transitioning out of the armed services back into civilian life, we need to assure them that good-paying jobs and educational opportunities are available. I am proud to work on legislation to ensure veterans receive the benefits they were promised.\nWe have thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed all around the world. On this Veterans Day, we thank them for their sacrifice and look forward to their safereturnhome. I'm disappointed that the ongoing pandemic forced me to cancel my annual Veterans Day event where I have in the past updated you on veterans issues, heard feedback directly from my constituents and thanked you in person. I hope everyone will take the time on this Veterans Day to appreciate the sacrifices made by all our veterans and their families.\nCongressman Cohen, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act (H.R. 3304) to ensure that certain members of the National Guard and Reservists who fall on hard economic times after their military service continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the means test under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The measure was signed into law in August 2019. Congressman Cohen has also introduced the Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act to help reduce veteran unemployment and train our veterans for good-paying, high-demand jobs.\nTo fight for veterans during this difficult time, Congressman Cohen sent a letter urging House and Senate Leadership to include a provision in the next COVID-19 stimulus package that requires lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to prioritize businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, and those in underserved markets. Last month, he voted for the Heroes Act 2.0, which would create a Lifeline Grant Program for the smallest businesses and prioritizes veteran-owned businesses. The Heroes Act 2.0 would also suspend VA debt collection and automatically issue economic impact payments to non-filing veterans based on their VA benefits.\nCongressman Cohen is also a cosponsor of the Protect the GI Bill Act, which would increase the transparency and accountability of educational programs that receive GI Bill funding and protect education benefits for veterans whose schools close or lose their accreditation. The bill passed the House on November 12, 2019 and is pending before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3A50DA20-F7C2-43CB-942C-A9CDC45CA1ED", "Alexander: Senate Proposes Sixth Year of Record Funding for 17 National Laboratories and Seventh Year of Record Funding for Locks, Dams and Harbors", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, November 10, 2020The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee today unveiled legislation sponsored by subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that includes the sixth consecutive year of record funding for the Office of Science  the most important U.S. Department of Energy program that supports work at our 17 national laboratories, includingOak Ridge National Laboratory.The Senate bill also prioritizes funding for supercomputing and advanced nuclear programs and provides the seventh consecutive year of record funding for the Corps of Engineers.\r\nI proposed aNew Manhattan Project for Clean Energylast March  afive year project with Ten Grand Challenges that will use American research and technology to put our country and the world firmly on a path toward cleaner, cheaper energy. To provide the tools to create these breakthroughs, the federal government should double its funding for energy research and reinstate the United States as number one in the world in advanced computing. That is why setting a new record funding level for the Office of Science the nation's largest supporter of research in the physical sciences  is one of my top priorities,Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said.\r\nThis sixth consecutive year of record level funding for the Office of Science allows us to take advantage of the United States' secret weapon, our extraordinary capacity for basic research at our 17 national laboratories and will help build and develop the next generation of supercomputers.\r\nThisbill also includes $7.722 billion  a new record funding level in a regular appropriations bill  for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and rebuild our nation's waterways, including up to $69 million to fully fund construction at Chickamauga Lock for the seventh consecutiveyear,Alexander said.This is great news for East Tennessee since the new lock will help keep up to 150,000 trucks off I-75 and keep the cost of shipping goods low for manufacturers across the state.\r\nAlexander continued:The funding provided in this bill will also modernize our nuclear weapons facilities at Y-12 and accelerate cleanup of hazardous materials and facilities at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex.\r\nAlexander is chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the U.S. Department of Energy; the Army Corps of Engineers; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the National Nuclear Security Administration; the Appalachian Regional Commission; and the Bureau of Reclamation\r\nToday, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the Fiscal Year 2021 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill.\r\nThe Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2021 includes the following priorities:\r\n \r\nThe U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, which supports basic science and energy research and is the nation's largest supporter of research in the physical sciences, is funded at $7.026 billion, a new record funding level.\r\nThe bill includes $7.722 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  a record funding level in a regular appropriations bill.\r\nFor the seventh consecutive year, the bill makes full use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund revenues for water infrastructure projects, including up to $69 million to continue construction of Chickamauga Lock in Chattanooga.\r\nThe legislation includes $2.163 million for dredging at Memphis Harbor McKellar Lake.\r\nThe bill includes funding that exceeds the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) spending target established by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. This is the seventh consecutive year the bill has met or exceeded the HTMF spending targets.\r\nThe bill includes $430 million, a record funding level, for the Advanced Research Projects Agency  Energy (ARPA-E), which was created by the 2007 America COMPETES Act to invest in high-impact energy technologies.\r\nThe bill includes $1.79 billion for high performance computing, including $1.029 billion within the Office of Science and $761 million within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).\r\nThe bill includes $729 million from the Office of Science and the NNSA to support the delivery of Exascale systems beginning in 2021 and to continue U.S. leadership in this critical area.\r\nThe bill includes a total of $19.82 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, including $2.66 billion for our nuclear weapons stockpile modernization and one new program. These programs ensure our weapons systems continue to be safe and reliable.\r\nThe Uranium Processing Facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex is funded at $750 million, which will continue to keep this project on time and on budget, with a completion year of 2025 at a cost no greater than $6.5 billion.\r\nThe legislation includes a pilot program to allow consolidated nuclear waste storage, which has been supported by Senator Alexander and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) over the past six years. It also provides funding for the Department of Energy to support storing nuclear waste at private facilities.\r\nThe bill includes $280 million for the Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program to continue to support development of new technologies for the next generation of nuclear power plants.\r\nThe bill includes $47 million for research and development to support existing nuclear reactors, and $30 million for the Transformational Challenge Reactor.\r\nThe bill advances efforts to clean up hazardous materials at Cold War-era sites. The bill includes $7.53 billion to support cleanup efforts, which is $1.5 billion above the president's budget request. Included in this amount is $610 million for cleanup at the East Tennessee Technology Park, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex.\r\nThe bill also continues to fund the regional commissions, including $180 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission and $30 million for the Delta Regional Authority.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nIt also includes $230million for the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, an increase of $5 million above last year.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5FF90A06-C202-4909-895E-BA426ED0D43D", "Alexander Statement on Veterans Day", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, November 10, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:\r\nI am deeply grateful for the men and women of the Armed Services whose dedication has protected our way of life andourfreedoms. Thank you for your great sacrifice, and thank you to your families who sacrifice with you.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=07C72BC1-9DCD-4A16-B4A6-DB562295457D", "Alexander: Governor Cuomo Should Focus His Time and Resources on Planning to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines in New York", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 9, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D)should focus his time and resources on planning to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in New York once they are approved by the career scientists at the Food and Drug Administration,regardless of who is president.\r\nAlexander's statement came after Gov. Cuomo said today that it is bad news that Pfizer announced preliminary 90% efficacy results in their COVID-19 vaccine trials before the next president assumes office. The Trump Administration is rolling out the vaccination plan and I believe it's flawed They're basically going to have the private providers do it and that's going to leave out all sorts of communities that were left out the first time when COVID ravaged them, Cuomo continued.\r\nSome people incorrectly believe warp speed' means cutting corners, Alexander said. But it actually refers to the extraordinary investment in research, development, and manufacturing scale-up for a COVID-19 vaccine and the unprecedented step to help speed manufacturing for hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines early in the process by buying these doses in advance so they can be ready to distribute as soon as the new vaccines are approved by the FDA.\"\r\nThe Trump Administration has provided guidance to states, who are ultimately responsible for developing and implementing their specific plans for vaccine distribution for their specific populations. The guidance includes specific information on how states can ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach at-risk communities. Many states, including my home state of Tennessee, have demonstrated that they are focusing on the needs of these communities in their planning. I urge Governor Cuomo to instead focus his time and resources on planning to distribute the vaccine in his state rather than undermining public confidence in COVID-19 vaccine distribution.\r\nGov. Cuomo and some other governors have also recently announced they are setting up their own state COVID-19 vaccine review panels with Cuomosaying, Frankly, I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion. Chairman Alexander at the timeurgedthese governors not to interfere with the decisions of FDA career scientists. Undermining the FDA's gold standard of safety and efficacy by setting up state vaccine review panels could delay approval, discourage Americans from taking the vaccine, and cost lives.\r\nFor factual information on vaccine distribution, including a summary of New York's plan, click here:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/covid19-vaccination-guidance.html\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-pleased-biden-has-won", "Congressman Cohen is Pleased that Biden has Won", "2020-11-07", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Cohen (TN-09) is pleased to see that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the required Electoral College votes to become President and Vice President, and made the following statement:\nI am very pleased that the Biden-Harris ticket has more than enough Electoral College votes to become President and Vice President of the United States. I know Joe Biden. He's down to earth and genuinely concerned about the future of America, and he's the right person at the right time for our country. He will work to bring us together and make America respected again throughout the world, where he will restore frayed alliances. This is a great day for America and an opportunity to put the past divisiveness behind us and move forward with unity for the American people.\nThe victory of Vice President-elect Harris gives hope and pride to all women, particularly African American and Asian-American women. This is an historic moment when a minority woman has been elected Vice President. I know Kamala Harris and know how smart and dedicated she is. She will be a great Vice President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=40D8BB22-0485-4F09-80C8-5CEC549C16A8", "Alexander Statement on the Counting of Votes in the Presidential Election", "2020-11-07", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 7, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the counting of votes in the presidential election:\r\nAfter counting every valid vote and allowing courts to resolve disputes, it is important torespect and promptly accept the result. The orderly transfer or reaffirming of immense power after a presidential election is the most enduring symbol of our democracy.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-gratitude-my-re-election", "Expressing Gratitude for My Re-Election", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week,I thanked all of the voters who participated in Tuesday's election and was honored at the result in my race. My seniority on the Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure committees, and in Congress, will continue to benefit the people of Memphis, particularly if Joe Biden ultimately becomes President and major legislation can be passed and signed into law. I thank all of my constituents for the honor of serving you and congratulate Memphis and Shelby County for the remarkable 380,000-voter turnout in the midst of this pandemic. Settling into the work ahead of us, I reminded everyone that the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace (created by the Affordable Care Act) opened November 1 and the window to enroll or change your insurance plan will end on December 15. I also urged everyone to be patient as we await the will of the people on the election of our next President; wrote to FBI Director Wray asking him to be vigilant in prosecuting the crime of vote suppression when it is encountered; warned about a scam involving Economic Impact Payments; announced a significant Justice Department grant to discourage gang membership in South Memphis; was pleased to receive a 100 percent score on my voting record from the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights; pledged to re-introduce my Constitutional Amendment abolishing the Electoral College; and offered a pandemic-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\nExpressing Gratitude for My Re-Election\nReminding Everyone that Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun\nWriting FBI Director to Be Vigilant in Prosecuting Vote Suppression\nWarning About Economic Impact Payment Scam\nReceiving a 100 Percent Score on Voting Record from Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights\nAnnouncing Justice Department Grant to Discourage Gang Membership\nRe-Introducing Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College\nWeekly Health Tip\nQuote of the Week\nExpressing Gratitude for My Re-Election\nOn Tuesday, I was overwhelmingly elected to an eighth term in the U.S. Congress representing Tennessee's 9th District. I want to assure all my constituents that my increased seniority on the Judiciary Committee and on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in Congress generally, will translate into more influence in Washington on the issues you care about. I am very grateful for this show of support, especially as it occurred during this difficult pandemic and resulting economic dislocation. My staff and I look forward to serving you in the 117th Congress.\nReminding Everyone that Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun\nThe Healthcare.gov open enrollment period began November 1 and will end on December 15th. It is important for you to review your options during this period. If you are on Medicare or if your employer offers qualified health insurance in which you are enrolled, you're already covered and won't need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren't sure whether or not you should use the Marketplace to get insurance, call the Marketplace Hotline at1-800-318-2596, visitwww.Healthcare.gov,or you can always call my office at (901) 544-4131.You can also call the Marketplace Hotline or my office to find out ifTennCare(Tennessee's Medicaid program) is a coverage option for you.During this devastating pandemic, health coverage is more important than ever, and I have worked to expand access to affordable and comprehensive health care.Additionally, Iwill continue to urgeGovernor Lee to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act which wouldprovidecoverage to thousands of Tennesseans.\nWriting FBI Director to Be Vigilant in Prosecuting Vote Suppression\nOn Monday, I joined my Judiciary Committee colleague Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and others in writing to FBI Director Christopher Wray to bring attention to deliberate vote suppression efforts being identified around the country, particularly involving manipulation of the U.S. Postal Service, and urging him to prosecute violators. See my release and the letter here.\nWarning About Economic Impact Payment Scam\nThis week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warned of a scam involving Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) authorized by the coronavirus relief effort. The scam involves a text message created by thieves to trick people into disclosing bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. The scam text message states: You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment  The text includes a link to a fake phishing web address. This fake phishing URL, which appears to come from a state agency or relief organization, takes recipients to a fraudulent website that impersonates the IRS.gov Get My Payment website. Individuals who visit the fraudulent website and then enter their personal and financial account information will have their information collected by these scammers. Please don't fall for it.\nReceiving a 100 Percent Score on Voting Record from Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights \nThis week, I learned I have received a 100 percent core on the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights' assessment of my voting record on a variety of civil and human rights issues. See my release here.\nAnnouncing Justice Department Grant to Discourage Gang Membership\nAlso Monday, I announced that the Department of Justice awarded a significant grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) to discourage gang membership and address the traumas associated with exposure to gang violence. See that release here.\nRe-Introducing Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College\nI held a post-Election Day press conference on Wednesday, fielding questions from reporters on a crisp and sunny Midtown Memphis morning. I told them I plan to re-introduce my joint Congressional Resolution to abolish the anachronistic Electoral College and finally end its role in frustrating the will of the people in Presidential Elections. Again this year, the popular vote would have made the true winner clear sooner.\nWeekly Health Tip\nOn Thursday, Shelby County reported 2,223 people hospitalized with COVID-19. The fourteen-day average of new cases has been rising since late September. So, again this week, I want to call attention to the high number of coronavirus cases, in Tennessee and across the country, that are likely the result of reopening prematurely without implementing basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and those adopted by Memphis and Shelby County for staying safe in this ongoing pandemic: Wash your hands with soap frequently for at least 25 seconds; keep a minimum social distance of six feet from others; wear a face mask when out in public; and avoid being in crowds of more than 10. When you're indoors, six feet might not be far enough, according to recent studies; 14 feet might be better. It is best to wear a mask, particularly when indoors in close quarters. We must work together to get through this.\nQuotes of the Week \nWe shall sooner have the fowl by hatching the egg than by smashing it. -- Abraham Lincoln,in his last White House speech, April 11, 1865, advocating readmitting Louisiana to the Union.\nI am certain that the better angels of our nature' are still out there. But the politics and our political system right now are not inspiring them to emerge at the scale and speed that we so desperately need.  New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, Even Before a Winner, America Was the Loser, November 5, 2020.\nOn Saturday, I plan to attend the memorial service for Myra Stiles, a former chair of the Shelby County Election Commission and a staunch supporter of access to the right to vote. Then, I will be attending the game against the USF Bulls at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Go Tigers Go!\nAs always, I remain.  \n\tMost sincerely,  \nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-america-needs-confidence-fair-and-transparent-system", "Fleischmann: America Needs Confidence in a Fair and Transparent System", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Chuck Fleischmann", "F000459", "fleischmann.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHATTANOOGA, TN Congressman ChuckFleischmann(TN-03)released the following statementurging for transparency to preserve the integrity of our elections:\nAmerica needs confidence in a fair and transparent system. Every legal vote should be counted; illegal votes should not. All credible allegations of fraud should be investigated and handled by the courts. Ensuring confidence and transparency in our institutions should not be a partisan issue.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-fbi-director-investigate-efforts-deny-voters", "Congressman Cohen Asks FBI Director to Investigate Efforts to Deny Voters the Right to a Free and Fair Election", "2020-11-03", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties which has jurisdictional oversight of voting rights, joined Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) and several Congressional colleagues in asking FBI Director Christopher Wray to conduct criminal investigations into complaints of vote suppression in the November 3 election.\nThe letter notes that the U.S. Postal Service has been hamstrung in the on-time delivery of mail-in ballots and that other efforts to prevent free and fair voting and vote counting have been identified.\nThe letter reads in part:\nWe are asking that the FBI pursue criminal investigations where government officials -- or private individuals -- may have violated federal law in taking actions that make it more difficult for Americans to cast their vote or to have it counted. As can be seen, many of the actions that have been taken have no plausible purpose other than voter suppression. Criminal investigations may therefore find evidence of criminal intent.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-south-memphis-anti-gang-violence-grant", "Congressman Cohen Announces South Memphis Anti-Gang Violence Grant", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and its Crime Subcommittee, today announced a $488,594 grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to discourage gang membership and address the traumas associated with exposure to gang violence.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased that this Department of Justice grant addresses gang membership and the traumas associated with exposure to gang violence as a public health issue. This is an important investment in the future of our community and I commend UTHSC for stepping up to meet this critical need.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-receives-100-percent-score-leadership-council-civil", "Congressman Cohen Receives 100 Percent Score from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Score based on votes during the 116th Congress\nMEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today was pleased to acknowledge his 100 percent score from the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights on a wide variety of votes during the 116th Congress that reflect his interest in promoting civil and human rights. Among the votes the Council used to assess his voting record were those to impeach President Trump and his support for coronavirus relief, the U.S. Postal Service, funding for the U.S. Census, pregnant workers, the right to join unions, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act, later renamed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Other votes reviewed involved Congressman Cohen's support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), student loan borrowers, older workers, and reversing certain anti-consumer decisions of the Trump-run Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI am pleased and proud to receive a perfect score from the Leadership Council of Civil and Human Rights. Its assessment of my voting record reflects my policy positions on a variety of issues important to me and to my constituents. This score encourages me to continue to look out for those whose rights and needs are so often in jeopardy, and to stay vigilant in protecting them.\nFounded in 1950, the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition of 220 national organizations promoting and protecting civil and human rights, diversity and a more open and just society.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/englishespa-ol-fleischmann-statement-matthew-heath-s-unjust-imprisonment", "English/Espaol: Fleischmann Statement on Matthew Heaths Unjust Imprisonment in Venezuela", "2020-10-31", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Chuck Fleischmann", "F000459", "fleischmann.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHATTANOOGA, TN  U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) released the following statement on the unjust imprisonment of Matthew Heath by the Maduro regime in Venezuela:\n\nOn September 10th, 2020 Matthew Heath was taken into custody under false charges by the Maduro regime. We remain concerned about the conditions in which Mr. Heath is being unjustly held and his ability to receive due process. My office has been in continued contact with the Heath family, as well as the Department of State, and the United States Embassy in Bogot, Colombia. We will continue to do all we can to secure the release of Matthew Heath so that he can safely return home and be reunited with his family here in East Tennessee.\n###\n\n\nFleischmann sobre el injusto encarcelamiento de Matthew Heath en Venezuela\n\nCHATTANOOGA, TN  El Congresista Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre el injusto encarcelamiento de Matthew Heath por parte del rgimen de Maduro en Venezuela:\n\nEl 10 de Septiembre del 2020, Matthew Heath fue detenido bajo cargos falsos por parte del rgimen de Maduro. Seguimos preocupados por las condiciones en las que Heath se encuentra cautivo y su capacidad de recibir un juicio justo. Mi oficina ha estado en constante comunicacin tanto con la familia Heath, como con el Departamento de Estado y con la Embajada de Estados Unidos en Colombia. Continuaremos haciendo todo lo posible para asegurar la liberacin de Matthew Heath para que pueda volver a casa y reunirse con su familia aqu en el estado de Tennessee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/urging-absentee-voters-deliver-ballots-barlett-post-office", "Urging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Barlett Post Office", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I urged voters with absentee/mail-in ballots to forgo putting them in the mail and hand-deliver them to the Bartlett Post Office (see details below) instead. I also reminded constituents that we are far from turning the corner on the coronavirus pandemic  with Tennessee a serious hot zone  and to follow public health protocols. I expressed disappointment that a misguided Trump executive order prompted the University of Memphis to suspend employee diversity training; explained why the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase for the third quarter that Trump has touted just days before Election Day is a misleading anomaly in the midst of the worst economic downturn since 1946; urged leaders negotiating the next pandemic economic relief package to provide relief to cinemas; and offered a pandemic-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Urging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Bartlett Post Office Reminding Constituents that Our Region is a Pandemic Hot Zone Expressing Disappointment at Response to Trump Executive Order Explaining Misleading Trump Administration Claims about Economic Growth Focusing on Need to Support Cinemas in Next Relief Package Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUrging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Bartlett Post Office On Thursday, as it became clear that mailing in absentee ballots from remote locations most likely wouldn't get them to the Shelby County Election Commission, and counted, by Tuesday (Election Day), I began urging constituents to hand-deliver their ballots to the Bartlett Post Office at 2966 Elmore Park Road. The Trump administration's efforts this summer to meddle in postal operations have resulted in a serious decline in on-time delivery, just as it intended. Taking your ballot to Bartlett upends this cynical ploy and guarantees every vote will count. Voters can also still FedEx their ballots to the Shelby County Election Commission. The Election Commission's address is 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN, 38134. Reminding Constituents that Our Region is a Pandemic Hot Zone As coronavirus virus cases spike across the country, including in Tennessee, I want to remind my friends, constituents and everyone I can reach that they must follow public health protocols including wearing masks, washing hands frequently and keeping a social distance from others. The President is selling a false message that we have turned the corner on this pandemic despite all evidence to the contrary. Be careful and vigilant, and we will eventually get through this. Expressing Disappointment at Response to Trump Executive Order The Trump administration's misleading executive order purportedly aimed at ending racial bias and scapegoating has led institutions such as the University of Memphis to suspend their workplace diversity training for fear of jeopardizing federal funding. This is unfortunate since all institutions should do all they can to advance tolerance, inclusivity and fairness, particularly in job training. See my release on the situation here. Explaining Misleading Trump Administration Claims about Economic Growth It was obvious the Trump administration would seek to spin the last official report on third quarter economic growth before Tuesday's election, taking credit for an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) without putting it in context. In an effort to clarify how badly the economy has been handled, I explained that this year's second quarter GDP decline was three times worse than the historic decline of 1958 and that the projected 4 percent decline in real growth for 2020 will be the worst on record since 1946. See my statement on the mishandling of the economy and false manipulation of the statistical evidence here. Focusing on Need to Support Cinemas in Next Relief Package As I have been saying for weeks, I have been eager to return to Washington to vote on a pandemic health and economic relief package superseding the updated Heroes Act the House passed October 1. Now that it appears the Senate and Trump officials have officially terminated any prospect of a compromise until after Tuesday's elections, I have urged targeted relief where it appears most needed once those talks resume. This week, I encouraged negotiators to focus on cinemas and the jobs they support, as I have previously urged assistance for restaurants and entertainment venues. See my release here.  \n\t\t\t\t\t  Weekly Health Tip On Thursday, Shelby County reported 2,189 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and the seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee has been rising since late September. So, again this week, I want to call attention to the high number of coronavirus cases, in Tennessee and across the country, that are likely the result of reopening prematurely without implementing basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and those adopted by Memphis and Shelby County for staying safe in this ongoing pandemic: Wash your hands with soap frequently for at least 25 seconds; keep a minimum social distance of six feet from others; wear a face mask when out in public; and avoid being in crowds of more than 10. When you're indoors, six feet might not be far enough, according to recent studies; 14 feet might be better. It is best to wear a mask, particularly when indoors in close quarters. We must work together to get through this. Quotes of the Week When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government  The Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776. In the end, Pennsylvania, that's what voting's about, making things better, not making things perfect, but putting us on track so that a generation from now we can look back and say, Things got better starting now.' And that's what voting's about. Voting's about using the power we have and pooling it together to get a government that's more concerned and more responsive and more focused on you and your lives and your children and your grandchildren and future generations.  President Barack Obama, speaking October 21 in Philadelphia. Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.  The late Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis, The New York Times posthumous op-ed (July 30, 2020). I wish everyone a happy Halloween and plan to cheer a Memphis victory over the Bearcats Saturday. Go Tigers Go!\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-clarifies-misleading-gdp-figures-touted-trump-white", "Congressman Cohen Clarifies Misleading GDP Figures Touted by Trump White House", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today clarified misleading claims by the Trump White House about the high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate in the third quarter, explaining that the deceptive figure being touted days before the election follows the second quarter GDP's historic low. Expert opinion predicts real GDP for all of 2020 will be down 4 percent, the worst showing since 1946.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nYou know what they say about lies and statistics. Trump's third quarter looks high because of the second quarter's historic 31.4 percent drop, which was three times worse than the previous post-World War II decline of 10 percent in 1958. The economy would need to have made a stunning 53.4 percent increase in the third quarter to get even with pre-pandemic growth levels, and it came far short of that. Don't be misled.\nIn fact, the dramatic decline in GDP this year is predicted to strip an estimated $1 trillion in economic output compared to pre-pandemic forecasts, or about $8,000 per household. Don't let the Trump snake oil salesmen spin you. Today's announcement is more evidence of a weakened economy suffering under incompetent management. Trump's failing efforts to deal with the ongoing health crisis are likely to weigh down growth well into 2021.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-absentee-voters-drop-ballots-bartlett", "Congressman Cohen Urges Absentee Voters to Drop Off Ballots in Bartlett", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today urged constituents who have received absentee mail-in ballots to take them to the Bartlett Post Office and drop them in the dropbox. With just days before this Tuesday's November 3 election, Congressman Cohen is concerned that the U.S. Post Office might not be able to deliver mailed-in ballots from remote locations in time to be counted.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThis summer, we saw why the Trump administration wanted to meddle in postal operations to delay delivery of what everyone knew would be a record number of mail-in ballots because of the ongoing pandemic. That cynical strategy can still be upended if those who have received absentee mail-in ballots hand deliver them to the Bartlett Post Office dropbox by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3  Election Day. This solution guarantees that every vote will count.\nThe Bartlett Post Office address is 2966 Elmore Park Road. Absentee ballot envelopes must have first class postage. The Shelby County Election Commission will not accept absentee ballots that are hand delivered to its offices. Voters can also still FedEx their ballots to the Shelby County Election Commission. The Election Commission's address is 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN, 38134.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=376B4091-C116-41F6-B603-82F3ECD5A1A7", "Alexander: Trump Administration Doing the Right Thing By Providing Free COVID-19 Vaccines for Tens of Millions of Americans Including Seniors and Low-Income Families", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tennessee, October 29, 2020  Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration is doing the right thing by providing free COVID-19 vaccines for tens of millions of Americans including seniors and low-income families, after the Trump Administration released a plan that makes COVID-19 vaccines free for seniors through Medicare, low-income populations through Medicaid, and those with private insurance.\r\n\r\nThe plan also bans providers from sending surprise bills to recipients of a vaccine, clarifies how doctors and hospitals get paid for treating seniors with novel treatments and providing a vaccine for COVID-19, and increases price transparency for COVID-19 diagnostic tests.\r\n\r\nI commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to making sure that patientsparticularly seniors and low-income patientswill be able to get COVID-19 vaccines administered at no cost and without the threat of receiving a surprise medical bill months later, Alexander continued. By making vaccines free and protecting patients from surprise bills, the Trump Administration is helping to ensure that once a COVID-19 vaccine is available, cost will not be a barrier for Americans. The rules also remove red tape so hospitals and doctors can get paid more easily for novel COVID-19 treatments, and requires the cash prices for diagnostic tests for COVID-19 to be made public which will help protect patients and control costs.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BB8276F2-1FEE-4055-A5A2-9A31887F9536", "Chairman Alexander: Trump Administration Price Transparency Rule Will Protect Patients and Contain Costs", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tennessee, October 29, 2020  Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration's final rule requiring health insurers to disclose price and out-of-pocket costs information will protect patients and contain costs, adding that Congress should do its part by passing the bipartisan, bicameral Lower Health Care Costs Act.\r\nYou can't lower your health care costs until you know what your health care costs, Alexander said. The Senate health committee and two House committees agree on provisions to increase transparency, consistent with today's action by the Trump Administration which will help patients have a clearer understanding of what their health care costs by requiring health insurers to disclose greater pricing information.\r\nAlexander continued: Congress should now do its part to help patients make more informed health care decisions by passing the Lower Health Care Costs Act which includes further transparency provisions that would let patients know in advance of a doctor's visit how much they will owe out of their own pocket, ban gag clauses between payers and providers which keep patients from knowing the lowest possible price, and help states establish All Payer Claims Databases which make data available for providers to improve quality and insurers to contain costs.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Lower Health Care Cost Act is a bipartisan, bicameral proposal supported by three congressional committees. The legislation ends surprise medical billing by protecting patients from billing disputes, providing timely payments to health care providers based on where the patient lives and where they receive care, and creating a system of Independent Dispute Resolution, more commonly referred to as baseball-style arbitration. Additionally, the legislation increases transparency, improves public health, lowers drug costs, and enhances the exchange of health information. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would offer enough savings to provide five years of funding for the 1,400 Community Health Centers that provide health care for 27 million Americans at 12,000 sites across the country.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-deplores-impact-trump-executive-order-jeopardizing", "Congressman Cohen Deplores Impact of Trump Executive Order Jeopardizing Diversity Training", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed his deep concern about a Trump administration executive order in light of the University of Memphis' decision to suspend certain employee sensitivity training that could jeopardize federal funding. The September 22 Executive Oder 13950 purports to prohibit training that promotes race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI am disappointed that the President's misguided executive order has forced the University of Memphis to take this action. While I understand its concern that certain training could be interpreted to run afoul of the order, and thus jeopardize critical federal funding, the policy enshrined in the order is unwarranted, ill-advised and should be reversed. All public institutions should do all they can to advance tolerance and inclusivity, including through employee training. Trump's cheap politicization of the issue is a not-so-subtle promotion of bigotry, and should be condemned. As an attack on the First Amendment, it is also a form of censorship. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-asks-house-leaders-protect-cinemas", "Congressmen Cohen Asks House Leaders to Protect Cinemas", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to House Democratic leaders asking that they incorporate an increase in coronavirus economic relief funding for cinemas like one recently introduced in the Senate. That measure, the Heroes Small Business Lifeline Act, establishes targeted relief for movie theaters that will save both jobs and the movie industry. Congressman Cohen is a strong supporter of the updated Heroes Act he voted for and the House passed on July 1 that provides relief to restaurants and entertainment venues.\nThe letter reads in part:\nAccording to Malco Theatres, which is headquartered in my district, 268 million Americans went to the movies in 2019 alone. If Congress fails to act, I fear that our country's beloved and essential cinemas may be at risk for permanent closure. We must preserve our theaters and the cinematic experience for millions of Americans to enjoy when it is safe to do so again.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-judge-amy-coney-barrett-will-be-excellent-addition-us-supreme-court", "Fleischmann: Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be an Excellent Addition to the U.S. Supreme Court", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Chuck Fleischmann", "F000459", "fleischmann.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHATTANOOGA, TNU.S. Representative ChuckFleischmann(R-TN-03)released the followingstatementapplauding the Senate confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court:\nToday is a tremendous day for the United States judicial system. I am proud of my colleagues in the Senate who voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett. She is a fantastic legal mind and will be an excellent addition to the United States Supreme Court. I have faith Judge Barrett will uphold the rule of law, as she said in her opening remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee, It was the content of Justice Scalia's reasoning that shaped me. His judicial philosophy was straightforward: A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were.' I wish soon to be Justice Amy Coney Barrett the best as she takes on this historic role. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E60F9FB-BD70-45F8-A62F-2A76EA381615", "Alexander Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, October 26, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on his vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States:\r\nI voted to confirm Judge Barrett because she demonstrates all the characteristics I look for in a judge -- respect for the law, intelligence, scholarship, integrity, and steady temperament. She is well-qualified and has said she will decide cases based upon the law, not her personal views. I have no doubt she will make an excellent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.\r\nAfter meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett on October 21, Alexander said, Having attended college in Tennessee and law school in Indiana, her background will strengthen the Supreme Court by diversifying it.\r\nJudge Barrett was confirmed today by a vote of 52 to 48. She previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Alexander supported Judge Barrett's nomination to the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett is a mother of seven and is now the youngest member currently serving on the Supreme Court.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=946BD910-7DAA-4923-B3AC-20F27D905CC5", "Alexander: New York and California Governors Should Stop Second Guessing FDA on Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines", "2020-10-24", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, October 24, 2020  The Chairman of the U.S. Senate health committee said today that the governors of New York and California should respect career scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and stop second guessing the scientists' decisions on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.\r\n\r\nThe governors have announced they are setting up their own state COVID-19 vaccine review panels. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) said, Frankly, I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion, and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) said, Of course we won't take anyone's word for it.\r\n\r\nSen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) urged the governors not to interfere with the decisions of career scientists. Every day Americans take the word of these scientists' approval of safety and efficacy when we purchase 3.8 billion prescriptions each year, he said.\r\n\r\nThe senator said that he had telephoned White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in October to urge the White House not to interfere with the standards set by career scientists at FDA. The White House did exactly what I had urged. They respected those decisions and did not change a word. The governors of New York and California should show the same respect to the FDA career scientists that the White House did. Undermining the FDA's gold standard of safety and efficacy by setting up state vaccine review panels could delay approval, discourage Americans from taking the vaccine, and cost lives, Alexander said.\r\n\r\nAlexander concluded his remarks on the Senate floor today: I would hope that these Democratic Governors would instead focus their time and resources on planning to distribute the vaccine, and improving testing and contact tracing with the resources Congress has provided, rather than second guessing the efforts of FDA scientists.\r\nWatch Chairman Alexander's full remarks here. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hoping-vote-coronavirus-relief-package", "Hoping to Vote for Coronavirus Relief Package", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nI hoped to return to Washington this week to vote on a coronavirus relief compromise worked out between Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, but evidently the Senate Majority Leader won't let anything happen until after the November 3 election. This week, America learned that the parents of 545 migrant children can't be located by federal immigration officials because of outrageous and inhumane Trump administration policies. We also learned that the coronavirus pandemic, far from turning a corner, is peaking again in Tennessee and across the country while the President continues his attacks on an infectious disease expert rather than working to fight a virus that has taken the lives of more than 220,000 Americans or providing support for the six million people who missed rent or mortgage payments in September. I welcomed the commutation of the unfair life sentence of non-violent offender Curtis McDonald and watched as record numbers of voters in Shelby County participated in our democratic election process. I praised Pope Francis for his inclusive approach to civil unions for same-sex couples and expressed disappointment at the Senate's haste in moving the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a floor vote. I also wrote an op-ed in The Commercial Appeal about progress on my Complete Streets Act. I also offered 2021 Congressional calendars and provided a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\nHoping to Vote for Coronavirus Relief Package   Calling for Repeal of Tax Break for Millionaires Expressing Outrage at Trump Immigration Policy Cruelty Warning of Coronavirus Peak Amid Trump Disinformation Effort Welcoming Clemency for Curtis McDonald Monitoring Record-Breaking Local Early Voting Approving of Pope Francis' Stand on Same-Sex Civil Unions Expressing Disappointment at Senate Haste to Confirm Judge Barrett Moving Forward with Complete Streets Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week\nHoping to Vote for Coronavirus Relief Package\nI share your frustration when I read that negotiations over a compromise coronavirus relief package remain stalled and that Senate Majority Leader McConnell is happy to keep it that way until after the election. I know that six million people were not able to make their rent or mortgage payments last month. I know much of the country is experiencing a surge in cases and that more than 220,000 have died. I know businesses are suffering. I am eager to get back to Washington and vote on a solution, and I assure you I will do all in my power to get relief to those I know are hurting.\nCalling for Repeal of Tax Break for Millionaires\nAs part of whatever pandemic relief compromise is reached, I am hoping that we can repeal the obscene tax breaks for millionaires surreptitiously inserted into the first CARES Act back in March by Senate Republicans. See my op-ed in Wednesday's The Hill newspaper about that repeal effort here.\nExpressing Outrage at Trump Immigration Policy Cruelty\nWe learned from court filings this week that the parents of 545 children can't be located after the disastrous implementation of the Trump administration's 2017 policy of separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. At least 60 of these children were under the age of five, and some weren't yet verbal, at the time of this calculated cruelty. While we must do all we can to reunite these families, it is important for us to stand against any similar inhumane treatment of immigrants and to bring those responsible for this atrocity, such as Trump advisors Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon and Jeff Sessions, to a reckoning with history and justice.\nWarning of Coronavirus Peak Amid Trump Disinformation Effort\nThe seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee has been rising since late September and is now peaking at a record higher than the previous peak in mid-July. That's why it's important to not only follow public health protocols of washing hands, wearing masks and keeping your distances from others, but to also bear in mind that when President Trump says we're turning a corner on the crisis, he is lying. Consider the source when the President calls Dr. Fauci, our nation's preeminent infectious disease specialist, one of the idiots urging sensible precautions. I also said this week that Governor Bill Lee should have implemented a mask mandate, which would have cost the Tennessee taxpayer nothing, instead of wasting $1 million of coronavirus relief funds on PSAs about the benefits of masks. The bottom line: Take this seriously. Our lives depend on it.\nApplauding Clemency for Curtis McDonald \nI was pleased to learn that Curtis McDonald had his life sentence commuted on Wednesday after serving behind bars for more than 20 years for a non-violent offense. I wrote to both Presidents Obama and Trump seeking his release. It shouldn't take the intervention of reality television personalities to see this kind of justice done. There are thousands upon thousands who don't have big names pleading their cases for clemency who still deserve justice. I have continually urged Presidents of both parties to broadly use their pardon and clemency powers to rectify the systematic injustices of our criminal justice system. See my release on Mr. McDonald's release here.\nMonitoring Record-Breaking Local Early Voting\nI am encouraged that the pace of Early Voting in Shelby County is reportedly outpacing levels in the previous three presidential elections. For those who have not yet participated, here is some useful guidance about the process:\nVoting in person: EarlyVoting began onWednesday, October 14 and ends through next Thursday, October 29. See the Shelby County Election Commission'spage on upcoming elections for election dates, offices to be elected, Early Voting schedules (locations, dates, hours), Election Day polling locations, sample ballots and an absentee application.  \n\t  Voting by mail: Currently, Tennessee is not allowing all residents to request absentee ballots despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, those with underlying conditions, as well as their caretakers, may request absentee ballots. See the Shelby County Election Commission'spage on voting absentee for a full list of circumstances that qualify you to vote absentee by mail.\nThe deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 27. Due to mail delivery delays at the Postal Service, it is strongly recommended that you request an absentee ballot as soon as possible. Request your ballot here. Once you've received it and cast your votes, immediately complete and send it back to the Election Commission.\nMail-in ballots must be received at your county election commission by Election Day to count. Mail-in ballots CANNOT be hand delivered to election offices. The only acceptable way to submit an absentee mail-in ballot in Tennessee is by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS, et cetera). If you do not receive your ballot in the mail, please contact the Shelby County Board of Elections Absentee Department at (901) 222-6800 or absenteevoting@shelbycountytn.gov.  \n\t  \n\tIf you request an absentee ballot but do not receive or return your ballot in time, you may still be able to cast a provisional ballot, either during early voting or on election day.However, provisional ballots require additional verification.To make sure your ballot is counted, it is best to apply for your absentee ballot as early as possible and return it by mail as early as possible.\nApproving of Pope Francis' Stand on Same-Sex Civil Unions\nI was pleased to see Pope Francis take a stand in support of civil unions for same-sex couples this week. He may not speak for all 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, but his tolerant and inclusive leadership is a hopeful and welcome development.\nExpressing Disappointment at Senate Haste to Confirm Judge Barrett\nI am disappointed that the Senate Judiciary Committee rushed its vote on the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday and that the full Senate will likely make the unwise decision to seat her on the Supreme Court with another hasty and injudicious vote on Monday. This appointment to succeed the esteemed Justice Ginsburg was badly mishandled.\nMoving Forward with Complete Streets\nI am concerned about the increase in pedestrian fatalities in Memphis and have been working on successful legislative remedies, including parts of my Complete Streets Act which were included in the Moving Forward Act that passed the House in July. Almost exactly a year ago, I hosted a Complete Streets roundtable discussion at the FedEx Family House on Poplar, bringing together all the stakeholders involved in making our street designs smarter and safer for all modes of transportation, including walking and bicycling. See my op-ed in Tuesday's Commercial Appeal here.\nOffering 2021 Congressional Calendars\nMy office will have a limited number of 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please completethis formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nWeekly Health Tip\nAgain this week, I want to call attention to the high number of coronavirus cases, in Tennessee and across the country, that are likely the result of reopening prematurely without implementing basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and those adopted by Memphis and Shelby County for staying safe in this ongoing pandemic: Wash your hands with soap frequently for at least 25 seconds; keep a minimum social distance of six feet from others; wear a face mask when out in public; and avoid being in crowds of more than 10. When you're indoors, six feet might not be far enough, according to recent studies; 14 feet might be better. It is best to wear a mask, particularly when indoors in close quarters. We must work together to get through this.\nQuote of the Week \nA citizen's right to a vote free of arbitrary impairment by state action has been judicially recognized as a right secured by the Constitution, when such impairment resulted from dilution by a false tally, or by a refusal to count votes from arbitrarily selected precincts, or by a stuffing of the ballot box.  Justice William Brennan for the majority, Baker v. Carr, a 1962 U.S. Supreme Court case from Shelby County.\nLast Saturday, I was fortunate to attend the game at the Liberty Bowl Stadium to watch Memphis' historic win over UCF  a game for the ages. I plan to be there tomorrow for the game against Temple. Go Tigers Go!\nAs always, I remain  \n\tMost sincerely,  \nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-applauds-clemency-curtis-mcdonald", "Congressmen Cohen Applauds Clemency for Curtis McDonald", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, applauded today's commutation of the life sentence being served by 70-year-old Curtis McDonald but urged President Trump to use a more systematic approach to release thousands of similarly situated non-violent offenders before he leaves office.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased that Curtis McDonald has been released after 24 years for a non-violent offence and hope that President Trump will free the thousands upon thousands of non-violent offenders deserving of similar clemency. I wrote to President Trump and to President Obama seeking Mr. McDonald's commutation and it is past time for the prison doors to open for him as they did for his co-defendant, Alice Marie Johnson, in 2018. I know that Alice Marie Johnson asked the President to commute Mr. McDonald's sentences and it's possible Kim Kardashian did too. But it shouldn't take the influence of a reality television star, as happened with Ms. Johnson -- or of a congressman  to see that these non-violent offenders receive the justice long overdue them. I hope that President Trump will use his pardon power to release thousands more before he leaves office, as President Obama did in the closing days of his final term in office.\nI hope that President Trump's future grants of clemency won't go, as I expect they will, to the kinds of well-connected donors and white-collar sycophants who he has favored in the past.\nCurtis McDonald was one of five people whose sentences were commuted by the President today.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8A0AAB53-3D99-4E4B-9B6A-50736F390288", "Alexander Statement on Judge Amy Coney Barrett", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "*Click here for a high-resolution photo of Senator Alexander meeting with Judge Barrett in the U.S. Capitol*\r\nWASHINGTON, October 21, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett:\r\nDuring her confirmation hearings, Judge Barrett demonstrated respect for the law, intelligence, good character and steady temperament. Having attended college in Tennessee and law school in Indiana, her background will strengthen the Supreme Court by making it more diverse. She is well-qualified and has said she will decide cases based upon the law, not her personal views. Judge Barrett will be an excellent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and I will vote to confirm her nomination.\r\nJudge Amy Coney Barrett currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett was confirmed by the Senate on October 31, 2017, by a vote of 55 to 43. Senator Alexander supported Judge Barrett's nomination to the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett is a mother of seven, and if confirmed would become the youngest member currently serving on the Supreme Court.\r\nClick here for video of Alexander's remarks and here for b-roll.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C3233328-4330-4963-A6B0-A333958EF4B7", "Alexander Votes for COVID-19 Legislation to Help Businesses and Schools, Fund Testing and Vaccines, and Prepare for Future Pandemics", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, October 21, 2020United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today voted for COVID-19 relief legislation that was blocked by Senate Democrats.\r\nFor the second time in two months, Senate Democrats have blocked legislation that would provide an additional $500 billion in COVID-19 relief for many things that have bipartisan supportadditional unemployment benefits, more Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, more federal funding to help schools and child care reopen safely, and more money for testing and vaccine development, Alexander said.\r\nSince March, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed nearly $3 trillion in relief for families, workers and businesses, and to contain the disease, but there is still more work to be done. Democrats and Republicans should be able to work together and focus on these areas where we have bipartisan agreement so that Congress can provide much needed assistance to the country.\r\nWhile we are in the midst of dealing with this pandemic it would also be wise to remember any legislation Congress passes this year should prepare for the next pandemic by making sure that support for onshore manufacturing is sustained, stockpiles are full, and states have the right tools and resources to respond. The reason to do that now, while our eye is on the ball, is because the next pandemic could be as soon as next year.\r\nBackground on the Delivering Immediate Relief to America's Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act:\r\n \r\nProvides an additional $300 per week in federally funded unemployment benefits\r\nProvides an additional round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses\r\nProvides an additional $105 billion to help schools and colleges re-open safely\r\nProvides an additional $15 billion to help parents get the child care they need so they can get back to work\r\nProvides an additional $16 billion for states to conduct more testing and contact tracing\r\nProvides an additional $31 billion to develop and procure tests, treatments, and vaccines\r\nHelps prepare for future pandemics, including provisions regarding onshore manufacturing, state stockpiles and federal stockpiles\r\nGives Governors and states flexibility on how to use the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was provided by the CARES Act in March\r\nProvides $20 billion for additional farm assistance\r\nProvides liability relief for businesses, schools, colleges, nonprofits and local government agencies\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A32A2DB7-C96F-4F5D-BC95-DB5659755EA9", "Alexander Statement on Dr. Fauci", "2020-10-19", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARYVILLE, Tenn., October 19, 2020 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement:\r\nDr. Fauci is one of our country's most distinguished public servants. He has served six presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan. If more Americans paid attention to his advice, we'd have fewer cases of COVID-19, and it would be safer to go back to school and back to work and out to eat.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/demanding-irs-increase-awareness-about-economic-impact-payments", "Demanding IRS Increase Awareness about Economic Impact Payments", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I led a letter to the IRS Commissioner with 32 Congressional colleagues to demand the agency do all it can to deliver Economic Impact Payments to the estimated nine million low-income non-tax filers who still have not received their checks. I also continued to monitor the disturbing national and regional trends in coronavirus infection and the Trump administration's continued incompetent response to it; continued to urge repeal of a provision of the CARES Act that gives millionaires an undeserved tax break unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic or its economic consequences; expressed disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end the 2020 U.S. Census prematurely and before all who could have participated had the opportunity to do so; announced a $2 million Department of Justice grant to test backlogged rape kits; was pleased to receive a 100 percent score on my environmental record regarding clean water issues; provided guidance on voting in the upcoming election; made 2021 Congressional calendars available; and offered a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens.\n\t\t\t\tDemanding IRS Increase Awareness about Economic Impact Payments for Nine Million Low-Income Americans  Monitoring Disturbing Trends in Coronavirus Infection and Trump Administration's Incompetent Response  Urging Repeal of Undeserved Tax Break for Millionaires  Expressing Disappointment at Supreme Court ending 2020 U.S. Census  Announcing $2 Million Department of Justice Grant to Test Rape Kits  Receiving Perfect Score on My Environmental Record on Clean Water Issues  Providing Voting Procedure Guidance for Upcoming Election  Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDemanding IRSIncrease Awareness about Economic Impact Payments for Nine Million Low-Income Americans\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I led a letter with 32 of my Congressional colleagues asking IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to do all in his agency's power to identify and assist the estimated nine million people eligible for $1,200 Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) under the CARES Act who are difficult to reach because they don't file annual federal income tax returns. While I am pleased the IRS extended the deadline from October 15 to November 21, as I'd requested in an earlier letter, more must be done to help them. See my release and the letter here.\n\t\t\t\tMonitoring Disturbing Trends in Coronavirus Infection and Trump Administration's Incompetent Response\n\t\t\t\tMuch of the country  including our Mid-South region  is following a disturbing trend of increased COVID-19 infection just as cold weather forces us inside where the likelihood of infection and spread of the virus increases. I am dismayed at the failure of the Trump administration's response to this pandemic and urge my friends and constituents to follow public health protocols to protect themselves and our community until the situation improves.\n\t\t\t\tUrging Repeal of Undeserved Tax Break for Millionaires\n\t\t\t\tThe New York Times again this week called attention to an unfair tax break secretly inserted into the CARES Act that became law in late March. Since April, I have been calling for the repeal of the provision and cosponsored legislation that gives millionaires an undeserved break unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic. Similar repeal language is in the updated Heroes Act the House passed on October 1, but the Senate has refused to consider it. We need to address the pressing health and financial crisis while repealing this obscene tax break.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Disappointment at Supreme Court Ending 2020 U.S. Census\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to halt the 2020 Census ahead of schedule, ending the every-ten-year head count prematurely and denying participants an opportunity to accurately shape Congressional district representation and federal spending for the next decade. Memphis, a traditionally undercounted city, will be particularly affected by this transparent effort to deliberately skew the results to the disadvantage of minority and underserved communities. I hope you were able to fill out your Census form. If you did, your community and I thank you.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing $2 Million Department of Justice Grant to Test Rape Kits\n\t\t\t\tFor more than a decade, I have worked to increase spending on rape kit testing after learning of the significant backlog in testing both in Memphis and across the country that deprives survivors of justice and prosecutors of evidence. Using amendments during the appropriations process, I have helped add millions of dollars to the Department of Justice Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program, which this week awarded a $2 million grant to the City of Memphis. I will continue to work to bring justice to survivors knowing that justice delayed is justice denied. See my release here.\n\t\t\t\tReceiving Perfect Score on My Environmental Record on Clean Water Issues\n\t\t\t\tLast Friday, Clean Water Action gave me its 100 percent perfect score for my environmentally significant votes during the 116th Congress that is now drawing to a close. I'm proud of my environmental voting record and plan to continue working to deserve this kind of recognition. See my release here.\n\t\t\t\tProviding Guidance on Voting Procedures\n\t\t\t\tThe deadline to register to vote in Tennessee was October 5. Here is some guidance on voting procedures this year.\n\t\t\t\tVoting in person: EarlyVoting began onWednesday, October 14 and ends Thursday, October 29. See the Shelby County Election Commission'spage on upcoming elections for election dates, offices to be elected, Early Voting schedules (locations, dates, hours), Election Day polling locations, sample ballots and an absentee application.  \n\t\t\t\t\t  Voting by mail: Currently, Tennessee is not allowing all residents to request absentee ballots due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, those with underlying conditions, as well as their caretakers, may request absentee ballots. See the Shelby County Election Commission'spage on voting absentee for a full list of circumstances that qualify you to vote absentee by mail.\n\t\t\t\tThe deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 27. Due to mail delivery delays at the Postal Service, it is strongly recommended that you request an absentee ballot as soon as possible. Request your ballot here. Once you've received it and cast your votes, immediately complete and send it back to the Election Commission.\n\t\t\t\tMail-in ballots must be received at your county election commission by Election Day to count. Mail-in ballots CANNOT be hand delivered to election offices. The only acceptable way to submit an absentee mail-in ballot in Tennessee is by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS, et cetera). If you do not receive your ballot in the mail, please contact the Shelby County Board of Elections Absentee Department at (901) 222-6800 or absenteevoting@shelbycountytn.gov.  \n\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\tIf you request an absentee ballot but do not receive or return your ballot in time, you may still be able to cast a provisional ballot, either during early voting or on election day.However, provisional ballots require additional verification.To make sure your ballot is counted, it is best to apply for your absentee ballot as early as possible and return it by mail as early as possible.\n\t\t\t\tOffering 2021 Congressional Calendars\n\t\t\t\tMy office will have a limited number of 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please completethis formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tAgain this week, I want to call attention to the high number of coronavirus cases, in Tennessee and across the country, that are likely the result of reopening prematurely without implementing basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and those adopted by Memphis and Shelby County for staying safe in this ongoing pandemic: Wash your hands with soap frequently for at least 25 seconds; keep a minimum social distance of six feet from others; wear a face mask when out in public; and avoid being in crowds of more than 10. When you're indoors, six feet might not be far enough, according to recent studies; 14 feet might be better. It is best to wear a mask, particularly when indoors or in close quarters. We must work together to get through this.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week \n\t\t\t\tConsider this inspiring song I heard on YouTube, called November. The perfect song to listen to this election season.\n\t\t\t\t\"The great man who led the march from Selma to Montgomery and there called for the passage of the Voting Rights Act foresaw progress, even in Alabama. The arc of the moral universe is long,' he said, but it bends toward justice,' if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion. That commitment has been disserved by today's decision.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in dissent, in Shelby County v. Holder (2013)\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-letter-demanding-irs-disseminate-crucial", "Congressman Cohen Leads Letter Demanding IRS Disseminate Crucial Information to Nearly Nine Million Low-Income Americans Regarding their $1,200 Economic Impact Payments", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a letter with 32 other Members of Congress demanding that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) alert the non-tax filers of its new Economic Impact Payment (EIP) registration deadline of November 21, 2020. Currently, the agency has no plans to contact non-filers and notify them of its new deadline, despite the fact that it recently sent direct letters to non-filers concerning the original deadline of October 15, 2020. Congressman Cohen's letter also calls on the IRS to expand its outreach efforts and do everything in its power to ensure this assistance is received.\nThe IRS's outreach failure affects nearly nine million non-filers  the majority of whom are very low-income  who have not yet received their $1,200 EIP. Non-filers must submit information to the IRS in order to receive their payment. The IRS's original deadline for non-filers to submit their information was October 15, 2020, but after Congressman Cohen and his colleagues called for an extension for non-filers, the IRS pushed back the deadline to November 21, 2020.\nThe letter reads in part:\nThe IRS should be doing everything in its power to ensure that all Americans, and particularly those with the lowest incomes, receive their EIPs. Thus far, the IRS has stated that it will not directly alert non-filers of its new EIP registration deadline This unfortunately follows a troubling pattern at the IRS of inadequate and failed outreach efforts to low-income Americans concerning their EIPs.\nSee the entire letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-announces-2-million-rape-kit-testing", "Congressmen Cohen Announces $2 Million for Rape Kit Testing", "2020-10-14", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced a Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant of $2 million to the City of Memphis. Over the past decade, Congressman Cohen has been a leader in efforts to increase spending under the initiative, and Memphis has receive substantial resources under the program. At its peak, the rape kit backlog reached 12,000 untested kits in Memphis alone with an estimated 400,000 sitting in evidence rooms nationwide. In 2015, Memphis received nearly $2 million and, in 2017, it received just over $1 million from this program to reduce its rape kit backlog.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nJustice delayed is justice denied. I am pleased that Memphis will be receiving this grant funding to help ensure that rape kits get processed. DNA analysis is a powerful weapon against sexual assailants, but it can't do any good when rape kits don't get processed. This grant will help the City of Memphis and our local law enforcement track down assailants and help victims get justice. I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure that sexual assailants are brought to justice.\nCongressman Cohen has worked successfully through the years with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York and others to increase SAKI program funding by millions of dollars through the appropriations process.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-applauds-completion-east-tennessee-technology-park-cleanup", "Fleischmann Applauds Completion of East Tennessee Technology Park Cleanup", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Chuck Fleischmann", "F000459", "fleischmann.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OAK RIDGE, TN Today, Congressman ChuckFleischmann(TN-03)spoke at the Vision 2020 event in Oak Ridge, Tennessee celebrating the completion of cleanup operations at the East Tennessee Technology Park. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Governor Bill Lee (R-TN), and Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette also spoke at the event.\nI am honored and excited to be a part of today's celebration with Senator Lamar Alexander, Governor Bill Lee, and Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. I applaud the DOE's Environmental Management program and the thousands of East Tennesseans that have worked for years to make today a reality, Rep. Fleischmann said. The realization of Vision 2020  the completion of cleanup operations at the East Tennessee Technology Park, now the Heritage Center  is a tremendous milestone for nuclear cleanup in the state, as well as in the country. I will continue to work tirelessly in Congress to make sure that the cleanup progress that we are celebrating today continues until we have successfully fulfilled our obligation to cleanup legacy nuclear sites.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3FB0CDDD-EB3B-4637-A093-11BFCBAC43C7", "Alexander: Oak Ridge Corridor Supporting New Advanced Nuclear Reactors", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nuclear power must be part of our energy future if we want clean, cheap, and reliable energy that can create good jobs. Government-sponsored research has helped make America the greatest country in the world, and, in fact, much of that is happening right here in the Oak Ridge Corridor.  Senator Lamar Alexander\r\nMARYVILLE, Tenn., October 13, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Oak Ridge National Laboratory will support the development of new advanced nuclear reactors after the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $160 million to two projects as part of the Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program (ARDP). The new program, which was created last year, is a cost-shared partnership between the federal government and private industry. The funding announced today will support the construction of two reactors that are intended to be operational in five to seven years.\r\nNuclear power must be part of our energy future if we want clean, cheap, and reliable energy that can create good jobs. To make sure nuclear power has a future in this country, and keep America competitive in a global economy, we need to develop advanced reactors that have the potential to be smaller, cost less, and produce less waste than today's reactors. We need to stop talking about advanced reactors and actually build something, Alexander said. The grants the U.S. Department of Energy announced today will help build two new advanced nuclear reactors to demonstrate the capabilities they may bring, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the capabilities in the Oak Ridge Corridor have an important role to play.\r\nAlexander serves as the chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. The senator sponsored legislation the Senate passed last year that included $300 million in grant funding as a part of the new Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program.\r\nToday's announcement is good news for East Tennessee because X-Energy is using fuel being developed in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Government-sponsored research has helped make America the greatest country in the world, and in fact, much of that is happening right here in the Oak Ridge Corridor.\r\nOak Ridge Corridor? As president of the University of Tennessee in the late 1980s, I would tout the concentration of brainpower in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area and compare the Oak Ridge Corridor to Massachusetts' Route 128, North Carolina's Research Triangle and even California's Silicon Valley. Some people thought this was a little far-fetched. But 35 years later, the idea of an Oak Ridge Corridor doesn't seem far-fetched at all, and it's about time we celebrate it. With such a strong foundation and such strong current leadership, I am betting that during the next 80 years the brand Oak Ridge Corridor will be clearly recognized as one of the most important science and engineering alliances in the world.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FB51A6A4-C1F7-4F4C-B908-4542B28FD9A6", "Alexander: Oak Ridge First in History to Clean Up an Entire Uranium Enrichment Site", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Lamar Alexander", "A000360", "www.alexander.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After years of demolition, the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management has cleaned up the East Tennessee Technology Park  safely removing hundreds of old, contaminated buildings and making 2,200 acres available for economic development and recreation.  Senator Lamar Alexander\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, October 13, 2020  United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that Oak Ridge has again made history by being the first to clean up an entire uranium enrichment site and by doing it four years early and under budget.\r\nAfter years of demolition, the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management has cleaned up the East Tennessee Technology Park  safely removing hundreds of old, contaminated buildings and making 2,200 acres available for economic development and recreation. This is the first time in the world an entire uranium enrichment complex has been taken down, Alexander said. I'm so proud of these Tennessee workers, the contractors and the entire community, who have gone above and beyond to complete Vision 2020.\r\nAlexander continued, I'm pleased not only at the magnitude of what was achieved at the East Tennessee Technology Park, but also the manner in which it was achieved. The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management and its contractor UCOR completed this work four years ahead of schedule, saving taxpayers $80 million in estimated cleanup costs and $500 million in environmental liabilities. This is truly a model of how to successfully clean up Department of Energy sites.\"\r\nAlexander serves as chairman of the Senate appropriations subcommittee that has provided billions in fundingand oversight for cleanup at Oak Ridge and other Department of Energy sites across the country.\r\nThis environmental cleanup effort has also provided good jobs to everyone from engineers to craft and from large industries to local small businesses.\r\nAlexander concluded, It is clearing away hazards, while creating new opportunities for the community, economy and for the Department of Energy's important current and future missions.\r\nToday, Alexander joined Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette in attending the Vision 2020 celebration to mark the completion of all cleanup at East Tennessee Technology Park. Alexander today said, While this is an historic achievement, there is more work to be done. Cleanup of the Y-12 site and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will take even longer to complete, and Alexander said, The work done so far puts us on a good path toward meeting those goals.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 141, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "TN", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 96, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 45, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 141, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TN&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "TN", "label": "TN", "count": 141, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 141, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-10-13,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ealexander~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3DFB51A6A4-C1F7-4F4C-B908-4542B28FD9A6", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=TN&year=2020&_next=2020-10-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ealexander~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FContentRecord_id~3DFB51A6A4-C1F7-4F4C-B908-4542B28FD9A6&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 158.3734410814941, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}