{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"TN\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-slaughter-nadler-cohen-new-republican-rule-modern-day-gag-rule", "CONYERS, SLAUGHTER, NADLER & COHEN: NEW REPUBLICAN RULE IS A MODERN DAY GAG RULE", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), House Committee on Rules Ranking Member Louise Slaughter (D-NY), House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Ranking Member, and former chair of the Subcommittee on the Constitution Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) today released a joint statement on the proposed Republican Rules package,\u00a0 which, among other things, would delegate to the Sergeant-at-Arms the\u00a0 authority to impose fines of up to $2,500 per offense against any Member who uses an electronic device to photograph or record House floor proceedings.\u00a0 This is an apparent reaction to the Democratic sit-in on the House floor last June over the Republicans\u2019 failure to bring up common sense gun safety legislation in the wake of the Orlando night club shootings.\n\u201cHouse Republican Leadership, as one of its first priorities for the incoming Congress, seeks to impose a modern day and unconstitutional gag rule to restrict the First Amendment rights of Members to protest and engage in other forms of expression on the House floor as well as deny them due process.\u00a0 This unprecedented rule change, which appears to violate several fundamental constitutional protections, clearly is intended to undermine the rights of Members in the Minority to freely express their views on the House floor, which is a critical means by\u00a0which Members communicate to the American public.\u00a0 It is particularly egregious that such a controversial and potentially unlawful change is being implemented in the complete absence of hearings or input from legal experts, let alone the Minority.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cIn effect, this proposed rule change would empower a protocol official to unilaterally impose a fine against a Member who uses an electronic device to photograph or record House floor proceedings without affording the Member any due process.\u00a0 Even the threat of this fine would have a chilling effect on the right of Members to express their views on the House floor, which is one of the most fundamental protections under the Constitution\u2019s Speech or Debate Clause as well as the First Amendment.\u00a0 As the U.S. Supreme Court recognized more than 50 years ago in Mills v. Alabama, \u2018Whatever differences may exist about interpretations of the First Amendment, there is practically universal agreement that a major purpose of that Amendment was to protect the free discussion of governmental affairs.\u2019\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cIn addition, the proposed rule change fails to provide a Member any due process to contest the imposition of the fine before it is automatically deducted from the Member\u2019s salary, the diminution of which is protected by the 27th Amendment.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cRather than ensuring greater transparency and promoting full and fair debate, the House Republican Leadership has chosen to do the very opposite by authorizing \u2018speech police\u2019 to restrict the First Amendment right of the Minority to express their dissent on the House floor. Surely this could not happen on the floor of the U.S. House, given that we\u2019re sworn to uphold the Constitution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/have-safe-and-happy-holiday-season", "Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nI wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very safe and happy holiday season. This week, I commended the President for issuing a record number of commutations and pardons in one day but encouraged him to do more when it comes to marijuana-related convictions, and I announced I would be reintroducing a bipartisan bill to establish a\u00a0minimum seat size on airplanes for the safety and health of passengers. I will also be appearing on MSNBC Friday morning to discuss Russia\u2019s influence in our elections and President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s transition. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nPreparing to Host My 2017 District Issues Meeting  Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders  Fighting for the Safety of Airline Passengers  Appearing on MSNBC on Friday  Highlights from 2016  Helping Memphians Get Covered  Weekly Health Tip  2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nPreparing to Host My 2017 District Issues Meeting\nOn Monday, January 9 from 9am-11am, I will be holding\u00a0my annual District Issues Meeting at my Memphis Office to discuss issues affecting the Ninth District. Earlier this month, I sent out a survey asking you to tell me what issues you thought were most important for Congress to be working on next year. You provided me with very useful feedback to take back to Washington, highlighting the need for Congress to protect Medicare and Social Security, address gun violence, create good-paying jobs, expand access to affordable healthcare, ensure equal rights for all and much more. If you have not yet filled out the survey, you can do so below:\u00a0Click to open in a separate window\nCommending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders\nOn Monday, I commended President Obama for granting a record number of commutations and pardons in one day for those serving unjustly long sentences for largely non-violent drug convictions. However the President should continue working at Mach speed to issue as many appropriate commutations and pardons as possible before leaving office, especially for those in jail for non-violent marijuana convictions and for crack-cocaine disparity injustices.\u00a0Read more\u00a0here. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFighting for the Safety of Airline Passengers\nOn Monday, I announced that Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and I would be reintroducing the bipartisan SEAT Act early next year to establish a minimum seat size on commercial airlines as well as a minimum distance between rows of seats to protect the safety and health of airline passengers. Read more\u00a0here.\u00a0\nAppearing on MSNBC on Friday\nOn Friday morning, I will be on MSNBC at approximately 9am CT to discuss Russia\u2019s influence in the 2016 Presidential election and President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s transition. Tune in!\u00a0\nHighlights from 2016\nBelow are a few highlights from a very productive year as your Congressman. I look forward to continuing to represent the Ninth District in 2017. \u00a0\nCongressman Cohen\u00a0spoke on the House floor in support of the 21st Century Cures Act in November. Congressman Cohen\u2019s\u00a0EUREKA Act for Alzheimer\u2019s research was included in the final bill that President Obama signed into law last week. He was quoted twice in the New York Times for his remarks. You can read those articles\u00a0here and\u00a0here.\nPolitical Cartoon that appeared in the Commercial Appeal on December 11, 2016. Congressman Cohen\u00a0introduced a Constitutional amendment in December to abolish the electoral college and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President.\n  Congressman Cohen attended the Big River Crossing opening ceremony in October. Congressman Cohen helped secure a $15 million federal TIGER Grant as part of the public-private partnership to fund the project.\nCongressman Cohen and Former Israeli President Shimon Peres in 2007. Congressman Cohen was\u00a0invited by President Obama to help represent the United States in Israel for the funeral of Shimon Peres in September.\nCongressman Cohen questioned Attorney General Loretta Lynch in July about the need for additional police sensitivity trainings and the need for independent prosecutors to investigate instances of police use of deadly force. Congressman Cohen\u2019s\u00a0Police Training and Independent Review Act currently has 100 cosponsors in the House of Representatives and the support of the NAACP. \u00a0\nCongressman Cohen hosted constituents, local gun violence prevention groups and city leaders in his District Office in June for a discussion on\u00a0gun violence prevention after he was one of the original 15 members to take to the House floor with civil rights icon Representative John Lewis (D-GA) to demand Speaker Paul Ryan hold a vote on legislation to expand background checks and legislation to prevent gun sales to suspected terrorists.\n  In March, Congressman Cohen was part of the Congressional delegation that accompanied President Obama on his\u00a0historic trip to Cuba.\u00a0Congressman Cohen attended the Cuban National Team v. Tampa Bay Rays exhibition game in Cuba sporting his autographed hat from his childhood hero Minnie Minoso.\u00a0\n\u00a0Congressman Cohen\u00a0spoke out against continued efforts by House Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and defund Planned Parenthood in January. Congressman Cohen has been one of the staunchest supporters of the ACA and Planned Parenthood throughout his time in Congress.\u00a0\nHelping Memphians Get Covered\n  \n\tThe open enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. The last day to sign up for health insurance is January 31, 2017. Visit my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\u00a0\nThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a list of 12 ways to have a safe and healthy holiday season with your friends and family, including washing your hands to prevent the spread of illness, practicing fire safety around your space heaters and fireplaces, and more. Read the full list\u00a0here.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,    \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-granting-clemency-231", "Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Granting Clemency to 231 Americans Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who has been the most constant voice in Congress imploring President Obama to use his constitutional power to bring about justice through commutations and pardons, today commended President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the prison sentences of 153 largely non-violent drug offenders and issuing 78 pardons. Today\u2019s commutations and pardons represent the President\u2019s continued commitment to using his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated and discriminatory federal policies, and to provide a second chance to deserving individuals. Today\u2019s 231 commutations and pardons marks the most individual acts of clemency granted in a single day by any president in our nation\u2019s history. President Obama has granted clemency to 1,176 prisoners and pardoned 148 people during his presidency.\n\"I commend President Obama for granting a daily record number of commutations and pardons for those serving unjustly long sentences for largely non-violent drug convictions,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cBut the President should continue working at Mach speed to issue as many appropriate commutations and pardons as possible before leaving office, especially for those in jail for non-violent marijuana convictions and for crack-cocaine disparity injustices. Very, very few of the commutations and pardons issued were for marijuana-related convictions. Yet of all the drugs that prisoners have been jailed for, marijuana is the drug that causes the least harm to society, has contributed to the least number of deaths, and has been legalized medically in 28 states as well as the District of Columbia and recreationally for more than 63 million Americans. Why there haven\u2019t been more commutations and pardons for marijuana convictions befuddles me. Our nation\u2019s outdated federal drug laws disproportionately affect minority populations and continue a policy grounded in false premises and political expediency dating back to President Nixon\u2019s \u2018Southern Strategy.\u2019 As Martin Luther King, Jr. rightly noted, \u2018Justice too long delayed is justice denied.\u2019\u201dCongressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address injustices, including a November 15, 2016 letter to President Obama, a February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling for increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a\u00a0May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review\u00a0on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a\u00a0November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill,\u00a0repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in\u00a0a\u00a0letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an\u00a0August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in\u00a0an\u00a0August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would, in part, make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cohen-and-kinzinger-reintroduce-airplane-seat-act-early-next-year", "Reps. Cohen and Kinzinger to Reintroduce Airplane SEAT Act Early Next Year", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Ahead of a busy week for holiday air travel, and in response to shrinking airplane seats, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today announced that they will reintroduce the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act early next year during the new Congress. The SEAT Act would establish a minimum seat size on commercial airlines as well as a minimum distance between rows of seats to protect the safety and health of airline passengers.\n\u201cAs millions of Americans take to the skies this week for the holiday season, it is a reminder of our obligation to ensure air travel is safe for passengers,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\u201cThe time to examine the safety implications of smaller airplane seats is now, not after some future tragedy. Planes need to be capable of rapid evacuation in case of emergency, yet appropriate testing has not been conducted by the FAA on all of today\u2019s smaller seats. In addition, doctors have warned that deep vein thrombosis can afflict passengers who don\u2019t move their legs during longer flights. The safety and health of passengers must come first. That is why Congressman Kinzinger and I will be reintroducing the SEAT Act early next year during the new Congress.\u201d\n\u201cThis time of year is a busy time of travel for people in Illinois and across the country, and it is critical that safety is our top priority,\u201d said Congressman Kinzinger. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to join my colleague, Rep. Cohen, in announcing our plans to introduce the Safe Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act in the 115th Congress.\u00a0 This legislation is important to ensure our aircraft\u2019s seats are of a big enough size to guarantee effective passageways of evacuation for passenger safety.\u00a0 I am proud to support this important measure and look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.\u201d\nThe next Congress will be working to renew authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the current authority set to expire on September 30, 2017. Congressmen Cohen and Kinzinger introduced the SEAT Act as an amendment to the FAA Reauthorization bill last year.\nPress coverage of the SEAT Act can be found at:\u00a0NY Times;\u00a0Chicago Tribune;\u00a0CBS Evening News;\u00a0CBS Morning News;\u00a0NBC\u2019s Today Show;\u00a0Washington Post;\u00a0USA Today;\u00a0Washington Post;\u00a0CNN\nCongressman Cohen\u2019s Op-Ed on this issue was published in\u00a0USA Today. You can read his Op-Ed\u00a0here.\u00a0\nThe average distance between rows of seats has dropped from 35 inches before airline deregulation in the 1970s to about 31 inches today. The average width of an airline seat has also shrunk from 18 inches to about 16 \u00bd.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-cms-extends-tenncare-ii-section-1115-through-2021", "Cohen: CMS Extends TennCare II Section 1115 Through 2021", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has extended the TennCare II section 1115 demonstration through June 30, 2021. TennCare is the state's managed-care Medicaid system and is authorized under a section 1115 waiver. Section 1115 waivers allow certain pieces of the Medicaid program to be waived in order to give states additional flexibility to design and improve their state-run Medicaid programs. In May, Congressman Cohen wrote a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell urging CMS to renew Tennessee\u2019s 1115 Medicaid waiver before it expired on June 30, 2016. Additionally, Congressman Cohen urged the waiver to continue funding the uncompensated hospital care payments. These payments help hospitals cover the costs they face when they provide care for the uninsured and underinsured. You can read Congressman Cohen letter here. CMS temporarily extended the deadline a number of times over the last six months, before announcing the five-year extension this afternoon.\n\u201cI am pleased that CMS has extended TennCare\u2019s section 1115 demonstration for the next 5 years, including the continuation of the state\u2019s uncompensated hospital care payments,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThis continued funding from CMS is critical to the success of hospitals in Memphis who rely on these payments to cover unreimbursed costs. I was proud to write a letter to Secretary Burwell in support of the extension of TennCare Section 1115. TennCare helps 1.5 million mostly low-income pregnant women, children and individuals who are elderly or have a disability in Tennessee.\u201d \nAdditionally, Congressman Cohen led the bipartisan efforts of the Tennessee delegation in 2015 to the U.S. House to get a provision added to the Medicare Access and Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (\u201cCHIP\u201d) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2) before it became law to guarantee $530 million over the next 10 years in disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments to help Tennessee\u2019s hospitals and community health centers recoup expenses incurred caring for those who cannot afford to pay. Tennessee is the only state in the nation that does not receive these DSH allotments automatically.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/supporting-memphis-women-and-minority-owned-businesses", "Supporting Memphis Women and Minority-Owned Businesses", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I attended the Greater Memphis Chamber\u2019s press conference announcing the launch of the Ascend Memphis Business Development Pilot Program for minority and women-owned businesses, attended the ceremony designating Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community, praised President Obama for signing the 21st Century Cures Act into law, called for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Russia's involvement in the 2016 Presidential election, announced that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extended a provision to help hospitals treat Medicaid patients in Tennessee, and announced a more than $11.5 million federal grant for Shelby County Head Start Programs.\u00a0Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nSupporting Memphis Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Designating Orange Mound as a Preserve America CommunityBuilding a Healthier AmericaCalling for Hearings on Russia's Involvement in our ElectionsFighting for Tennessee Hospitals Securing Funding for Early Childhood Education Helping Memphians Get CoveredWeekly Health Tip 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nSupporting Memphis Women and Minority-Owned Businesses\u00a0\nOn Thursday, I attended Greater Memphis Chamber\u2019s press conference announcing the launch of the Ascend Memphis Business Development Pilot Program to increase the success of local small, women and minority-owned businesses. This program will pair successful small businesses with women and minority-owned businesses to teach them best practices to be successful. Two years ago in my Memphis Office, I spoke with President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber Phil Trenary on the need to address the disparity of wealth in Memphis and the need for more minority-owned businesses in the city. If the African American community does not prosper, then Memphis does not prosper. I would like to thank Phil Trenary, Shea Flinn, Andre Gibson and the other members of the Chairman\u2019s Circle for their foresight and follow through on getting this program started. I would also like to thank Beverly Robertson of TRUST Marketing who will create and manage the Ascend Program. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nDesignating Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community\nToday, I attended the Orange Mound Preserve America designation ceremony at Mt. Pisgah CME Church. In November, I announced that First Lady Michelle Obama had designated Orange Mound as a Preserve American Community, and I was proud to write a letter of support to the Office of Preservation Initiatives for Orange Mound\u2019s application. I would like to thank the Blues City Cultural Center for their performance on the origins of the Orange Mound neighborhood during the ceremony. I would also like to acknowledge Khumari McElroy, Student Body President from Dunbar Elementary School, for his excellent speech. Thank you to Jordan Tannenbaum\u00a0from the Office of Preservation Initiatives, Executive Director of the Melrose Center for Cultural Enrichment Mary Mitchell and Dr. Cynthia Sadler for their work in putting this ceremony together. \u00a0 \u00a0\nBuilding a Healthier America\nOn Tuesday, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law. I am proud this law includes our EUREKA Act to help encourage innovative solutions to fight awful diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, as well as Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot initiative, increased benefits for mental health patients, grants to help combat the opioid epidemic and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\nI was honored to be quoted in the New York Times twice last week from my floor speech in support of the 21st Century Cures Act. You can read those articles\u00a0here\u00a0and\u00a0here. You can watch my remarks on the House floor\u00a0here\u00a0and read more about my work on this bill\u00a0here.\u00a0\nCalling for Hearings on Russia's Involvement in our Elections\u00a0\nOn Monday, I called on House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte to hold hearings on reports that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump win and, further, that the FBI knew of this and did not disclose it. However, despite FBI Director James Comey\u2019s terrible errors of judgement, I am withdrawing my suggestion that he should resign. Read more about why\u00a0here. Read my letter to Chairman Goodlatte\u00a0here.\nFighting for Tennessee Hospitals\nOn Friday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it has extended the TennCare II section 1115 demonstration through June 30, 2021. This continued funding from CMS is critical to the success of hospitals in Memphis who rely on these payments to cover unreimbursed costs. I was proud to write a letter to Secretary Burwell in support of the extension of TennCare Section 1115. Read more\u00a0here.\nSecuring Funding for Early Childhood Education\nOn Wednesday, the Shelby County Board of Education was awarded a more than $11.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Head Start projects for early childhood education in Memphis and Shelby County. Read more\u00a0here.\nHelping Memphians Get Covered\nThe open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. The deadline to sign up for health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2017 has been extended to December 19, 2016. The federal marketplace closes on January 31, 2017. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\u00a0\nReceiving regular cancer screenings can help detect diseases early and save lives. For more information on various cancer screenings, visit the National Cancer Institute\u2019s website\u00a0here.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-more-115-million-shelby-county-head-start-projects", "Cohen Announces More Than $11.5 Million for Shelby County Head Start Projects", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Shelby County Board of Education has been awarded an $11,530,676 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start projects.\n\u201cToday\u2019s funding for Shelby County\u2019s Head Start projects is an investment in our children, our families and our future,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cBecause of this important funding, children from low-income families throughout Memphis and Shelby County will be better prepared to learn when they enter school. Head Start is an important program that I am proud to support.\u201d\nHead Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Shelby County Head Start provides these services to nearly 5,000 children in Memphis and Shelby County.\nThe Head Start program was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson\u2019s War on Poverty in 1965 as an eight-week demonstration project. Since its founding, Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in every corner of the nation and has grown to include full day as well as year services and numerous program options.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-joins-senator-reid-calling-fbi-director-comey-resign", "Cohen Joins Senator Reid in Calling on FBI Director Comey to Resign", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today joined Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in calling on FBI Director James Comey to resign after reports that the CIA secretly concluded Russia was trying to help Donald Trump win the presidency. Congressman Cohen first called on FBI Director Comey to resign in October after he made public comments on the investigation into Hillary Clinton\u2019s email server.\n\u201cI applaud Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid for also calling on FBI Director James Comey to resign after new information came to light that Director Comey may have known the CIA had secretly concluded that the Russians were trying to help Donald Trump win the presidency by hacking the DNC, DCCC and Hillary Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta\u2019s emails. This is unconscionable. Director Comey put an unnecessary, unfounded cloud over the presidential campaign during its final two weeks. Reliable sources have said he had information that the Russians were interfering with the election and didn\u2019t give the American people notice. I am proud to join Senator Reid in calling on Director Comey to resign. I will also be calling on House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte to hold hearings on the Russian influence in our elections and the actions of FBI Director Comey.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/ensuring-safety-our-children", "Ensuring the Safety of Our Children", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I introduced a bill to create federal grants for seat belts on school buses, hailed the Senate\u2019s passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, participated in a forum on potential changes to the Electoral College, renewed my call for the Memphis VA Medical Center to hire a permanent director, passed a bill to ensure swift search and rescue response during disasters, praised the House for passing a bill to protect consumers from online ticket scalpers, commended the Army Corps of Engineers for their decision to seek an alternative route for the Dakota Access Pipeline, and attended the White House Christmas Party. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nEnsuring the Safety of Our ChildrenTwo Minute Speech, Two New York Times Stories, Two Quotes, Too HonoredAbolishing the Electoral CollegeWorking to Hire a Permanent Director for the Memphis VA Medical CenterPassing the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System ActProtecting Consumers Online Ticket ScalpersFighting for a Cleaner EnvironmentAttending the White House Christmas Party Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant ProgramWeekly Health Tip 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Ensuring the Safety of Our Children\nIn the wake of the tragic crash in Chattanooga, I introduced a bill on Wednesday that would create grants to purchase new school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip existing ones with such belts, require background checks for school bus drivers and other measures to ensure the safety of our children riding on school buses. Read more about my bill here.\nTwo Minute Speech, Two New York Times Stories, Two Quotes, Too Honored\u00a0\nOn Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which included our EUREKA Act to help encourage innovative solutions for fighting awful diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s. The bill will now go to President Obama\u2019s desk for his signature. I was honored to be quoted in the New York Times twice this week from my floor speech regarding 21st Century Cures Act. You can read those articles here and here. You can watch my remarks on the House floor here and read more about my work on this bill here.\nAbolishing the Electoral College\nOn Tuesday, I heard from experts and scholars on potential reforms to the electoral college at the Electoral College Forum hosted by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. Last week, I introduced a constitutional amendment to abolish the electoral college and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President. You can read more about the forum and my amendment here. You can watch my remarks at the forum here.\nWorking to Hire a Permanent Director for the Memphis VA Medical Center\nOn Wednesday, it was announced that the Memphis VA Medical Center received a 1-out-of-5-star rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. When I first learned of this poor rating in November, I wrote to VA Secretary Robert McDonald and Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin expressing concerns about the hospital and urging them to use recruitment rewards and incentives to get the very best director for the Memphis VA Medical Center. Read more about my work on this issue here.\nPassing the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act\nOn Thursday, I was pleased that the House followed the Senate\u2019s lead and passed the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act to codify specialized teams of police officers, firefighters and other first responders who provide swift search and rescue services when disaster strikes. I first worked on this issue when I arrived in Congress in 2007 when I introduced this bill in the 111th Congress. Tennesseans know the importance of Urban Search and Rescue teams now more than ever after the tragic fires in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, a treasure of our state. Police officers, firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line to carry out these heroic, life-saving activities. Read about my work on this effort here. Watch my remarks on the House floor in support of this bill here.\nProtecting Consumers Online Ticket Scalpers\nOn Thursday, the House passed a final version of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act to outlaw bots and other computer programs used by scalpers to scoop up the best tickets for sporting events, concerts, etc. and resell them for inflated prices. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill to protect consumers and look forward to the President signing this important bill into law.\u00a0\nFighting for a Cleaner Environment\u00a0\nOn Monday, I was pleased the Army Corps of Engineers decided it would seek an alternative route for the Dakota Access Pipeline. Read my statement on the decision here.\nAttending the White House Christmas Party\nOn Thursday, I attended the White House Christmas Party. The party was a bipartisan way to finish out the 114th Congress. It has been an honor working with President Obama over the past 8 years. It saddens me that this was President and Mrs. Obama\u2019s last party at the White House for members of Congress.\nFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. The deadline to apply is December 12. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\u00a0\nHaving quality, affordable health insurance is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. The open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. The deadline to sign up is January 31, 2017. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-ogr-members-call-for-investigation-into-buried-pentagon-study", "Cooper, OGR Members Call for Investigation into Buried Pentagon Study", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) and other members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today called for an investigation related to an internal Pentagon study that identified $125 billion in potential savings, but never saw the light of day.\nThe Washington Post this week described a \u201cburied\u201d study that \u2013 if implemented \u2013 would have made the Pentagon\u2019s \u201cenormous back-office bureaucracy more efficient\u201d; the study\u2019s proposals \u201cwould not have required layoffs of civil servants or reductions in military personnel.\u201d Savings were set to be reinvested in combat power.\n\u201cCongress needs to investigate why the Pentagon suppressed this report,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cIt is outrageous that the Pentagon could be wasting so much money.\u201d\nAccording to the Post, the $125 billion would be enough to \u201ccover the operational costs for 50 Army brigades, or 3,000 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the Air Force, or 10 aircraft-carrier strike groups for the Navy.\u201d\nThe letter, sent to Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, requests that Pentagon officials send documents and correspondence related to the study for further investigation.\nA copy of the letter\u00a0can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-hails-house-passage-national-urban-search-and-rescue-response", "Cohen Hails House Passage of National Urban Search and Rescue Response Systems Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, hailed passage by the House of Representatives of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2016 (S.2971). The bill was previously approved by the Senate and will now head to the President\u2019s desk.\u00a0This bill would authorize the National Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) program and codify protections for USAR team members, such as workers\u2019 compensation and liability protections. 28 USAR teams are strategically located across the United States and provide timely response when needed in the aftermath of a disaster. Congressman Cohen spoke in support of this bill on the House floor. You can watch his remarks here.\n\u201cI am pleased both the House and Senate have now passed the National Urban Search and Rescue Response Systems Act,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI first introduced a bill to codify the Urban Search and Rescue Response System in 2007. These specialized teams of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders provide search and rescue services and swift rapid rescue, among other activities, after disaster strikes. The dedication of the Tennessee Task Force One, based in Memphis, and USARs around the country are truly commendable as they drop everything in their busy daily lives to come to the prompt assistance of others when needed. I urge my colleagues to provide the necessary funding to support USARs and their heroic, life-saving activities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-hails-senate-passage-eureka-act-part-21st-century-cures-act", "Cohen Hails Senate Passage of EUREKA Act as Part of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Today the Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which included the Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer\u2019s (EUREKA) Act, a bill introduced in the House by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman John Duncan (R-TN) and introduced in the Senate by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and others.\u00a0 The EUREKA section of the 21st Century Cures Act would instruct the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support prize competitions to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments to alleviate, prevent, and cure certain diseases, like Alzheimer\u2019s, for which there is relatively little private investment as compared to public investment. President Obama is expected to sign the 21st Century Cures Act into law.\n\u201cI am pleased that the Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which included our EUREKA Act to help encourage innovative solutions for fighting awful diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI have been encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for the 21st Century Cures Act, which, in addition to our EUREKA Act, includes increased funding for the NIH, Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot initiative, increased benefits for mental health patients and grants to help combat the opioid epidemic. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law.\u201d\nCongressman Cohen spoke in support of the EUREKA Act and the 21st Century Cures Act on the House floor last week. You can watch the video here. You can read Congressman Cohen\u2019s statement on the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in the House of Representatives here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-introduces-school-bus-seat-belt-bill", "Cohen Introduces School Bus Seat Belt Bill", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today introduced the Bring Enhanced Liability in Transportation for Students (BELTS) Act to help protect children who ride on school buses. The bill would create federal grants to purchase new school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip existing ones with such belts and creates federal grants to equip school buses with motion-activated detection systems. The bill would also direct the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state\u2019s apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds if the state has not enacted a law that requires the employer to conduct background checks before hiring school bus drivers. Finally, the bill would direct the Secretary to withhold 10% of federal highway funding if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law that imposes specified first offense and second offense civil or criminal penalties for motorists found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cLast month\u2019s horrific school bus crash that killed six children in Chattanooga, Tennessee was a wake-up call,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cWhen it comes to protecting our school children, safety must come first. To date, only six states require seat belts on school buses. When I was in the Tennessee State Senate, I sponsored a bill to require seat belts on school buses, yet it was opposed by the industry and never received a vote in committee. On average, there are 134 school-transportation-related fatalities per year. Seat belts, background checks for drivers and other measures could help reduce future disasters. I urge my colleagues to support this common sense legislation to protect our children riding on school buses.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-memphis-va-medical-center-rating", "Cohens Statement on the Memphis VA Medical Center Rating", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen today released the following statement on the announcement that the Memphis VA Medical Center received a 1-out-of-5-star performance rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:\n\u201cWhen I first learned of the Memphis VA Medical Center\u2019s poor rating in November, I wrote to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald and Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin expressing concerns about the hospital,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\u201cBoth the low rating and lack of a dedicated and permanent director are unacceptable and likely interrelated. I urged Dr. Shulkin to use recruitment rewards and incentives to get the very best director for the Memphis VA Medical Center.\u00a0 I personally spoke with then-Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to get Dr. Jay Robinson transferred from Dublin, Georgia to Memphis in 2009 after I learned of his high regard from my colleague Congressman Jim Marshall of Georgia. Unfortunately, Dr. Robinson was recruited to be the CEO of Methodist South Hospital in Memphis, and we haven\u2019t had sufficient leadership since. Quality care for our veterans and veteran hospitals begins with permanent and highly regarded leadership, and I will continue to work with the current and future Administrations to this end.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-participates-forum-electoral-college", "Ranking Member Cohen Participates in Forum on Electoral College", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today participated in a forum hosted by members of the House Judiciary Committee with bipartisan experts and noted scholars to discuss proposed reforms to the current method of presidential selection, entitled \u201cThe Electoral College and the Future of American Democracy.\u201d A video of Congressman Cohen\u2019s remarks can be found here. A photo of the Congressman at the forum can be found here.\n\u201cAs Ranking Member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over constitutional amendments, I was pleased to hear from experts and scholars on potential reforms to the electoral college,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cLast week, I introduced a constitutional amendment to abolish the electoral college and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President. The electoral college is an anachronistic provision.\u00a0 When the Founders established the electoral college it was in an era of limited nationwide communication. It was premised on a theory that citizens would have a better chance of knowing about electors from their home states than about presidential candidates from out-of-state. But this is no longer true, and the notion that citizens should be prevented from directly electing the President is antithetical to our understanding of democracy.\u201d \nLast week, Congressman Cohen introduced an amendment to the United States Constitution (H.J.Res. 104) that would eliminate the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States. You can find more comments from Congressman Cohen on his amendment here. The text of the amendment can be found here.\nPanelists at the forum included:\nProfessor Jamie Raskin, American University Law School (and U.S. Representative-Elect)\nProfessor Akhil Reed Amar, Yale Law School\nProfessor Jack N. Rakove, Stanford Law School\nProfessor Alexander Keyssar, Harvard University\nState Representative Bob Thorpe (R-AZ), National Popular Vote Inc.\nState Representative Chris Pearson (D-VT), National Popular Vote Inc.\nThomas Neale, Congressional Research Service", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-praises-decision-seek-alternative-route-dakota-access-pipeline", "Cohen Praises Decision to Seek an Alternative Route for Dakota Access Pipeline", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 decision to not issue a permit for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe in North Dakota. The Army Corps of Engineers announced that it plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for alternative routes. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters have raised concerns that routing the pipeline under the lake could contaminate the water supply for the Native American reservation.\n\u201cI am pleased the Army Corps of Engineers decided against issuing a permit for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through the Standing Rock Sioux reservation,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI was proud to join my colleagues in urging the President to cease construction of the pipeline and protect the civil rights and civil liberties of the water protectors, veterans and supporters who have spent months protesting the pipeline. I will continue to monitor the situation as the Army Corps of Engineers releases their Environmental Impact Statements on alternate routes, and I urge the incoming administration to uphold the decision to seek an alternative route for the pipeline.\u201d\u00a0 \nCongressman Cohen cosigned a letter to President Obama in September urging the Army Corps of Engineers to block the construction of the pipeline. You can read that letter here.\nCongressman Cohen also cosigned a letter to President Obama in November urging the President to send Department of Justice observers to protect the civil rights and liberties of the protesters and withdraw the National Guard to reduce tensions in the area. You can read that letter here.\nCongressman Cohen cosigned a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter earlier this month to request the return of military equipment obtained by local and state law enforcement agencies in North Dakota through the Department of Defense after evidence of the excessive use of force by law enforcement against the Water Protectors. You can read that letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/building-healthier-america", "Building a Healthier America", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, the House of Representatives passed a bill I sponsored, the EUREKA Act, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, I introduced an amendment to the Constitution to abolish the Electoral College, urged the President to issue more commutations for marijuana-related convictions, represented Tennessee at the Steve Cropper donation ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, joined Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing for hearings on conflicts-of-interest and ethics provisions that might apply to the President, and spoke in support of a bill to name a Nashville federal courthouse after my friend Fred Thompson. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nBuilding a Healthier AmericaAbolishing the Electoral CollegeUrging the President to Issue More CommutationsRepresenting Tennessee at the Steve Cropper Ceremony at the Smithsonian Pressing for Hearings on Presidential Conflicts-of-InterestThinking of Those in GatlinburgRemembering Senator Fred ThompsonBringing Jobs to MemphisHonoring World AIDS Day Helping Memphians Get Covered Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant ProgramWeekly Health Tip 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nBuilding a Healthier America\nOn Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century Cures Act to modernize our healthcare system. Included in the bill was a bill I sponsored in the House, the EUREKA Act, which would create prize competitions to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments for certain diseases, like Alzheimer\u2019s, for which there is relatively little private investment as compared to that which is invested publicly.\u00a0Also included in the 21st Century Cures Act was Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot initiative, as well as increased benefits for mental health patients, grants to help combat the opioid epidemic and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\u00a0Read more about the bill\u00a0here. You can watch my remarks on the House floor about the bill\u00a0here.\nAbolishing the Electoral College\nOn Thursday, I introduced an amendment to the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President. Read more about my amendment\u00a0here.\nUrging the President to Issue More Commutations\u00a0\nOn Tuesday, I urged President Obama to expedite the clemency review process so he can commute as many unjust sentences as possible before President-elect Trump, who is unlikely to utilize this power, takes office. I asked the President to focus on commuting the prison sentences of those serving time for non-violent marijuana-related convictions. Read more about my efforts\u00a0here.\nRepresenting Tennessee at the Steve Cropper Ceremony at the Smithsonian\u00a0\n  Steve Cropper speaks to the audience at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History\nOn Thursday, I represented Tennessee at the donation ceremony for the upcoming Steve Cropper exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Steve Cropper, who performed during the ceremony, is a guitarist, songwriter and record producer with many ties to Stax Records and Memphis. He was the guitarist and a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.\u2019s, the Stax Records house band. You can watch a piece of his performance yesterday\u00a0here. Steve Cropper\u2019s daughter is a HOPE Scholarship recipient and plays golf at the University of Memphis. I also had the honor of meeting Vaneese Thomas, the daughter of Memphis music legend Rufus Thomas, who sang during the ceremony.\u00a0\nSteve Cropper\u2019s donated Smithsonian exhibit includes a 1961 Fender Esquire \"Doc\" that was played in the Otis Redding's recording Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay (1967); a 1975 Fender Telecaster electric guitar that was played in the The Blues Brothers movie; and a Fender Telecaster electric guitar made in 1951\u20131952 that was gifted to Cropper by Jim Dickerson, a producer and recording artist from Memphis.\u00a0\nPressing for Hearings on Presidential Conflicts-of-Interest\nAfter President-elect Trump's vague tweets this week that he intends to leave his business, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee wrote to Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to request that the committee hold hearings to examine the federal conflicts-of-interest and ethics provisions that may apply to the President of the United States. Read our letter\u00a0here. \u00a0\u00a0\nThinking of Those in Gatlinburg\nMy thoughts go out to those affected by the deadly wildfires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I would like to also extend my sympathies to the Summer family of Memphis. Jon and Janet were killed in the fire and their sons Branson, Jared and Wesley were hospitalized. I have been friends with Jon\u2019s brother Jim since we were in law school together at Memphis State. I have been watching the situation closely, and I\u2019m so sorry Jim lost his brother and the sons lost their parents. I feel for the other victims and their families who also lost loved ones in the fire. I hope the firefighters, first responders and workers stay safe as they continue to battle the flames and begin to rebuild after this horrible tragedy.\u00a0\nRemembering Senator Fred Thompson\nOn Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of a bill I cosponsored to name a federal courthouse in Nashville after my friend and former U.S. Senator from Tennessee Fred Thompson. I am pleased the House passed the bill to honor this great American. You can watch my remarks\u00a0here.\u00a0\nBringing Jobs to Memphis\nOn Tuesday, I was pleased to learn that Cargill, Inc. and Calysta, Inc. selected a site in Memphis to house their new fermentation facility. \u00a0I was happy to have helped bring this facility to Memphis, which will bring 160 jobs to the city.\u00a0Read more\u00a0here.\nHonoring World AIDS Day\nThursday was World AIDS Day. Over the past 30 years, we have made enormous progress in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. The end of AIDS is now in sight, but we must redouble our efforts to prevent and treat this disease. As a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, I am committed to ending AIDS by 2030.\u00a0\nHelping Memphians Get Covered\nThe open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. The deadline to sign up is January 31, 2017. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\nFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. The deadline to apply is December 12. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\u00a0\nAs cold and flu season arrives, the Centers for Disease Control recommends keeping your hands clean as one of the most important steps one can take to avoid getting sick or spreading germs to others. Read more on the science behind washing your hands\u00a0here.\u00a0\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-presidential-inauguration-ticket-distribution-plans-0", "Cooper Announces Presidential Inauguration Ticket Distribution Plans", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "UPDATE: The sign-up period has ended. To be added to a wait list, click here. If there are remaining tickets available, you will be notified by January 6.WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced plans to distribute tickets to the 2017 presidential inauguration to interested residents of Tennessee\u2019s 5th Congressional District.\n\tInauguration Day is Jan. 20. All tickets are \u201cstanding\u201d only. Guests will be standing outdoors for many hours \u2013 possibly in the rain or snow \u2013 on what is typically a cold January morning.\n\tTickets will be distributed over the next few weeks, following an electronic lottery process. All requests must be submitted online at\u00a0cooper.house.gov/inaugurationtickets, and no requests will be accepted over the phone.\n\tRequests will be accepted for residents of Cheatham, Davidson and Dickson counties. There is a limit of two (2) tickets per household. Tickets are not transferable.\n\tCooper\u2019s office outlined the following steps that interested residents should follow:\n\t Submit your request online at \u200bcooper.house.gov/inaugurationtickets\u200b\u00a0anytime between Monday, Dec. 5 at 9:00 a.m. CST and Friday, Dec. 9 at 5:00 p.m. CST. (A dedicated form will be available on Cooper\u2019s website starting Monday morning.)\n\t\tOn Monday, Dec. 12, Cooper\u2019s office will hold a lottery drawing, and winners will be notified via email. Only those who win tickets will receive an email. The deadline to confirm acceptance \u2013 again, via email response to Cooper\u2019s office \u2013 is Friday, Dec. 16 at 5:00 p.m. CST. No phone confirmations will be accepted.\n\t\tFor any tickets that are not electronically claimed by the Dec. 16 deadline, a second lottery drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 19. New winners will be informed later that day. They will need to confirm by email within 24 hours.\n\t\tTickets must be picked up in person with photo ID at 1536 Longworth House Office Building in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 1:00 p.m. EST until 6:00 p.m. EST. Travelers should consider this timeframe. Tickets not picked up by 6:00 EST will be forfeited. \n\t The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and Cooper\u2019s office also offered the following information for those considering entering the lottery:\n\t Gate opening times will be announced in January. Due to large crowds, everyone is encouraged to arrive early to ensure they can enter by the time the ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. EST. At recent inaugurations, thousands of guests were already in line for security by 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.\n\t\tTicket holders will be required to pass through security screening, so they should not bring a bag any larger than a small purse.\n\t\tDue to security and street closings, all are strongly encouraged to use Metro rail. There will be no public parking near the Capitol grounds. \n\t\tThe event is historically cold and wet. The crowds will be very large and guests will likely be outside in the cold for at least three hours. The elderly or those with limited mobility may find the conditions very difficult. Rain or snow boots are the recommended footwear. Gloves, hats, layered clothing and warm jackets are all necessary to maintain some level of comfort in uncertain weather conditions.\n\t \u00a0Click here to submit your ticket request: cooper.house.gov/inaugurationtickets\u200b", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-introduces-amendment-us-constitution-eliminate", "Ranking Member Cohen Introduces Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to Eliminate the Electoral College", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today introduced an amendment to the United States Constitution that would eliminate the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States.\n\u201cFor the second time in recent memory, and for the fifth time in our history, we have a President-elect, who lost the popular vote,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe Electoral College is an antiquated system that was established to prevent citizens from directly electing our nation\u2019s President, yet that notion is antithetical to our understanding of democracy. In our country, \u2018We the People\u2019 are supposed to determine who represents us in elective office.\u201d \nCongressman Cohen continued, \u201cWhen the Founders established the electoral college, it was in an era of limited nationwide communication.\u00a0 It was premised on a theory that citizens would have a better chance of knowing about electors from their home states than about presidential candidates from out-of-state. The development of mass media and the internet, however, has made information about presidential candidates easily accessible to U.S. citizens across the country and around the world. Today, citizens have a far better chance of knowing about out-of-state presidential candidates than knowing about presidential electors from their home states.\u00a0 Most people don\u2019t even know who their electors are.\nCongressman Cohen concluded, \u201cSince our nation first adopted our Constitution, we have amended it repeatedly to expand the opportunity for citizens to directly elect our leaders.\u00a0We have Constitutional amendments that guarantee the right of all citizens to vote regardless of race, gender and age for citizens who are 18 years of age and older, as well as an amendment to empower citizens to directly elect U.S. Senators. We need to also empower citizens to directly elect the President and the Vice President of the United States. It is time for us to fix the anachronistic process of the Electoral College and make our Constitution better reflect the \u2018more perfect Union\u2019 to which it aspires.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-and-duncan-sponsored-eureka-act-passes-house-part-21st-century", "Cohen and Duncan-Sponsored EUREKA Act Passes House as Part of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Today the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures Act by a vote of \u00a0392 to 26, which included the Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer\u2019s (EUREKA) Act (H.R. 5073), a bill introduced in the House by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman John Duncan (R-TN) and introduced in the Senate by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and others.\u00a0 The EUREKA section of the 21st Century Cures Act would instruct the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support prize competitions to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments to alleviate, prevent, and cure certain diseases, like Alzheimer\u2019s, for which there is relatively little private investment as compared to that which is invested publicly. The 21st Century Cures Act awaits action in the U.S. Senate. The legislation has the support of President Obama. Congressman Cohen spoke in support of the EUREKA Act and the 21st Century Cures Act on the House floor. You can watch the video here.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House included our EUREKA Act in the 21st Century Cures bill,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe EUREKA Act builds upon efforts to seek innovative solutions from the public and bring the best ideas and talent together to fight dreadful, awful, awful diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s. For many of these diseases there is no effective treatment, no means of prevention, and no method for slowing progression. I was also pleased to see that Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot initiative was included in the final bill, as well as increased benefits for mental health patients and grants to help combat the opioid epidemic. I hope that we can build on the success of the 21st Century Cures Act by increasing funding for the NIH and continuing to encourage both private and public research to effectively fight Alzheimer\u2019s and other tragic diseases that plague too many people across our country and around the world.\u201d\n\u201cI am eager to see what breakthrough treatments and drugs will come from the Eureka Competition to combat Alzheimer\u2019s, dementia, and other challenging diseases affecting my constituents and millions across the Nation,\u201d said Congressman Duncan. \u201cDiseases are not Republican or Democrat and neither was this effort to help provide cures for them.\u00a0 We can work together as Americans to defeat these horrible diseases that affect almost every family in our Country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-praises-cargill-inc-and-calysta-inc-selecting-cargill-s-memphis", "Cohen Praises Cargill, Inc. and Calysta, Inc. for Selecting Cargills Memphis Site to Produce Calysta FeedKind Protein", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today praised Cargill, Incorporated and Calysta, Inc. for selecting Cargill\u2019s 69-acre property on President\u2019s Island in Memphis to house the world\u2019s largest fermentation facility to produce Calysta\u2019s FeedKind\u00ae protein, a family of sustainable, traceable nutritional ingredients for fish, livestock, and pets. The new facility is expected to come online in late 2018 and bring 160 new permanent jobs to Memphis.\n\u201cI am pleased Cargill and Calysta have selected Memphis to house their new fermentation facility,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI was happy to have helped bring this facility to Memphis. I am always willing to lend a hand to create more and better jobs in Memphis and the 9th District.\u201d\nClick here to read more about Cargill, Calysta, and the new facility in Memphis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-urges-president-obama-expedite-clemency-review-process", "Cohen Urges President Obama to Expedite Clemency Review Process", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, sent a letter to President Obama urging him to do everything in his power to expedite the clemency review process so he can commute as many unjust sentences as possible before President-elect Donald Trump, who is unlikely to utilize this power, takes office. Dozens of criminal justice reform advocates and groups also sent a letter to President Obama urging him to expedite the clemency review process before he leaves office. You can read Congressman Cohen\u2019s letter here. You can read the criminal justice reform advocates\u2019 letter here.\u00a0\n\u201cI would urge you to summon the maximum manpower at your disposal to vet commutations and pardons so that as many sentencing wrongs as possible may be corrected as thousands of incarcerated Americans who are serving unjust sentences may receive justice,\u201d wrote Congressman Cohen in his letter to President Obama.\nCongressman Cohen also recently urged President Obama to focus his review of commutation requests on those sentences specifically related to non-violent marijuana convictions. Read here.\n\u201cPresident Obama should be commuting the prison sentences of those serving time for non-violent marijuana-related convictions,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cMedical marijuana is now legal in 28 states as well as the District of Columbia, and more than 63 million Americans live in states that have now approved recreational marijuana.\u00a0The President should increase clemency review staff and work overtime to free as many of these individuals as possible before he leaves office. Every day that someone continues to serve an unjust sentence is a day justice is denied. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so rightly noted, \u2018Justice too long delayed is justice denied.\u2019 \u201d\nCongressman Cohen also recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to take action on rescheduling marijuana during his remaining time in office. You can read his letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-ogr-dems-request-a-review-of-trump-s-conflicts-of-interest", "Cooper, OGR Dems Request a Review of Trumps Conflicts of Interest", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) and the Democratic Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent a letter to Chairman Jason Chaffetz requesting an immediate review of President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s financial arrangements.In August, OGR Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz pledged to hold the next President-elect accountable, no matter who is in the White House saying his \u201cjob is to hold them accountable and provide that oversight.\u201d\"No one is above the law,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cThe President-elect should fully disclose his holdings and dispose of any potential conflicts of interest. And Chairman Chaffetz should follow through on his promise to provide oversight and accountability.\u201d\nClick for the full text of the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-welcomes-president-obama-s-grant-commutations-79", "Congressman Cohen Welcomes President Obamas Grant of Commutations to 79 Inmates Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who has consistently urged President Obama to use his constitutional power to bring about justice through commutations and pardons, today welcomed President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 79 federal inmates for mostly non-violent drug related convictions, but urged the President to do more.\n\"While I welcome President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 79 drug offenders, I urge him to do more \u2013 much more \u2013 with his pardon power before his term expires, especially with regard to non-violent marijuana convictions.\u00a0 Medical marijuana is now legal in 28 states as well as the District of Columbia, and more than 63 million Americans live in states that have now approved recreational marijuana.\u00a0 The President should, of course, work with all deliberate speed to address the unjustly long sentences of those who were unfairly punished under the since repudiated crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing disparities.\u00a0 But he should also make sure to review non-violent marijuana sentences.\u201dCongressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address injustices, including a\u00a0February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling for increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a\u00a0May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review\u00a0on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a\u00a0November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill,\u00a0repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in\u00a0a\u00a0letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an\u00a0August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in\u00a0an\u00a0August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would, in part, make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-judiciary-committee-democrats-oppose-sessions-pick", "HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS OPPOSE SESSIONS PICK", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 This morning, President-elect Donald Trump announced that U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) would be his choice for Attorney General.\u00a0 We need an Attorney General who represents the American people\u2019s best interests by fighting to strengthen voting rights, prevent violence against women, and work to reform our broken immigration system, among other priorities. Senator Sessions was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 following a history of racially-charged comments and disturbing attitudes towards minority groups; and his record since only furthers cause for concern.\nThe\u00a0Democratic Members of the House Committee on the Judiciary issued the following joint statement in response:\n\u201cThe Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, charged with the administration of the criminal justice system and the enforcement of our civil rights.\u00a0 We have grave concerns with Senator Sessions\u2019 potential nomination for this post and urge President-elect Trump to reconsider.\n\u201cIn 1986 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, witnesses said that Mr. Sessions had referred to the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and other civil rights groups as \u2018un-American\u2019 and \u2018Communist-inspired.\u2019\u00a0 One prosecutor in the Alabama U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office testified that Mr. Sessions referred to him as \u2018boy\u2019 and counseled him to \u2018be careful what you say to white folks.\u2019\u00a0 Senators of both parties expressed concern about his failed attempt to prosecute three civil rights activists on unfounded federal voting fraud charges.\u00a0 His appointment to the federal bench was opposed by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the Urban League, the American Jewish Committee, and the National Council of Churches.\n\u201cThere is serious evidence that Sessions' outlook has not improved.\n\u201cThe Senator\u2019s view on women is abominable.\u00a0 He opposed the reauthorization of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act.\u00a0 Over the course of the campaign, when tapes surfaced of President-elect Trump bragging about forcibly grabbing a woman by the genitals without her consent, Senator Sessions told a reporter: \u2018I don\u2019t characterize that as sexual assault.\u2019\n\u201cHis views on the immigrant community are equally disturbing. Senator Sessions has opposed nearly every immigration reform bill that has come before the Senate.\u00a0 The Southern Poverty Law Center has already announced its opposition to the nominee, citing his association with \u201cdeeply racist\u201d anti-immigrant organizations.\n\u201cMr. Sessions remains a favorite of Stormfront, an online bastion of white nationalism.\u00a0 His selection will reinforce the appointment of Steven Bannon, who built a media network dedicated to spreading bigoted, misogynistic, and anti-Semitic views.\u00a0 It doubles down on Mr. Trump\u2019s association with figures like Frank Gaffney and Alex Jones, whose conspiracy theories would be laughable if they did not now threaten to undo decades of progress in America.\n\u201cWe also have grave concerns with how Senator Sessions might choose to staff the Department of Justice.\u00a0 His views square with those of Kris Kobach, a Trump adviser who was himself mentioned as a candidate for Attorney General and who has already threatened mass deportations and a blatantly discriminatory Muslim immigrant registry.\u00a0\n\u201cWe acknowledge that elections have consequences, and that we may have policy disagreements with whomever the Trump Administration selects to lead the Department of Justice.\u00a0 Our concerns about this appointment is not a mere policy dispute.\n\u201cSenator Sessions does not seem fit to lead the Department of Justice.\u00a0 His selection can only serve to divide us.\u00a0 We urge President-elect Trump to select an Attorney General who is qualified to protect and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/returning-washington-0", "Returning to Washington", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I returned to Washington after another historically long recess, announced that First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community, co-signed a letter to President-Elect Trump urging him to rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon to a top White House position, recommended several Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients to President Obama and urged him to issue more commutations and pardons, and honored Memphis veterans at my 8th annual Veterans Day Luncheon. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nReturning to WashingtonDesignating Orange Mound as a Preserve America CommunityHonoring Memphis Area VeteransKeeping Hate Out of the White HouseRecommending Individuals to President Obama for Potential Presidential Medals of Freedom and Urging Him to Issue More Commutations Helping Memphians Get CoveredFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant ProgramWeekly Health Tip2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nReturning to Washington\nThis week, Congress returned to Washington after yet another historically long recess. The 114th Congress has yet to act on a variety of issues important to the American people. With a new Administration and a new Congress set to begin in January, I hope Democrats and Republicans can find common ground to work together. Rest assured I will continue to fight for the people of the 9th District as long as I am your representative in Congress.\u00a0\nDesignating Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community\nOn Wednesday, I announced that First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community. I was proud to write a letter of support to the Office of Preservation Initiatives for Orange Mound\u2019s application. Read more about this designation\u00a0here.\nHonoring Memphis Area Veterans\nLast Friday, I held my 8th annual Veterans Day Luncheon to honor the sacrifice and courage of local veterans who fought to safeguard the many freedoms that Americans hold dear. Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings, Veterans Court Judge Bill Anderson, and Michael Harper and Tommie Wright from the Memphis VA Medical Center addressed the attendees. Capri Talley performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, the Douglas High School ROTC did the Presentation of the Colors and MPD Peacemakers performed a song as well.\u00a0\nKeeping Hate Out of the White House\nOn Wednesday, I was proud to join with 168 of my Congressional colleagues in urging President-Elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointing of alt-right leader Steve Bannon. Read our letter here. I, along with all of the House Judiciary Democrats, released a joint statement against President-Elect Trump choosing Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as his Attorney General. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi also released a statement on this decision as well as President-Elect Trump\u2019s decision to name Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) as his Director of the CIA. My colleagues and I have deep concerns about the selections President-Elect Trump has made for his administration. Hate has no place in the White House. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRecommending Individuals to President Obama for Potential Presidential Medals of Freedom and Urging Him to Issue More Commutations\nOn Wednesday, I sent a letter to President Obama requesting that during his remaining time in office, he award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights leader Julian Bond, Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, and singer and social activist Harry Belafonte. I also urged him to use maximum manpower to vet commutations and pardons so that as many sentencing wrongs as possible can be corrected. Read my letter\u00a0here.\nHelping Memphians Get Covered\nThe open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\nFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\u00a0\nThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine every season. With flu season just around the corner, it\u2019s not too late to get yours for this season. Read more\u00a0here.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-first-lady-designates-orange-mound-preserve-america-community", "Cohen: First Lady Designates Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound, the nation\u2019s first subdivision designed specifically for African Americans, as a Preserve America Community. The Preserve America Community program recognizes a select group of communities that use their heritage resources in sustainable ways and share the myriad benefits of historic preservation with residents and visitors.\n\u201cI am pleased First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI was proud to write a letter of support to the Office of Preservation Initiatives for Orange Mound\u2019s application. The Orange Mound community will benefit greatly from this designation as its leaders and residents work to protect and celebrate their heritage while building a future that will keep the community strong and vibrant for generations to come.\u201d\nCongressman Cohen\u2019s letter of support for Orange Mound\u2019s application can be found here.\nThe Orange Mound neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, derives its name from the Osage Orange shrubs found on the grounds of the Deadrick Plantation, on which the neighborhood was originally platted. Orange Mound was founded in 1890, when developer Elzey Eugene Meacham purchased the land from the Deadrick family and sold lots in it to African American families, despite opposition. The population of the community remained primarily African American throughout the 20th century, as it gained a reputation as a refuge for blacks moving to Memphis from rural areas in the South. Orange Mound fell into decline in the 1980s and 1990s, but in the new century the neighborhood has experienced a revival, driven in part by older residents using its rich heritage to encourage the next generation to take a more active role in improving and maintaining the community. Orange Mound\u2019s 125th anniversary celebration in 2015, for example, was a tremendous success, thanks in part to the partnership between local government, nonprofits, community organizations, educational institutions and businesses.\nPreserve America Communities, great places to live, visit and explore, are located in all 50 states and several overseas U.S. territories. The total number of such communities nationwide now stands at 905. A full list of the communities, along with profiles and links for further information, can be found at www.preserveamerica.gov/PAcommunities.html. The program is administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) with assistance from the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-calls-on-trump-to-withdraw-bannon-appointment-0", "Cooper Calls on Trump to Withdraw Bannon Appointment", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) issued a statement condemning President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a terrible mistake for Trump to choose a hate-monger and fear-monger like Steve Bannon as his chief strategist,\u201d Rep. Cooper said Monday. \u201cThis makes Nixon\u2019s Southern Strategy look like child\u2019s play.\u201d\nCooper also signed a letter spearheaded by Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01). The letter asks Trump to immediately withdraw Bannon\u2019s appointment, and garnered 169\u00a0signatures.\nThe full text of Cicilline\u2019s letter to President-elect Trump is below.\nDear President-elect Trump:\nImmediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election.\u00a0 In your election night speech you said, \u201cNow it\u2019s time for America to bind the wounds of division.\u00a0 It is time for us to come together as one united people.\u201d\u00a0 Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country.\u00a0 As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist. \nSince the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration.\u00a0 Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns.\nAs the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was \u201cthe platform for the alt-right,\u201d a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon\u2019s leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a \u201cRenegade Jew,\u201d suggested \u201cYoung Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb,\u201d declared that the \u201cConfederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,\u201d and praised the alt-right as a \u201csmarter\u201d version of \u201cold-school racist skinheads.\u201d\nDisturbingly, leading white nationalists like former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke, American Nazi Party Chairman Rocky J. Suhadya, Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow, and Brad Griffin have praised the news of Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment.\u00a0 We believe it should concern you that civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, are widely opposed to Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment.\nWe strongly believe that Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few. \nOnce again, we strongly urge you to rescind this appointment immediately and build a diverse White House staff who are committed to the core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-asks-doj-look-reported-computer-glitches-shelby-county-jail-and", "Cohen Asks DOJ to Look into Reported Computer Glitches at Shelby County Jail and Courts", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting that the U.S. Department of Justice look into reports of computer glitches at the Shelby County Jail and courts in Tennessee that have caused individuals who have posted bail to remain stuck in jail. A copy of Congressman Cohen\u2019s letter can be found here.\n\u201cIf true, these reports are deeply concerning,\u201d said Congressman Cohen in his letter. \u201cNo one should spend one additional minute, let alone days, in jail when, under law, they are supposed to be free. As the Memphis Commercial Appeal so aptly put it, justice delayed is justice denied. I respectfully request that the Department of Justice look into this problem to ensure that civil rights are protected.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commemorates-veterans-da", "Congressman Cohen Commemorates Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day:\n\u201cEvery November, we set aside a special day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. On Veterans Day, we gather to remember the sacrifice and courage of the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought to safeguard the many freedoms that Americans hold dear. As we honor our nation\u2019s heroes, we must also redouble our efforts to ensure that we keep our promises to them. I have been working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure Memphis hires the best director possible for the Memphis VA Medical Center. We should do all we can to help Veterans receive the timely, high-quality health care they deserve, as well as find good-paying jobs and provide them with educational support and affordable housing. Keeping our promise to veterans is the best way to thank them and honor their sacrifices. I was pleased President-elect Donald Trump said he would help veterans, and I look forward to working with him on this issue, particularly with VA hospitals.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/honoring-our-nations-veterans", "Honoring Our Nation's Veterans", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tTomorrow, I will be honoring our nation\u2019s veterans on Veterans Day with my 8th annual Veterans Day luncheon. Also this week, I helped Memphis small businesses learn about federal government contracts and thanked my constituents for allowing me the opportunity to serve them in Congress. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tHonoring Our Nation\u2019s Veterans  Helping Small Businesses Learn About Federal Government Contracts  Thank You for Allowing Me the Opportunity to Serve You in Congress  Helping Memphians Get Covered  Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program  Weekly Health Tip  2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tHonoring Our Nation\u2019s Veterans\n\t\t\t\tTomorrow is Veterans Day when we gather to remember the sacrifice and courage of the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought to safeguard the many freedoms that Americans hold dear. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at BRIDGES, I will be hosting my 8th annual Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon to honor our veterans in Memphis. I have also been working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure Memphis hires the best director possible for the Memphis VA Medical Center. We should do all we can to help Veterans receive the timely, high-quality health care they deserve.\n\t\t\t\tHelping Small Businesses Learn About Federal Government Contracts\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I hosted my 2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Businesses. During this time, small businesses in Memphis learned about doing business with the federal government as well as networked with other small businesses.\n\t\t\t\tThank You for Allowing Me the Opportunity to Serve You in CongressIt is an honor to serve the 9th District and its citizens in Congress. I look forward to continue fighting for better and more affordable healthcare, voting rights, criminal justice and drug policy reform, college debt relief and other issues important to Memphis. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tHelping Memphians Get Covered\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\tFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\n\t\t\t\tThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Center for Disease Control recommends regular check-ups and health screenings for everyone. Learn more about where you can receive these check-ups and what health exams, screenings and vaccinations are recommended\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\t2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\t\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-presidential-election", "Cooper Statement on Presidential Election", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) issued the following statement on the presidential election.\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to continue serving Middle Tennesseans in Congress. There has never been a more important time for civility,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cI hope the president-elect will pledge to represent all people \u2013 including those who legitimately and genuinely feel threatened by him \u2013 not just those who voted for him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-praises-doj-sending-election-monitors-shelby-county", "Cohen Praises DOJ for Sending Election Monitors to Shelby County", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today praised the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to deploy personnel to Shelby County, Tennessee to monitor the November 8, 2016 general election.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased the Department of Justice will be monitoring the election in Shelby County tomorrow,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe right to vote is absolutely central to our democracy. No American should ever be denied the ability to exercise that right based on unwarranted procedural barriers to voting or because of intimidation, discrimination or for any other inappropriate reason. I would, however, encourage the Department of Justice to expand its use of election observers and use all existing authority to protect voting rights for all Americans to the maximum extent permitted by law.\u201d\nOn October 25, Congressman Cohen sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch expressing concern about the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ\u2019s) announcement that, as a result of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in the\u00a0Shelby County v. Holder\u00a0case, it would be severely limited in the number of election observers that it can deploy nationally to observe the November 8th election. You can read that letter here.\nIn 2014, Congressman Cohen wrote to then-Attorney General Eric Holder asking for election monitors for Shelby County for the 2014 election. You can read the letter here. He also pressed the Attorney General at a House Judiciary Committee hearing to protect Shelby County voters. You can watch the video here.\nIn 2012, Congressman Cohen requested federal oversight of the Shelby County Election Commission. You can read his letter here.\nIn 2010, Congressman Cohen requested DOJ to investigate inaccurate voter rolls in Shelby County. You can read his letter here.\nThe Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is charged with enforcing the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot on Election Day.\u00a0 Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the department has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters. Shelby County, Tennessee is one of 67 jurisdictions in 27 states to receive election monitors. You can read DOJ\u2019s press release here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-good-fbi-and-nation-comey-must-resign", "Ranking Member Cohen: For the Good of the FBI and Nation, Comey Must Resign", "2016-11-06", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, tonight released the following statement again calling on FBI Director James Comey to resign:\n\"Nine days ago, F.B.I. Director James Comey sent a letter to members of Congress stating that emails had been discovered that could be 'potentially related' to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email server. Director Comey sent his letter, which immediately and predictably became campaign fodder, despite saying in the letter that he had no idea of 'the significance of this newly discovered collection of emails.' A week ago, I called on Director Comey to do the right thing and resign because his letter without any substance was plainly premature, careless and unprecedented in its potential impact upon a Presidential election.\nSubsequently, it was learned that the emails in question had been in the possession of the F.B.I. for some time but had not been examined which makes his announcement of the existence of these emails without any idea of substance or significance more questionable and more careless, even 'extremely careless.'\u00a0 \nAs I suggested last week, Director Comey's letter was used as political fodder by Secretary Clinton's opponents during early voting.\u00a0 It was clearly foreseeable that his statement would be seized on by the Trump campaign and embellished, exaggerated and distorted to have an effect on the election, and in fact, that occurred.\u00a0 \nToday, Director Comey sent another letter to members of Congress stating that after an examination of the emails nothing new has been found that would warrant bringing any charges against Secretary Clinton.\u00a0 This is precisely why Director Comey should not have made this statement last week because there was no there there. His judgment is now being questioned by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike as well as his ability to put the Bureau first.\nFor the good of the F.B.I., our nation and whomever succeeds President Obama, Director Comey should resign and put our nation and the Bureau first.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/calling-fbi-director-james-comey-resign", "Calling on FBI Director James Comey to Resign", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I called for the resignation of FBI Director James Comey, announced the beginning of open enrollment of the Healthcare.gov marketplace for 2017, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Memphis VA Clinic, and celebrated the grand opening of the new Midtown Kroger. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nCalling on FBI Director James Comey to ResignAnnouncing the Beginning of the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare.gov MarketplaceOpening a new VA Clinic in MemphisCelebrating the Grand Opening of the Midtown KrogerTuesday, November 8 is Election Day! 2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Business Owners8th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant ProgramWeekly Health Tip 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nCalling on FBI Director James Comey to Resign\nOn Sunday, I called for FBI Director James Comey to resign after his recent communication with members of Congress regarding the bureau's review of emails potentially related to Hillary Clinton's private email server. You can read my full statement\u00a0here. I was on\u00a0MSNBC,\u00a0CNN and\u00a0Fox News this week to discuss this topic and wrote and op-ed for The Hill which you can read\u00a0here.\nAnnouncing the Beginning of the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare.gov Marketplace\nTuesday was the first day of the open enrollment period for the\u00a0Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison. Visit\u00a0my website for more information on getting covered for 2017.\u00a0\nOpening a new VA Clinic in Memphis\nYesterday, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new VA Primary Care Clinic on Nonconnah Boulevard near I-240. This new facility is much larger than the old facility that was housed on Raines Road and will include all primary care clinic operations including physicians, nurses, technicians and administrative staff members. It will allow the Memphis VA to expand its services and improve primary care for our veterans.\u00a0\nCelebrating the Grand Opening of the Midtown Kroger\nOn Wednesday, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Kroger in Midtown. The architects did a marvelous job of making the store consistent with the architecture and character of the neighborhood. I brought with me a picture (above) from the Memphis Press-Scimitar of me and my mom at the 1952 opening of the Kroger store in Poplar Plaza.\u00a0\nTuesday, November 8 is Election Day!\nTuesday, November 8 is Election Day for the State and Federal General Election. Visit the\u00a0Shelby County Election Commission\u2019s website for more information on when and where you can vote on Tuesday. I voted during early voting, and I encourage everyone to vote as well.\u00a0\n2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Business Owners\nOn Monday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the FedEx Institute of Technology at University of Memphis, I will be hosting my 2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Businesses. During this time, small businesses will learn about doing business with the federal government as well as network with other small businesses.\u00a0Today is the last day to RSVP at\u00a0cohen.procurement@mail.house.gov if you would like to attend the event. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\n8th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon\nOn Friday, November 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at BRIDGES, I will be hosting my 8th annual Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon to honor our veterans in Memphis. I will also discuss my work as your Representative in Washington, DC to help improve the lives of veterans, including my support of programs that assist our veterans who are homeless or who are on the verge of homelessness.\u00a0Please RSVP at 901-544-4131 by Wednesday, November 9th if you would like to attend. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\nFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.\u00a0\nThe President\u2019s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day for adults and 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children for at least five days per week to have a healthy lifestyle. Learn about ways you can be active\u00a0here.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\u00a0\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/opinion-sake-fbi-comey-should-resign", "The Hill: For the sake of the FBI, Comey should resign", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a nearly ten-year veteran of the House Judiciary Committee \u2013 the committee responsible for oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice \u2013 and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, earlier this week I called on FBI Director James Comey to resign his position after his recent communication with members of Congress regarding the\u00a0bureau's review of emails potentially related to\u00a0Hillary Clinton's personal email server.\nIt has been widely reported that the Department of Justice has a longstanding practice of not commenting publicly about politically sensitive material\u00a0within 60 days\u00a0of an election. In compliance with this practice, Director Comey and the FBI made no public comments on former\u00a0Donald Trumpcampaign manager Paul Manafort\u2019s foreign business deals with Russia and Ukraine for millions of dollars. The FBI also made no public comments about their investigation into the Clinton Foundation. Furthermore, no comments were made regarding the Russians hacking employees of the DNC, DCCC and others.\nHowever, 11 days before the election, not 60 days, Director Comey made public comments regarding an FBI investigation involving Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. These comments have since been used by the Trump campaign to embellish, exaggerate and lie about the emails, despite\u00a0Director Comey having admitted in his letter to Congress last week\u00a0that he could \u201cnot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant.\u201d This decision\u00a0was plainly premature, unprecedented, and to use his own verbiage, \u201cextremely careless,\u201d\u00a0and Director Comey should have known that he was throwing gas on a fire.\u00a0\nThe FBI concluded its thorough investigation into Secretary Clinton\u2019s emails months ago,\u00a0and Director Comey said that no reasonable prosecutor would file criminal charges against Secretary Clinton as there was no finding any mishandling of classified documents or information. There is no reason to suspect that these newly discovered emails will change this conclusion.\nWhile I agree that the FBI has the authority to look into these emails, there was absolutely no grounds for the FBI to break longstanding policy and go against the advice of senior officials at the Department of Justice and release public comments on their investigation, especially mere days before the Presidential election. Some, including Senate Minority Leader\u00a0Harry Reid\u00a0(D-Nev.) and former White House ethics lawyer for George W. Bush Richard Painter, have even suggested that Director Comey may have violated the Hatch Act which prohibits employees in the executive branch, excluding the President and Vice President, from engaging in some forms of political activity.\nThere is a reason that FBI investigations are not usually made public until they are completed. To do so gives an impression of guilt before all the facts have been determined.\u00a0 That is unacceptable as the FBI Director must, like Caesar\u2019s wife, be above suspicion.\nI had high regard for Director Comey and have expressed my appreciation for his work in the past. When, in July of this year, Director Comey recommended no criminal charges against Hillary Clinton for her handling of classified information while she was Secretary of State but added his own sidebar of opinions to the announcement, I gave Director Comey the benefit of the doubt, despite the fact that his making such highly unusual remarks was called into question by many. But his actions over the past several days have not only weakened his ability to do his job, but they have severely jeopardized the integrity of the FBI and its duties.\nThe criticism of Director Comey is strongly bipartisan and has come from many experts in the field of justice. President George W. Bush\u2019s former Attorneys General Alberto Gonzales and Michael Mukasey, President\u00a0Barack Obama\u2019s former Attorney General\u00a0Eric Holder\u00a0and a growing number of prosecutors from Republican and Democratic administrations have severely criticized Director Comey for his actions.\nThe fairness of our electoral system is like the fairness of a trial, and no justice official should act in such a way to potentially influence an election whether intended to or not. Standards must be upheld and an FBI Director needs to investigate, not inject issues into a presidential election when no investigation dictates action or basis for action.\u00a0\nI am not asking Director Comey to resign in disgrace. Quite the opposite. I am asking that he step down as a patriot and statesman because he must realize that his actions have done \u2013 and are doing \u2013 a significant amount of damage to how people view him and the FBI as a whole.\u00a0His mistake and its potential consequences on the sanctity of our electoral process cannot be undone, but he can admit his error of judgment and do the right thing.\nSteve Cohen is a United States Representative for Tennessee\u2019s 9th\u00a0District and Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/announcing-beginning-open-enrollment-period-healthcaregov", "Announcing the Beginning of the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare.gov Marketplace", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,The\u00a0HealthCare.gov\u00a0insurance marketplace opened today for 2017 plan shopping and comparisons. While the current shopping period runs until January 31, 2017, December 15, 2016 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1, 2017. You can visit\u00a0http://bit.ly/hcSavings\u00a0to see if you qualify for tax credits that will be applied as discounts on your monthly insurance premium. If you already have insurance coverage through the HealthCare.gov\u00a0marketplace, your plan will be automatically renewed for 2017 but you should still visit HealthCare.gov\u00a0to update your information, ensure you receive the full tax credit to which you are entitled, and review new options as cheaper insurance plans that better fit your needs may now be available.\nIf you are on Medicare or 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 at (800) 318-2596, visit\u00a0HealthCare.gov, or\u00a0you can always call my office at (901) 544-4131. You can also call the Marketplace Hotline or my office to find out if TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) is a coverage option for you.\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/house-judiciary-constitution-and-civil-justice-subcommittee-ranking", "House Judiciary Constitution and Civil Justice Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen Calls for FBI Director Comey to Resign", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today called on James Comey to resign as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\n\"FBI Director James Comey\u2019s recent public comments on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her emails, apparently before seeing any evidence, and against the advice of the Justice Department according to press reports, and even, some have suggested, in violation of the Hatch Act, make it clear that for the good of the FBI and the Justice Department, he should resign his position effective immediately,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cIn the past, even quite recently, I have expressed my appreciation for Director Comey.\u00a0 I appreciated his courage as Deputy Attorney General when he stood up to President Bush\u2019s Chief of Staff Andrew Card and White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales when they attempted to persuade hospitalized Attorney General John Ashcroft to reauthorize Bush's domestic surveillance program, which the Justice Department had just determined was illegal.\u00a0 When, in July of this year, Director Comey recommended no criminal charges against Hillary Clinton for her handling of classified information while she was Secretary of State but added his own sidebar of opinions to the announcement, I gave Director Comey the benefit of the doubt, despite the fact that his making such highly unusual remarks was called into question by many.\" \nCongressman Cohen elaborated, \"While I cannot know Director Comey\u2019s reasoning for his recent letter to House members notifying them about the FBI\u2019s review of emails that he deemed 'potentially related' to Hillary Clinton's personal server, it was plainly premature, careless and unprecedented in its potential impact upon a Presidential election without a speck of information regarding the emails in question, their validity, substance or relevance.\u00a0 Director Comey stated in the letter that he had no idea of 'the significance of this newly discovered collection of emails' which makes his decision all the more disturbing.\n\"There is a reason that FBI investigations are not usually made public until they are completed. To do so gives an impression of guilt before all the facts have been determined.\u00a0 That was the case during the FBI\u2019s investigation of Secretary Clinton\u2019s emails that led Director Comey to state that there was no evidence that Secretary Clinton intentionally transmitted or willfully mishandled classified information and that 'no reasonable prosecutor' would bring a case against her.\u00a0 In light of that finding and the Department of Justice\u2019s prohibition and practice against influencing elections, it is clear that Director Comey\u2019s actions, no matter his motivations, have called into question his judgment and ethics. That is unacceptable as the FBI Director must, like Caesar\u2019s wife, be above suspicion. I agree with CNN's Paul Callan who, in calling for Director Comey to resign wrote 'Trashing the Justice and FBI rule books in the interest of \"openness\" is likely to put the FBI front and center in one of the most contentious presidential races in recent U.S. history.\u2019 \"\nCongressman Cohen continued, \"Additionally revelatory is the New York Times opinion written by Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, in which he states:\nAbsent extraordinary circumstances that might justify it, a public communication about a pending FBI investigation involving a candidate that is made on the eve of an election is thus very likely to be a violation of the Hatch Act and a misuse of an official position. Serious questions also arise under lawyers\u2019 professional conduct rules that require prosecutors to avoid excessive publicity and unnecessary statements that could cause public condemnation even of people who have been accused of a crime, not to mention people like Mrs. Clinton, who have never been charged with a crime.\nCongressman Cohen concluded, \"The fairness of our electoral system is like the fairness of a trial, and no justice official should act in such a way to potentially influence an election whether intended to or not. Standards must be upheld and an FBI Director needs to investigate, not inject issues into a presidential election when no investigation dictates action or basis for action.\u00a0 At a minimum, Director Comey\u2019s actions are, to use his own verbiage, 'extremely careless' this close to the election and without any apparent substance. If Director Comey cares about the Bureau and the rule of law, as I have felt he has in the past, I'm sure upon reflection of this action, he will submit his letter of resignation for the nation\u2019s good.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/calling-more-department-justice-election-observers", "Calling for More Department of Justice Election Observers", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch expressing concern over DOJ\u2019s decreased number of election observers for the November 8th election, commended President Obama for commuting the prison sentences of more non-violent, low-level drug offenders, celebrated the opening of Big River Crossing, urged the Tennessee General Assembly to increase funding for the HOPE scholarship program, attended the Facing History and Ourselves Memphis Benefit Dinner, gave remarks at the Wolf River Greenway and Shelby County Natural Disaster Resiliency Grant Award ground breaking ceremony, met with local Memphis recording artists, and spoke on renewable energy to the Tennessee Chapter of the American Associations of Blacks in Energy. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nCalling for More Department of Justice Election ObserversCommending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug OffendersCelebrating the Big River Crossing OpeningFighting for College AffordabilityAttending the Facing History and Ourselves DinnerProtecting Shelby County from FloodingMeeting with Memphis Recording ArtistsPromoting Renewable Energy2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Business Owners8th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant ProgramWeekly Health Tip 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nCalling for More Department of Justice Election Observers\nOn Wednesday, I sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch expressing concern about the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s announcement that, as a result of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in the\u00a0Shelby County v. Holder\u00a0case, it would be severely limited in the number of election observers that it can deploy nationally to observe the November 8th election. Read more\u00a0here.\u00a0\nCommending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders\nOn Thursday, I commended President Obama for announcing his decision to commute the sentences of\u00a098 largely non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian. I encourage President Obama to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office. You can read more about my work on commutations\u00a0here.\u00a0\nCelebrating the Big River Crossing Opening\nIn case you missed it, I sent out an email blast earlier this week on the Big River Crossing Grand Opening. The weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend, so I encourage everyone to head downtown to check it out. You can read the email blast\u00a0here.\nFighting for College Affordability\nOn Thursday, I again urged the Tennessee General Assembly to restore the funding for the HOPE Scholarship Program that has been diverted towards Tennessee Promise. In an\u00a0article in the Memphis Daily News, Sam Stockard highlights a student at MTSU who is struggling to cope with the skyrocketing cost of college tuition and burdensome debt. The Tennessee General Assembly has not amended the HOPE Scholarship to keep up with rising tuition costs and now, after the implementation of Tennessee Promise, the HOPE Scholarship is providing even smaller scholarships. Read more\u00a0here.\nAttending the Facing History and Ourselves Dinner \nOn Monday, I attended the Facing History and Ourselves Dinner. I was proud to hear from many students there who have benefited from the Facing History and Ourselves program. Facing History and Ourselves also unveiled their Memphis Upstanders Mural to be placed at the National Civil Rights Museum. The mural includes Maxine and Vasco Smith, Rabbi James Wax, Bishop Carroll Dozier, John T. Fisher, Ida B. Wells, Reverend Frank McRae and others who fought against discrimination and injustice throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.\u00a0\nProtecting Shelby County from Flooding\nOn Thursday, I gave remarks at the Wolf River Greenway and Shelby County Natural Disaster Resiliency Grant Award ground breaking ceremony. In October a wrote a letter to HUD expressing my strong support for Shelby County\u2019s grant application and in January, Shelby County received this $60 million grant. The federal funds will help address unmet recovery needs in Memphis and Shelby County from the 2011 floods and protect Memphians from future flooding disasters by developing new greenways and nature areas. I would like to thank Program Manager for the Mid-South Regional Greenprint & Sustainability Plan John Zeanah, Executive Director of the Wolf River Conservancy Keith Cole and all others who worked to make this grant possible.\u00a0\nMeeting with Memphis Recording Artists\nOn Wednesday, I met with members of the Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy for their annual \u201cGRAMMYs in My District Advocacy Day.\u201d We discussed several issues before Congress of importance to the music and recording industry.\u00a0\nPromoting Renewable Energy\nOn Monday, I gave remarks on the importance of clean and renewable energy to the Tennessee Chapter of the American Associations of Blacks in Energy for their \u201cEnergy Matters\u201d seminar. I also had the pleasure of introducing Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner and 1992 University of Memphis graduate Colette Honorable who was appointed as a FERC Commissioner by President Obama in 2012. Commissioner Honorable is a very impressive woman who makes the University of Memphis proud.\n2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Business Owners\nOn Monday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the FedEx Institute of Technology at University of Memphis, I will be hosting my 2016 Federal Procurement Fair for Small Businesses. During this time, small businesses will learn about doing business with the federal government as well as network with other small businesses.\u00a0Please RSVP at\u00a0cohen.procurement@mail.house.gov by Friday, November 4th if you would like to attend the event. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\n8th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon\nOn Friday, November 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at BRIDGES, I will be hosting my 8th annual Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon to honor our veterans in Memphis. I will also discuss my work as your Representative in Washington, DC to help improve the lives of veterans, including my support of programs that assist our veterans who are homeless or who are on the verge of homelessness.\u00a0Please RSVP at 901-544-4131 by Wednesday, November 9th if you would like to attend. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\nFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.\u00a0\nAccording to the\u00a0Dietary Guidelines for Americans\u00a02015-2020, a healthy eating plan should include a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Learn more on how you can improve your diet\u00a0here.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\u00a0\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/memphis-daily-news-tennessee-promise-draws-criticism-amid-rising-tuition", "Memphis Daily News: Tennessee Promise Draws Criticism Amid Rising Tuition", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MTSU student Emily Webb cobbled together enough money to pay for her first year and a half of expenses.\u00a0\nBut in the last year she had to borrow $5,000 to keep alive her dream of earning a degree from Middle Tennessee State University as tuition and living costs have increased each year.\nAs a first-generation college student, the McGavock High School graduate from Nashville found it challenging enough to apply for scholarships through the FAFSA process required to apply for Tennessee\u2019s Hope Scholarship and any other available financial aid.\u00a0\nEven after receiving the money made available through the state\u2019s lottery, she lacked the funds to pay for the rest of her tuition, housing, meals, books and living expenses, which is edging up to about $15,000 a year.\nWebb, 20, a junior majoring in global studies and minoring in international relations, was fortunate enough to land a Dream Scholarship to cover the rest of her expenses early on.\nWhen the money started drying up, she had to borrow, even though as vice president of marketing for the Student Government Association, she puts in eight hours a week in the SGA office, in addition to guiding prospective students on MTSU\u2019s Blue Tour and working occasionally in the Grand Ole Opry\u2019s concession stand in Nashville.\nEven in hock for college costs, Webb says she\u2019s one of the \u201clucky ones,\u201d compared to others who are $20,000-plus in debt. The average is $25,000 to $27,000 for graduates in Tennessee.\n\u201cWhat I\u2019ve noticed is it puts stress on college students because in general we weren\u2019t really taught how to handle money or anything, besides taking a personal finance class in high school,\u201d she says, adding high schools need to emphasize money management.\nMore than that, Webb says, \u201cHaving the stress and being overwhelmed with having to come up with thousands of dollars can be detrimental to students and can be the reason they end up dropping out or don\u2019t even attend college.\u201d\nWebb says several friends from her freshman year wound up dropping out because they couldn\u2019t afford college, saying they would come back after a semester when they could afford it.\n\u201cBut a lot of times they don\u2019t end up coming back, and it\u2019s really sad because nowadays you really need a college education to have a really good job,\u201d she adds.\u00a0\nOn the rise\nStudents at four-year universities across Tennessee are paying about twice as much for tuition as they did a decade ago. Increases were in the 7 percent range but have dropped back to about 2 to 3 percent in the last couple of years.\nIn-state tuition at MTSU has gone up annually, jumping to $6,930 this year from $3,828 in 2006-07. At the University of Memphis, it went up to $7,860 from $4,388 10 years ago.\nAt the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, tuition increased in a similar fashion, to $9,028 for students enrolled before 2013-14 and $10,376 for those admitted in 2013-14 from $4,830 in 2006-07. Students admitted after 2013-14 are paying $10,678 a year in tuition.\nTuition has gone up similarly at Tennessee\u2019s community colleges, up to $3,930 on average from $2,230 10 years ago. Consider, too, that tuition at community colleges was only about $175 30-plus years ago.\nThe Hope Scholarship provides an average of $4,000 a year for students at four-year colleges and $1,500 for community college students, about $3,000 short of coverage tuition at MTSU and $6,600 less than needed for UT-K, not to mention room, board and living expenses.\nBut students who go the JUCO route or to Tennessee\u2019s colleges of applied technology, under the two-year-old Tennessee Promise scholarship can be admitted tuition free, provided they meet a few requirements such as community service and talking with mentors, etc. They don\u2019t have the same type of GPA and ACT requirements as those applying for the Hope Scholarship.\nIn 2015-16, its first year, Tennessee had 16,291 Promise Scholarship recipients, 1,986 at technical schools, 13,923 at community colleges, a high of 1,332 at Motlow State, and 382 at private schools such as Bethel, Bryan College, Carson Newman, Cumberland Hiwassee and Martin Methodist.\u00a0\nTennessee Promise is one of Gov. Bill Haslam\u2019s favorite programs, funded with reserve money in the lottery\u2019s Hope Scholarship fund. He says it\u2019s necessary to help Tennessee meet his Drive to 55 goal of 55 percent of Tennesseans holding a degree or certificate of higher education by 2025.\nIt\u2019s a laudable goal but one that some officials believe could use a different approach.\nU.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Memphis Democrat who sponsored the legislation leading to the state lottery and the Hope Scholarship while serving in the General Assembly, is a frequent critic of the Tennessee Promise program.\u00a0\nCohen contends President Barack Obama\u2019s American College Promise program would supplement existing college aid programs instead of supplanting them, as he says Tennessee Promise does.\nHe argues the Promise \u201crobs\u201d existing lottery scholarship program by taking $500 per year from college students who \u201cworked hard\u201d in high school and maintained those grades to earn the Hope Scholarship to attend a four-year or community college.\u00a0\nIt also reduces by $125 per semester the Hope Access Grants for low-income students who make the grades to go to four-year colleges, he says.\nCohen also points out the Promise is a \u201clast-dollar\u201d program, meaning it covers only the cost of tuition, not housing, books or school-related expenses. In addition, he believes it helps wealthier and \u201cless-accomplished\u201d students rather than those who achieved the grades and test scores need to qualify for the Hope funds.\nThe congressman says he asked Haslam to increase the income threshold for Hope Access grants or raise the awards.\u00a0\n\u201cI hope that Gov. Haslam and the Legislature will consider increasing the amount of the Hope Lottery programs this year (2016), as they have not been raised to compensate for the rise in tuition during the past eight years \u2013 and, in fact, were lowered by the passage of Tennessee Promise,\u201d he writes on his website.\nBut state lawmakers didn\u2019t broach the idea during the last two years. More talk surfaced about freezing tuition than about increasing the Hope Scholarship award.\nA move from both directions would be beneficial, because while some lawmakers blame universities for burgeoning budgets, higher education officials point out the burden of funding for higher education has flip-flopped with students and parents carrying the majority of a 60-30 split than vice versa.\nState Sen. Bill Ketron, a Murfreesboro Republican who co-chairs the Legislature\u2019s Fiscal Review Committee, says he doesn\u2019t expect any increase in Hope Scholarship for several more years.\nFour-year students, on the other hand, say relief is needed immediately, especially with college student debt nationwide at about $1 trillion.\nWhile MTSU student Webb sees the need for Tennessee Promise and even applied for it in case something didn\u2019t work out in her effort to attend MTSU, she says state leaders need to shift their philosophy.\n\u201cI think they should start getting that (Promise money) into the four-year program and maybe getting our first two years paid for at a university,\u201d Webb suggests.\nIf the state\u2019s goal truly is to help people earn a diploma, they should take Emily Webb\u2019s advice, because a college degree is a crucial part of finding a good career, but holding a $27,000 debt load is a tough way to start.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-tennessee-promise-takes-away-neediest-and-most-meritorious-hope", "Cohen: Tennessee Promise Takes Away from Neediest and Most Meritorious HOPE Scholarship Students", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed concern about Tennessee Promise freezing the HOPE Scholarship Program in the wake of rising college tuition costs in Tennessee. For 20 years in the Tennessee General Assembly, then-State Senator Cohen worked to create the Tennessee Education Lottery that funds the HOPE and ASPIRE programs that have provided nearly $4 billion to Tennessee\u2019s best and brightest students. Congressman Cohen has been an outspoken critic of Tennessee Promise ever since Governor Haslam announced the plan in 2014 because of its harmful impact on the successful HOPE Scholarship Program.\n\u201cTennessee Promise is hurting the neediest and most meritorious of Tennessee\u2019s students,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe Tennessee Promise program has imposed an opportunity cost of freezing and thus crippling the HOPE scholarship program at a time when college tuition costs in Tennessee have skyrocketed and accordingly students are amassing college debt that can follow them for years after graduation. In an article in the Memphis Daily News, Sam Stockard highlights a student at MTSU who is struggling to cope with the rising cost of tuition. The Tennessee General Assembly has not amended the HOPE Scholarship to keep up with rising tuition costs and now, after the implementation of Tennessee Promise, the HOPE Scholarship is providing even smaller scholarships. This has made it harder for our state\u2019s most academically promising young people to begin attending 4-year colleges and universities in Tennessee. I urge the Tennessee General Assembly to increase funding for the HOPE Scholarship program rather than divert all additional lottery funds to Tennessee Promise. We should be incentivizing Tennessee\u2019s best and brightest high school students to continue working hard so they can earn a scholarship that will actually help them afford a quality Tennessee education without resulting in mounting college debt.\u201d\nYou can read Sam Stockard\u2019s article in the Memphis Daily News here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-commuting-sentences-98", "Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Commuting Sentences of 98 Americans Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who has been the most constant voice in Congress imploring President Obama to use his absolute power to bring about justice through commutations and pardons, today commended President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 98 largely non-violent drug offenders, including one Memphian. Today\u2019s commutations represent the President\u2019s continued commitment to using his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated and discriminatory federal policies, and to provide a second chance to deserving individuals. President Obama has granted clemency to 688 prisoners in 2016 -- the most commutations in any single year of U.S. history -- and 872 prisoners during his presidency.\n\"I commend President Obama for continuing to commute prison sentences for those serving unjustly long sentences for non-violent drug convictions, including that of a Memphian,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe record hundreds of commutations issued this year alone are a significant step by President Obama toward a more rational and fair justice system\u2014something I have long encouraged. Not only do our nation\u2019s outdated drug laws disproportionately affect minority populations, but they continue a policy grounded in false premises and political expediency dating back to President Nixon\u2019s \u2018Southern Strategy.\u2019 Additionally, it costs more than $30,000 per year to incarcerate each individual.\u00a0 I encourage President Obama to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office.\u201dCongressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address injustices, including a\u00a0February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling for increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a\u00a0May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review\u00a0on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a\u00a0November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill,\u00a0repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in\u00a0a\u00a0letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an\u00a0August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in\u00a0an\u00a0August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would, in part, make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.\nInformation from the White House:\n*Ferlandis Urben Herod - Memphis, TN \nOffense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; 2. Supervised release violation (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine); 1. Middle District of Tennessee; 2. Western District of Tennessee\nSentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 2. 24 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 10 years' supervised release (1. July 14, 2005; 2. December 19, 2005)\nCommutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 264 months' imprisonment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/big-river-crossing-weekend-remember", "The Big River Crossing: A Weekend to Remember", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The giant locomotive whistles, the inspiring speeches, the dazzling display of rainbow lighting on the Harahan Bridge at night, and the first treks across the bridge by foot and by bike are all embedded in Memphis history now, after a weekend that won\u2019t be forgotten by those who were there.It was the weekend of opening ceremonies for the Big River Crossing and the completion of the Main Street to Main Street project that links downtown Memphis with downtown West Memphis, courtesy of a public/private partnership that involved numerous movers and shakers \u2014 notably Charles McVean, the veteran trader and investor who conceived of the project and bird-dogged it into being; Jim Young, the late Union Pacific executive who saw its promise; and Memphis congressman Steve Cohen, who used his energy, know-how, and Capitol Hill connections to get the $15 million TIGER grant (for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) that finished up the financing.The TIGER grants, authorized by Congress in 2009, exist for the purpose of financing \u201croad, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives,\u201d and there\u2019s no doubting that the River Street Crossing and the Main St. to Main St. Multi-Modal Connector Project (to give it its proper name) fill that bill.On Saturday morning, a sizeable crowd gathered at the Church by the River and on the grounds outside. These were spectators who had registered for the privilege \u2014 dignitaries of various kinds, public officials, media,, and various others who had, as it were, got the memo, and were on a checklist that let them get close to the morning\u2019s events.A large crowd of other were gathered, short of the let-through point, near the railroad tracks just off Channel 3 Drive, and for many of them, train aficionados, that was close enough to see and enjoy the look and overpowering whistle sound of the big steam-engine locomotive, largest of the Union Pacific line, that had come over the Harahan from the Arkansas side as part of the ceremonies.The city\u2019s most recent mayors were there \u2014 current Mayor Jim Strickland with his daughter Kathleen, and former Mayor A C Wharton, both of whom had a major role assisting the project and would get their due when the speeches got started inside the Church. Kevin Kane of the Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jack Sammons, Memphis government\u2019s forever utility man, who was acquainted with all the ground-floor facts; Charlie Newman, counsel to McVean, who was the ground floor, and whose own illustrious pedigree had been committed from Day One. Paul Morris, who as president of the Downtown Memphis Commission had been in on the early planning. And Cohen, of course, the final enabler.With Joe Birch of WMC-TV presiding, festivities got under way in the sanctuary of the Church, and all the tellers told their tales. McVean, the visionary, was the central figure in each story. Morris admitted he\u2019d thought it was a \u201ccrazy idea,\u201d this creation of a bike and pedestrian lane all the way across the river on the old bridge but had snapped to when he realized some vital downtown rehab could be made part of the project, of which he took on the day-to-day management.Newman gave a brief history of the project and spoke of the vital connection between McVean the visionary who wouldn\u2019t take no for an answer and Union Pacific\u2019s Young, who would buy into it despite his industry\u2019s proverbial sense that \u201ctrains and people don\u2019t belong together.\u201d Not on the same pathway, anyhow. Newman spoke also of the people on the Arkansas side who were brought in and who, like Young, saw the prospect of urban rehab on their side of the Big Muddy.Spokespersons for state and federal government had their say. Cohen, dressed casually with a University of Memphis Tiger cap that fed the metaphor, took his bow and elaborated on Morris\u2019 \u201ccrazy idea\u201d remark, linking that to the concept of \u201cthinking big\u201d in Memphis history. It was a team effort, Cohen said, concluding, \u201cGo Tigers.\u201dStrickland had his turn at the mike, noting the appropriateness of the project\u2019s completion so close to the bicentennial of Memphis in 2019. He noted that the project had resulted from a combination of private fundraising, state, and federal help. Pointedly, he gave a hat tip to his predecessor Wharton and to Councilman Reid Hedgepeth for their important efforts, And he introduced the main man, Charlie McVean, \u201cthe Superman of the Big River Crossing.\u201dPeople got on their feet for McVean, and deservedly so, though, for someone who had made so gigantic task come to pass, McVean had a deceptively diffident manner. He tossed out kudos to various others who had been involved, spoke of further development of the river levees that would create a giant trail all the way to New Orleans, and recalled a conversation with a Chinese official who compared the river project, in its magnitude, to the creation of the Great Wall of China.Only this wall would not seal off, McVean stressed. It would open things up. He spoke of conversations with Robert Moore, Speaker of the Arkansas House, who had been justifiably proud of Little Rock\u2019s Big Dam Bridge over a dam on the Arkansas River. McVean was complimentary of the bridge but countered, \u201cMr. Speaker, I want you to be prepared. We\u2019re getting ready to show you boys over here what a damn big bridge is!\u201dWhen the ceremony wrapped up, the whole crowd moved down and entered the new bridge walkway that paralleled the railroad track on the northern side of the bridge. These first traffickers were walkers, though a queue of helmeted and eager cyclers waited for their turn whenever the crowd might clear.That took a while, though. Just as there had been a ceremony on the Memphis side of the Harahan, so had there been one on the Arkansas side. Now members of the two separate gatherings would meet at the halfway point of the bridge. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Congressman Cohen had the first ceremonial handshake, and then the two bodies of celebrants mingled. So poignant was the moment that nobody was in much of a hurry to clear the walkway.\u00a0Eventually the pedestrian mass would clear, of course, making way finally for the cyclists. Much of the crowd would end up across the river at Pancho\u2019s in West Memphis, where one last celebratory event was held under the auspices of the Arkansans involved.And later that night, at roughly 7 p.m., when darkness fell, the old, rejuvenated Harahan Bridge lit up with pulsating waves of rainbow lighting, courtesy of Philips Lighting. That extraordinary rainbow will appear again at various points on the holiday calendar; meanwhile, the bridge will be lit most nights with a glow that is called, technically, \u201carchitectural white.\u201dIn any case, by whatever name and whatever its hues, there is a new light on the river now and, if all goes well, a brighter future for both banks of the Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-calls-more-department-justice-election-observers", "Ranking Member Cohen Calls for More Department of Justice Election Observers", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch expressing concern about the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s announcement that, as a result of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in the Shelby County v. Holder case, it would be severely limited in the number of election observers that it can deploy nationally to observe the November 8th election. In\u00a0Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court invalidated a key component of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prevented voter discrimination before it occurred.\u00a0 New voting restrictions have been put in place in 20 states since 2010, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.\n\u201c\u2026While I thank the DOJ for its efforts and its genuine commitment to monitoring the upcoming elections, I note that the DOJ will not be sending observers to most of the more than a dozen states that have imposed new voting restrictions that could deny the ability of some voters to exercise their right to vote,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\n\u2026I would encourage the DOJ to use all existing authority to protect voting rights to the maximum extent permitted by law.\nThe right to vote is absolutely central to our democracy.\u00a0 No American should ever be denied the ability to exercise that right based on unwarranted procedural barriers to voting or because of intimidation, discrimination, or for any other inappropriate reason.\u201d\nA full copy of Congressman Cohen\u2019s letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/big-river-crossing-has-opened-historic-and-iconic-harahan-bridge", "Big River Crossing Has Opened on the Historic and Iconic Harahan Bridge!", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nOn Saturday, I attended the grand opening ceremony for the Big River Crossing pedestrian and bike path across the historic and iconic Harahan Bridge in Downtown Memphis. The views were gorgeous; the lights were beautiful; and as Memphis philanthropist and visionary for the project Charlie McVean said, \u201cIt\u2019s as close as you can ever get to a moving freight train.\u201d\n  View from Big River Crossing on the Harahan Bridge\n  The Harahan Bridge will be equipped with 100,000 LED lights to illuminate the bridge nightly. The lights can also change colors for special occasions and holidays.\nBig River Crossing is an integral section of the Main to Main Intermodal Connector project which connects Main Street Memphis to Main Street West Memphis via pedestrian and bike paths. In 2012, I was proud to work with then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to help secure\u00a0nearly $15 million in federal funding through the TIGER grant program to help fund this project. Former President of the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) Paul Morris said:\u00a0\n\u201cIt was Congressman Cohen's idea five years ago to join the DMC's Main St. Improvement project with Charlie McVean et al's vision to build a bike trail on the Harahan to make a compelling TIGER Grant application. Even then, USDOT gave us a 5% chance of TIGER award until Congressman Cohen personally advocated for our project to his old congressional colleague and friend Ray LaHood, who happened to then be the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Even after the award, Congressman Cohen helped us get out of a ditch when the first bids were way over budget and we needed a time extension from USDOT so we could go back to the drawing board.\u201d\n  Congressman Cohen speaks during the Big River Crossing opening ceremony\nThe federal TIGER grant was accompanied by public funding from the City of Memphis and Shelby County and private funding from a number of local philanthropists and companies. Together, through this public/private partnership, we created the country\u2019s longest public pedestrian and bike path, spanning 4,973 feet across the Mississippi River.\u00a0\n  Ribbon cutting ceremony for Big River Crossing. Pictured left to right: Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, Charlie McVean, Congressman Cohen, Charlie Newman and Paul Morris\u00a0\nBig River Crossing and the Main to Main project are also expected to spark economic growth in Downtown Memphis, creating jobs, increasing tourism and attracting Millennials to the historic South Main District. Terence Patterson, president of the Downtown Memphis Commission, told the Commercial Appeal, \u201cOnce The Big River Crossing is open, we anticipate that even more Memphians and tourists will flock to this part of Downtown, bringing new amenities and businesses with it.\u201d City officials say the Main to Main project has expedited an estimated $225 million in new economic development along Main Street, Front Street and Carolina Avenue.\n  Congressman Cohen and local philanthropist and visionary for Big River Crossing Charlie McVean\nBig River Crossing was also a key piece of the grant application for the\u00a0$30 million Choice Neighborhood grant I helped secure from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to revitalize Foote Homes in South City. President Obama\u2019s Choice Neighborhoods program aims to transform neighborhoods suffering from poverty into viable mixed-income neighborhoods by investing in better housing and living conditions, effective schools, public transportation and improved access to jobs.\u00a0The City of Memphis\u2019s Housing and Community Development director Paul Young told the Commercial Appeal, \u201cThe synergy of all of these activities create an environment where we believe growth and development will continue, not only in the Downtown core, but the areas on the outskirts of Downtown as well.\u201d\u00a0\n  Congressman Cohen, leading the Tennessee delegation, meets with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in the center of the bridge. Following Congressman Cohen are Charlie McVean, the brainchild and ramrod of Big River Crossing, and his attorney Charlie Newman who did a masterful job of seeing this project through to fruition.\u00a0\nOn Saturday, as I walked along the pedestrian path, I noticed a plaque from the Harahan Bridge dedication in 1916. The plaque honored two of my predecessors, Kenneth McKellar and E.H. Crump, who similarly secured federal funding for the construction of the Harahan 100 years ago. McKellar served as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 1917-1953 and as the Congressman representing Memphis from 1911-1917. Crump served as Mayor of Memphis from 1910-1915 and as the Congressman representing Memphis from 1931-1935. Seeing this plaque, which has likely not been seen since car traffic ceased on the bridge in 1950, connected me with my predecessors and made me proud to be among the group of people serving Memphis in Congress who have brought home federal funding to make the Harahan Bridge what it is today and make Memphis even greater.\nThe weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend, so I encourage everyone to head downtown to take advantage of one of the country\u2019s most ambitious and impressive bicycle and pedestrian pathways. As Charlie McVean told me when we announced the TIGER grant in 2012, \u201cThis is one of the biggest things that has ever happened to Memphis.\u201d He was right. \u00a0\u00a0\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/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/big-river-crossing-opens-tomorrow", "Big River Crossing Opens Tomorrow", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I spoke out against the minimal 0.3% COLA announced for Social Security recipients in 2017, praised the International Association of Chiefs of Police for issuing a formal apology for the role that their profession has played in society\u2019s historical mistreatment of communities of color, and received the highest scores in the Tennessee Congressional Delegation on the National Food Policy Legislative Scorecard and the\u00a0Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Legislative Scorecard.\u00a0Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tBig River Crossing Opens Tomorrow  Fighting for a Fair Cost-of-Living Adjustment  Rebuilding Trust Between Police and the Communities They Serve  Early Voting Has Begun in Tennessee  Reducing Hunger and Promoting Healthy Eating Habits  Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program  Weekly Health Tip  2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tBig River Crossing Opens Tomorrow\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTomorrow is the grand opening of the Big River Crossing pedestrian/bike path across the Harahan Bridge. In 2012, I was proud to work with then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to secure nearly $15 million in federal funding through the TIGER grant program to help fund this project. I encourage everyone to head to Downtown Memphis to take advantage of one of the region\u2019s most ambitious and impressive bicycle and pedestrian pathways. For more information, visit:\u00a0http://www.bigrivercrossing.com/\n\t\t\t\tFighting for a Fair Cost-of-Living Adjustment\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, the Social Security Administration announced that there would be just a 0.3% increase in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2017. I am concerned that this minimal COLA increase will place an undue burden on America\u2019s senior citizens, disabled veterans, Supplemental Security Income recipients, and their families. Read more about how I believe we should change the formula to better reflect senior citizen\u2019s spending habits\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tRebuilding Trust Between Police and the Communities They Serve\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, the International Association of Chiefs of Police issued a formal apology for the role that their profession has played in society\u2019s historical mistreatment of communities of color. I praise the chiefs for issuing this apology and for their leadership in recognizing this problem that clearly exists.\u00a0Admitting a wrongdoing is the first step on a path toward reform and redress. I was featured in a Fortune Magazine article on this topic which you can read\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tEarly Voting Has Begun in Tennessee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday was the first day of early voting in Tennessee. I voted on Thursday, and I encourage everyone to vote as well. Early voting runs from today through Thursday, November 3 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. You can find a list of early voting locations in Memphis and Shelby County\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tReducing Hunger and Promoting Healthy Eating Habits\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I was proud to receive the only perfect score in the Tennessee Congressional Delegation from Food Policy Action on their 114th Congress National Food Policy Scorecard. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tFood Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program\n\t\t\t\tThe United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families\u00a0participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it\u2019s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tAccording to the\u00a0Dietary Guidelines for Americans\u00a02015-2020, a healthy eating plan should include a diet that is low in saturated fats,\u00a0trans\u00a0fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Learn more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\t2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\n\t\t\t\tGo Tigers!\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\t\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-s-statement-national-independence-day-azerbaijan", "Congressman Cohens Statement on National Independence Day in Azerbaijan", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, released the following statement today marking the 25th National Independence Day in Azerbaijan:\n\u201cToday, Azerbaijan celebrates the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitutional Act \u2018On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,\u2019\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cSince declaring its independence on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan has become an important ally on global energy security, the fight against terrorism and preventing nuclear proliferation. It has also become a model for ethnic and religious tolerance in a secular and predominately Muslim nation.\u00a0 Azerbaijan should also be commended for having excellent relations with the State of Israel.\u00a0 I extend warm wishes to the people of Azerbaijan as they celebrate National Independence Day.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-social-security-should-give-seniors-higher-cost-living", "Congressman Cohen: Social Security Should Give Seniors a Higher Cost of Living Adjustment", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement today regarding the Social Security Administration\u2019s announcement that there will only be a 0.3% increase in the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in 2017.\n\u201cI am concerned that the minimal cost-of-living increase this year will place an undue burden on America\u2019s senior citizens, disabled veterans, Supplemental Security Income recipients, and their families,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cCost of living adjustments are vital to help these recipients keep up with the rising prices of medical care, prescription drugs, food and housing. I have cosponsored legislation to change the calculation for cost-of-living adjustments so seniors receive increases that better reflect their spending patterns. I will continue to look out for seniors and other Social Security beneficiaries to ensure that they receive the raise each year that they deserve.\u201d\nThe annual COLA is based on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics measure of inflation through the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Congress enacted automatic increases for Social Security beneficiaries in 1975 and has averaged a nearly 4 percent increase per year since. Nearly 58 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits.\nCongressman Cohen is a cosponsor of the \u201cSeniors Deserve a Raise Act.\u201d If enacted, this bill would tie future Social Security cost-of-living adjustments to Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) because it takes into account the spending patterns of the elderly, such as health care costs, prescription drug costs, food and housing that tend to rise more rapidly. The bill would also provide an immediate increase in Social Security benefits for senior citizens to compensate for the average difference between CPI-E and CPI-W. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, using experimental data, the estimated CPI-E COLA increase for 2017 would be approximately 1.4%.\u00a0\nCongressman Cohen, along with his colleagues, will be sending a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to bring legislation to the House floor that would make CPI-E the calculation for COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-earns-perfect-score-national-food-policy-scorecard-114th-congress", "Cohen Earns Perfect Score on National Food Policy Scorecard for 114th Congress", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today received a perfect 100% score from Food Policy Action on their 114th Congress National Food Policy Scorecard. The Congressman was the only member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to receive a 100% score.\n\u201cI am proud to receive the only perfect score in the Tennessee Congressional Delegation on the 114th Congress National Food Policy Scorecard,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\u201cI will continue to support policies that reduce hunger and promote healthy living in the United States.\u201d\nFood Policy Action aims to highlight the importance of policies that promote healthy diets, reduce hunger at home, ensure healthy food is affordable and accessible, and examine the environmental impact of farming and food production. The National Food Policy Scorecard for the 114th Congress rates specific legislation regarding food policy issues like hunger, food access and subsidies, nutrition, food additives, food transparency, the effects of food production on the environment, and a multitude of other measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-praises-department-justice-decision-begin-collecting-data-police", "Cohen Praises Department of Justice for Decision to Begin Collecting Data on Police Use of Force", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today praised the U.S. Department of Justice for announcing that it would begin collecting data early next year on the use of force by federal law enforcement agents and help local police departments report data on \u201cin custody\u201d deaths and collect information on a variety of other police actions.\n\u201cI am pleased the Department of Justice will begin collecting data on force used by federal agents and will help local law enforcement collect data of their own, something my bill, the National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act, has called for,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cBefore we can truly address the problem of excessive force used by law enforcement we have to understand the nature of the problem and that begins with accurate data. This is a significant step in the right direction and a critical component to rebuilding trust between the police and the communities they serve.\u201d\nLast year, Congressman Cohen reintroduced his National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act. His legislation, which would go a step further than the Department of Justice\u2019s announced plan, would, as a condition of receipt of full Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funding, incentivize states to collect data on all instances in which deadly force was used and report it to the Department of Justice. Without accurate and comprehensive data, racial disparities, abuses, and instances of excessive use of force are difficult to identify and unlikely to be fixed.\nSpecifically, Congressman Cohen\u2019s legislation would incentivize states to require local law enforcement agencies to provide data to the Attorney General on:\n The date of each instance when deadly force was used;\n\tThe identifying characteristics of the victim and officer involved, including the race, gender, ethnicity, religion and approximate age of the victim;\n\tAny alleged criminal behavior by the victim;\n\tAn explanation, if any, by the relevant law enforcement agency of why deadly force was used;\n\tA copy of any use of deadly force guidelines in effect at the time at the law enforcement agency;\n\tThe nature of the deadly force used, including whether it involved a firearm; and\n\tA description of any non-lethal efforts that were taken before deadly force was used.\n This data would be made publicly available, but would not disclose any personally identifying information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/praising-department-justice-its-decision-collect-data-police-use", "Praising the Department of Justice for its Decision to Collect Data on Police Use of Force", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I praised the Department of Justice for announcing it would begin collecting data on force used by federal agents, welcomed NAACP President Cornell Brooks to Temple Israel in Memphis, was pleased to learn the DEA would delay placing kratom on its list of Schedule I drugs, and celebrated the wedding of my staff member Michael Fulton and his bride, Tia Pitt. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nPraising the Department of Justice for its Decision to Collect Data on Police Use of Force  Welcoming NAACP President Cornell Brooks to Memphis  Fighting for a Sensible Drug Policy  Celebrating the Wedding of Michael Fulton and Tia Pitt  Joining President Obama in Israel for the Funeral of Shimon Peres  2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nPraising the Department of Justice for its Decision to Collect Data on Police Use of Force\nToday, I praised the Department of Justice for announcing it would begin collecting data on force used by federal agents and will help local law enforcement collect data of their own, something for which my bill, the National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act, has called for. This is a significant step in the right direction and a critical component to rebuilding trust between the police and the communities they serve. Read more about their decision and my bill\u00a0here.\nWelcoming NAACP President Cornell Brooks to Memphis\n  Photo credit to Lynn Eisenstatt\nOn Wednesday, Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel and a member of the NAACP national board, invited NAACP President Cornell Brooks to Temple Israel for Yom Kippur services. President Brooks spoke to the congregation on justice and the long history between the Jewish and African American communities. Jack Greenberg, the last living NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney who argued before the Supreme Court in the Brown v. Board of Education case, passed away on Yom Kippur. He embodied the shared values that President Brooks spoke of that bind African Americans and Jews together. Rabbi Greenstein encouraged all members of Temple Israel to join the NAACP because we must all take part in fighting racial disparities that are still too prevalent in America.\u00a0\nFighting for a Sensible Drug Policy\nOn Thursday, I was pleased to hear that the DEA delayed placing kratom on their list of Schedule I drugs and will open a public comment period. It is important to have an open process, and a public comment period will give citizens a voice in this discussion. Read more\u00a0here.\nCelebrating the Wedding of Michael Fulton and Tia Pitt\nOn Saturday, my Senior Legislative Assistants Michael Fulton married the charming, bright and beautiful Tia Pitt in Maryland. Michael has been in my office since my first year in Congress. I am very proud of him and wish him and Tia a happy life together.\u00a0\nJoining President Obama in Israel for the Funeral of Shimon Peres\nLast month, I was\u00a0invited by President Obama to join him in Israel for the funeral of former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Below are some pictures from my trip that I wanted to share with you.\n  Charles, Prince of Wales\n  Former President Bill Clinton\n  French President Fran\u00e7ois Hollande\n  Boarding the plane to Israel\n  Homage to Jerusalem by Alexander Calder on Mount Herzel in Jerusalem\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nToday, I joined my staff for \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d at the Ed Rice Community Center to assist constituents with questions or problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. Thank you to everyone who attended.\u00a0Please\u00a0visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on future Congress on your Corner events.\nGo Tigers!\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-dea-s-decision-delay-putting-kratom-list-schedule-i", "Cohens Statement on the DEAs Decision to Delay Putting Kratom on the List of Schedule I Drugs", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the announcement of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to delay a final decision on placing kratom on the list of Schedule I drugs and begin a period of public comment:\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to hear that the DEA delayed placing kratom on their list of Schedule I drugs,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s important to have an open process to hear from consumers, researchers and stakeholders who would be impacted by this decision. A public comment period gives citizens a voice in this discussion. We only have to look at the current status of marijuana to see how the DEA\u2019s drug scheduling can be misguided. When marijuana was placed on Schedule I, it was supposed to be temporary until the science was in, that was 1970. The science has been in for a long time, and keeping marijuana on Schedule I\u2014with heroin and LSD\u2014is ludicrous. Accurate scientific findings, in addition to public comment, need to guide the DEA\u2019s decision-making process.\u201d\nA letter to Acting Administrator Charles Rosenberg of the DEA sent by Congressman Cohen with fellow Members of Congress asking for a delay in their decision to place kratom as a Schedule I drug can be found\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-receives-perfect-score-human-rights-campaign-scorecard", "Cohen Receives Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Scorecard", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today received a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)\u00a0scorecard\u00a0for the 114th Congress.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for my work on behalf of the LGBTQ community,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI have long advocated for civil rights for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, and I remain committed to fighting for full equality.\u201dEstablished in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of more than 750,000 members and supporters nationwide.\u00a0 As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/commending-presidential-commutations-non-violent-drug-offenders-0", "Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I commended President Obama for commuting the sentences of 102 largely non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian, attended the Seafood Nutrition Partnership luncheon in Midtown with NBA star Detlef Schrempf, delivered remarks at the special program honoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School, and received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign on their 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nCommending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug OffendersEncouraging Healthy EatingHonoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary SchoolReceiving a Perfect Score from the Human Rights Campaign 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are AvailableBringing Congress to your Corner\nCommending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders\nOn Thursday, President Obama announced his decision to commute the sentences of 102 largely non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian. President Obama has granted clemency to 590 prisoners in 2016 -- the most commutations in any single year of U.S. history -- and 774 prisoners during his presidency. I encourage President Obama to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office. You can read more about my work on commutations\u00a0here.\nEncouraging Healthy Eating\nOn Monday, I joined former NBA star Detlef Schrempf at the Seafood Nutrition Partnership luncheon at Tsunami in Midtown. The Seafood Nutrition Partnership aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle with a seafood-rich diet. After the luncheon, I went straight to Fresh Market to buy some fresh salmon. To learn more about the Seafood Nutrition Partnership's Healthy Heart Pledge\u00a0and\u00a0how to improve\u00a0diet by adding seafood, click here.\u00a0\u00a0\nHonoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School\nOn Monday, I delivered remarks at the \u201cBecause of You\u201d special program honoring the anniversary of the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School. On October 3, 1961, Menelik Fombi, Dwania Kyles and Harry Williams were the first African-American students to enroll at Bruce Elementary School, ending the nearly 100 years of segregation in Memphis public schools. They, along with ten other students who integrated Memphis City Schools, became known as the Memphis 13.\nReceiving a Perfect Score from the Human Rights Campaign\nIt is an honor to receive\u00a0a perfect 100 score from the Human Rights Campaign on their 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard for my work on behalf of the LGBTQ community. I have long advocated for civil rights for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, and I remain committed to fighting for full equality.\n2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete\u00a0this form\u00a0on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 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 eNewsletter.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nIf you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at\u00a0the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm\u00a0to answer questions and provide assistance. Please\u00a0visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nGo Tigers! And let\u2019s go Nats!\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\u00a0\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-commuting-sentences-102", "Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Commuting Sentences of 102 Americans Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who has been the most constant voice in Congress imploring President Obama to use his absolute power to bring about justice through commutations and pardons, today commended President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 102 largely non-violent drug offenders, including one Memphian. Today\u2019s commutations represent the President\u2019s continued commitment to using his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated and discriminatory federal policies, and to provide a second chance to deserving individuals. President Obama has granted clemency to 590 prisoners in 2016 -- the most commutations in any single year of U.S. history -- and 774 prisoners during his presidency.\n\"I commend President Obama for continuing to commute prison sentences for those serving unjustly long sentences for non-violent drug convictions, including that of a Memphian,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe record hundreds of commutations issued this year alone are a significant step by President Obama toward a more rational and fair justice system\u2014something I have long encouraged. Not only do our nation\u2019s outdated drug laws disproportionately affect minority populations, but they continue a policy grounded in false premises and political expediency dating back to President Nixon\u2019s \u2018Southern strategy.\u2019 Additionally, it costs more than $30,000 per year to incarcerate each individual.\u00a0 I encourage President Obama to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office.\u201dCongressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address injustices, including a\u00a0February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling for increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a\u00a0May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review\u00a0on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a\u00a0November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill,\u00a0repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in\u00a0a\u00a0letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an\u00a0August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in\u00a0an\u00a0August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would, in part, make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-congratulates-marcus-whitney-on-invitation-to-white-house", "Cooper Congratulates Marcus Whitney on Invitation to White House Festival", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today congratulated Nashville entrepreneur Marcus Whitney on his invitation to South by South Lawn (SXSL), a White House festival of ideas, art and action.\nWhitney became a key figure in the Nashville technology sector as a co-founder of Moontoast, a social media advertising company now known as Spendsetter. Currently, Whitney is president of Jumpstart Foundry, a Nashville-based startup accelerator he co-founded. He also has served on numerous boards over the years.\n\u201cMarcus has played a huge role in pushing Nashville to become a top city for technology and innovation,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cMarcus is one of our strongest leaders, and it\u2019s no surprise he\u2019s at the White House today showing what Nashville has to offer.\u201d\nInspired by President Obama\u2019s recent involvement at South by Southwest (SXSW), SXSL highlights the contributions of creators, innovators and organizers from across the country. The festival is a day of music, film and great ideas. \u00a0\nSXSL is being streamed live today on WhiteHouse.gov, Facebook.com/WhiteHouse, and sxsw.com/live. Members of the public can join the online conversation using #SXSL to share ideas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-invites-students-to-academy-day-tomorrow", "Cooper Invites Students to Academy Day Tomorrow", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE \u2013 The office of U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) is hosting an information session tomorrow morning for area middle and high school students interested in America\u2019s service academies.\nRep. Cooper\u2019s annual Academy Day event is designed to connect prospective students and their families with educational opportunities at the service academies.\nRepresentatives from the following will be in attendance:\n U.S. Military Academy\n\tU.S. Naval Academy\n\tU.S. Air Force Academy\n\tU.S. Coast Guard Academy\n\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tU.S. State Department\n\tNational Guard\n\tROTC\n The service academies offer full scholarships, leadership training, internship opportunities and a chance to see the world.\nRegistration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Nashville Public Library at 615 Church Street. The program will begin at 10 a.m. Academy Day is open to 8th-12th grade students in the 5th District, which includes Cheatham, Davidson and Dickson counties.\nFor more information, please call Kathy Buggs at (615) 736-5295.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/joining-president-obama-israel-funeral-shimon-peres", "Joining President Obama in Israel for the Funeral of Shimon Peres", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I joined President Obama in Israel for the funeral of former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the National Civil Rights Museum, welcomed Alfreda Ferrell, the granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, and her granddaughter Tiana Ferrell\u00a0to my Washington office, continued my call for justice in the Darrius Stewart case, discussed issues facing Congress on C-SPAN, expressed disappointment in Blue Cross Blue Shield\u2019s decision to pull out of the federal healthcare marketplace in Memphis, praised President Obama for nominating the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 50 years, celebrated National Voter Registration Day, and congratulated two Shelby County Schools for being named Blue Ribbon Schools. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nJoining President Obama in Israel for the funeral of Shimon PeresCommemorating the 25th Anniversary of the National Civil Rights MuseumWelcoming the Family of Ida B. Wells to My Washington Office Fighting for Justice in the Darrius Stewart CaseRecessing Congress with Work Left to Do\u00a0 Discussing Issues Facing Congress on C-SPANStriving to Make Healthcare More AffordableNominating the First U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 50 YearsCelebrating National Voter Registration DayCongratulating Two Shelby County SchoolsJanuary-March 2017 Timed Passes for NMAAHC Available Monday September is Suicide Prevention MonthBringing Congress to your Corner\nJoining President Obama in Israel for the funeral of Shimon Peres\n  Congressman Cohen and Shimon Peres in Israel in 2007\nI was deeply saddened by the death of former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Mr. Peres was one of the greatest leaders I\u2019ve ever met. He had a storied career as one of the founders of Israel, Defense Minister during Operation Entebbe, Prime Minister, President and Nobel laureate for his role in negotiating the Oslo Accords peace agreement. It was a privilege to be invited by President Obama to help represent the United States at this historic funeral to remember the life of such an illustrious man. A giant has fallen in Israel.\u00a0\n  President Obama speaks at the funeral of Shimon Peres\nCommemorating the 25th Anniversary of the National Civil Rights Museum\nWednesday marked the 25th anniversary of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. I encourage everyone who has the opportunity to go tour the museum and pay tribute to the civil rights soldiers who strove to make America what it was intended to be: a more perfect union. You can watch my remarks on the House floor commemorating the anniversary here.\u00a0\nWelcoming the Family of Ida B. Wells to My Washington Office\u00a0\nOn Monday, I welcomed Alfreda Ferrell (front), the granddaughter of civil rights leader Ida B. Wells, as well as her granddaughter\u00a0Tiana Ferrell (back) to my Washington, D.C. office. We discussed the opening of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the impact her grandmother had on the struggle for civil rights and women\u2019s rights. I also shared with her that I would be sending a letter this week to Mayor Jim Strickland and the Memphis City Council about renaming Memphis Park (formerly Confederate Park) to Ida B. Wells Park and having a statue of Ida B. Wells commissioned for the park.\u00a0\nIda B. Wells poster hanging in the front office of my Washington, D.C. office\nFighting for Justice in the Darrius Stewart Case\nOn Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it would not bring civil rights charges against Memphis Police Officer Connor Schilling for the shooting of Darrius Stewart, an unarmed, African-American teenager killed during a routine traffic stop in Memphis last year. Read my statement on DOJ\u2019s decision here.\nRecessing Congress with Work Left to Do\u00a0\nOn Wednesday night, Republican leadership recessed the House of Representatives for the next six weeks, following a record eight week recess in July and August, after passing a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would fund the government until\u00a0only December 9. While the CR included funding to combat the Zika virus and Congressional leadership struck a deal to provide funding for those affected by contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, Congress has yet to restore voting rights or prevent those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing guns. The Senate has taken no action to confirm Merrick Garland for the vacant Supreme Court seat or on confirming any other district court judges. Memphian and U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III, the nominee I recommended to President Obama to serve as District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, is next on the list of judges to be confirmed by the Senate yet his confirmation still awaits Senate action. As District Court Judge, Ed Stanton would continue to serve our country in an outstanding fashion, and I will continue to urge my colleagues in the Senate to move swiftly towards his final confirmation.\nDiscussing Issues Facing Congress on C-SPAN\nOn Wednesday, I was on C-SPAN\u2019s Washington Journal morning show to discuss a variety of issues facing Congress and took phone calls from listeners. You can watch my segment here.\u00a0\nStriving to Make Healthcare More Affordable\nOn Monday, I was disappointed to learn that Blue Cross Blue Shield would be pulling out of the Affordable Care Act federal marketplace in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. Republicans in Congress have been doing everything in their power to dismantle the Affordable Care Act since it began, and the Tennessee General Assembly has refused to accept additional Medicaid funding from the federal government. This has created a more uncertain and riskier environment for health insurance providers. Read my statement about their decision here.\nNominating the First U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 50 Years\nOn Tuesday, President Obama nominated Jeffrey DeLaurentis to be the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in more than 50 years. Mr. DeLaurentis has served as the U.S. Chief of Mission in Havana since August 2014 and has extensive experience in Cuba and Latin America. I hope the Senate does its job and confirms Mr. DeLaurentis.\nCelebrating National Voter Registration Day\u00a0\nTuesday was National Voter Registration Day, which celebrates one of our most fundamental rights as an American citizen: the right to vote. Information on how to register to vote can be found here. In Tennessee, you have until October 11 to either mail in your voter registration forms or register to vote in person if you have not already done so. Early voting for the November 8th election runs from October 19 through November 3.\nCongratulating Two Shelby County Schools\u00a0\nCongratulations to Jackson Elementary School and John P. Freeman Optional School for being awarded the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Blue Ribbon School Award. Only 329 schools across the country were honored with this achievement. I appreciate the work the teachers at these outstanding schools do preparing our students for a bright future.\nJanuary-March 2017 Timed Passes for NMAAHC Available Monday\nTimed entry passes for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture for January, February and March 2017 will be made available online at 9:00 am ET Monday, October 3, 2016. They will be available at https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/passes.\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month. Be there for the Veterans and Service members in your life by letting them know that you care. Learn more about the resources available during Suicide Prevention Month and year-round\u00a0here.\u00a0\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nIf you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at\u00a0the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm to answer questions and provide assistance. Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nGo Tigers! Make it 4-0 in Oxford!\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-join-president-obama-israel-shimon-peres-funeral", "Congressman Cohen to Join President Obama in Israel for Shimon Peres Funeral", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will join President Barack Obama as part of the U.S delegation to Israel for the funeral of former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres.\n\u201cI am honored to be joining President Obama and Secretary Kerry in Israel for the funeral of Shimon Peres,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cMr. Peres was one of the greatest diplomats I\u2019ve ever met. He had a storied career as one of the founders of Israel, Defense Minister during Operation Entebbe, Prime Minister, President and Nobel laureate for his role in negotiating the Oslo Accords. It is humbling to be invited to help represent the United States at the funeral of this accomplished world leader. Mr. Peres\u2019s presence will be missed by many. I thank President Obama for including me at this historic occasion to remember the life of such an illustrious man.\u201d\nA photo of Congressman Cohen and Shimon Peres from the Congressman\u2019s 2007 trip to Israel can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-commemorates-25th-anniversary-national-civil-rights-museum", "Cohen Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the National Civil Rights Museum", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today commemorated the 25th anniversary of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN on the House floor, and released the following statement:\n\u201cToday marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe museum is located at the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.\u00a0 The National Civil Rights Museum is the phoenix that arose from the ashes of that tragedy. \u00a0The museum tells the story of the many, both black and white, who fought for civil rights for all people in this country. I urge everyone who has the opportunity to go to Memphis and tour the National Civil Rights Museum and pay tribute to the civil rights soldiers who strove to make America what it was intended to be: a more perfect union.\u201d \nVideo of the Congressman\u2019s remarks on the House floor can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-passing-former-israeli-president-shimon-peres", "Cohens Statement on the Passing of Former Israeli President Shimon Peres", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister, President and Nobel laureate Shimon Peres:\n\u201cI am deeply saddened by the death of Shimon Peres,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cMr. Peres and I met on several occasions and he\u2019s one of the most impressive people I\u2019ve ever encountered. He was Prime Minister of Israel, President of Israel, and held an array of other positions within the Israeli government. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role in negotiating the Oslo Accords peace agreement. As Defense Minister, Mr. Peres played an integral role in the hostage rescue mission carried out by the IDF in Uganda in 1976 known as Operation Entebbe. My thoughts go out to Mr. Peres, his family and the entire country. A giant has fallen in Israel.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-repatriation-of-mexican-american-war-remains", "Cooper Statement on Repatriation of Mexican-American War Remains", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued a statement on\u00a0a repatriation ceremony in which the remains of some members of a Tennessee militia will be returned to America 169 years after the Mexican-American War.\nFor some time, Cooper and his staff \u2013 in consultation with the Mexican government and researchers at Middle Tennessee State University \u2013 have been working to bring home the remains of Tennessee veterans who fought in the Battle of Monterrey.\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s a recent war or a war fought more than a century ago, Tennesseans never forget their bravest citizens,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cOur fallen veterans always need to come home.\u201d\nThe Mexican-American War was fought from 1846-47. The conflict led to America adding territory that later would become seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.\nDue to votes in Washington, Cooper is unable to attend Wednesday\u2019s ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, but his Defense Fellow Maj. Donavan Laskey will be in attendance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-outcome-darrius-stewart-doj-investigation", "Cohens Statement on the Outcome of the Darrius Stewart DOJ Investigation", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) findings regarding the shooting of Darrius Stewart, a 19-year-old African American man, who was killed by a Memphis police officer following a routine traffic stop of a car in which Stewart was a passenger:\n\u201cI am disappointed that the Department of Justice will not be bringing civil rights charges against Officer Schilling, but I am pleased that the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Stanton conducted a complete and thorough investigation into the shooting of Darrius Stewart, which I requested,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cDespite DOJ\u2019s decision, however, there was still a miscarriage of justice. The standard for an indictment for a federal civil rights charge is extremely high, so I understand and respect U.S. Attorney Stanton\u2019s decision, but there can still be a miscarriage of justice even when civil rights violation standards are not met. District Attorney Weirich must agree since she requested a manslaughter indictment, but for whatever reason, the grand jury failed to follow her recommendation. I suspect the Stewart family will now pursue a civil suit, and I hope justice will be meted out.\u201d\u00a0 \nCongressman Cohen initially asked the Department of Justice to investigate the Darrius Stewart case in July 2015. A copy of Congressman Cohen\u2019s July letter to the Department of Justice can be found\u00a0here. A copy of the Department of Justice\u2019s October 16, 2015 response can be found\u00a0here. Congressman Cohen renewed his call for a federal investigation in November 2015. A copy of Congressman Cohen\u2019s November 3 letter to Attorney General Lynch can be found\u00a0here.\u00a0In November 2015, Congressman Cohen asked U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to open a federal investigation during a House Judiciary Hearing. The full video of Congressman Cohen\u2019s questions to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch can be found\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/stax-music-academy-and-tennessee-state-university-perform", "Stax Music Academy and Tennessee State University Perform at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Opening Weekend Events", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nOn Saturday, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture officially opened to the public. It is the only museum in America devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, history too often overlooked or given short shrift in other museums.\n  Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.\nI was so proud to see Memphis and Tennessee well represented during this weekend\u2019s events. The museum hosted a celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday that included speeches from President Barack Obama, civil rights icon Representative John Lewis (D-GA), museum director Lonnie Bunch, and music from Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, and Memphis\u2019s own Stax Music Academy.\u00a0You can watch segments of the Stax performance here and here.\n  Stax Academy performs at the museum opening celebration\nOn Friday, I was pleased to listen to the Tennessee State University marching band perform at the White House reception hosted by the President and First Lady in honor of the museum opening. I sang \u201cI\u2019m so proud I go to TSU\u201d with the band and got a nice response from the Memphians after I shouted \u201cMemphis in the House!\u201d I was proud to hear some of the band members were recipients of the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship.\u00a0You can watch segments of their performance here and here.\n  Tennessee State University Marching Band performs at the White House\nThe National Museum of African American History and Culture tells the story of African Americans in the United States, including the beginnings of slavery in colonial America, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the struggle for equal rights, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and the election of our first African-American President Barack Obama. The museum also highlights African American contributions to music, movies, sports and the arts. I encourage all of my constituents to visit the museum if possible. Visitors can reserve free timed entry passes for the museum\u00a0here. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nAs always, I remain.\n\tMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-blue-cross-blue-shield-leaving-aca-marketplace-in", "Cooper Statement on Blue Cross Blue Shield Leaving ACA Marketplace in Nashville", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued a statement in reaction to Blue Cross Blue Shield leaving the health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act in Nashville and other areas in Tennessee.\n\u201cI'm disappointed about Blue Cross\u2019s decision. The health care exchanges are working in many other states, but our state is turning down billions of dollars that would stabilize our health insurance market,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cI\u2019m thankful that Nashvillians still have options in the marketplace, but it\u2019s clear we need Insure Tennessee now more than ever.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-blue-cross-blue-shield-dropping-out-aca-marketplace", "Cohens Statement on Blue Cross Blue Shield Dropping Out from ACA Marketplace in Memphis", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the news that Blue Cross Blue Shield has pulled coverage from the federal health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, Tennessee:\n\u201cIt is disappointing that Blue Cross Blue Shield has pulled out of the Affordable Care Act federal marketplace in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. Republicans in Congress have been doing everything in their power to dismantle the Affordable Care Act since it began, and the Tennessee General Assembly has refused to accept additional Medicaid funding from the federal government. This has created a more uncertain and riskier environment for health insurance providers. However, despite the efforts of those who wish to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, it continues to help Memphians every day by giving uninsured citizens access to high-quality, affordable health coverage; by making sure insurance companies can no longer discriminate against women or those with pre-existing conditions; by saving our seniors money on their prescription drugs; and by extending family coverage to young adults. That will not change. \u00a0I and many other members of Congress believe that affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, and we will continue to work to improve the Affordable Care Act. Whether it means including a public option or Medicare for all, we will make healthcare more affordable and available.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-passing-of-ed-temple", "Cooper Statement on Passing of Ed Temple", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today issued a statement on the passing of Ed Temple.\n\"Ed Temple was one of the greatest coaches of any sport in history,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cHis TSU Tigerbelles, including the legendary Wilma Rudolph, set the standard for track and field. Coach Temple broke barriers and made history from Nashville to the Olympics. What an amazing life, what an amazing man.\"\nCoach Temple\u2019s athletes dominated track and field, earning 23 Olympic medals \u2013 13 of them gold. Among Coach Temple\u2019s many prot\u00e9g\u00e9s, Rudolph became the fastest woman in the world.\nA pillar of Nashville, Coach Temple helmed the TSU women\u2019s team for more than four decades and shaped his community. In 2012, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympics Hall of Fame, and last year, a statue honoring Coach Temple was unveiled along a greenway in downtown Nashville.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/joining-president-obama-white-house-celebrate-opening-smithsonian", "Joining President Obama at the White House to celebrate the Opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I joined President Obama at the White House to celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, introduced a bipartisan bill to hold property owners of low-income housing accountable for poor living conditions, attended a Senate subcommittee hearing on the HUD inspection of these low-income housing properties, renewed my call for the use of independent prosecutors in instances of police use of deadly force, participated in a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on abortion rights, welcomed representatives of the Nashville Songwriters Association to my office, met with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, participated in a Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus briefing, and received the second highest score of any lawmaker on the Flyersrights.org legislative scorecard. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nJoining President Obama at the White House to celebrate the Opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Fighting for Safe, Clean and Affordable Housing Renewing Call for Independent Prosecutors for Police ShootingsSupporting a Woman\u2019s Right to ChooseWelcoming Nashville Songwriters to WashingtonMeeting with the Prime Minister of Timor-LesteCo-Chairing the Congressional Biomedical Research CaucusEnsuring the Safety and Comfort of Airline PassengersSeptember is Suicide Prevention MonthBringing Congress to your Corner \nJoining President Obama at the White House to celebrate the Opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture\u00a0\n  Congressman Steve Cohen, singer and actor Harry Belafonte and author and historian Taylor Branch at the White House\nCongressman Steve Cohen and the Tennessee State University Marching Band\nToday, I had the honor of joining President and Mrs. Obama at the White House to celebrate the opening of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. At the reception, I spoke with singer and social activist Harry Belafonte, author and civil rights historian Taylor Branch, Reverend Jesse Jackson, former Congressman and civil rights leader Andrew Young, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, former New Orleans Mayor and head of the National Urban League Marc Morial, and several other Members of Congress and museum donors. Ben Crump and I discussed him coming to Memphis to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. I was also pleased to see the Tennessee State University marching band playing on the White House South Lawn. I sang \u201cI\u2019m so proud I go to TSU\u201d with the band and got a nice response from the Memphians after I shouted \u201cMemphis in the house!\u201d I was also proud that some of the band members were recipients of the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. You can watch a piece of their performance here.\u00a0\nThe museum will officially open its doors to visitors on Saturday, September 24. It is the only museum in America devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, history too often overlooked or given short shrift in other museums. Visitors can reserve free timed entry passes for the museum\u00a0here.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nFighting for Safe, Clean and Affordable Housing\u00a0\nOn Wednesday, I introduced the bipartisan Housing Accountability Act with Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL) in response to the\u00a0deplorable living conditions many Memphians and others have experienced at\u00a0Global Ministries Foundation(GMF) properties. You can read more about the bill here. I also attended the Senate subcommittee hearing on this issue on Thursday. I would like to thank Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson for their testimony and Senator Bob Corker for participating in the hearing. We have all been very disturbed by the conditions of GMF properties in Memphis, Florida and around the country. You can read about the Senate hearing here.\u00a0\nRenewing Call for Independent Prosecutors for Police Shootings\nI woke up Tuesday morning, as many of you did, to the shocking video of Terence Crutcher being shot to death by police in Oklahoma while his hands were up and he was against his car. At best it was gross negligence; at worst it was murder. The officer who shot Mr. Crutcher has been charged with first-degree manslaughter. This has been happening too often in the United States and we must do everything possible to stop these shootings of unarmed citizens.\u00a0On Thursday I took to the House floor to renew my call for Congress to pass our Police Training and Independent Review Act. Even Joe Scarborough, former Republican Congressman and host of MSNBC\u2019s Morning Joe, agrees that we need independent prosecutors to investigate police shootings. You can watch my speech here.\nSupporting a Woman\u2019s Right to Choose\nThis morning, I spoke out against the Hyde Amendment and in support of a woman\u2019s right to choose during a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing. You can watch my remarks here.\u00a0\nWelcoming Nashville Songwriters to Washington\nOn Wednesday, I welcomed representatives from the Nashville Songwriters Association to my Capitol Hill office to discuss music copyright reform. My staff and I were treated to an impromptu performance from the songwriters themselves. Thank you Jimmy Robbins, Lacy Green and Marcus Hummon for sharing your music and talents with us. \u00a0\nMeeting with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste\nOn Wednesday, I had the honor of meeting with Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo and Former President and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste to discuss US-Timor-Leste relations during their visit to the United States for the U.N. General Assembly meeting.\u00a0\nCo-Chairing the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus\nOn Wednesday I attended a briefing on Capitol Hill hosted by the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus on new treatments for fighting aggressive lymphoma. As co-chair of the caucus, I introduced Dr. Louis Staudt from the National Cancer Institute to the attendees. \u00a0\u00a0\nEnsuring the Safety and Comfort of Airline Passengers\nOn Wednesday, I was proud to receive the second highest score of any Congressman or Senator on the Flyersrights.org legislative scorecard for my work on airline passenger rights issues. Read more about the scorecard here.\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month. Be there for the Veterans and Service members in your life by letting them know that you care. Learn more about the resources available during Suicide Prevention Month and year-round\u00a0here.\u00a0\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nIf you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at\u00a0the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm to answer questions and provide assistance. Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nGo Tigers! Make it 3-0!\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\nMost sincerely,\u00a0\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-supports-bill-to-prevent-excessive-drug-price-increases", "Cooper Supports Bill to Prevent Excessive Drug Price Increases", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) and other members of the Blue Dog Coalition this week endorsed a bill that could prevent dramatic drug price hikes seen recently with the EpiPen and other medicines.\nCooper is a cosponsor of the Lower Drug Costs Through Competition Act. The bill would help streamline the FDA approval process on generic drugs. It also would encourage competition by providing incentives for more generic drugs to come to the market.\n\u201cThe U.S. has some of the highest prescription drug costs in the world. And that\u2019s before companies jack up prices or use shadow pricing techniques for life-saving medicine,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cWe\u2019re just not getting a good deal, and Congress has been dragging its feet for years. People should get the best possible price for prescription drugs. They shouldn\u2019t be denied access to medicine that may save their lives.\u201d\nTuring Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli raised the price of a life-saving drug by more than 5,000 percent. Meanwhile, Mylan, the lone manufacturer of the popular EpiPen, raised the price of that drug by more than 400 percent, lifting the price to about $600 per pack.\nWhile Mylan purchased the rights to EpiPen about a decade ago, the EpiPen itself is off-patent. That means generic equivalents are allowed to come to the market, but two generic drugs have been stymied by the pricey and lengthy FDA application process.\nThe Lower Drug Costs Through Competition Act would require action on applications to market generic drugs within six months of submission when there is no equivalent generic available, or for drugs on the drug shortage list. It also creates incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop more generic drugs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-attends-senate-hearing-gmf-properties", "Cohen Attends Senate Hearing on GMF Properties", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today attended the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development\u2019s hearing on the Oversight of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Inspection Process. This hearing was inspired by the deplorable living conditions at Global Ministries Foundation properties in Memphis, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Florida, and elsewhere across the country.\n\u201cI would like to thank the Senate Housing Committee for organizing this important hearing and Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson of Florida for providing their testimony,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cIt is clear that Congress must step in to prevent this from happening again in Memphis or anywhere else. I had the opportunity to speak with Senator Bob Corker, who sits on the Subcommittee, after the hearing. We have been very disturbed by the deplorable living conditions many in Memphis and around the country have experienced at GMF properties. This is not a partisan issue. No one should be allowed to live in these conditions.\u201d\nYesterday, Congressman Cohen introduced the bipartisan Housing Accountability Act. This legislation would require HUD to survey tenants living in subsidized housing twice a year about property conditions and management performance and create new penalties for property owners who repeatedly fail the tenant surveys.\nGlobal Ministries Foundation (GMF), a faith-based non-profit organization located in Memphis, Tennessee, receives Section 8 project-based rental assistance payments from the HUD. The non-profit has over 40 properties in its portfolio in Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina and New York.\nLast year, numerous media outlets reported on deplorable living conditions at GMF owned properties in Memphis.\u00a0Apartment units in Memphis had holes in the walls made by rats, exposed electrical wiring, broken windows, no working light, a moldy bathroom and leaky roof.\u00a0In Jacksonville, Florida, the residents at Eureka Garden, another property owned by GMF, were forced to\u00a0live in uninhabitable units plagued by mold, gas leaks, water damage, and crumbling staircases.\nIn addition, GMF-owned properties in Memphis had a combined evaluation of 38, a failing score, but GMF continued to collect\u00a0$2.3 million in rent subsidies from HUD\u00a0for those buildings in 2014 and\u00a0$6.3 million from its six Jacksonville properties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-renews-call-independent-prosecutors-police-shootings", "Cohen Renews Call for Independent Prosecutors for Police Shootings", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 In the wake of the police shootings of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today renewed his call for Congress to pass the\u00a0Police Training and Independent Review Act (H.R. 2302) to encourage states to use independent prosecutors to investigate police use of deadly force. Congressman Cohen spoke on the House floor today urging his colleagues to support the bill, which has been endorsed by the NAACP and Chicago Tribune, and has 97 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. You can watch that video here.\n\u201cI woke up Tuesday morning to the shocking video of Mr. Crutcher being shot to death by police while his hands were up and he was on his car,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the most shocking videos I\u2019ve seen. At best it was gross negligence; at worst it was murder. This has been happening too often in the United States.\u201d \n\u201cEven former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough agrees that independent prosecutors must be used in instances of police use of deadly force. I urge my Republican Colleagues, none of whom are on the bill, to follow Joe Scarborough\u2019s lead, and support this issue. Congress must pass the Police Training and Independent Review Act to ensure police receive the appropriate training to understand different cultures and require independent prosecutors to investigate police use of deadly force. It is necessary for people to know that justice is indeed blind.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nThe Police Training and Independent Review Act would encourage states to use independent prosecutors to investigate and, if need be, prosecute instances of police use of deadly force. It would also encourage states to provide improved training for police officers.\u00a0 The bill was introduced by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01) (whose district includes Ferguson, MO).\nThe bill\u2019s 97 cosponsors include Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA), civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), and House Dean and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI).\u00a0\nThis morning on MSNBC\u2019s Morning Joe, former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough called for independent prosecutors in police deadly force cases. You can watch the segment here.\nLast year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo began requiring the use of an independent prosecutor for police killings.\u00a0 See NY Times:\u00a0Cuomo to Appoint Special Prosecutor for Killings by Police\nPress coverage of the Police Training and Independent Review Act includes:\nChicago Tribune Editorial:\nPolice deadly force cases call for independent prosecutors\nUSA Today:\nLawmakers seek congressional hearing on police shootings\nNBC News:\nTense Relations Between Cops, Prosecutors Fall Out From Freddie Gray Cases\nChristian Science Monitor:\nWould independent prosecutors make police shooting investigations fairer?\nThe Hill:\nCalls mount for outside probes of police shootings\nThe New Republic:\nLawmakers are trying to fix what went wrong in the Tamir Rice case\nUPI:\nDemocratic bill calling for independent reviews of fatal police shootings gaining support\nThe Hill:\nHouse Dems: Use independent prosecutors for police shootings\nABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV):\nDeadly force dilemma: When should prosecutors step aside?\nH.R. 2302 addresses a key recommendation included in President Obama\u2019s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing\u2019s final report:\u00a0 (See Action Item 2.2.3\u00a0inhttp://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/TaskForce_FinalReport.pdf\u00a0-- on p. 21 of the final report):\u00a0\n\u201c2.2.3 Action Item:\nThe task force encour\u00adages policies that mandate the use of external and independent prosecutors in cases of police use of force resulting in death, officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death, or in-custody deaths.\nStrong systems and policies that encourage use of an independent prosecutor for reviewing police uses of force and for prosecution in cases of inappropriate deadly force and in-custody death will demonstrate the transparency to the public that can lead to mutual trust between community and law enforcement.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-and-ross-introduce-bipartisan-housing-accountability-act", "Cohen and Ross Introduce Bipartisan Housing Accountability Act", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) today introduced the bipartisan Housing Accountability Act of 2016 to hold property owners of low-income housing accountable for poor living conditions. This legislation would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to survey tenants living in subsidized housing twice a year about property conditions and management performance and create new penalties for property owners who repeatedly fail the tenant surveys. The Housing Accountability Act comes in the wake of recent local and federal investigations that found deplorable living conditions at several federally subsidized-housing properties owned by the Global Ministries Foundation (GMF) in Memphis, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced a similar bill in the United States Senate in July.\n\u201cI have been very disturbed by the deplorable living conditions many Memphians have experienced at Warren and Tulane Apartments,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cCongress must step in to prevent this from happening again in Memphis or anywhere else. This legislation would hold slumlords of low-income housing accountable for neglecting their properties and their tenants. By surveying tenants directly on property conditions, residents can report any issues directly to HUD without fear of reprisal from owners and managers who have been known to threaten to evict those who try to complain.\u201d\n\u201cNo matter someone\u2019s income or socioeconomic status, no one deserves to live in squalor,\u201d said Congressman Ross. \u201cEveryone deserves to be treated fairly and to live in a safe, clean home. People from all backgrounds and of all ages are living in deplorable living conditions in subsidized housing, with fear of eviction, retaliation or inaction if they make any reasonable requests or complaints to their landlords or property managers. I am proud to join Rep. Cohen and Sens. Rubio and Nelson in putting forth bipartisan legislation that will help families improve their living conditions, and give them the ability and strength to ensure their homes are up-to-code and well kept.\u201d \u00a0\nGlobal Ministries Foundation (GMF), a faith-based non-profit organization located in Memphis, Tennessee, receives Section 8 project-based rental assistance payments from the HUD. The non-profit has over 40 properties in its portfolio in Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina and New York.\nLast year, numerous media outlets reported on deplorable living conditions at GMF owned properties in Memphis. Apartment units in Memphis had holes in the walls made by rats, exposed electrical wiring, broken windows, no working light, a moldy bathroom and leaky roof. In Jacksonville, Florida, the residents at Eureka Garden, another property owned by GMF, were forced to live in uninhabitable units plagued by mold, gas leaks, water damage, and crumbling staircases.\nIn addition, GMF-owned properties in Memphis had a combined evaluation of 38, a failing score, but GMF continued to collect $2.3 million in rent subsidies from HUD for those buildings in 2014 and $6.3 million from its six Jacksonville properties.\nText of the Housing Accountability Act of 2016 can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-receives-second-highest-score-any-lawmaker-flyersrightsorg", "Cohen Receives Second Highest Score of Any Lawmaker on Flyersrights.org Legislative Scorecard", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, today received the second highest score of any U.S. Representative or Senator on the Flyersrights.org 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard for passenger rights issues. A copy of the scorecard can be found here.\u00a0\n\u201cI am proud to receive the second highest score of any lawmaker on the Flyersrights.org legislative scorecard,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThrough my work on the House Aviation Subcommittee and on the SEAT Act, I have consistently fought for airline passengers to have a safe and comfortable flight experience. It is unfortunate that the scores were so low on the scorecard. The airline industry has been reaping historic profits, yet they are increasingly reducing the safety, comforts and conveniences of flying.\u201d\u00a0 \nEarlier this year, Congressman Cohen introduced the bipartisan Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act to direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish minimum seat size standards for the safety and health of airline passengers.\nWith more than 40,000 members, FlyersRights.org is the largest non-profit consumer organization in the United States representing airline passengers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/requesting-doj-investigation-trump-foundation-misconduct", "Requesting DOJ Investigation of the Trump Foundation for Misconduct", "2016-09-16", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I joined House Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to the Department of Justice requesting an investigation into the Trump Foundation for misconduct, mourned the victims of the deadly South Memphis fire, introduced a bill to protect underage sex abuse victims, welcomed TEAM Memphis to my Capitol Hill office, attended the Congressional Football Caucus kick-off breakfast and spoke with Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, participated in the Southern Heritage Classic parade, and announced two grants for Memphis International Airport and the University of Memphis. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nRequesting DOJ Investigation of the Trump Foundation for MisconductMourning the Victims of the South Memphis FireExtending Justice for Sex Crime VictimsWelcoming TEAM Memphis to WashingtonStanding Up For University of Memphis AthleticsCelebrating the Southern Heritage ClassicProtecting our EnvironmentImproving Health Data CollectionSeptember is Suicide Prevention MonthOpening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Bringing Congress to your Corner \nRequesting DOJ Investigation of the Trump Foundation for Misconduct\u00a0\nOn Wednesday I, along with the other Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting the U.S. Department of Justice immediately investigate the Donald J. Trump Foundation for allegations of misconduct surrounding the $25,000 donation to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. I spoke with Tamron Hall on MSNBC about this letter. You can watch my interview here.\nMourning the Victims of the South Memphis Fire\nMy thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families, neighbors and friends affected by the early-morning fire in South Memphis on Monday. I am deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy. I would like to thank the Memphis Fire Department and the other first responders and medical personnel on the scene for their valiant efforts in attempting to rescue the victims.\nExtending Justice for Sex Crime Victims\nOn Thursday, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and I introduced the Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill harmonizes the statute of limitations for underage sex abuse victims and sex trafficking victim minors to 28 years old, rather than the current age of 21. Read more about our bill here.\nWelcoming TEAM Memphis to Washington\nOn Thursday, I welcomed Coach Dorsey Sims and TEAM Memphis to my Capitol Hill office. The students, from Melrose High School and East High School, will be playing games in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. Good luck to TEAM Memphis!\nStanding Up For University of Memphis Athletics\nOn Wednesday, I attended the Congressional Football Caucus kick-off breakfast hosted by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. I had the opportunity to speak to Big 12 Conference Commissioner Bob Bowlsby about University of Memphis being left out of Big 12 expansion. I told him Tiger Football would exact revenge on Kansas on Saturday at the Liberty Bowl. Go Tigers!\nCelebrating the Southern Heritage Classic\nOn Saturday, I participated in the Southern Heritage Classic parade in Orange Mound, celebrating the historic football rivalry between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University. Congratulations to Tennessee State University on their victory this year!\u00a0\nProtecting our Environment\nOn Tuesday, I announced that the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority received a $2.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program to support clean air and airport emissions reduction initiatives at Memphis International Airport. Read more about the grant here.\nImproving Health Data Collection\nOn Wednesday, I announced that the University of Memphis received a $4 million federal grant from the National Science Foundation for research of high-frequency mobile sensor data with an emphasis on health data collection. Read more about the grant here.\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month\nSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month. Be there for the Veterans and Service members in your life by letting them know that you care. Learn more about the resources available during Suicide Prevention Month and year-round here.\u00a0\nOpening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture\nThe new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. will officially open its doors to visitors next Saturday, September 24. It is the only museum in America devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, history too often overlooked or given short shrift in other museums.\u00a0 Visitors can reserve free timed entry passes for the museum here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nIf you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at\u00a0the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm to answer questions and provide assistance. Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\u00a0\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poe-and-cohen-introduce-extending-justice-sex-crime-victims-act", "Poe and Cohen Introduce Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims Act", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Today, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), co-founder of the Congressional Victims\u2019 Rights Caucus, and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced H.R. 6036, Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims Act of 2016. The bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill harmonizes the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims and sex trafficking victim minors to 28, rather than the current age of 21. H.R. 6036 is the House version of a bill introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the U.S. Senate.\nUnder current law, victims of both trafficking and other federal sex offenses are able to obtain justice by bringing civil claims against their perpetrators. While both sections allow claims for 10 years after the underlying offense, Section 1595 (trafficking) also allows claims until the minor is 28, but Section 2255 (other sex crimes) only permits the claim until age 21. The legislation also clarifies that the statute of limitations does not begin until the victim actually discovers the violation or the injury.\n\u201cLove never comes with black eyes and bruises,\u201d said Congressman Poe. \u201cTrafficking and sexual abuse occur every day. Unfortunately, the vast majority of this abuse often goes unreported. Children are often victimized before their memories form, sometimes as young as three-years-old. This legislation takes the necessary steps to make the statute of limitations consistent for reporting sexual abuse and trafficking. Congress must stand up and be an advocate for children and victims.\u201d\n\u201cSexual abuse of children is a very serious crime that too often goes unreported,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cOur bill increases the statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse to ensure that they have the time and resources they need to seek justice.\u00a0 Sex crimes often happen to young children who may not become fully aware of these crimes until later in their life. This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill, and I hope Congress will pass it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-4-million-research-grant-university-memphis", "Cohen Announces $4 Million Research Grant for the University of Memphis", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the University of Memphis has been awarded a $4,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation\u2019s (NSF) Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Division for research of high-frequency mobile sensor data with an emphasis on health data collection.\n\u201cOur students at the University of Memphis are a great resource for both our city and our country,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThis grant will help make research opportunities available that provide real-world, hands-on experience and pave the way for ground-breaking research on health data collection. I am pleased to see the continued federal investment in the University of Memphis.\u201d\nMobile sensors (embedded in phones, vehicles, wearables, and the environment) continuously capture data in great detail, and have the potential to address problems in a range of scientific and engineering domains. This grant project focuses upon a specific case -- health data -- that builds upon several capabilities developed in National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored projects for assembling and analyzing health data collected through mobile sensors and apps. More information on the National Science Foundation grant award can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-24-million-federal-grant-memphis-shelby-county-airport", "Cohen Announces $2.4 Million Federal Grant for Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority received a $2,446,731 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program to support clean air and airport emissions reduction initiatives at Memphis International Airport.\n\u201cAs the Fed-Ex \u2018Super Hub,\u2019 Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the world,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThis federal funding will help ensure that the airport can continue serving travelers comfortably and cargo efficiently while protecting our environment for Memphians who live nearby.\u201d\nMemphis International Airport is a world-class facility serving more than 6 million passengers each year. Dedicated in 1929 as the Memphis Municipal Airport with just two major carriers, the airport now hosts several national carriers as well as the FedEx \u201cSuper Hub.\u201d Memphis International has grown into the busiest cargo airport in the country, and is the second-busiest in the world\u2014behind only Hong Kong. More information about the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-commemorates-15th-anniversary-september", "Cohen Commemorates the 15th Anniversary of the September", "2016-09-11", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the 15th anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:\n\u201cSeptember 11th is a day for each of us to take time to reflect on the terrorist attacks that occurred 15 years ago today and remember the victims who tragically lost their lives, as well as those who survived but carry the horror of that day with them. We also honor the heroism of firefighters, policemen and first responders who risked their lives on September 11 and the subsequent days, weeks and months at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Memphians in particular should remember Memphis native Gary Lasko and keep his family in their thoughts. Gary died in the collapse of the first World Trade Center building. As we continue the fight against terrorism and ISIS, we must remain ever vigilant so that a tragedy like September 11, 2001 is never repeated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/returning-washington", "Returning to Washington", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, Congress returned to Washington after the longest recess in modern history and has yet to address many issues important to the American people, I wore a seersucker suit on the House floor after Labor Day to highlight the reality of global warming, I urged the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice to take action to restore the Voting Rights Act, attended a Labor Day picnic in Memphis to honor our workforce, announced a more than $4 million federal grant to improve Memphis bus services, received a perfect 100% score from the American Association of University Women for my commitment to equality for women, and sent a letter to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) regarding my concerns about TVA\u2019s decision to use fresh water from the Memphis Sands Aquifer to power their new gas generators. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nReturning to WashingtonRemembering 9/11Highlighting the Reality of Global WarmingRestoring the Voting Rights ActHonoring America\u2019s WorkforceImproving Memphis Bus ServicesFighting for Equality for WomenEnsuring Safe Drinking Water in Memphis Bringing Congress to your Corner \nReturning to Washington\nThis week, Congress returned to Washington after the longest recess in modern history. Congress has yet to act on a variety of issues important to the American people such as the Zika virus, the Flint water crisis, restoring the Voting Rights Act or criminal justice reform. We have concluded our first week back and we still haven\u2019t addressed any of these issues. It\u2019s time for Republicans in Congress to end their legislative obstruction and do their job. On Monday, I joined Ari Melber on MSNBC to discuss the fall session in Congress. You can watch my interview here.\nRemembering 9/11\nToday, I attended the House of Representatives Remembrance Ceremony for the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. As we approach the anniversary on Sunday, we should take a moment to remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day and honor the\u00a0heroism of firefighters, policemen, and first responders from across the nation who risk their lives every day to save the lives of others. \u00a0\nHighlighting the Reality of Global Warming\nOn Tuesday, I wore a seersucker suit on the House floor to highlight the reality of global warming. Traditionally seersucker suits are not worn after Labor Day, but according to NASA, this year will be the hottest year ever recorded on Earth. Because of global warming, seersucker suits might now be able to be worn until October and as early as April. Watch my speech here.\nRestoring the Voting Rights Act\nOn Wednesday, I spoke at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing on the need for the committee to take action to restore the Voting Rights Act. As Ranking Member of the Constitution and Civil Justice Subcommittee, I am continuing to fight against the subcommittee\u2019s lack of substantive action under Republican leadership. You can watch my speech here.\u00a0\nHonoring America\u2019s Workforce\u00a0\nMonday was Labor Day. I attended the Workers Interfaith Network\u2019s 14th annual Faith and Labor Picnic at Trinity United Methodist Church to honor the men and women who have built, made sacrifices for and fought for an innovative, resilient, and strong workforce in our country.\nImproving Memphis Bus Services\nOn Thursday, I announced a $4.27 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to MATA to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. You can read more about the federal grant here.\nFighting for Equality for Women\nOn Thursday, I received a perfect 100% rating from the American Association of University Women on their 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard for my work on behalf of equality for women and girls. Read more here. \nEnsuring Safe Drinking Water in Memphis\nLast week, I sent a letter to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) President Bill Johnson highlighting my concerns about TVA\u2019s decision to use fresh water from the Memphis Sands Aquifer to power their new gas generators at the Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis instead of using recycled water known as greywater as they had previously announced. You can read my letter here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nIf you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at\u00a0the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm to answer questions and provide assistance. Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0\n\tMost sincerely,\n\tSteve Cohen\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-more-4-million-mata-improve-memphis-bus-services", "Cohen Announces More Than $4 Million for MATA to Improve Memphis Bus Services", "2016-09-08", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has been awarded a $4,273,771 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Transit Administration 5339(c) Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. These funds will be used to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.\n\u201cI am pleased MATA was chosen to receive these federal funds to improve the busing system and bus facilities in Memphis,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cMany Memphians do not have access to reliable transportation and for them MATA provides an essential service. I will continue to fight to ensure that MATA receives all the federal funding that it needs to best serve the people of the 9th District.\u201d\nMore information on the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Transit Administration 5339(c) Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-receives-perfect-rating-american-association-university-women", "Cohen Receives Perfect Rating on American Association of University Women Scorecard", "2016-09-08", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today received a perfect 100% rating by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on their Congressional Voting Record for the 114th Congress for his work on promoting education and equality for women and girls.\n\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized for my work on behalf of equality for women and girls,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0 \u201cI have long supported issues important to AAUW such as equal pay for equal work and protecting access to reproductive health care. I will continue to fight for these and other important initiatives for women and girls in the future.\u201d\nSince their founding in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been the nation\u2019s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-department-energy-supertruck-ii-program", "CONGRESSMAN COHEN APPLAUDS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SUPERTRUCK II PROGRAM AWARDS", "2016-09-02", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today praised the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) selection of four companies to participate in the DOE\u2019s SuperTruck II Program.\u00a0 The Department of Energy\u2019s SuperTruck II program seeks to make dramatic improvements in the freight efficiency of heavy-duty Class 8 long-haul, commonly known as 18-wheelers, and regional-haul vehicles. Improvements include hybridization, more efficient idling, and high efficiency HVAC technologies\nFor SuperTruck II, the Energy Department has selected the following four SuperTruck II teams for projects of $20 million in federal funding to develop and demonstrate cost-effective technologies, and each recipient will match that amount, dollar-for-dollar:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cummins, Inc. (Columbus, IN) will design and develop a new more-efficient engine and advanced drivetrain and vehicle technologies.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Portland, OR) will develop and demonstrate a tractor-trailer combination using a suite of technologies including active aerodynamics, cylinder deactivation, hybridization, and the electrification of accessories.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Navistar, Inc. (Lisle, IL) will design and develop a vehicle and powertrain with electrified engine components that can enable higher engine efficiency and a significantly more aerodynamically reengineered cab.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Volvo Technology of America LLC (Greensboro, NC) will develop and demonstrate a tractor trailer combination with lightweight cab that achieves the freight efficiency goal using alternative engine designs and a variety of system technologies.\nCongressman Cohen stated, \u201cI am pleased that Cummins, Inc. and Daimler Trucks North America, both of which have facilities in my District, have been chosen for this ground-breaking program.\u00a0 Also, Volvo\u2019s Byhalia, Mississippi facility employs about 150 Memphians.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased that this program, which I have long championed, will help Tennessee\u2019s Ninth District, and our entire nation.\u201d\nLast year, Congressman Cohen introduced an amendment the Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to increase funding by 25% for the SuperTruck II program. The increase was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, also known as the FY2016 Omnibus bill.\u00a0\nCongressman Cohen continued, \u201cI was pleased that the House adopted my amendment, that the funding was included in the Omnibus bill and that the Department of Energy has now made these awards.\u00a0 The SuperTruck program has long been a priority of mine because it is good for business while also being good for our environment.\u201d\nSee Congressman Cohen\u2019s floor speech here: https://www.facebook.com/CongressmanSteveCohen/videos/956607434363699/\nIn 2010, the Energy Department launched the SuperTruck initiative to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50 percent. These trucks haul 80 percent of goods in the United States and use about 28 billion gallons of fuel per year, accounting for around 22 percent of total transportation energy usage \u2013 presenting a significant opportunity for carbon emissions reduction and energy savings for a key segment of our nation\u2019s transportation sector. Three of the four competitively-selected teams accepted the challenge and have exceeded the 50 percent goal. The fourth team is on track to exceed the target this year.\nFor more details about the SuperTruck II, visit Energy.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/commending-president-obama-commuting-111-sentences", "Commending President Obama for Commuting 111 Sentences", "2016-09-02", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I commended President Obama\u2019s commutations of the unjust sentences of 111 prisoners, spoke at the\u00a0swearing-in ceremony for General Sessions Court Clerk Ed Stanton, Jr., attended the Fighting for $15 public meeting, applauded the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s announcement of SuperTruck II awards for Memphis businesses, and joined my staff at the Orange Mound Community Center for Congress on Your Corner to assist constituents with navigating federal agencies. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nCommending President Obama for Commuting 111 SentencesCelebrating the Swearing-in of Ed Stanton Jr.Fighting to Raise the Minimum WageDepartment of Energy SuperTruck II Awards to Memphis BusinessesBringing Congress to Your Corner\nCommending President Obama for Commuting 111 Sentences  On Tuesday, President Obama commuted the sentences of 111 prisoners for largely nonviolent drug-related crimes. In August alone, the President commuted the sentences of 325 people, marking the greatest number of commutations ever granted by a president in a single month. Tuesday\u2019s commutations represent the President\u2019s continued commitment to use his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated and discriminatory federal policies, including unjust marijuana-related sentences. I commend President Obama for providing a second chance to these individuals.\nCelebrating the Swearing-in of Ed Stanton Jr.\nYesterday, I was proud to attend the swearing-in of General Sessions Court Clerk Edward \u201cEd\u201d Stanton, Jr. Clerk Stanton has faithfully served in this role since he returned from his 12 year retirement to act as Clerk Pro Tempore in 2011. He was elected in August 2012, and was reelected this August.\u00a0\nFighting to Raise the Minimum Wage\nOn Wednesday, I attended the public meeting on \u201cPoverty, Wages, and Fighting Back\u201d hosted by Memphis Fight for $15. Throughout my career, I have consistently fought to ensure that hard-working Memphians can earn a living wage and won\u2019t have to struggle to provide for themselves and their families.\nDepartment of Energy SuperTruck II Awards to Memphis Businesses  I am pleased that Cummins, Inc. and Daimler Trucks North America, both of which have facilities in the Ninth District, have been chosen for the ground-breaking Department of Energy SuperTruck II program. Also chosen was Volvo which has a facility in Byhalia, Mississippi that employs about 150 Memphians. Last year, I introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to increase the SuperTruck II program funding by 25 percent. The increase was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, also known as the FY2016 Omnibus bill. The SuperTruck program has been a priority of mine because it is good for business while also being good for our environment.\nBringing Congress to Your Corner   \nOn Thursday, I joined my staff for Congress on Your Corner at the Orange Mound Community Center to assist constituents with questions or problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. Thank you to everyone who attended. The next Congress on Your Corner will be Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.). Please mark the date on your calendar.\nFor more information about Congress on Your Corner, visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWishing you a happy and safe Labor Day weekend,\nAs always, I remain,\nMost 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/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-commuting-sentences-111", "Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Commuting Sentences of 111 Americans Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-08-30", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today commended President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 111 largely non-violent drug offenders. Earlier this month, President Obama announced the commutation of sentences for 214 non-violent drug offenders. With today\u2019s additional 111 grants, the President has commuted the sentences of 325 people in the month of August alone. This is the greatest number of commutations ever granted by a president in a single month. Today\u2019s commutations represent the President\u2019s continued commitment to using his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated and discriminatory federal policies, and to provide a second chance to deserving individuals.\n\u201cContinued commutations for those serving unjustly long sentences for non-violent drug convictions are encouraging, yet so many more need the same justice\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cI have long advocated for a more rational criminal justice system and for the President to use his commutation power to help bring that about.\n\u201cWhile addressing sentencing disparities for those convicted of crimes involving crack cocaine is important, I am pleased that today\u2019s commutations also address marijuana. Marijuana does not pose the kind of public threat that dangerous drugs do.\u00a0Yet we continue to keep marijuana as a Schedule I drug, and Americans are having their liberty taken away from them for marijuana possession. This is not just unfair, it is nonsensical.\u00a0Marijuana should not even be in the same league with crack, cocaine, and heroin\u2014drugs that are currently scheduled as lesser drugs in our outdated and illogical drug scheduling scheme. \u201cI commend President Obama for issuing these Presidential commutations, yet I encourage him to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office, particularly for those who are serving unnecessary and unjustly long terms for marijuana, and not predominantly crack cocaine.\u201d\nCongressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address injustices, including a\u00a0February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling on increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a\u00a0November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill, repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in\u00a0a letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an\u00a0August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in\u00a0an August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would in part make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nashvillian-receives-two-congressional-awards", "Nashvillian Receives Two Congressional Awards", "2016-08-29", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today presented two Congressional Awards \u2013 Congress\u2019s highest honors for youth \u2013 to Allison Plattsmier of Nashville.\n\u201cAllison represents the best of Nashville, and she\u2019s already volunteered more than most people do in a lifetime,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of her, and I hope other young Nashvillians follow her lead. Our city will only get better!\u201d\nThe Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon youth civilians. Established in 1979, the award offers a non-competitive opportunity for young people, ages 14 to 24, to realize their own potential through goal setting in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. There are six levels of Award \u2014 Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. Allison received two awards: Bronze and Silver.\nIn pursuit of her awards, Allison logged more than 260 hours of Voluntary Public Service. Most recently, she devoted much of her volunteerism to Hands On Nashville and Do Something activities. She has made comfort cards for impoverished youths, advocated for anti-gun violence, assisted the Disaster Services Team of the American Red Cross and more.\nAllison is the associate director of programs and development at the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/celebrating-womans-right-vote", "Celebrating a Woman's Right to Vote", "2016-08-26", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I celebrated the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and Tennessee\u2019s role in the process as the Perfect 36, spoke at the Mid-South Minority Business Council Economic Development Forum Luncheon, met with representatives of Arc Mid-South to discuss issues affecting people with disabilities, and celebrated the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nCelebrating a Woman\u2019s Right to Vote  Helping Minority Businesses in Memphis Succeed   Fighting for People with Disabilities  Celebrating the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nCelebrating a Woman\u2019s Right to Vote\n  Bas-relief commemorating women\u2019s suffrage by Alan LeQuire hanging in the Tennessee State Capitol\nWednesday was the anniversary of Tennessee becoming the Perfect 36, or the pivotal 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. Today is Women\u2019s Equality Day celebrating the official ratification of the 19th Amendment nationally. When I served in the Tennessee State Senate, I was proud to lead the effort to memorialize Tennessee's role in the passage of the 19th Amendment with a bas-relief sculpture installed in the State Capitol (pictured above). I also helped create and served on the Women's Suffrage Commission to celebrate women's right to vote. Today, a new statue designed by the same artist as the bas-relief, Alan LeQuire, was unveiled at Centennial Park in Nashville in honor of the anniversary (pictured below). Memphian Paula Casey, who has dedicated her career to honoring the\u00a0women\u2019s suffragist movement, spearheaded the initiative to get this monument constructed. I remain committed to fighting in Congress for issues important to women, from equal pay for equal work to access to women\u2019s healthcare services such as Planned Parenthood.\n  Statue commemorating women\u2019s suffrage by Alan LeQuire dedicated today in Nashville\nHelping Minority Businesses in Memphis Succeed\u00a0\nOn Thursday, I spoke at the Mid-South Minority Business Council Economic Development Forum Luncheon. I was proud to help create Tennessee\u2019s first Minority Business Center located in Memphis. Memphis is home to scores of well-qualified, high-potential minority entrepreneurs, and we need to make sure that the wealth and opportunity of the city is spread among all of us. To move Memphis forward, we must all go forward together.\nFighting for People with Disabilities\nOn Wednesday, I met with representatives from Arc Mid-South in my Memphis office to discuss issues related to advocacy and education for people with disabilities. Topics included civil rights, education, employment, healthcare, housing, and more. Pictured from left to right: Allison Burks, Christine Deener, me, Vanesha Howard, Leslie Jones, Sandra Hawkins and Brittany Carter. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCelebrating the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service\nThursday was\u00a0the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. Throughout my career, I have made protecting our national parks a priority so that every year and for generations to come Americans, as well as visitors from around the world, can enjoy and be enriched by the amazing natural wonders of our country. To help celebrate this milestone, visit\u00a0http://findyourpark.com/ to find a National Park near you.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nOver the summer and fall, I will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours. Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff and I will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.\n Thursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tennessee-to-lose-60-million-in-highway-funds", "Tennessee to Lose $60 Million in Highway Funds", "2016-08-19", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today was notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that Tennessee stands to lose approximately $60 million in funding for highways because of a recent bill passed by the state legislature.\nThe bill, SB 1317, reduced alcohol offenses for minor drivers.\u00a0It changed the\u00a0allowable Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) from .02 to .08 for 18-to-20-year-olds.\u00a0It was signed into law on May 5 and went into effect on July 1.\nThe federal zero tolerance \u200blaw requires that states limit BAC to .02 for drivers under 21.\u00a0If a state is not in compliance with federal drunk driving laws, the U.S. Department of Transportation must \u200bwithhold 8% of federal highway funding. \u200bNHTSA officials warned that if Tennessee is not in compliance on\u00a0October 1, 2016, Tennessee will forfeit approximately $60 million in highway funding.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThis must be a mistake,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cNo one wants more drunk drivers on the road. State leaders should act\u200b immediately and comply with a zero tolerance policy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/ending-federal-use-private-prisons", "Ending the Federal Use of Private Prisons", "2016-08-19", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I commended the Obama Administration for ending the use of private prisons for some federal inmates, celebrated the 81st anniversary of Social Security, attended a celebration honoring the United States\u2019 diplomatic relationship with Kenya, and met with HUD\u2019s Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nEnding the Federal Use of Private Prisons  Celebrating the 81st Anniversary of Social Security  Honoring the United States\u2019 Diplomatic Relationship with Kenya   Meeting with HUD\u2019s Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nEnding the Federal Use of Private Prisons\nI am pleased that\u00a0the Obama Administration is phasing out the Department of Justice's use of private prisons for some federal inmates. I have fought against private prisons for over 25 years as a Tennessee State Senator and now as a Member of Congress. Private prisons are both less safe and less effective at providing correctional services than government-run prisons. No one should profit from crime, nor should any entity that benefits from harsher sentences be part of the equation of sentencing and crime.\nCelebrating the 81st Anniversary of Social Security\nSunday was the 81st anniversary of Social Security. More than just a retirement program, Social Security is a lifeline that keeps millions of Americans out of poverty. Over 110,000 citizens of the Ninth District rely on Social Security to help pay for basic necessities like food, healthcare and housing. Read my statement on the anniversary here.\nHonoring the United States\u2019 Diplomatic Relationship with Kenya\nOn Saturday, I attended five-time World Kickboxing Champion and my friend Anthony \u201cAmp\u201d Elmore\u2019s Safari Homecoming Celebration to honor President Obama\u2019s legacy with Kenya, to honor Tom Mboya, a Kenyan trade unionist and educationist, and to honor the United States\u2019 60-year diplomatic relationship with Kenya.\nMeeting with HUD Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell\nOn Tuesday I met with Sernorma Mitchell, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Memphis and Nashville Field Offices Director. We discussed a variety of topics such as my office\u2019s relationship with HUD, HUD\u2019s relationship with the city of Memphis, increasing housing vouchers for Memphians, and the delinquent Global Ministries Foundation properties. \u00a0\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nDuring the summer and fall, my office is holding \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events. Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.\n Thursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-celebrates-81st-anniversary-social-security", "Congressman Cohen Celebrates 81st Anniversary of Social Security", "2016-08-14", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Social Security, which was signed into law on August 14, 1935:\n\u201cSocial Security is more than just a retirement program \u2013 it is a lifeline that keeps millions of Americans out of poverty.\u00a0 More than 110,000 citizens of the Ninth District rely on Social Security to help pay for basic necessities like food, healthcare and housing.\nEven as we celebrate the success of Social Security on this 81st anniversary, some in Congress still insist we must slash its benefits for millions of Americans who need it. I am fighting against these unnecessary and irresponsible policies, and am proud to support legislation that would expand Social Security, increase benefits and better protect beneficiaries from rising inflation. I am a cosponsor of a piece of legislation to ensure millions of senior citizens receive the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) they deserve. The Seniors Deserve a Raise Act would tie future COLAs to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which weighs more heavily the items that senior citizens spend more of their money on. I am also working to implement policies that would help Social Security remain solvent for future generations, and I will continue my efforts to ensure that Americans who have paid into the program receive the benefits we have promised them.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-death-blues-legend-and-queen-beale-street", "Congressman Cohen's Statement on the Death of Blues Legend and Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson", "2016-08-12", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on the death on Blues legend and \u201cQueen of Beale Street\u201d Ruby Wilson.\n\"I am saddened by the death of my friend Ruby Wilson,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cRuby was a sweetheart of a human being. She was always smiling, upbeat and caring for others in addition to being a fabulous talent who sang of, for and about Memphis. She had a phenomenal life. Ruby brought joy to people\u2019s hearts all over the world and was a legend in her hometown. She was truly the queen of the Blues, Beale Street and Memphis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/honoring-51st-anniversary-historic-voting-rights-act", "Honoring the 51st Anniversary of the Historic Voting Rights Act", "2016-08-12", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I honored the 51st anniversary of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965, remembered TBI Special Agent De\u2019Greaun Frazier who was killed in the line of duty and my friend and the Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson, commended President Obama for lifting barriers on medical marijuana research but criticized the DEA for failing to reschedule marijuana, spoke at the re-opening of the Memphis Health Center, and joined my staff at the Whitehaven Branch Library for \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d to assist constituents with navigating federal agencies. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nHonoring the 51st Anniversary of the Historic Voting Rights Act  Remembering TBI Special Agent De\u2019Greaun Frazier  Remembering the Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson  Fighting for Sensible Drug Laws  Speaking at the Re-Opening of the Memphis Health Center  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nHonoring the 51st Anniversary of the Historic Voting Rights Act\nSaturday was the 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. The right to vote is the most fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy. Therefore, the Supreme Court was wrong to undermine the Voting Rights Act in 2013 by striking down a key provision preventing voter discrimination, and Congress needs to fix it. Read my statement about the anniversary here.\nRemembering TBI Special Agent De\u2019Greaun Frazier\nOn Tuesday, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Special Agent and former Millington Police Officer De\u2019Greaun Frazier was tragically killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. My thoughts go out to Agent Frazier's family, friends and colleagues.\nRemembering the Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson\nToday, Memphis lost a legend, my friend and the Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson.\u00a0Ruby was a sweetheart of a human being. She was always smiling, upbeat and caring for others in addition to being a fabulous talent who sang of, for and about Memphis. She had a phenomenal life. Ruby brought joy to people\u2019s hearts all over the world and was a legend in her hometown. She was truly the queen of the Blues, Beale Street and Memphis.\nFighting for Sensible Drug Laws\nOn Thursday, the Obama Administration announced it would remove barriers on universities so they can apply to grow marijuana for medical research. While I am encouraged by this progress and believe this new policy will lead to more scientific studies that could be used to treat dozens of diseases, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) should have removed marijuana as a Schedule I drug, the most dangerous and addictive schedule. Read my statement on the decision here.\nSpeaking at the Re-Opening of the Memphis Health Center\nOn Tuesday, I spoke at the re-opening of the Memphis Health Center (MHC). The health center received a $4,725,000 dollar grant in 2012 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The newly renovated MHC includes updated recordkeeping technology and a 5,000 square foot expansion allowing MHC to hire two additional providers and increase access to care by 9,000 patient encounters.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nOn Friday, I joined my staff for \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d at the Whitehaven Branch Library to assist constituents with questions or problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. Thank you to everyone who attended. Over the summer and fall, my office will hold more \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events.\u00a0Please mark these dates on your calendar.\u00a0\n Thursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-commends-obama-administration-lifting-research-barriers-medical", "Cohen Commends Obama Administration for Lifting Research Barriers on Medical Marijuana, Criticizes DEA for Failing to Reschedule Marijuana", "2016-08-11", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today commended the Obama Administration for announcing a new policy that would allow other universities to apply to grow marijuana for medical research. Currently, only the University of Mississippi is authorized to grow marijuana for use in medical studies. Congressman Cohen also criticized the Drug Enforcement Administration for failing to remove marijuana from the list of Schedule I substances, the most dangerous and addictive substances. The DEA had suggested it might do so by the end of June.\n\u201cI commend President Obama for announcing he will remove barriers on other universities to apply to grow marijuana for medical research,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cWhile I am encouraged by the progress and believe this new policy will lead to more scientific studies that could be used to treat dozens of diseases, more should have been done. The DEA said it would consider removing marijuana as a Schedule I drug by the end of June, but it failed to do so. Marijuana must be rescheduled. Numerous physicians and 25 states recognize the medical benefits of marijuana and keeping marijuana as Schedule I\u2014with heroin and LSD\u2014is ludicrous. It is an injustice and an anachronism. It is an extreme example of a cultural lag as society has moved way ahead of our outdated drug laws. The Attorney General can and should act to better reflect the science, the medical research, and the opinions of the American people when it comes to the federal classification of marijuana. And by the way, congratulations to Michael Phelps, the world\u2019s greatest athlete.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTwenty-five states and the District of Columbia have already legalized medical marijuana. Roughly a dozen additional states recognize a medical use for cannabidiol (CBD), a therapeutic compound derived from marijuana that has virtually no THC, the drug\u2019s psychoactive ingredient, but that families have used successfully to treat their children\u2019s seizures.\nMemphis 3-year-old Chloe Grauer suffered from a rare neurological disease that caused her to have 100 to 200 seizures daily. Her family tried dozens of options to treat her disease including medications and surgery, but nothing stopped the seizures. Her family also tried to treat her with CBD, but were unable to do so because marijuana has a Schedule I classification\u2014the same highly-restrictive classification as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Sadly, Chloe passed away in 2014. Despite current federal limits on marijuana research and medical usage, there is mounting evidence that the drug is an effective and safe treatment for nausea, pain, anxiety, and other disorders including certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis.\nCongressman Cohen is also the lead Democratic sponsor in the House of Representatives of the bipartisan, bicameral Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act. If passed and signed into law, the CARERS Act would:\n Allow states to set their own medical marijuana policies and eliminate federal prosecution of patients, providers, and businesses in states with medical marijuana programs,\n\tReschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II, recognizing legitimate medical use\n\tAllow for greater access to cannabidiol (CBD),\n\tAllow access to banking services for marijuana-related businesses that are operating pursuant to state law,\n\tAllow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana, and\n\tCut red tape and expand opportunities for research on marijuana.\n When the Controlled Substances Act first became law in 1970, Assistant Secretary of Health Roger Egeberg recommended that marijuana be placed on Schedule I temporarily until the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse (known as the Shafer Commission) reported its findings on the drug. The Commission\u2019s 1972 report recommended decriminalizing cannabis, though that recommendation was never acted upon because the politics of President Richard Nixon intervened, and he wanted this issue to use war protesters and African Americans as foils for his war on drugs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-death-tbi-agent-degreaun-frazier", "Congressman Cohen's Statement on the Death of TBI Agent De'Greaun Frazier", "2016-08-09", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on the death of Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent and former Millington Police Officer De'Greaun Frazier who was killed in the line of duty today:\n\"I am saddened by the death of TBI Special Agent and former Millington Police Officer De'Greaun Frazier who was killed in the line of duty today,\" said Congressman Cohen. \"Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. My thoughts go out to Agent Frazier's family, friends and colleagues.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/51st-anniversary-voting-rights-act-congressman-cohen-renews-call", "On 51st Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Congressman Cohen Renews Call on Congress to Restore its Full Protections", "2016-08-06", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today marked the 51st anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and called on Republicans in Congress to allow a vote on bipartisan legislation to restore the VRA. Three years ago, in Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court invalidated a key component of the VRA that prevented discrimination before it occurred.\u00a0 Since then, new restrictions have been put in place in 22 states since 2010, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.\n\u201cThe right to vote is the most fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy. Yet for most of our nation's history, many of our citizens, particularly African-Americans, were denied this most basic right,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cMy colleague and friend Congressman John Lewis marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL for the right to vote on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965.\nFifty-one years ago today, our nation took a momentous step toward correcting that injustice when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. The Supreme Court was wrong to undermine the Voting Rights Act in 2013 by striking down a key provision preventing voter discrimination, and Congress needs to fix it. It is a sad irony that in the 1960s, John Lewis was beaten over the head by Alabama State Troopers and is now being beaten again by the Supreme Court and the failure of Republicans in Congress to act.\nI am a co-sponsor of legislation that would restore the Voting Rights Act to its full effectiveness. Congress should commemorate the anniversary by passing this legislation to ensure equal voting rights for all.\u201d\nThe Voting Rights Act was enacted only after years of those in the civil rights movement marching and in some cases being beaten or dying in the pursuit of voting rights. For 48 years, the Voting Rights Act helped secure the right to vote for millions of Americans. But in a 5-4 decision delivered on June 25, 2013, the Supreme Court took a step backwards on the Voting Rights Act by holding that the formula in Section 4 of the Act was unconstitutional and could no longer be used.\nIn striking down Section 4, the Court put the civil rights of millions of Americans at risk by making enforcement of the Voting Rights Act more difficult. The Court did, however, leave the door open for Congress to revisit Section 4 and update the coverage formula to allow for proper enforcement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/thank-you-allowing-me-opportunity-serve-you-congress", "Thank You for Allowing Me the Opportunity to Serve you in Congress", "2016-08-05", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I commended President Obama for commuting the prison sentences of 214 non-violent, low-level drug offenders, attended community events for National Night Out, spoke to the first Memphis Youth City Council, attended the \u201cSoul Saving Sunday\u201d service in Frayser, and remembered Tennessee pioneer Jane Eskind. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nThank You for Allowing Me the Opportunity to Serve you in Congress  Commending Presidential Commutations for Low-Level Drug Offenders  Building Trust Between the Police and Our Communities  Congratulating the First Youth City Council  Attending the \u201cSoul Saving Sunday\u201d Service  Remembering Jane Eskind  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nThank You for Allowing Me the Opportunity to Serve you in Congress\nIt is an honor to serve the 9th District and its citizens in Congress. I look forward to continue fighting for better and more affordable healthcare, voting rights, criminal justice and drug policy reform, college debt relief and other issues important to Memphis. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.\u00a0\nCommending Presidential Commutations for Low-Level Drug Offenders\nOn Wednesday, I commended President Obama for his decision to commute the sentences of 214 non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including a Memphian. Read more about these commutations here. \u00a0\nBuilding Trust Between the Police and Our Communities\u00a0\nOn Tuesday, I attended several different Memphis neighborhood association National Night Out events with General Sessions Court Clerk Ed Stanton, Jr. National Night Out is an annual movement across the country to help build trust between the police and communities to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.\u00a0\nCongratulating the First Youth City Council\nOn Thursday, I attended the inauguration of the first Memphis Youth City Council at City Hall. The Memphis Youth City Council will consist of 13 Memphis-area high school students who have been elected by their peers and will advise the city council and the Mayor on youth issues. Congratulations to the students.\nAttending the \u201cSoul Saving Sunday\u201d Service\nOn Sunday, I attended the \u201cSoul Saving Sunday\u201d church service at MLK College Preparatory High School. Four churches in Frayser came together to show unity within the community. Churches included Pursuit of God Transformation Center, Union Grove Baptist Church, Lifeline to a Dying World Ministries and One Faith Christian Center Church. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRemembering Jane Eskind\nOn Thursday, Jane Eskind, the first woman to ever win a statewide election in Tennessee, passed away. Read my statement on her passing here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nOver the summer and fall, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events.\u00a0Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.\u00a0\n Friday, August 12th from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)\n\tThursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,    \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-passing-jane-eskind", "Congressman Cohen's Statement on the Passing of Jane Eskind", "2016-08-04", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) tonight released the following statement on the passing of Jane Eskind, the first woman to ever win a statewide election in Tennessee:\n\"Jane Eskind was a legendary citizen and politician,\"\u00a0said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\"Jane deeply cared about progressive issues and good government. She was a leader recognized nationally for her support for the Democratic Party and all issues pertaining to women. The care she received from her husband Dick while she was ill was that of a loving, devoted mate and an example of a great marriage. My thoughts go out to Jane and her family.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-commuting-sentences-214", "Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Commuting Sentences of 214 Americans Serving Unjustly Long Sentences", "2016-08-03", "2016", "2016-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice and leading Congressional advocate for more justice through Presidential commutations, today commended President Obama\u2019s decision to commute the sentences of 214 non-violent drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian. This is the largest single-day batch of commutations by a President since 1900. Under current federal law, many of these prisoners would have already completed their sentences and been released. Today\u2019s commutations indicate the President is continuing to move towards a more just approach that makes broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to right the wrongs of outdated federal policies that have since been overturned by Congress.\n\"I commend President Obama for issuing the largest single-day batch of Presidential commutations in more than a century,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThese commutations, many of which were for those serving unjustly long sentences for non-violent drug convictions, are an encouraging development and a significant step by the President toward a more rational and fair justice system\u2014something I have long encouraged. I am pleased that one of the President\u2019s commuted sentences today was of a Memphian, but there still remain others languishing in prisons serving sentences that have been repudiated by both Congress and the President. Not only do our nation\u2019s outdated drug laws disproportionately affect minority populations, but it also costs more than $30,000 per year to incarcerate each individual.\u00a0 I hope the President continues and accelerates his efforts to commute unjust sentences during his remaining time in office.\u201d\nFor years, Congressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address these injustices, including a February 2016 column in the Commercial Appeal calling on increased staffing at the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to review clemency petitions, a May 2015 column in the Blue Nation Review on the need to bring fairness back to the criminal justice system, a November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill, repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in a letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in an August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation.\nThe Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohen\u2019s co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation\u2019s approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it \u201ccame too late\u201d for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed and who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committee in November, would in part make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. Congressman Cohen is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/attending-school-health-fair-and-seminar-whitehaven-high-school", "Attending the School Health Fair and Seminar at Whitehaven High School", "2016-07-29", "2016", "2016-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, I attended the School Health Fair and Seminar at Whitehaven High School and celebrated the grand opening of the Institute of Cosmetology and the Joy Devine Boutique. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nAttending the School Health Fair and Seminar at Whitehaven High School  Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Institute of Cosmetology, Inc. and Joy Divine Boutique  Early Voting Ends July 30  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nAttending the School Health Fair and Seminar at Whitehaven High School\nOn Saturday, I attended the School Health Fair and Seminar at Whitehaven High School. My friend Hazel Moore, known by many as \u201cthe Mayor of Whitehaven,\u201d puts on this back-to-school fair every year to give out school supplies to students, conduct health screenings and provide other information students might need to start a new school year.  Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Institute of Cosmetology, Inc. and Joy Divine Boutique\nOn Saturday, I attended the grand opening of the Institute of Cosmetology, Inc. and Joy Divine Boutique. I would like to congratulate my friend Dr. Roosevelt Joyner for opening the institute and boutique, and I encourage Memphians to come out to these institutions. Pictured above from left to right: Congressman Cohen, Dr. Roosevelt Joyner, Tennessee State Representative Antonio \u201c2 Shay\u201d Parkinson and Dr. G. J. West II.\u00a0\nEarly Voting Ends July 30\nEarly voting ends in Shelby County for the August 4th Federal and State Primaries and County General Election on July 30. Polls are open today until 7PM and Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. A list of early voting locations can be found\u00a0here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nOver the summer and fall, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events.\u00a0Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.\u00a0\n Friday, August 12th from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)\n\tThursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,    \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/welcoming-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-memphis", "Welcoming U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Memphis", "2016-07-25", "2016", "2016-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I welcomed U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Memphis, attended an event in Orange Mound on youth involvement in neighborhoods, honored the graduates of the Veterans Court, attended the Memphis Urban League Empowerment Luncheon, remembered my colleague Congressman Mark Takai, and announced a $12.3 million grant for Memphis International Airport. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see these updates as they happen.\nWelcoming U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Memphis  Promoting Youth Involvement in Orange Mound  Honoring the Veterans Court Graduates  Helping African American Youth Secure Jobs  Remembering My Colleague Congressman Mark Takai  Applauding\u00a0Federal Funding for Memphis  Early Voting has Begun  Bringing Congress to your Corner\nWelcoming U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Memphis\u00a0\nOn Wednesday, I welcomed U.S. Secretary\u00a0 of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Memphis. I accompanied Secretary Pritzker on her tour of the FedEx Global Hub on Wednesday night during prime shipping hours. On the tour, I spoke with Secretary Pritzker about bringing more jobs to Memphis. I take every opportunity to showcase Memphis and encourage government officials to keep Memphis in mind as they do their jobs.\nPromoting Youth Involvement in Orange Mound\nOn Wednesday, I attended the \u2018This is Orange Mound\u201d bus tour final stop at the Orange Mound Art Gallery. This event was sponsored by Levi Frazier and Deborah Glass-Frazier, co-founders of the Blues City Cultural Center, who have been actively involved in the arts in Memphis. I spoke about how youth can take ownership of their neighborhoods through voting, volunteering with community based organizations, supporting and promoting local businesses, and holding other members of the community accountable. Neighborhood youth in Orange Mound must be directly involved in their neighborhood if the community is to have a promising future. \u00a0\nHonoring the Veterans Court Graduates \u00a0\nOn Wednesday, I attended the Shelby County Veterans Court graduation ceremony at the Criminal Justice Auditorium at the Shelby County Jail. The Veterans Court is a project that my office helped start with Judge Bill Anderson and Director Jerry Easter. \u00a0It provides a means for veterans to have their records expunged and provides them support and rehabilitation for substance abuse and mental health issues. It was a wonderful program to attend. This is the fourth year of the program. Over 100 people have graduated and only three people have been re-arrested. The positive spirit of the staff and volunteers was evident, as was the appreciation of the veterans who showed their positive relationship with the staff. It was heartwarming to see a government program work. \u00a0Congratulations to the sixteen veterans who graduated, and kudos to Judge Bill Anderson.\nHelping African American Youth Secure Jobs\nOn Thursday, I attended the Memphis Urban Empowerment Luncheon. At the luncheon, the Memphis Urban League announced a new program, the \u201cSave Our Sons\u201d initiative, aimed at helping young black men with job training and educational services. Urban League President Marc Morial (pictured above) spoke on education, jobs and justice. I sported on my lapel \u201cDutch\u201d and \u201cMorial\u201d buttons. Marc and his father Dutch were both former mayors of New Orleans. Marc took pictures of my buttons and sent me a note about how much he appreciated me wearing them. It is great to have historical buttons to wear during these occasions. \u00a0\u00a0\nRemembering My Colleague Congressman Mark Takai\nOn Wednesday, my colleague Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) passed away from pancreatic cancer. Read my statement on his passing here.\nApplauding Federal Funding for Memphis\nOn Thursday, I announced Memphis International Airport received a $12.3 million Airport Improvement Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Read more about the grant here.\nEarly Voting has Begun\nEarly voting has begun in Shelby County for the August 4th Federal and State Primaries and County General Election. Polls are open weekdays from 10AM to 7PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM through July 30. A list of early voting locations can be found here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner\nOver the summer and fall, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events.\u00a0Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.\u00a0\n Friday, August 12th from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)\n\tThursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center\u00a0 (2572 Park Ave)\n\tFriday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Hickory Hill Community Center (3910 Ridgeway Rd)\n Please visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.\nAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-memphis-international-airport-receives-123-million-airport", "Cohen: Memphis International Airport Receives $12.3 Million Airport Improvement Program Grant", "2016-07-21", "2016", "2016-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MEMPHIS, TN] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis International Airport received a $12,395,583 Airport Improvement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the modernization of Concourse B, improvement of the access road and security enhancements.\u00a0\n\u201cMemphis International Airport is a critically important transportation link in the Mid-South region,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThis funding will help the airport continue to make upgrades to serve travelers safely and efficiently for many years to come.\u201d\nThe Airport Improvement Program grant will fund the following at Memphis International Airport:\n The initial design phase for modernization of the terminal Concourse B after the elimination of Delta Airlines as a hub\n\tVarious security enhancements required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)\n\tThe rehabilitation of 300 feet of pavement to improve the existing commercial access road to the airport\n Memphis International Airport is a world-class facility that today serves nearly 4 million passengers per year. Dedicated in 1929 as the Memphis Municipal Airport with just two major carriers, the airport now hosts several national carriers as well as the FedEx \u201cSuper Hub.\u201d Memphis International has grown into the busiest cargo airport in the country, and is the second-busiest in the world \u2014behind only Hong Kong.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 178, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "TN", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TN&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "TN", "label": "TN", "count": 178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-07-21,https~3A~2F~2Fcohen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcohen-memphis-international-airport-receives-123-million-airport", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2016&_next=2016-07-21%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcohen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcohen-memphis-international-airport-receives-123-million-airport&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 224.3851760867983, "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"}