{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"TN\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-cosponsors-bill-that-gives-songwriters-a-much-better-deal", "Cooper Cosponsors Bill That Gives Songwriters A Much Better Deal", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today cosponsored bipartisan legislation that will help songwriters and modernize music payouts in the digital age.\nThe Music Modernization Act, announced and released today, ensures music creators are more fairly compensated, increases efficiency in the licensing process, provides greater transparency and reforms an outdated system to meet 21st Century needs.\nIm proud to cosponsor new legislation that gives Nashville songwriters a much better deal in the digital age, Rep. Cooper said. Music City needs the Music Modernization Act!\nThe Music Modernization Act includes several major components:\n Allows judges to review evidence when setting rates for the public performance of music;\n\t\t\n\tEstablishes fair assignment of judges for public performance of music;\n\t\t\n\tAllows for consideration of fair market standards for compensation for mechanical licenses; and\n\t\t\n\tMakes other updates to increase business efficiency, ensure creators get compensated and provide transparency.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-against-tax-scam", "Congressman Cohen Votes Against Tax Scam", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted against the Republican tax scam bill Tuesday, noting its potential to harm the middle classes and the future of social safety net programs. The bill passed on a 227 to 203 vote.\nThe plan blows a huge hole in the deficit to give tax breaks to corporations and the super-wealthy, said Cohen.In so doing, the bill paves the way for future cuts to social safety net programs like Medicare and takes us one step closer to dismantling the Affordable Care Act. This bill is a scam on hardworking, middle-class families and is just another iteration of the Republicans tried-and-failed concept of trickle-down economics. It failed under Bush, it failed in Kansas, and H.R. 1 will fail the American public.\nIts not clear companies will use their tax windfall to create jobs or improve wages, and history suggests they wont. Instead, the savings will likely go to stock buy-backs or to increase stockholder dividends.\nReducing tax rates for the wealthiest will provide tax relief to those who need it least in the hope that the benefits will trickle down to families struggling to make ends meet. It wont. The whole approach is a con job and should be recognized as such.\nAt an event before the vote, Congressman Cohen stood in solidarity with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, fellow Democrats and those likely to be harmed by the bill. Pelosi repeated her observation that the Republican tax scam is the worst bill in the history of Congress in terms of the scope of the harm it will do, and noted polling indicating most Americans have come to understand thats true.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-votes-against-republican-tax-bill", "Cooper Votes Against Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement after voting against the Republican tax bill: Everyone likes tax cuts, but the Republican tax bill gives most of them to Scrooge, not Bob Cratchit. This billincreases the deficit dramatically, keeps the tax code complicated, prioritizes corporations over people, and even threatens Social Security and Medicare, Rep. Cooper said. The vast majority of Americans dont like it, and with good reason. Reagan-era tax reform was very different; this Trump bill is not an echo of that reform but a craven Christmas present to the most powerful lobbyists in Washington. Trump promised to help everyday Americans but this bill fails to do that.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-congratulates-congressional-app-challenge-winner-delia-batdorff", "Cooper Congratulates Congressional App Challenge Winner Delia Batdorff", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced that Delia Batdorff, a local high school junior, is the 2017 Congressional App Challenge winner for Tennessees 5th Congressional District!\nInformation about Delias winning app will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol and atHouse.gov.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a national effort to encourage students to learn computer programming through annual district-wide competitions hosted by members of Congress. It encourages student participation in technology and math programs by offering students a chance to create and code.\nA student at RePublic High School in Nashville, Delia is enrolled in a forward-thinking computer science curriculum, where she practices advanced programming skills. Delias winning app is a triangle calculator that solves missing values and angles via trigonometry.\nDelias app is awesome. Itll help students, architects and engineers, Rep. Cooper said. Delia and so many other Middle Tennessee students are computer experts. Im amazed by their skills every day!\nAlthough the competition has closed for this year, it opens back up in 2018, and all middle and high school students in Middle Tennessee are eligible to participate. To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-decries-fcc-vote-repealing-net-neutrality", "Congressman Cohen Decries FCC Vote Repealing Net Neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement minutes after the Federal Communications Commission, on a 3-2 party-line vote, repealed the 2015 Open Internet Order.\nThe ruling Thursday upends the powerful internet neutrality framework that banned blocking, throttling or giving paid prioritization to companies based on whether a content provider paid for faster service, Cohen said. Internet neutrality has been one of the most important consumer protections of our time.\nBesides that, it has made available in online debate the views  and dissent -- that might not get aired on an Internet driven by purely commercial priorities, he said.\nCongressman Cohen recently penned an opinion-editorial in The Memphis Flyer laying out why the then-proposed end of Internet neutrality would be a bad idea. Read it here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-new-support-articles-impeachment", "Congressman Cohen Hails New Support for Articles of Impeachment", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) commended his colleagues Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire for their co-sponsorship of Articles ofImpeachment\u00a0(H. Res. 621) to against President Trump that he and four others Members of Congress introduced on November 15.\n\u201cIt is past time for Congress to begin impeachment hearings. \u00a0The public deserves an open, thoughtful, and deliberate consideration of the mounting evidence. Making the case that the president should be impeached should be a deliberate and thoughtful process involving hearings to inform the public of the rightness of this approach,\u201d Cohen, the ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, said Thursday. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to see that our effort is picking up steam and now has eight co-sponsors.\u201d\nCongresswoman Shea-Porter released a statement:\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, a former military spouse, and an advocate for our troops and their families, I have been appalled to see the Commander and Chief repeatedly make outrageous and irresponsible public statements that put our troops in more danger, insult our allies, and weaken our alliances. Many Members of Congress, including myself, agree with Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker that President Trump poses a dangerous threat to national security and the future of our democracy. I believe it is past time for Members of Congress to put country before party and bring these discussions out into the open.\u201d\nCongressman Grijalva released a statement Thursday:\n\u201cIt is with the utmost concern for our great nation that I have cosponsored, H.Res. 621, the Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump. Trump is actively undermining the roles and obligations of the highest office in our country and, as a Member of Congress, I cannot stand idly by as he commits crimes against the country he was elected to serve. \u00a0His flagrant obstruction of justice warrants a call for impeachment and the immediate action by Congress to fulfill its duty to oust him.\n\u201cIt will take years to repair the damage he has caused to our Democracy, including undermining the independence of judicial branch and attacking freedom of the press guaranteed under the First Amendment. \u00a0His continued foreign entanglements and profiteering make a mockery of our constitution.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-joins-senators-gillibrand-and-rubio-and-congressman", "Congressman Cohen Joins Senators Gillibrand and Rubio and Congressman DeSaulnier Introducing Truck Underride Bills", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of California and families of truck underride accident victims Tuesday in introducing bipartisan legislation to prevent such unnecessary tragedies.\n\u201cThis is the type of legislation that does not have deep-pocket support; it doesn\u2019t have interest groups with money to push it and to support it. But it has the interests of the people and the safety of the people. It\u2019s the right kind of legislation that should be advocated in Congress more often,\u201d Cohen said at a news conference.\n\u201cI want to recognize the families who have suffered and lost loved ones, particularly my constituent, Mrs. Higginbotham -- Laurie Higginbotham \u2013 who is here. Each of these people have lost chiledren or parents they wouldn\u2019t have if this legislation had been in effect\u2026It is time we passed such an act to save lives.\u201d\nLaurie and Randy Higginbotham of Memphis lost their son Michael in 2014 when he ran into the side of a tractor trailer making an illegal U-turn, Mrs. Higginbotham told reporters Tuesday.\nGillibrand said that while there have been improvements to traffic safety, there is a \u201cmassive design flaw\u201d rendering virtually all car-safety features useless when colliding with a truck trailer.\n\u201cWith so many unpredictable accidents on the road, underride guards are an easy solution for protecting people and preventing them from dying when a car collides with a truck,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would save lives, and we should pass it as quickly as possible to keep Americans safe while they\u2019re driving, whether they\u2019re heading to see family and friends for the holidays or driving to work on their morning commute. I urge all of my colleagues to join me and Senator Rubio on this bipartisan bill.\u201d\n\u201cFlorida is one of the states with the highest number of reported fatalities due to underride collisions. With hundreds of Americans losing their lives due to these crashes every year, the Stop Underrides Act seeks to prevent these kind of deaths, make our roads safer, and spare more families the grief of losing a loved one by implementing underride guards on trucks across the nation,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cI ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in advancing efforts to save hundreds of lives across the country.\u201d\nStudies and pilot programs show that a simple barrier attached to the lower area of a truck, called an \u201cunderride guard,\u201d would help prevent a car from sliding underneath a truck in an accident. Under current federal law, underride guards are not required to be on the sides or front of trucks. Underride guards are already required for the back of a truck, but the standards are outdated.\nThe bills introduced in the House and Senate Tuesday would require underride guards on the sides and front of a truck and update the outdated standards for underride guards on the back of trucks. It would also ensure that the annual inspection for all large trucks includes underride guards as part of the inspection and would require the Department of Transportation to review underride standards every five years to evaluate the need for changes in response to advancements in technology.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-fbi-case-work-west-tennessee", "Congressman Cohen Commends FBI Case Work in West Tennessee", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 At a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing with FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) praised the work of the FBI in West Tennessee criminal investigations, including the case involving Shelby County Code Enforcement Inspector Mickey Wright, whose racially motivated murder was taken up by the FBI and Justice Department as a federal hate crime after an inadequate state prosecution. Wright\u2019s murderer, Cohen noted, is serving a life sentence in a federal prison. See the Congressman\u2019s remarks here.\n\u201cThe FBI has done a great job,\u201d Cohen said. See the Congressman\u2019s 2011 statement on the Wright case\u2019s prosecution here.\nCohen also said he disagreed with President Trump\u2019s recent tweet that the FBI is \u201cin tatters,\u201d and asked Wray about the reputation of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired while investigating possible collusion between Trump\u2019s presidential campaign and Russia, as well as the reputation of former FBI Director Robert Mueller, now pursuing that matter as special counsel. Director Wray praised both men\u2019s professionalism.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-against-concealed-carry-reciprocity", "Congressman Cohen Votes Against Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) Wednesday voted against H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which passed the House on a vote of 231 to 198. See his remarks during the floor debate here. He later released the following statement:\n\u201cJust a month after the mass shooting of 26 in Texas and two months after a gunman killed 58 in Las Vegas, the House majority\u2019s response is to override state laws with reasonable restrictions on the concealed carrying of handguns. Beyond the incomprehensible tone deafness of this action, it ignores the very states\u2019 rights Republicans so often cling to \u2013 except when the National Rifle Association tells them not to,\u201d Cohen said.\n\u201cThirty-four states and the District of Columbia, including Tennessee, require residents to be at least 21 to receive a concealed carry handgun permit. This bill would allow permit holders from states allowing concealed carry at younger ages to, in essence, violate more restrictive states\u2019 laws. I support concealed carry laws and was the sponsor of Tennessee\u2019s when I was in the state senate, but I think state laws that are more restrictive should be respected.\u201d\nThe Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, on whose board of directors Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich serves, opposes the bill, saying that undermining state and municipal laws will increase danger to police officers.\nThe National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence also opposes the bill.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-scorns-complete-dysfunction-in-congress-calls-on-congress-to", "Cooper Scorns Complete Dysfunction in Congress, Calls on Congress to Enact Self-Governing Measures", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today criticized congressional leaders for general inaction and incompetence, citing a long list of missed deadlines, stalled priorities and policy blunders.\nRep. Cooper urged House leadership to clear several must-pass measures, and he pushed for self-policing bills that would hold Congress accountable for inaction and misbehavior.\n\u201cOne party controls both chambers of Congress and the White House. Yet very little good is getting done,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cWe need priorities in Washington, D.C., to align with priorities here in Tennessee. Congress shouldn\u2019t be a clown show.\u201d\nRep. Cooper called attention to the following issues:\n Government Shutdown: Barring action from the House and Senate, the federal government will shut down at the end of Friday. Previous shutdowns occurred under divided government \u2013 when Republicans controlled one or both houses of Congress and Democrats controlled the presidency, or the reverse. But it has never happened under unified party control. A longtime advocate of congressional accountability, Rep. Cooper supports the No Budget, No Pay Act and the Hold Congress Accountable Act. The latter bill would reduce the salary of members of Congress during a government shutdown.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tShort-Term Spending: Even if Republicans resolve their differences this week, any spending bill is likely to be just a brief stopgap. Top Pentagon officials have described such short-term agreements as \u201cwasteful and inefficient,\u201d as well as \u201cdamaging\u201d to the military.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tCHIP: Congress is already more than two months late in reauthorizing the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, a lifeline for 9 million children, including many thousands of young Tennesseans.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tTaxes: An emerging Republican tax plan \u2013 subject to no real hearings in the House or Senate \u2013 is speeding along in Congress despite \u201cglitches\u201d and other problems with its drafting. A report by the Joint Tax Committee indicates the plan would add $1 trillion to the debt. Even Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker voted against the Senate Republican version of the tax plan.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tImmigration: The No. 2 Senate Republican this week vowed that his party would not prioritize year-end negotiations to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, leaving 690,000 currently protected, law-abiding young people at risk of deportation.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tConduct in Congress: Sexual harassment allegations continue to plague the Capitol. Rep. Cooper is a lead cosponsor of a bill that would empower victims of sexual harassment and eliminate the confidential \u201chush fund\u201d currently used to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress. But House Republican leadership has failed to bring this measure to a vote.\n \u201cRepublicans should work with Democrats to keep government open, to legislate like adults and to start helping all Americans,\u201d Rep. Cooper said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-special-counsel-needs-protections", "Congressman Cohen Says Special Counsel Needs Protections", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) went to the well of the House of Representatives Friday to call for action to prevent the president from firing the special counsel looking into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. See his floor speech here.\n\u201cToday in federal district court in Washington, Michael Flynn plead guilty to lying to the FBI, a felony,\u201d Cohen said. \u201cIt\u2019s strong indication he\u2019s cooperating with the Mueller investigation concerning Russia and its involvement with President Trump and his team in the election\u2026\u201d\nCohen noted that he introduced a constitutional amendment to prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, their families or administrative and campaign staff. He also called attention to a bill that would prohibit the firing of special counsel without cause.\n\u201cWe must be ready to protect Bob Mueller and the integrity of the rule of law in this country for I foresee this president firing him as Nixon did in the Saturday Night Massacre. We are repeating the horrors of Watergate and the shredding of our Constitution\u2026\u201d\nThe Saturday Night Massacre occurred on October 30, 1973, when President Richard Nixon ordered the firing of Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. That led to the resignations of the then-attorney general and then-deputy attorney general.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-recognizes-world-aids-day", "Cohen Recognizes World AIDS Day", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1:\n\u201cThis year\u2019s World AIDS Day theme is \u2018Increasing Impact Through Transparency, Accountability and Partnerships.\u2019 We\u2019ve made great strides in detecting HIV infections and extending the lives of those diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in recent years. Those affected are now able to lead normal lives. But the disease remains a scourge and it\u2019s important for everyone to know their HIV status.\n\u201cDespite the tragic toll of this disease, we are making historic progress to halt this epidemic. U.S. initiatives like the President\u2019s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Ryan White AIDS Program have saved millions of lives around the world and here at home.\n\u201cWe cannot afford to backslide on our commitments to ending this public health emergency. Despite the tremendous gains we\u2019ve made in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, more than 36 million people worldwide are living with the illness. In the United States, more than a million people are living with HIV, and one out of every seven HIV-positive Americans don\u2019t know that they\u2019ve been infected. While African-Americans and women continue to make up the majority of new HIV cases, HIV can affect anyone regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.\n\u201cThe United Nations believes we can achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030, but that requires action to address the persistent gaps in education and care. On World AIDS Day and every day, I am committed to saving lives and protecting critical public health.\u201d\nThere are several places in the Greater Memphis area to get testing and those locations can be found using the HIV Testing Sites and Care Service Locator here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-approval-mandatory-training-workplace-rights", "Congressman Cohen Hails Approval of Mandatory Training on Workplace Rights for Members and Employees of the House", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) praised today\u2019s passage of a resolution (H. Res. 630) requiring Members and Employees of the House of Representatives to complete anti-discrimination and anti-sexual harassment training.\nCongressman Cohen was a cosponsor of the resolution, which requires members, their staffs and even unpaid interns to take a course of training in workplace rights and responsibilities, including anti-discrimination and anti-sexual harassment training.\n\u201cI wholeheartedly support the objective of this legislation which aims to foster a work environment of mutual respect and dignity,\u201d Cohen said. \u201cThese issues must be taken seriously, and this is an important step towards making that happen.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-helps-lead-effort-to-eliminate-congressional-hush-fund-for-sexual", "Cooper Helps Lead Effort to Eliminate Congressional Hush Fund for Sexual Harassment Settlements", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) is one of four lead cosponsors on a bipartisan bill that would empower victims of sexual harassment and eliminate the confidential \u201chush fund\u201d currently used to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress.\n\u201cNo more cover-ups,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cWe need transparency, safety and appropriate behavior. Sexual misconduct has no place here, or anywhere.\u201d\nThe Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act would overhaul the secret taxpayer-funded system that is currently used to settle harassment claims.\nThe bill would:\n Prohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims;\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tRequire the Office of Compliance to disclose all previously made payments on its website; (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed);\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tRequire perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest;\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tProhibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tPermit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement.\n Joining Rep. Cooper are lead sponsor Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) and fellow cosponsors Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04).\nThe House is voting this afternoon to require members and staff to take the House\u2019s voluntary anti-harassment training course. (Rep. Cooper\u2019s individual office policy already requires him and his staff to take the course.) Earlier this week, Rep. Cooper called for stronger reforms and urged House leaders to move quickly.\nRep. Cooper will join his fellow cosponsors to discuss the bill at a press conference today at 3:00 p.m. ET on Capitol Hill in HVC Studio A, which is located in the hallway between the Capitol and Capitol Visitors Center.\nFor media based outside of Washington, the press conference will be broadcast live at Rep. Cooper\u2019s Facebook page.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-says-mandatory-training-not-enough-congressional-sexual", "Cooper Says Mandatory Training Not Enough  Congressional Sexual Harassment Settlements Should Be Public", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Ahead of a vote this week to formally establish mandatory sexual harassment training in the House, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) encouraged House leaders to go much further by unmasking the secret settlements that lawmakers have reached with people accusing them of sexual harassment.\n\u201cTraining is not enough,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cWhenever Congress spends taxpayer money, we should disclose it all. Maybe then, our \u2018zero tolerance\u2019 policies will actually mean something. No one is above the law.\u201d\nRep. Cooper, whose staff is already required to take an anti-harassment training course offered by the House, said heightened public awareness of sexual harassment issues should be more than enough reason for Congress to take additional steps beyond training.\nThese steps include naming the House and Senate lawmakers who have used a secret taxpayer-funded account to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress \u2013 retroactively and, if necessary, moving forward. But Rep. Cooper believes the current practice of secret settlements should be abolished altogether.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-opposition-fcc-plan-end-internet-neutrality", "Congressman Cohen Announces Opposition to FCC Plan to End Internet Neutrality", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after learning that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to do away with Obama Administration regulations ensuring equal access to the Internet when it meets December 14.\n\u201cI oppose the FCC plan announced today to dismantle the landmark 2015 Internet Neutrality rule that guarantees access and prohibits high-speed internet service providers from blocking or impeding the availability of websites,\u201d Cohen said.\n\u201cThe FCC is kowtowing to the big internet companies, giving them control over what consumers can see and how much premiere content will cost,\u201d he said. \u201cThis kind of deregulation will adversely affect the way the public accesses its information and entertainment, all for the benefit a handful of telecommunications giants.\u201d\n\u201cI believe the Internet should remain a platform for the free expression of ideas and innovation, and remain fast, fair and open for all users. I am closely monitoring these developments, and plan to continue working with my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee on this important issue.\u201d\nOn May 18, 2017, the FCC voted to approve a notice of proposed rulemaking to undo current net neutrality regulations. The current regulations prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing the delivery of internet content to consumers.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/members-introduce-articles-impeachment", "Members Introduce Articles of Impeachment", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, and colleagues, today introduced five Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. See the articles here and a summary here.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\u201cThe time has come to make clear to the American people and to this President that his train of injuries to our Constitution must be brought to an end through impeachment. \u00a0I believe there is evidence that he attempted to obstruct an investigation into Russia\u2019s interference with the U.S. presidential election and links between between Russia and the Trump campaign, most notably the firing of FBI Director James Comey. The president\u2019s blatant refusal to separate himself from his businesses has led to clear instances of conflict of interest that appear to violate both the domestic and foreign emoluments clauses. And his attacks on \u2018so-called\u2019 judges and \u2018fake news\u2019 have undermined public confidence in the judiciary and the press. It\u2019s time for Congress to take action to stop this reckless and harmful behavior by removing Mr. Trump from office and to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States.\u201d\nCongressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04) made the following statement:\n\u201cCongress has the power of impeachment when behavior by the President puts the nation and our laws at risk and I think we are at that point, despite the ongoing, important investigations.\u00a0 Congress needs to step in when there is evidence that the President is interfering with the judicial branch, obstructing or disrupting investigations, or if the President is profiting improperly from his office.\u00a0 This is the start of a long process and it needs to get started now because as a Member of Congress and as a member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my job.\u201d\nCongressman Al Green (TX-09) made the following statement:\n\u201cThis brings us another step closer to impeachment.\u201d\nCongresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) made the following statement:\n\u201cIn the nearly 300 days since he was sworn in, it has become evident that President Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy. It is high time that Congress take a serious look at the President\u2019s actions,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, (OH-11). \u201cIf those actions are found to be in violation of the Constitution, then the Congress of the United States needs to do the job the American people elected us to do.\u201d\nCongressman Adriano Espaillat (NY13) made the following statement:\n\u201cDonald Trump is a threat to our national security and to our justice, and once and for all, we are taking a stand to formally call for his impeachment in the name of our constituents, in support of our Constitution, and for the protection of our Democracy,\u201d said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). \u201cTrump is dangerous and nearly every month that he has served in office, Americans have witnessed some violation of our values, civil liberties, and access to opportunities that represent who we are at home and to our allies around the world. Mr. Trump is failing and has turned back the clock on the more than 50 years of progress our country has made in civil rights and equality. He has obstructed justice, violated the Constitution, and undermined the independence of our judicial system and the freedom of the press. The evidence is there, and the course of action is clear. It\u2019s time to impeach Trump now.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-applauds-mandatory-sexual-harassment-training-in-congress", "Cooper Applauds Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training in Congress", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today applauded Speaker Paul Ryan\u2019s announcement to require all House Members and staff to complete a sexual harassment training course that was merely voluntary until yesterday.\nRep. Cooper\u2019s personal office policy had already required that he and his staff complete the House\u2019s sexual harassment training course.\n\u201cA little more than a year ago, our state attorney general issued a report outlining pervasive sexual harassment at the Tennessee legislature,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cCongress should probably have a similar report done on itself in order to curb harassment of any type, anywhere. We should be doing the nation\u2019s business and solving problems \u2013 not creating terrible new ones.\u201d\nSeveral current and former Members of Congress and congressional employees have described detailed stories of sexual harassment in recent news accounts. Speaker Ryan yesterday said the new House-wide policy would take effect \u201cgoing forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-house-republican-tax-plan-hurts-cheatham-davidson-dickson", "Cooper: House Republican Tax Plan Hurts Cheatham, Davidson & Dickson Residents", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today amplified his opposition to the House Republican tax plan, highlighting specific ways it would hurt Middle Tennesseans in Cheatham, Davidson and Dickson counties.\nRep. Cooper previously described the House Republican plan as a \u201creal pain for Tennesseans\u201d on Nov. 2, the day of its release. Several changes have been made since then. Today Rep. Cooper outlined new objections to the so-called \u201cTax Cuts and Jobs Act,\u201d which would add at least $1.4 trillion to America\u2019s already unacceptable debt.\nDetails remain fluid as Republicans make last-minute changes, but the House is expected to vote on its tax plan tomorrow. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are working through their own version, which currently includes a repeal of the Affordable Care Act\u2019s individual mandate. The House plan does not \u2013 for now \u2013 include the healthcare piece.\nAfter passage in each chamber, the House and Senate must work out any differences between their bills and agree on a final bill before it can become law.\nBased on 2014 tax data collected by the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, many residents of Rep. Cooper\u2019s congressional district claim deductions and tax credits now at risk under the House Republican plan as currently written:\n 94% of Middle Tennesseans filing a return claimed the personal exemption, which would be eliminated. This is currently worth $4,050 per family member and becomes more valuable as one\u2019s family grows in size. If the House Republican plan becomes law, a family of four currently claiming $16,200 would lose that entire exemption. The personal exemption was worth more than $2.5 billion to Middle Tennesseans filing a return in 2014.\n\t39,000 Middle Tennessee students and families filing a return claimed the student loan interest deduction, which would be eliminated. Currently, eligible households can deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest.\n\t21% of Middle Tennesseans filing a return claimed the earned income tax credit \u2013 and would not see that credit expanded.\n\tMore than 16,000 Middle Tennesseans filing a return claimed the medical expense deduction for an average deduction of $9,800. The deduction would be eliminated.\n\t22% of Middle Tennesseans filing a return claimed the state sales tax deduction for an average of $3,000. Seventy-nine percent of those Middle Tennesseans make less than $150,000. This deduction would be eliminated.\n Additionally, according to 2016 data from the IRS, only 58 estates in the 5th Congressional District were subject to the estate tax, which would be repealed. The alternative minimum tax, which mostly hits Tennesseans making more than $200,000 per year, would also be repealed.\nOther deductions would be impacted. For example, the mortgage interest deduction for homebuyers would be limited to $500,000, and the deduction for teachers to purchase classroom supplies would be eliminated. Meanwhile, officials at Tennessee universities have said the House Republican plan would hinder their ability to provide financial aid to students and finance research.\nUnder the GOP plan, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimates that 24% of Americans would see a tax increase of nearly $2,100 by 2027.\n\u201cPresident Trump pledged \u2018a major, major\u2019 tax cut for American workers,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cThe reality is many Tennesseans will be hurt. We need tax reform that helps everyday Tennesseans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-defends-historic-preservation-tax-credits", "Congressman Cohen Defends Historic Preservation Tax Credits", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to the chairman and ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee asking for reconsideration of a provision in a pending GOP tax bill that would end Historic Preservation Tax credits.\nCiting a recent article in The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Cohen noted the many projects in Memphis, across Tennessee, and the country that exist today because private developers have been able leverage their investments in historic buildings through use of the credit. See the text of his letter here.\n\u201cThe Historic Preservation Tax Credit has helped in the renaissance of Downtown Memphis, including Main Street and Court Square Center and its restoration of the historic Lowenstein building and Lincoln American Tower,\u201d Cohen noted. \nThe loss of the tax credit could upend plans to renovate other Memphis landmarks such as the Claiborne Temple.\nCohen has had a long history supporting historic preservation efforts. In July 2016, Cohen and Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill to increase funding for the Historic Preservation Fund by $2 million to be used for competitive grants to preserve sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement. This amendment was in addition to his support of annual letters to the Appropriations Committee to increase Federal funds dedicated to the preservation and restoration of structures of historic significance.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-steve-cohen-speaks-favor-weekend-voting", "Congressman Steve Cohen Speaks In Favor Of Weekend Voting", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined colleagues representing districts from Hawaii to South Carolina on Tuesday, an election day for some governors and mayors around the country, to promote the Weekend Voting Act.\n\u201cWe need to do everything we can to increase turnout and truly make democracy work and to make it a beacon for the rest of the world,\u201d Cohen said.\u00a0 \u201cMaking voting days convenient for more citizens is the right thing to do.\u201d\nThe Weekend Voting Act would move Election Day to the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November in every even year for elections of Representatives and Delegates to Congress, and in every fourth year for the election of President and Vice President. It would make it easier and more convenient for all Americans to exercise their right to vote, helping to reduce long lines at the polls and increasing voter turnout.\nThe tradition of holding federal elections on the first Tuesday of November is an outdated requirement that began with an act of Congress in 1845. Tuesday was selected for its comparative convenience because it was a designated \u201ccourt day\u201d and the day in which land-owning voters would typically be in town to conduct business. The tradition was based on the then-agrarian American society.\nAlso speaking for weekend voting were Norman Ornstein, resident scholar at The American Enterprise Institute and a co-founder of WhyTuesday?; Bill Wachtel, a co-founder of WhyTuesday?; and Martin Luther King III, a Civil Rights activist and president of WhyTuesday?\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-highlights-zero-premium-health-insurance-plans-as-aca-signups", "Cooper Highlights Zero-Premium Health Insurance Plans As ACA Signups Reportedly Surge", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today highlighted reports of early surges in this year\u2019s open enrollment period during the first week of Affordable Care Act signups. Encouraging Middle Tennesseans to evaluate their options \u2013 including numerous zero-premium or low-cost plans \u2013 Rep. Cooper said just five weeks remain before the Dec. 15 deadline.\n\u201cObamacare has provided insurance to 20 million people. Republicans keep trying to repeal it, but the law continues to work,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cObamacare is more popular than ever and cheaper than you think. Tennesseans who haven\u2019t signed up yet should give it a try.\u201d\nRep. Cooper highlighted news reports that said \u2013 despite a shorter enrollment period, no advertising and failed Republican attempts to repeal the law \u2013 more than 200,000 Americans chose marketplace plans on the first day of open enrollment alone. That is compared with 100,000 signups on last year\u2019s first day of open enrollment, reports said.\nAdditionally, Rep. Cooper pointed out that ACA marketplace insurance plans are available to many Tennesseans at an extremely low cost. For instance, a 45-year-old in Nashville with a $30,000 annual salary will qualify for a plan with $0 in monthly premiums; others would qualify for plans with premium rates of $2-3 a month. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, many Tennesseans across the state making less than $40,000 a year will qualify for at least one zero-premium plan. Most zero-premium plans are the result of \u201csilver-loading,\u201d or increasing the cost of silver health plans to protect against premium increases for bronze and gold plans.\nUnfortunately, there are 163,000 Tennesseans in the Medicaid \u201ccoverage gap\u201d \u2013 people making too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to receive a tax credit. They will bear the full brunt of steep rate increases in 2018 because of the Tennessee legislature\u2019s failure to expand Medicaid. A total of 332,000 Tennesseans would be covered by Medicaid if the state legislature passed Insure Tennessee. \u00a0\nRep. Cooper again reminded Middle Tennesseans to use Healthcare.gov to sign up for health coverage before Dec. 15, the final day to choose a plan. President Trump shortened the open enrollment period by six weeks this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-introduces-bill-force-president-comply-jfk-records-collection-act", "Cohen Introduces Bill to Force the President to Comply With JFK Records Collection Act", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced a bill today requiring the president to release all documents that can and should be released pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.\n\u201cDespite the 1992 passage of a Congressionally mandated October 26, 2017, deadline requiring the President of the United States to make a determination about what documents can and should be released to the public regarding President John F. Kennedy\u2019s assassination, the current president failed to comply,\u201d Cohen said.\nThe president\u2019s failure to execute this requirement raises long-held concerns that the U.S. government continues to withhold critical information about the events in Dallas 54 years ago this month, Cohen said.\nPresident George H.W. Bush signed the JFK Records Collection Act into law 25 years ago, setting the deadline that expired last month. The bill gives the president two days after its enactment to determine what documents can be released and another two days to then release them.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-slams-house-judiciary-committee-s-inaction-protecting-special", "Cohen Slams House Judiciary Committees Inaction on Protecting Special Counsel, Probing Russian Collusion", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 At a House Judiciary Committee markup, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) called on the Committee Chairman to schedule a hearing on a bill setting the standards for firing special counsels, including Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is pursuing an investigation of possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia in last year\u2019s election. He said the bill, H.R. 3771, the Special Counsel Integrity Act, and the issue, are clearly within the jurisdiction of the committee. See his committee remarks here.\n\u201cThe president never declared he wasn\u2019t going to fire (FBI Director James) Comey, but he fired Comey \u2026When somebody comes at him like Mr. Comey did and like Mr. Mueller has, there\u2019s a goodly chance he will fire him. But the issue is what standards should there be to determine whether he should be fired. The president is not the king\u2026The president doesn\u2019t have unlimited powers\u2026When a president is being investigated by a special counsel established by law to look into charges that he has basically mutilated our democracy, then we should look into that bill that Mr. (John) Conyers has filed and that should be our first priority\u2026\n\u201cIt\u2019s not the issue of whether or not you believe Trump\u2019s not going to fire him; it\u2019s what the law should be if he changes his mind, and for the next president and the next president,\u201d he said.\n\u201cThe special counsel is a special type of employee, especially when he\u2019s investigating the President of the United States for collusion with Russia, for destroying our democracy and for flaunting his and his campaign associates\u2019 activities with Russia which they have constantly lied about\u2026This committee has been made a mockery and a joke of by not taking up any issues dealing with that. We have a duty to do it.\u201d\nThis week, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard evidence that Russian agents used Facebook and Twitter to sow dissention and raise polarizing hot-button social issues such as immigration, Black Lives Matter, \u201cIslamization\u201d of civil law, and gun rights and reached 126 million Americans, including targeted voters in swing states.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-staff-changes-1", "Cooper Announces Staff Changes", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced several changes to his staff.\nCharlane Oliver is Rep. Cooper\u2019s new Nashville-based community liaison and field representative. A resident of Goodlettsville, Oliver previously was communications director for the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, and will also join Rep. Cooper\u2019s communications team. A Vanderbilt University graduate, Oliver holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She is the founder and board president of The Equity Alliance, a nonprofit group focused on minority civic engagement.\nBrandi Jackson, a Dickson native, is Rep. Cooper\u2019s new Washington-based scheduler. A former paralegal and editor who attended Belmont University, Jackson is responsible for planning Rep. Cooper\u2019s meetings in Washington and organizing office logistics.\nJohannes Fischer is Rep. Cooper\u2019s new Washington-based legislative correspondent. A Vanderbilt University graduate, Fischer handles constituent mail, works on digital communications and helps research policy issues. Both Jackson and Fischer formerly worked in Rep. Cooper\u2019s Nashville office and received promotions before arriving in Washington.\n\u201cI\u2019m so happy to have Charlane, Brandi and Johannes on my staff,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cThey are energetic and deeply committed to helping Middle Tennesseans.\u201d\nOliver replaces Alandis Brassel, a Vanderbilt University Law School graduate who served as counsel in Rep. Cooper\u2019s Nashville office. Brassel is now the director of programs at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville. Jackson replaces Savannah Darnall, now a first-year student at the University of Tennessee College of Law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/health-care-open-enrollment", "Health Care Open Enrollment!", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Open Enrollment is available NOW through December 15!\nStep 1:\u00a0 Visit healthcare.gov or call\u00a01-800-318-2596. (It's helpful to review this checklist before calling.)\u00a0  Step 2:\u00a0 Shop for a plan that meets your needs.  Step 3:\u00a0 Need help? Click here and find a local contact who can help you with your options.\u00a0 Get Local Help: \u00a01-844-644-5443  Call the Marketplace: 1-800-318-2596  TTDY: \u00a01-855-889-4325 Frequently Asked Questions  \n\tQ. How much will it cost?\u00a0  \n\tA. Plans will vary based on a number of factors including the coverage you choose, your income, your age, etc.\u00a0 Q. Can I enroll in January?\u00a0  \n\tA. No. Enrollment is allowed only during this time unless you have a qualifying life event (birth of child, change in job, etc.)\u00a0 Q. Will my local hospitals be in network?\u00a0  \n\tA. You can view exact hospital and physicians covered when you shop for plans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-republican-tax-plan", "Cooper Statement on Republican Tax Plan", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement on the Republican tax plan:\n\u201cThe Republican tax plan isn\u2019t real reform. It\u2019s real pain for Tennesseans. It hurts families and adds $1.5 trillion to the debt. Surely America can do better,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cI agree our current tax code is broken, but Republicans should start from scratch and work with Democrats so we can pass a tax bill that can actually become law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-urges-tennesseans-to-sign-up-for-health-insurance-by-dec-15", "Cooper Urges Tennesseans to Sign Up for Health Insurance by Dec. 15", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today promoted the first week of Open Enrollment, urging Tennesseans to evaluate their health insurance options and choose an Affordable Care Act plan that best fits their needs.\n\u201cSign up now for health insurance,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cYou and your family will be glad you did. It\u2019s much more affordable than you think.\u201d\nWednesday was the first day to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage plans at Healthcare.gov. Dec. 15 is the final day to sign up.\nRep. Cooper pointed out that the Open Enrollment period is six weeks shorter this year. He also highlighted that the website will be closed for maintenance during some nights and weekends. A calendar is attached showing days and times that Healthcare.gov will be available to use.\nMore than 234,000 Tennesseans selected marketplace plans during the most recent open enrollment period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-promotes-awareness-open-enrollment-2018-healthcaregov-has-begun", "Cohen Promotes Awareness That Open Enrollment for 2018 Healthcare.Gov Has Begun", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today took to the House floor to remind his constituents and the country that the much-reduced time period for enrolling in health care through Healthcare.gov (\u201cThe Affordable Care Act\u201d) has begun. This year\u2019s open enrollment is half the length of time \u2013 six weeks shorter \u2013 than last year. December 15 is the last day to sign up.\n\u201cMemphis has recently seen a decrease in the disparity in breast cancer mortality rates between black and white women, a clear indication that access to affordable care saves lives,\u201d Cohen said in a House floor speech. See his remarks here.\nIn 2018, in Tennessee, 88 percent can find a \u201cBronze\u201d Plan for under $75 a month. In Memphis, many consumers earning between $30,000 and $48,000 a year can find a \u201cSilver\u201d plan for under $100.\nThe Trump Administration\u2019s effort to undermine a program that has led to demonstrable and dramatic improvements in health outcomes has included slashing marketing funding and funding for \u201cnavigators\u201d to help people with the process as well as the recent Trump decision to stop the government reimbursing insurers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-condemns-bill-aiming-ban-pre-viability-abortions", "Ranking Member Cohen Condemns Bill Aiming to Ban Pre-Viability Abortions", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 At a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing today, Ranking Member Steve Cohen condemned as \u201cunwarranted government interference\u201d a Republican-sponsored bill that would ban a woman\u2019s right to an abortion if the fetus\u2019 heartbeat can be detected, which can often occur as early as at six-weeks\u2019 gestation. See Cohen\u2019s opening statement here.\n\u201cBy banning pre-viability abortions after as early as six weeks\u2019 gestation, this bill would substantially narrow the window within which a woman may exercise her constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy,\u201d a right recognized since the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling, Cohen said.\nAccording to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, \u201csafe, legal abortion is a necessary component of women\u2019s health care.\u201d Cohen said the so-called \u201cHeartbeat Protection Act,\u201d H.R. 490, would use politics to interfere in the practice of medicine and he strongly opposes it.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-introduces-constitutional-amendment-limit", "Ranking Member Cohen Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Limit Presidential Pardon Power", "2017-10-31", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today introduced a Constitutional Amendment to limit the scope of a president\u2019s pardon power.\u00a0 The Amendment would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, their administration and campaign staff. Video of the Congressman speaking on House floor about the Amendment can be found here.\u00a0\n\u201cThe pardon power is supposed to be a safety valve against injustice,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is not supposed to be a way for presidents to put themselves, their families and members of their administration and campaigns above the law.\u00a0 Monday\u2019s indictment of President Trump\u2019s Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort demonstrates how important it is for Congress to act.\u201d\nThe amendment would apply to the current as well as future presidents.\nSee the text of the amendment here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-introduce-bill-require-president-trump-release-remaining-documents", "Cohen to Introduce a Bill to Require President Trump To Release Remaining Documents Regarding JFK Assassination", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014\u00a0Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that he will be introducing legislation to require President Trump to immediately release all remaining documents regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK). Today\u2019s announcement follows President Trump\u2019s failure to meet last week\u2019s Congressionally mandated deadline for a final decision as to which documents would be released.\n\u201cPresident Trump failed to meet a deadline set in federal law 25 years ago when he decided last week to delay release of some documents associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. That kind of slothful approach to meeting a legal dictate is not how it works. If he wanted additional review of sensitive materials, that review should have taken place before last week\u2019s deadline. I will be introducing legislation to enforce the Congressionally mandated deadline and require the President to immediately release all documents. \u00a0All of the records have been reviewed and the reviewers know what they propose to be redacted. That should take six days, not six months.\u201d \nThe JFK Records Collection Act was signed into law in October 1992 and mandated release of all records within 25 years unless their release would be more harmful than the public\u2019s legitimate interest in them. The deadline occurred October 26, 2017.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-plan-introduce-constitutional-amendment-presidential", "Cohens Statement On Plan To Introduce Constitutional Amendment On Presidential Pardon Power", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cohen\u2019s Statement On Plan To Introduce Constitutional Amendment On Presidential Pardon Power\n\tIn light of the Indictment of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort, The Need To Act Is Clear \n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 \u00a0Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), released the following statement after a federal grand jury\u2019s indictment of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was made public Monday:\n\u201cThe indictment of Paul Manafort, who served as Donald Trump\u2019s campaign chairman last year, accelerates the need to pass a Constitutional amendment limiting a president\u2019s pardoning authority. I will be introducing the amendment on Tuesday. If adopted, the amendment would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, their families, members of their administrations and individuals who worked on their presidential campaigns. The indictment makes clear that some of Manafort\u2019s activities took place while he was working on the Trump campaign so the need is clear and present.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/taking-budget-and-republicans-flawed-tax-plan", "Taking Up the Budget and Republicans Flawed Tax Plan", "2017-10-27", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I voted against the Republican Budget blueprint, spoke out against President Trump\u2019s \u201ctax reform\u201d plan, decried the President\u2019s treatment of Senator Bob Corker, called on House Judiciary Committee Chairman to pursue the Trump-Russia campaign probe, remembered Tri-State Defender Publisher and President Bernal E. Smith II, criticized Vice President Pence for casting the tie-breaking vote preventing lawsuits against banks, and hosted my monthly \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d event. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tTaking Up the Budget and Republicans\u2019 Flawed Tax Plan  Protecting SNAP Payments for Memphians  Decrying President Trump\u2019s Treatment of Senator Bob Corker  Calling on Judiciary Committee Chairman to Pursue Trump-Russia Campaign Probe  Demanding President Trump Complies with JFK Records Act  Remembering Tri-State Defender Publisher Bernal E. Smith II  Opposing Efforts to Help Wall Street Avoid Answering to Customers  Bringing Congress to Your Corner  9th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon  Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1  2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available  Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach  The Congressional App Challenge   Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tTaking Up the Budget and Republicans\u2019 Flawed Tax Plan\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, the House took up and passed a budget blueprint, setting up a tax plan Republican leaders expect to pass before Thanksgiving without Democratic support. The budget measure would allow for a tax plan benefiting the super-rich and add as much as $1.5 trillion to the deficit over the next ten years. The rush to pass a tax bill is designed to avoid the kind of scrutiny that would make it clear that low-income and middle-class Americans will end up being victims of a con job. I will continue to fight for low and middle-income interests as the showdown gets closer. On Monday I spoke out against the President\u2019s tax reform plan. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tProtecting SNAP Payments for Memphians\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I penned an op-ed in The Commercial Appeal on Governor Haslam\u2019s decision to reintroduce work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in most Tennessee counties. The Governor\u2019s announced change in policy will turn back time for Shelby County and make it harder to prevent some of our most vulnerable citizens from going hungry. Read my op-ed\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tDecrying President Trump\u2019s Treatment of Senator Bob Corker\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I discussed the abhorrent treatment of Tennessee\u2019s Senator Bob Corker at a Judiciary Committee hearing on President Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cTax reform\u201d plan \u2013 in truth, a massive give-away to the wealthiest Americans. Corker speaks the truth when he says President Trump\u2019s likely legacy will be the abasement of our country. Tennesseans can be proud to have a principled leader willing to point out the president\u2019s ongoing embarrassing behavior. See my remarks here.\n\t\t\t\tCalling on Judiciary Committee Chairman to Pursue Trump-Russia Campaign Probe\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I took to the House floor to note that both House and Senate Intelligence Committees and the Senate Judiciary Committee have ongoing investigations of the connections between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign, but the House Judiciary Committee does not. As a member of that committee, I again urged Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to open a probe in an area where we clearly share jurisdiction. Hear my floor remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tDemanding President Trump Complies with JFK Records Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPhoto of John F. Kennedy taken on Union Avenue in Memphis by Congressman Cohen when he was 11 years old.\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday. President Trump delayed release of documents related to the 1963 John F. Kennedy assassination, despite a clear deadline set by a 25-year-old federal law. He should have used the time before Thursday\u2019s announcement to determine which documents seriously require redaction, not take another six months to comply. With very few exceptions, the American people should be able to see the records now.\n\t\t\t\tRemembering Tri-State Defender Publisher Bernal E. Smith II\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Sunday, I was saddened to learn of the death of Tri-Stare Defender publisher and president Bernal E. Smith II. Smith was a strong voice for African-American business and culture. Under his guidance, The New Tri-State Defender carried on its tradition as a beacon for social and economic justice in Memphis. On Friday, I attended his funeral at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church where a huge crowd gathered for the sendoff officiated over by the remarkable 90-year-old Rev. James Netters. Rev. Keith Norman and Dr. Karanja Ajanaku delivered inspiring addresses. Read more about his life\u00a0here. He will be missed.\n\t\t\t\tOpposing Efforts to Help Wall Street Avoid Answering to Customers \n\t\t\t\tVice President Mike Pence, doing the bidding of Wall Street banks whose systemic policies have harmed customers, cast the tie-breaking vote Tuesday night to prevent class-action lawsuits. The vote overturned the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would allow class-action lawsuits against banks that violate their customers\u2019 trust, keeping in place the banks\u2019 mandatory arbitration procedures, contradicting the Trump Administration\u2019s claim that it stands up for the working class. I voted against this measure when it came before the House of Representatives in July.\n\t\t\t\tBringing Congress to Your Corner\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday my office held \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the Gaisman Community Center. My staff and I answered questions and assisted with problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and other federal agencies. The next \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d will be Friday, December 1, 2017 from 11am-1pm at the Cordova Branch Library. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t9th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, November 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at BRIDGES, I will be hosting my 9th 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.\u00a0Veterans should RSVP at 901-544-4131 by Wednesday, November 8th if you would like to attend. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\n\t\t\t\tHealthcare.gov Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1\n\t\t\t\tThe open enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2018 plan shopping and comparison opens November 1, 2017. The last day to sign up for health insurance is December 15, 2017. Please note that the Trump Administration has shortened the enrollment period. Visit\u00a0https://www.healthcare.gov/ for more information.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tMy office currently has a limited number of 2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9th District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.\n\t\t\t\tImportant Information on the Equifax Data Breach\n\t\t\t\tOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) has published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\n\t\t\t\tIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click here for more information.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always.\u201d\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t-- Mahatma Gandhi,\u00a0The Story of My Experiments With Truth\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tStarting this week, consumers are able to start using the \u201cwindow shopping\u201d feature of Healthcare.gov to compare plans available during the Open Enrollment period. As in previous years, window shopping lets consumers browse plans without logging in, creating an account, or filling out an application. A new fact sheet with information consumers need to know about this year\u2019s Open Enrollment is posted here.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.\u00a0  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\t\t\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/in-the-news/haslams-snap-decision-slap-face-memphis", "Haslam's SNAP decision a slap in the face to Memphis", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am deeply concerned about Governor Haslam\u2019s decision to reintroduce work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in most Tennessee counties.\nThose in Memphis who benefit from SNAP, many of whom are African American, rely on its financial assistance to feed themselves and their families. The governor\u2019s announced change in policy will turn back time for Shelby County and make it harder to prevent some of our most vulnerable citizens from going hungry. \u00a0\nWhile Tennessee will continue to waive the work requirement for sixteen counties due to their economic distress, the economic stress of the City of Memphis is being overlooked.\u00a0\nThere are, in essence, two Shelby Counties. The Poplar corridor from the Mississippi River to Germantown and Collierville is largely Caucasian and economically competitive. Other parts, such as North Memphis, South Memphis, Millington, and Southeast Memphis are largely African-American and some of the most economically distressed areas in Tennessee.\nShelby County, the largest geographic county in Tennessee at 754 square miles, has greater economic disparity than any other county.\u00a0\nThe Economic Innovation Group\u2019s (EIG) new 2017 Distressed Communities Index (DCI) lists Memphis as the sixth most distressed area among the nation\u2019s 100 largest cities and the only city in the South at the top of the list. \u00a0\n66.1 percent of Memphians live in a distressed ZIP code. From 2011 to 2015, Memphis saw a 2.7 percent reduction in the number of businesses while Shelby County had a .09 percent reduction. \u00a0\nDuring that same time, Memphis employment increased 1.3 percent while in Shelby County it increased by 2.9 percent. \u00a0Furthermore, the \u201cdistress score\u201d for Memphis was 60.7 compared to 22.6 for Fayette County and 32.9 for Tipton County.\nDuring the economic recovery, 99 percent of new jobs created nationwide went to college-educated workers and those jobs were co-located where those workers lived.\nSNAP recipients in Shelby County who are unemployed often do not have the skills to qualify for vacant positions in the area or do not have easy access to training opportunities that are necessary to build those skills. SNAP helps them while they continue to seek employment.\u00a0\nSystemic racism throughout Memphis\u2019s history has led to a lack of educational and job opportunities for many African Americans. Cutting off SNAP benefits will not make the necessary job opportunities available. It will just result in people who literally have no way to survive.\nThe new University of Memphis poverty fact sheet released in September found that Memphis \u201creverted to the poorest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with a population over a million people.\u201d \u00a0\nWhile poverty in the U.S. overall has been dropping, poverty in Memphis is increasing, including in the city\u2019s youth population where 43 percent\u00a0live in poverty.\nThe report found that \u201cpoverty rates for the City of Memphis are higher than poverty rates in Shelby County for every category. Both are higher than poverty rates in Tennessee, and Tennessee poverty rates are higher than U.S. poverty rates in almost every category.\u201d\nI hope Mayors Luttrell and Strickland will join me in urging Governor Haslam to reconsider waiving federal work requirements for SNAP recipients in Tennessee.\nAt the very least, the governor should take into consideration that Shelby County and the City of Memphis should not be lumped together when determining which Tennessee counties will receive SNAP work requirement waivers.\nMemphis is larger than most counties in Tennessee and should be considered as an economic entity unto itself.\nTo deny help to those who most desperately need it because others have been fortunate makes no sense and is not good government. Many Memphians will suffer without SNAP.\u00a0\nRep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, represents the 9th congressional district of Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-alexander-murray-bill-restores-sanity-to-market", "Cooper: Alexander-Murray Bill Restores Sanity to Market", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today celebrated the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office\u2019s evaluation of Sen. Lamar Alexander\u2019s bipartisan health stabilization bill.\n\u201cWe have a bipartisan agreement that keeps people insured and restores sanity to the market,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cIt\u2019s a small step and we need to continue fixing the Affordable Care Act.\u201d\nDrafted with Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sen. Alexander\u2019s bipartisan bill would fund key insurance subsidies for low-income Americans, according to CBO. Additionally, CBO said, the bill would keep Americans covered.\nPresident Trump recently said he would attempt to cancel the subsidies, but he has also expressed openness to Sen. Alexander\u2019s proposal.\nNearly 60 percent of all marketplace enrollees in Tennessee \u2013 118,901 people \u2013 benefit from the subsidies. That includes 18,588 Davidson County residents; 1,281 Dickson County residents; and 919 Cheatham County residents in 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-s-statement-passing-bernal-smith-ii", "Congressman Cohens Statement on the Passing of Bernal Smith II", "2017-10-22", "2017", "2017-10", "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 on the passing of Tri-State Defender publisher and president Bernal Smith II:\n\u201cBernal Smith was a strong voice for African-American business and culture,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cBernal published the historic Tri-State Defender and carried on its tradition as a beacon for social and economic justice in Memphis and everywhere. His untimely death leaves a void in his family and the lives of his many friends. My thoughts are with his family in this most difficult time.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/protecting-affordable-care-act-0", "Protecting the Affordable Care Act", "2017-10-20", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I appeared on MSNBC to discuss President Trump\u2019s sabotage of the Affordable Care Act and my intention to introduce articles of impeachment against the President, praised Memphis for reducing racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, spoke at the Greater Memphis Chamber Small Business Development Forum, and attended the National Civil Rights Museum Moral Monday at Mississippi Boulevard Church. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen. \nProtecting the Affordable Care Act   Reducing Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes   Speaking at the Small Business Development Forum   Attending the National Civil Rights Museum Moral Mondays   Bringing Congress to your Corner   9th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon   Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1   2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available   Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach   The Congressional App Challenge   Quote of the Week   Weekly Health Tip\nProtecting the Affordable Care Act\nOn Sunday, I was on MSNBC with Alex Witt to discuss President Trump\u2019s sabotage of the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 I also discussed my intentions to introduce articles of impeachment against the President. Watch my interview\u00a0here.\nReducing Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes\nThis week, The Commercial Appeal\u00a0reported that the City of Memphis had significantly narrowed the gap between the rate at which African American women and Caucasian women die from breast cancer. In 2014, I was proud to host a \u201cBuilding a Healthier Memphis\u201d panel discussion on the racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes in Memphis to bring together those in health care working on this issue. Early detection is crucial to saving lives. During the meeting, we discussed provisions of the Affordable Care Act that enable women to get breast cancer screenings like mammograms with no co-pays or deductibles, which has greatly contributed to the decrease in racial disparities in breast cancer.\nSpeaking at the Small Business Development Forum\nOn Thursday, I gave opening remarks at the Small Business Development Forum hosted by the Greater Memphis Chamber. The forum and panel discussion focused on ensuring our local business owners or future business owners know what resources are available to them to bring their goods and services to market in today\u2019s global economy.\u00a0\nAttending the National Civil Rights Museum Moral Monday \n\u00a0\nOn Monday, I attended the National Civil Rights Museum Moral Monday at Mississippi Boulevard Church. Rev. William Barber delivered a powerful sermon on policy and morality. He is a man on a mission about ending racism, environmental destruction, economic inequality, and materialism. His speech was reminiscent of Martin Luther King, Jr.\u2019s speech at the Riverside Church in New York City. Read more\u00a0here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner \nOn Friday, October 27 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the Gaisman Community Center (4221 Macon Road). 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. I hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n9th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon\nOn Friday, November 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at BRIDGES, I will be hosting my 9th 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.\u00a0Veterans should RSVP at 901-544-4131 by Wednesday, November 8th if you would like to attend. Visit\u00a0my website for more information.\nHealthcare.gov Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1\nThe open enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2018 plan shopping and comparison opens November 1, 2017. The last day to sign up for health insurance is December 15, 2017. Please note that the Trump Administration has shortened the enrollment period. Visit\u00a0https://www.healthcare.gov/ for more information.\u00a0\u00a0\n2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9th District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.\nImportant Information on the Equifax Data Breach\nOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security.\u00a0\nIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) has published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\nIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\u00a0\nThe Congressional App Challenge \nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here for more information.\nQuote of the Week\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although the racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes in Memphis has decreased, still more African American women die from breast cancer than Caucasian women. Learn more about breast cancer screenings, which can save lives, here.\u00a0\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://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-sponsors-bill-to-repeal-law-that-restricts-dea-opioid-enforcement", "Cooper Sponsors Bill to Repeal Law That Restricts DEA Opioid Enforcement", "2017-10-19", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), joined by U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins (WV-03), U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13), today introduced bipartisan legislation repealing the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016.\nThe Washington Post and \u201c60 Minutes\u201d recently revealed that the Act has severely restricted the ability of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to investigate and discipline opioid distributors suspected of illegal behavior.\nThe House bill introduced today would restore the stronger, original standard. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\u201cWe need to restore DEA\u2019s full powers, not hamper the agency the way the drug industry wanted,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cCongress made a terrible mistake letting the drug industry bill slip through. Congress should correct that mistake NOW!\u201d\nThe law has dramatically altered DEA procedures and made it far more difficult for the agency to combat the spread of opioids into the black market.\n\u201cWe need a DEA that is fully empowered to enforce opioid regulations and crack down on irresponsible distributors,\u201d Rep. Jenkins said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join with Reps. Kuster, Cooper and Ryan to introduce this bill to repeal provisions of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act and ensure bad actors are held responsible for their role in the opioid epidemic in our communities.\u201d\n\u201cAt a time when the opioid epidemic is impacting communities across the country, it\u2019s critical that no tools are taken off the table,\u201d Rep. Kuster said. \u201cWe know that the opioid crisis has in part been fueled by the over prescribing of opioid pain medications and any limitations on the DEA\u2019s ability to get unneeded prescription drugs off the street must be eliminated. I\u2019m pleased that we\u2019ve been able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to introduce this bill to repeal provisions of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, which DEA officials cite as restricting their ability to do their job.\u201d\n\u201cIt is clear that the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016 has significantly and adversely affected the Federal Government\u2019s ability to crack down on opioid distributors that are endangering communities across the country,\u201d Rep. Ryan said. \u201cI am proud to introduce this legislation with Congresswoman Kuster, Congressman Jenkins, and Congressman Cooper which would repeal provisions of the legislation and restore the Drug Enforcement Administration\u2019s authority to prohibit opioid manufacturers from flooding communities suffering from addiction with more pills.\u201d\n\u201cIt appears that this law has significantly affected the government\u2019s ability to crack down on opioid distributors that are failing to meet their obligations and endangering our communities,\u201d Sen. McCaskill said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I introduced legislation that repeals this law and will continue my work investigating the role pharmaceutical distributors played in fueling this public health crisis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-president-trump-s-decision-end-vital-subsidy-payments", "Cohens Statement on President Trumps Decision to End Vital Subsidy Payments Under the ACA", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after President Trump\u2019s decision to end Cost-Sharing Reduction payments required under the Affordable Care Act to make health insurance coverage affordable for millions of Americans:\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to end subsidy payments for low- and middle-income Affordable Care Act participants is mean-spirited and could be devastating to many Ninth District residents,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThese subsidies make health insurance coverage affordable for millions of Americans, including more than 155,000 Tennessee residents who receive an average of more than $1,200 annually through the ACA. President Trump and many Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to improve the ACA, and have instead done everything in their power to try to dismantle and sabotage the law. I, and many of my Democratic colleagues, believe that affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, and we will continue to work to preserve and improve the ACA to ensure health insurance remains affordable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/ensuring-health-insurance-remains-affordable", "Ensuring Health Insurance Remains Affordable", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I criticized the Trump Administration for ending subsidy payments for low- and middle-income Affordable Care Act participants, spoke in support of the First Amendment guarantee of the freedom of the press, supported the Clean Power Plan, participated in a forum on the long-term effects of football-related brain injuries, and introduced a bipartisan bill to protect horses from abuse when being transported. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tEnsuring Health Insurance Remains Affordable  Safeguarding the Freedom of the Press  Protecting Our Environment  Participating in a Forum on Long-Term Effects of Football-Related Brain Injuries  Introducing the Horse Transportation Safety Act  Bringing Congress to your Corner  2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available  Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach  The Congressional App Challenge  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEnsuring Health Insurance Remains Affordable\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday night, President Trump announced he would end subsidy payments for low- and middle-income Affordable Care Act participants. This decision is mean spirited and could be devastating to many 9th District residents. These subsidies make health insurance coverage affordable for millions of Americans, including more than 155,000 Tennessee residents who receive an average of more than $1,200 annually through the ACA. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tSafeguarding the Freedom of the Press\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPresident\u2019s Trump\u2019s tweets this week challenging the license of\u00a0NBC News and other news networks and his comments on Thursday attacking the freedom of the press during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister\u00a0Justin Trudeau\u00a0in the Oval Office are a direct attack on the First Amendment and continue a dangerous pattern of the President undermining the Constitution. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tProtecting Our Environment\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, President Trump announced that he would repeal the Clean Power Plan, the first and only federal limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and President Trump have decided to burden taxpayers with the costs of climate change, increasingly frequent and severe instances of extreme weather, and air pollution. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tParticipating in a Forum on Long-Term Effects of Football-Related Brain Injuries \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, I participating in a forum hosted by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats and House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats on the long-term effects of football-related brain injuries. The forum focused on recent studies highlighting advances in sports research for traumatic brain injuries incurred from contact sports and pathways to move forward. Watch my remarks\u00a0here. Watch the full forum\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tIntroducing the Horse Transportation Safety Act\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and I introduced the Horse Transportation Safety Act. This bipartisan legislation would prohibit interstate transportation of horses in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. When we allow animals to be mistreated or disrespected, we also devalue our own humanity. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tBringing Congress to your Corner\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, October 27 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the Gaisman Community Center (4221 Macon Road). 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. I hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\n\t\t\t\tMy office currently has a limited number of 2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\u2019s 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9th District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.\n\t\t\t\tImportant Information on the Equifax Data Breach\n\t\t\t\tOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) has published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\n\t\t\t\tIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here for more information.\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tThe open enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2018 plan shopping and comparison opens November 1, 2017. The last day to sign up for health insurance is December 15, 2017. Please note that the Trump Administration has shortened the enrollment period. Visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ for more information.\u00a0\u00a0\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://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-president-trump-s-decision-to-stop-aca-subsidies", "Cooper Statement on President Trumps Decision to Stop ACA Subsidies", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today released the following statement after President Trump announced his decision to end cost-sharing reduction payments under the Affordable Care Act:\n\u201cThe Affordable Care Act made America healthier and families more secure. It relied on subsidies to bring more people under the umbrella of coverage. Trump is canceling those subsidies, which will throw people off their insurance due to higher premiums that will be unaffordable,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cAs our nation's\u00a0insurance commissioners have noted, the insurance markets will soon be in chaos. The president could have helped fix our health care system, building on what we've learned from the ACA; instead he is destroying it.\u201d\nAbout 59 percent of all marketplace enrollees in Tennessee benefit from cost-sharing reduction payments. That includes 18,588 Davidson County residents; 1,281 Dickson County residents and 919 Cheatham County residents in 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-condemns-president-trump-s-statements-attacking", "Ranking Member Cohen Condemns President Trumps Statements Attacking the Freedom of the Press", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today condemned President Trump\u2019s recent tweets challenging the license of NBC and other news networks and his comments attacking the freedom of the press during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, President Trump said, \u201cIt is frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write.\u201d\n\u201cPresident\u2019s Trump\u2019s recent statements and tweets attacking the freedom of the press and NBC News are a direct attack on the First Amendment and continue a dangerous pattern of the President undermining the Constitution,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cJames Madison said the \u2018freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.\u2019 Yet this President has continued to make statements and act in a way to disrespect and delegitimize the press. He has referred to numerous media outlets as \u2018fake news,\u2019 he has called the New York Times the \u2018failing New York Times,\u2019 and has called the Washington Post the \u2018Amazon Washington Post.\u2019 President Trump retweeted a GIF of himself wrestling the CNN logo and has taken to twitter to attack media personalities such as Mika Brzezinski, Joe Scarborough and Megyn Kelly. He excluded American journalists from covering his meeting with the Russian Ambassador and Foreign Minister and has limited video and audio access to White House press briefings. President Trump even went as far as to call the press \u2018the enemy of the American people.\u2019 President Trump\u2019s reckless, authoritarian-like attacks on the legitimacy and accuracy of the press are alarming. Attacks on the press, along with attacks on the courts, are the first signs of fascism. Keeping the citizenry informed with accurate information about government actions is vital for the effective functioning of democratic government and for ensuring the ultimate sovereignty of the people over their leaders.\u201d\nIn July, Congressman Cohen, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), and Congressman Mark Sanford (R-SC) hosted a bipartisan forum on freedom of the press entitled, \u201cThe State of Press Freedom in 21stCentury America.\u201d You can watch the forum here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cohen-and-jones-introduce-bipartisan-horse-transportation-safety", "Reps. Cohen and Jones Introduce the Bipartisan Horse Transportation Safety Act", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today introduced the Horse Transportation Safety Act. This bipartisan legislation would prohibit interstate transportation of horses in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. It would also create civil penalties of at least $100 for each horse involved.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cWhen we allow animals to be mistreated or disrespected, we also devalue our own humanity,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cHorses cannot be safely or humanely transported in double-deck trailers that are built for much smaller animals, and our laws should reflect that. I am proud to sponsor the Horse Transportation Safety Act, which will ensure that these beautiful creatures are treated humanely.\u201d\n\u201cAs a longtime owner of horses, I know the importance of safe and secure transportation for these precious animals. Double-deck trailers and similar motor vehicles are not it,\u201d said Congressman Jones. \u201cHorses are incredible creatures that deserve the most humane treatment. Thank you Congressman Cohen for introducing legislation to ensure just that.\u201d\nOn November 7, 2007, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a statement recognizing the inhumane practice stating that, \u201cdouble-deck trailers do not provide adequate headroom for equines, with the possible exception of foals and yearlings. We do not believe that trailers that have two or more permanent levels that are not collapsible can be adequately altered to accommodate adult equines, especially tall equines.\u201d\nThe Horse Transportation Safety Act would close a regulatory loophole whereby drivers have an incentive to inhumanely transport horses to assembly points then reload them into single level trailers just outside their final destination.\nThe American Veterinary Medical Association has approved the National Agriculture Safety Database\u2019s research calling for at least 7\u2019-8\u2019 ceiling clearance for horses when traveling.\u00a0 The average horse stands 7\u2019 (15 hands) high and when traveling should at least have adequate headroom to stand with normal posture.\u00a0\u00a0\nOriginal cosponsors of the legislation include: Reps. Joyce Beatty, Donald S. Beyer, Earl Blumenauer, Mike Capuano, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Katherine Clark, Gerald Connolly, Elijah Cummings, Susan Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Ted Deutch, Elizabeth Esty, Raul Grijalva, Andy Harris, Alcee Hastings, Walter Jones, Bill Keating, Derek Kilmer, Peter King, Barbara Lee, Ted Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Alan Lowenthal, Nita Lowey, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Jim McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Martha McSally, Jerrold Nadler, Grace Napolitano, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mark Pocan, Jared Polis, David Price, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Adam Schiff, Carol Shea-Porter, Albio Sires, Louise Slaughter, Adam Smith, Jackie Speier, Dina Titus, Nikki Tsongas, Nydia Velazquez, Peter Welch\nThe Horse Transportation Safety Act has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, the National Black Farmers Association, and Return to Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-criticizes-trump-executive-order", "Cooper Criticizes Trump Executive Order", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) released the following statement today after President Trump signed an executive order designed to sabotage health insurance markets and increase premiums for Americans with pre-existing conditions:\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is one of many steps this administration has taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act. It creates an exclusive market for the healthy at the expense of the sick, and is opposed by all kinds of health care experts,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cIn the end, Washington lobbyists stand to benefit the most. This executive order will only hurt Americans, not help them.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-epa-s-decision-repeal-clean-power-plan", "Cohens Statement on the EPAs Decision to Repeal the Clean Power Plan", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, today released the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and the Trump Administration issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing the repeal of the Clean Power Plan.\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s move to repeal the Clean Power Plan is another representation of a backslide on U.S. and global climate goals. Despite all of its shortcomings, the Trump Administration ought to have little difficulty in grasping the severe economic repercussions of repealing a strategy meant to lessen the wide-ranging damage caused by unchecked carbon emissions and climate change. Instead, EPA Administrator Pruitt and President Trump have decided to burden taxpayers with the costs of climate change, increasingly frequent and severe instances of extreme weather, and air pollution.\n\u201cI support the Clean Power Plan and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Trump administration\u2019s retreat from both plans of action will put America on a path toward more instances of extreme and destructive weather, toward more asthma attacks, more missed days of work and school, and more premature deaths caused by carbon pollution.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Clean Power Plan is the first and only federal limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants. By cutting carbon pollution, it is one of the best available tools to combat climate change and to take steps towards reducing air pollution that harms the public\u2019s health.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-and-cohen-trump-administration-conflates-religious-liberty-right", "CONYERS AND COHEN: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CONFLATES RELIGIOUS LIBERTY WITH THE RIGHT TO DISCRIMINATE IN LATEST TROUBLING ACTIONS", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration\u2019s issuance of two deeply troubling documents:\n  \n\t(1) sweeping regulations by the Department of Health and Human Services that attack women\u2019s healthcare by allowing any employer to deny their employees contraceptive coverage based on a religious or moral objection despite the Affordable Care Act\u2019s contraceptive coverage mandate and (2) a Department of Justice legal guidance memorandum to federal departments and agencies interpreting the scope of protection for religious liberty so broadly as to potentially undermine civil rights protections for LGBTQ persons, all under the guise of \u201cprotecting\u201d religious liberty: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cProtecting religious freedom does not include creating a right to harm or discriminate against others.\u00a0 The Trump Administration, unfortunately, has chosen to use the protection of religious liberty as a justification to take away women\u2019s access to contraceptive care and to undermine the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.\u00a0The Administration\u2019s actions today would allow corporations, whether publicly-traded or closely-held, \u00a0to deny essential health coverage for women and allow entities receiving federal funds to engage in invidious discrimination against people based on their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, among other bases. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cUnder the legal guidance memorandum issued today by the Department of Justice, an entity receiving federal funds could be permitted to discriminate against LGBTQ persons for example, by denying the opportunity to adopt a child, declining to process spousal or survivor benefits, or refusing to provide any other service they would ordinarily provide.\u00a0 None of these actions \u2018protect\u2019 religious liberty but, rather, warp the concept to create a right to discriminate. \n\u201cIn a week in which the Republican-controlled House passed an unconstitutional and dangerous 20-week abortion ban bill, the Trump Administration\u2019s new HHS rules would further limit women\u2019s access to essential healthcare services. The new rules also undercut the Affordable Care Act\u2019s contraceptive coverage mandate by expanding the list of entities eligible to claim a religious objection to providing such coverage.\u00a0 The list of covered entities will now even include for-profit, publically traded companies like Wal-Mart, who could claim a \u2018moral objection\u2019 to providing their female employees access to \u00a0essential healthcare services. This is a policy that goes even further than the extreme position taken by the Supreme Court in its 2014 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby.\n\u201cPresident Trump views civil rights as just another political wedge issue, and his promotion of \u2018religious liberty\u2019 as a shield for discrimination will only further divide this country.\u00a0 We will continue to fight for the rights of all Americans to be free from discrimination regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/keeping-victims-las-vegas-mass-shooting-my-thoughts-and-advocating", "Keeping the Victims of the Las Vegas Mass Shooting in My Thoughts and Advocating for Reasonable, Commonsense Gun Laws", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I was shocked and saddened when I learned of the Las Vegas mass shooting, cosponsored legislation to ban bump stocks that turn semi-automatic rifles into machine guns, responded to the shooting by recommending reasonable, commonsense gun laws, opposed the cruel budget passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, introduced the Police CAMERA Act to help provide body cameras for local law enforcement, and spoke out against a GOP bill that infringes on the rights of women that are included in Roe v. Wade. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen. \nKeeping the Victims of the Las Vegas Mass Shooting in My Thoughts and Advocating for Reasonable, Commonsense Gun LawsOpposing the Cruel Republican BudgetIntroducing the Police CAMERA ActHelping to Secure Federal Funding to Eliminate the Rape Kit Backlog in MemphisFighting for Women\u2019s Health Bringing Congress to your Corner Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach The Congressional App Challenge Sign Up for My New Grants E-NewsletterQuote of the WeekWeekly Health Tip\nKeeping the Victims of the Las Vegas Mass Shooting in My Thoughts and Advocating for Reasonable, Commonsense Gun Laws\nThis week, I was saddened and horrified by the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday night. My thoughts go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy and their families. I cosponsored legislation to prohibit bump stocks, like the one the Las Vegas shooter used to convert a semi-automatic rifles into the equivalent of a machine gun, but I hope Congress will go further. I responded to the shooting by urging Congress to pass common sense gun laws, such as no-fly-no-buy and restrictions on certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Read my full statement\u00a0here. Watch my remarks on the House floor on gun control\u00a0here. Watch my interview with Larry King on this issue and others\u00a0here.\nOpposing the Cruel Republican Budget\nOn Thursday, I spoke in support of the Democratic Alternative Budget that invests in infrastructure, schools, medical research, and more to move our country forward. The GOP Budget sets our country back by cutting vital programs to many Americans, having insufficient investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), giving huge tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires, and more. Watch my remarks on the House floor\u00a0here. Watch my remarks with my friend, colleague, and Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee Congressman John Yarmuth (D-KY) on Facebook Live\u00a0here (approximately the 9:30 mark).\u00a0\nIntroducing the Police CAMERA Act\nOn Wednesday, Senators Brian Schatz, Rand Paul and I introduced the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available (Police CAMERA) Act. This bill would create a pilot grant program to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing safe and effective body-worn camera programs that also protect civilians\u2019 privacy rights. This bill would be an important step in rebuilding trust between police and the communities they serve. Read more\u00a0here.\nHelping to Secure Federal Funding to Eliminate the Rape Kit Backlog in Memphis\nLate last week, I was pleased to announce that Memphis will be receiving a more than $1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) to help process untested rape kits in law enforcement custody. Last month, the House of Representatives passed my amendment to include an additional $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2018 House appropriations package for SAKI funding nationally. Read more\u00a0here.\nFighting for Women\u2019s Health\nInstead of considering legislation to prevent gun violence, House Republicans brought the questionably named and unconstitutional Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act to the House floor on Wednesday without any hearings or mark-ups in the House Judiciary Committee. This bill infringes on the rights of women that are included in Roe v. Wade. Watch my reaction\u00a0here.\nBringing Congress to your Corner  On Friday, October 27 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the Gaisman Community Center (4221 Macon Road). 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. We hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available\nMy office currently has a limited number of 2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee\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.\nImportant Information on the Equifax Data Breach\nOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security.\u00a0\nIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) has published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\nIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\u00a0\nThe Congressional App Challenge \nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here for more information.\nSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\nEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\nQuote of the Week\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, one in eight women born today in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point. Learn more about screenings and treatments for breast cancer here.\u00a0\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/sens-schatz-paul-and-rep-cohen-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-help", "SENS. SCHATZ, PAUL AND REP. COHEN REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP EXPAND RESPONSIBLE USE OF POLICE BODY CAMERAS", "2017-10-04", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available (Police CAMERA) Act of 2017.\u00a0 This legislation would create a pilot grant program to assist state and local law enforcement agencies develop safe and effective body-worn camera programs that also protect civilians\u2019 privacy rights. \u201cWe can\u2019t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won\u2019t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,\u201d said Senator Schatz \u201cBody cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,\u201d said Senator Paul. \u201cThe use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.\u201d \u201cJustice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe cameras could show the officer\u2019s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process.\u00a0 Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.\u201d The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras.\u00a0It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded. \u201cThe resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,\u201d said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. \u201cNot only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.\u201d\u00a0 Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-can-use-power-pets-help-women-and-vets", "Congress can use the power of pets to help women and vets", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Each year, Congress works hard to pass bills that will help the American people. While acrimony and partisanship have made this more difficult, lawmakers are considering two bills that have bipartisan support on Capitol Hill and among the American people: H.R. 2327 and H.R. 909, the\u00a0Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS), and the\u00a0Pets And Women Safety (PAWS)\u00a0Acts of 2017.\nEach of these bills involves man\u2019s best friend, and both provide for an underserved segment of America. In the case of H.R. 2327, veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries are provided opportunities for healing through grant-funded service dogs. H.R. 909 expands the number of domestic abuse shelters that can accept pets, in order to help abused women escape domestic violence.\nRep. Cohen is a sponsor of both bills, and PIJAC supports them on behalf of the professional pet care community. Passing these bills now would be a powerful symbol to a public eager for Congress to lead, as National Suicide Prevention Month ends and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins.\nThe House is already taking important steps to help veterans get the companions they need. On Sept. 26, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing about several bills, including H.R. 2327, that can help servicemembers adjust back to non-combat life. H.R. 2327\u00a0has support\u00a0among myriad veterans\u2019 groups, and 200 House co-sponsors.\u00a0With about 20 veterans committing suicide each day, the PAWS Act is just one way that Congress can improve assistance to America\u2019s military servicemembers who return from war with physical and mental scars.\nH.R. 909\u00a0is likewise an important bill with enormous support. It has 230 co-sponsors in the House and 20 in the Senate. It will provide assistance to many of the approximately one in four women, and one in seven men,\u00a0who are domestically abused each year.\nStudies are clear\u00a0that in a home where human abuse is taking place, a pet is also often a target. With\u00a0nearly half of women\u00a0saying they have\u00a0returnedto an abusive home out of concern for a pet\u2019s safety, H.R. 909 is clearly necessary to save lives and prevent more harm to innocent human and animal victims.\nThe bill provides funds so that abuse shelters can accommodate pets, and extends domestic abuse laws so that courts may require abusers to provide restitution for veterinary costs a victim may incur.\nThese bills recognize the strength of the human-animal bond.\u00a0Fully 65 percent of U.S. households have a pet; 88 percent of House and Senate offices allow pets in their offices.\nNot only is connecting people and pets good business \u2013 with 1.3 million jobs, mostly small business, supported in 2015 alone \u2013\u00a0it is also great for human health.\u00a0Just owning a pet saves over $11 billion in health care dollars\u00a0each year, according to a conservative study by George Mason University. Other studies show direct links to less stress, better educational results, and improved health for senior citizens.\nWhether in Washington, D.C. or Tennessee, pets are everyone\u2019s best friend. Congress should use the power of pets to bring people together by passing H.R. 2327 and H.R. 909.\nRepresentative Steve Cohen represents the 9th\u00a0District of Tennessee. Mike Bober is President of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), which is the legislative and advocacy voice of the responsible pet industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-hails-federal-grant-more-1-million-help-process-rape-kits", "Cohen Hails Federal Grant of More than $1 Million to Help Process Rape Kits", "2017-10-02", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen today hailed the announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice that the City of Memphis will be receiving \u00a0more than $1 million to help process unsubmitted rape kits in law enforcement custody.\n\u201cI am pleased that Memphis will be receiving more than $1 million to help ensure that rape kits get processed. \u00a0DNA analysis is a powerful weapon against sexual assailants, but it can\u2019t do any good when rape kits don\u2019t get processed,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \"This grant will help the City of Memphis and our local law enforcement track down assailants, help victims get justice, and protect individuals from becoming victimized by recidivists. I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure that sexual assailants are brought to justice.\u201d\nThe funding awarded to the City of Memphis comes from the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which provides grants to address unsubmitted sexual assault kits in law enforcement custody.\u00a0 Memphis will be receiving $1,071,394.\nEarlier this month, the House of Representatives passed an amendment offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) to include an additional $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2018 House appropriations package for SAKI funding nationally.\u00a0 The passage continued a trend in increased national funding for SAKI by Congress.\u00a0 In 2015, Congressman Cohen and Congresswoman Maloney successfully offered an amendment to increase funding for SAKI by $4 million.\u00a0 In 2014, Congressman Cohen successfully offered an amendment to increase funding for SAKI by $5 million.\u00a0 If the recently House-passed amendment becomes law, Congress will have increased SAKI funding nationally from $36 million to $49 million since 2014 \u2013 a 36% increase.\nAt its peak, the backlog reached 12,000 untested kits in Memphis alone with an estimated 400,000 sitting in evidence rooms nationwide. In 2015, Memphis received nearly $2 million from this grant program to reduce its rape kit backlog.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-mass-shooting-las-vegas", "Congressman Cohen's Statement on the Mass Shooting in Las Vegas", "2017-10-02", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - \"I am saddened and horrified by the mass shooting in Las Vegas last night,\" said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0\"My thoughts go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy and their families.\n\"It has been and continues to be time for Congress to come together and pass common sense gun laws, such as no-fly-no-buy and restrictions on certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I support Leader Pelosi\u2019s call for the creation of a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and make recommendations to prevent more mass shootings and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities, and join her in urging Speaker Ryan to bring the King-Thompson Background Check legislation to the House Floor for a vote.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-calls-secretary-price-resign", "Cohen Calls for Secretary Price to Resign", "2017-09-29", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 In the wake of reports that Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tom Price\u2019s repeated use of private jets and military aircrafts, costing the taxpayers over $1 million since May, Congressman Steve Cohen called on Secretary Price to resign. Secretary Price has reportedly flown on chartered flights at least 26 times, even when traveling to cities with ample commercial options, and has mixed personal and government business at exorbitantly high taxpayer expense.\n\u201cSecretary Price must resign,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cIt is unacceptable that Secretary Price has spent more than $1 million of taxpayer money to fly on private and military jets, as he simultaneously sabotages the Affordable Care Act with massive cuts to the outreach and advertising budgets. As a Congressman, Tom Price called the use of private planes by members of Congress \u2018fiscal irresponsibility run amok.\u2019 Now, as the Secretary of HHS, his priorities have clearly shifted, and Secretary Price has shown that he cannot effectively prioritize the needs of Americans.\u201d\nAccording to Politico, Secretary Tom Price took at least 26 flights on private jets over the past several months. Following press reports about the cost to taxpayers, Secretary Price announced plans to pay back $51,887 of these costs, which would only account for 13% of the costs of the private jets. He only plans to cover his seat costs on the flights, despite the fact that it was his choice to book private jets and all other costs related to travelling by private jet remain on the taxpayers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/bringing-congress-your-corner-0", "Bringing Congress to your Corner", "2017-09-29", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I hosted my monthly \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library, reacted to the announced retirement of Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) at the end of his current Senate term in 2018, welcomed Congressman Steve Scalise back to Congress, cosponsored legislation to overhaul the credit reporting system and celebrated National Voter Registration Day. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen. \nBringing Congress to your CornerWelcoming Memphis\u2019s SisterReach to Washington, DCServing with Senator Bob CorkerWelcoming Steve Scalise Back to CongressCosponsoring Legislation to Overhaul the Credit Reporting SystemMemphis Flyer 2017 Best of MemphisCelebrating National Voter Registration Day Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach The Congressional App Challenge Sign Up for My New Grants E-NewsletterQuote of the WeekWeekly Health Tip\nBringing Congress to your Corner  Today, my office held our monthly \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library. My staff and I answered constituents\u2019 questions about and provided assistance with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and other federal agencies. We also discussed issues such as health care, tax reform. Our next \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d will be Friday, October 27 from 11am-1pm at the Gaisman Community Center (4221 Macon Road). Visit my website for more information on future \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d events.\u00a0\u00a0 Welcoming Memphis\u2019s SisterReach to Washington, DC\nOn Thursday, I welcomed Memphis-based SisterReach to Washington, DC. During our meeting, we discussed reproductive justice, the continuation of the health care fight after the failure of the most recent effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and the proposed budget and tax cut\u2019s negative impact on low income women of color. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Orisha Bowers, Lauren Williams-Batiste, London Lamar, Cherisse Scott, Elizabeth Dorse-Merriwether, Jakiera Stewart, Jovanii Woodley, and Patricia Jones. Serving with Senator Bob Corker\nI was disappointed to learn that Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) will not be seeking re-election in 2018. Senator Corker has been easy to work with, and we have developed an excellent relationship since beginning our careers in Congress in 2006. Bob is highly respected for his knowledge of the issues, especially foreign policy. He has exhibited moments of independence reminiscent of past great Tennessee Senators. I have enjoyed Bob Corker\u2019s friendship and our collegiality since serving together in Tennessee State government, and I will miss serving with him in Congress. Welcoming Steve Scalise Back to Congress\nCongressman Steve Scalise, who was shot during a Congressional baseball practice in June, returned to Congress this week. Shootings and violence in all forms is abhorrent and violence is not the means to change political discourse in this country. I welcome Congressman Scalise back to Congress and wish him a complete recovery as he continues his rehabilitation. Cosponsoring Legislation to Overhaul the Credit Reporting System\nOn Monday, I cosponsored the Comprehensive Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act to overhaul our nation\u2019s credit reporting system to better protect consumers.\u00a0 If enacted, this legislation would expand access to free consumer credit reports, credit scores, and ID theft protection tools.\u00a0 It would also reduce the time that most adverse credit information stays on credit reports from 7 years to 4, and revise the dispute process to ensure that credit bureaus and furnishers have the burden to prove the accuracy of credit information is on the credit bureaus and credit furnishers, not consumers. Memphis Flyer 2017 Best of Memphis\nOn Thursday, I was proud to be featured in the Memphis Flyer\u2019s 2017 Best of Memphis list. The Flyer named me as the \u201cBest Reason to be Proud of Memphis Politics.\u201d Read more here. Celebrating National Voter Registration Day\nWednesday was National Voter Registration Day, which celebrates one of our most fundamental rights as an American citizen: the right to vote. You can check your registration status or register to vote online in Tennessee here. Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach\nOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security. \nIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) published a helpful guide, which you can find here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\nIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email. The Congressional App Challenge\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click here for more information. Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\nEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants. Quote of the Week\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nTonight at sundown begins the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur means \u201cDay of Atonement,\u201d and during the holiday, observers ask for forgiveness for their sins. In Jewish Tradition, observers fast from sundown to sundown. If you are observing the holiday, you can learn some tips to help with the fast here. \n\u00a0\nAs always, I remain, Most sincerely, Steve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-celebrates-2017-golden-goose-award-winners", "Cooper Celebrates 2017 Golden Goose Award Winners", "2017-09-28", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) this week honored three teams of scientists whose federally funded \u2013 yet seemingly obscure \u2013 research has provided benefits to society.\n\u201cThe Golden Goose Award reminds us why politicians must leave scientific research to the scientists,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cThis year\u2019s winners prove how obscure and even unbelievable studies can change the world as we know it. We must continue to support our scientists whose brilliance and ingenuity keep America the greatest nation on earth.\u201d\nIn conjunction with a coalition of business, scientific and academic institutions, including Vanderbilt University, Rep. Cooper launched the Golden Goose Award in 2012 to highlight odd-sounding research that has led to breakthroughs and societal impact. The Golden Goose Award serves as a strong counterpoint to characterizations of basic research as wasteful federal spending by the likes of former Sen. William Proxmire and his \u201cGolden Fleece Award.\u201d\nExamining such things as mussels and frogs, this year\u2019s Golden Goose Award winners pushed themselves toward important environmental, biological and computer science discoveries.\nFor detailed information on 2017\u2019s Golden Goose awardees, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-announced-retirement-tennessee-senator-bob-corker", "Cohens Statement on the Announced Retirement of Tennessee Senator Bob Corker", "2017-09-26", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) announced that he would not seek re-election in 2018:\n\u201cI was disappointed to learn that Senator Bob Corker will not be seeking re-election in 2018. Senator Corker has been easy to work with, and we have developed an excellent relationship since beginning our careers in Congress in 2006. Bob is highly respected for his knowledge of the issues, especially foreign policy. He has exhibited moments of independence reminiscent of past great Tennessee Senators. I have enjoyed his friendship and collegiality since serving together in Tennessee State government, and I will miss serving with him in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-announced-retirement-of-sen-bob-corker", "Cooper Statement on Announced Retirement of Sen. Bob Corker", "2017-09-26", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) issued the following statement after Sen. Bob Corker announced he would not seek re-election in 2018:\n\u201cI congratulate Sen. Corker for two terms in the Senate. Despite our differences, we have a solid working relationship and I admire his expertise on foreign affairs,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cI wish him the best in his future endeavors, and I thank him for his service to Tennessee.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/working-towards-better-memphis-va-medical-center", "Working Towards a Better Memphis VA Medical Center", "2017-09-22", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I joined the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management of the VA on his visit to the Memphis VA Medical Center, joined Tavis Smiley on PBS to discuss my intentions to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump, urged the Governor to make food stamps more available to Tennessee residents in need, introduced a bill to crack down on predatory lending practices, and sent information to my constituents on how they can protect themselves from the recent Equifax data breach. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tWorking Towards a Better Memphis VA Medical Center  Joining Tavis Smiley on PBS  Fighting to Make Food Stamps More Available   Cracking Down on Predatory Lending Practices  Important Information on the Equifax Data Breach  Bringing Congress to your Corner  The Congressional App Challenge  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tWorking Towards a Better Memphis VA Medical Center\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, My staff and I accompanied Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management of the VA Steve Young on his visit to the Memphis VA Medical Center. We discussed with Under Secretary Young and Director David Dunning the problems with the Memphis VA Medical Center and possible solutions that have been proposed by VA administrators to address these problems. I also penned an op-ed in The Commercial Appeal on the problems at the Memphis VA and expressing my optimism that Director Dunning is the right person to lead the hospital. You can read my op-ed\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tJoining Tavis Smiley on PBS\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday night, I joined Tavis Smiley on PBS to discuss my intentions to introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. You can watch my interview\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tFighting to Make Food Stamps More Available \n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced that Tennessee would reinstate workforce requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in most counties in Tennessee, including Shelby County, beginning February 1, 2018. Memphians should not be allowed to go hungry, and while I am awaiting more details about how the Governor\u2019s workforce requirement policy for food stamps will be implemented, I fear that is what may happen. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tCracking Down on Predatory Lending Practices\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and I introduced the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act to crack down on predatory lending practices. This legislation would eliminate the excessive rates and fees that many consumers are charged for payday loans, car title loans, and other types of credit. Read more\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tImportant Information on the Equifax Data Breach\n\t\t\t\tOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th District residents should be aware of precautionary measures that can help ensure their financial security.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\n\t\t\t\tIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tBringing Congress to your Corner On Friday, September 29, 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave). 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. We hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here for more information.\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tSeptember is Healthy Aging Month. Exercising regularly and eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help maintain a healthy body and brain and slow the aging process. Read more about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle here.\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://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-disagrees-with-governor-haslam-senators-alexander-and-corker", "Cooper Disagrees with Governor Haslam, Senators Alexander and Corker", "2017-09-21", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today expressed disappointment with Graham-Cassidy supporters U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Gov. Bill Haslam, offering another point of view that aligns with provider, hospital and disease advocacy groups all over America.\n\u201cThe latest Republican attempt\u00a0to pass a \u2018health\u2019 bill (their fourth) is the worst yet. Although it can be painted to look good in the next few years, the bill makes false promises that will hurt at least 32 million Americans, and hurt them very soon. How many hundreds of thousands of those victims are Tennesseans?\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cAlmost everyone who knows anything about health care is strongly against this bill. Why? This bill is a cynical attempt to buy barely enough Republican votes by bribing Southern states to overlook the horrific national damage the bill will cause with $4 trillion in overall cuts. Southern states will suffer, too. To call this a \u2018states\u2019 rights\u2019 approach to health reform is a lie. It is a race to the bottom, with each state competing to be crueler to its citizens by denying them health insurance and health care. America deserves better, much better, and I am working to persuade enough Republicans with a soul to stop this devastatingly partisan attack on all Americans.\u201d\nGov. Haslam has described Graham-Cassidy as a \u201chome run\u201d and \u201cflat-out good\u201d for Tennessee, and both senators have expressed their willingness to vote for it. While Graham-Cassidy would briefly reward Tennessee with new funding, Cooper said the Volunteer State would have received the money years ago had its legislature expanded Medicaid.\nCooper highlighted several studies showing that the Graham-Cassidy bill would cause 32 million Americans to lose their insurance; reduce vital federal funding for Tennessee; and increase premiums for people with pre-existing conditions.\n\u201cA much better course of action would have been to let our own senator, Lamar Alexander, complete his efforts to craft a bipartisan health reform bill. He has been trying but has been betrayed by his own political party,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cApparently, now, even he has given up. That is a tragic mistake. Without bipartisanship, Republicans will merely be repeating the mistakes of previous partisan reform efforts, which Republicans have long criticized. By not learning the lessons of history, Republicans are doomed to repeat history\u2019s mistakes. This bill simply must be stopped!\u201d\nThe bill also would allow plans that exclude important benefits like mental health and maternity care. Additionally:\nCooper noted the Graham-Cassidy bill is gaining momentum a day after the state of Tennessee granted drastic rate hikes to insurance companies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/durbin-merkley-cartwright-cohen-introduce-bicameral-bill-crack-down", "DURBIN, MERKLEY, CARTWRIGHT, COHEN INTRODUCE BICAMERAL BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON PREDATORY LENDING PRACTICES", "2017-09-20", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) were joined by U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17) and Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) in\u00a0introducing the bicameral Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act, legislation that would eliminate the excessive rates and fees that many consumers are charged for payday loans, car title loans, and other types of credit.\u00a0\nCash-strapped consumers nationwide pay, on average, annual interest rates of 400 percent for payday loans. These excessive interest rates create a vicious debt trap that drains consumer bank accounts and can cause serious and long-term financial harm. This bill would establish a 36 percent annual interest rate cap for all consumer credit transactions, helping consumers dedicate more of their resources to buying American goods and services instead of padding the pockets of predatory lenders.\u00a0The 36 percent cap is similar to usury laws already enacted in many states and is the same as the cap already in place for military personnel and their families.\n\u201cDespite the economic gains we have made as a nation in recent years, many working families continue to struggle. For some, payday lenders offer a quick way to make ends meet, but their outrageous interest rates and hidden fees can have crippling effects on the people who can least afford it,\u201d said Sen. Durbin.\u00a0 \u201cCapping interest rates and fees for consumers will help protect working families from these predatory lending practices\u2014it\u2019s the right thing to do.\u201d\n\u201cPredatory loans with outrageous interest rates suck working families into an inescapable vortex of debt,\u201d said Sen. Merkley. \u201cThis bill\u2019s simple, straightforward approach will protect consumers and ensure that families aren\u2019t bankrupted by high interest rates and hidden fees.\u201d\n\u201cPredatory lending disproportionately harms people who are already struggling financially. We need safeguards in place to protect working families,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright. \u201cThis consumer-friendly legislation would provide relief from exorbitant fees for many low-income consumers across the country.\u201d\n\u201cThroughout my career, I have always worked to shield people from those who would take advantage of them through predatory lending practices that can wreak havoc on people\u2019s lives and perpetuate a cycle of indebtedness. Both justice and morality dictate that reasonable caps on interest be enacted to protect borrowers from devious lenders,\u201d said Rep. Cohen.\nThe bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Al Franken (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Michael Capuano (MA-07), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Elijah Cummings (MD-07), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Robin Kelly (IL-02), James Langevin (RI-02), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-at large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), David Price (NC-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-41), and Niki Tsongas (MA-03).\nEfforts to address the exorbitant interest rates charged on many payday loans have often failed because of the difficulty in defining predatory lending. By setting a relatively high interest rate as the cap and applying that cap to all credit transactions, the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act overcomes the problem and puts all consumer transactions on the same, sustainable, path. In doing so, consumers are protected, predatory lending practices are ended, and consumers will be helped in using credit more wisely.\nSpecifically, the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act would:\n Establish a maximum APR equal to 36 percent and apply this cap to all open-end and closed-end consumer credit transactions, including mortgages, car loans, overdraft loans, car title loans, and payday loans.\n\tEncourage the creation of responsible alternatives to small dollar lending, by allowing initial application fees and for ongoing lender costs such as insufficient funds fees and late fees.\n\tEnsure that this federal law does not preempt stricter state laws.\n\tCreate specific penalties for violations of the new cap and supports enforcement in civil courts and by State Attorneys General.\n The legislation is endorsed by Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), Americans for Financial Reform (AFR), AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Allied Progress, Americans for Financial Reform, Arkansans Against Abusive Payday Lending, Billings First Congregational Church \u2013 UCC, Casa of Oregon, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Georgia Watch, Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, Hel's Kitchen Catering, Holston Habitat for Humanity, Illinois Asset Building Group, Illinois People's Action, Indiana Institute for Working Families, Knoxville, Oak Ridge Area Central Labor Council, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Montana Organizing Project, NAACP, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National CAPACD, National Consumer Law Center, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, New Jersey Citizen Action, People's Action, Prosperity Indiana, Public Citizen, Strong Economy for All Coalition, Student Action, Tennessee Citizen Action, UnidosUS, Virginia Organizing, VOICE -- Oklahoma City, and Woodstock Institute.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/information-equifax-data-breach", "Information on the Equifax Data Breach", "2017-09-20", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Constituent,\nOn September 7, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed a data breach from earlier this year that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans. All 9th\u00a0District residents should take precautionary measures to ensure their financial security.\u00a0\nIf you believe your data may have been compromised, there are steps you can take. These include: regularly monitoring your accounts, creating additional alerts for your credit report, and placing a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents others from opening up accounts in your name without your knowledge. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP) published a helpful guide, which you can find\u00a0here, on how to secure your identity following the Equifax data breach.\nIf you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (901) 544-4131 or visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov/contact/email.\nAs always, I remain.  \n\tMost sincerely,  \u00a0  \n\tSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/announcement-by-extended-family-of-us-rep-jim-cooper", "Announcement by Extended Family of U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper", "2017-09-19", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, on behalf of the extended Cooper family, announced today that Hortense Hayes Powell Cooper died last night, Sept. 18, at Vanderbilt Hospital. She was 98 years old.\nFurther information will follow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/cohen-mobilizing-va-better-care-memphis", "Cohen: Mobilizing the VA for better care in Memphis", "2017-09-18", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The incidents at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center\u00a0reported last week\u00a0by the USA Today Network are disturbing and unacceptable.\nWhen I read the story, I immediately called Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin to express my concerns and discuss solutions to the ongoing problems at the Memphis VA. Memphis-area veterans have made enormous sacrifices for our county and deserve nothing but the best care.\nLast year, after the Memphis VA received one out of five stars in the VA\u2019s quality-of-care rankings, I called Shulkin, then-Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs,\u00a0and urged him to use whatever incentives are available to get the very best director for Memphis. At the time, the Memphis VA had gone through several interim directors and the previous permanent director was transferred due to issues at the hospital. Upon becoming Secretary of the VA, Dr. Shulkin appointed David Dunning as the director of the Memphis VA.\nConsistent leadership at the Memphis VA had been lacking since Director Jay Robinson was hired to become CEO of Methodist South in 2012. I was proud to work with then-Secretary of the VA Eric Shinseki to bring Director Robinson to Memphis, and I commend him for his work to reform the Memphis VA. Like Director Robinson, I believe Director Dunning has the credentials and passion for Memphis to transform the hospital.\nDirector Dunning began his service in Memphis several months after the most recent incidents reported in the USA Today investigation. Since taking the reins at the Memphis VA, Director Dunning has been reviewing the practices at the hospital and has begun to implement changes to improve the quality of care. He has removed several high-level personnel at the hospital, including the chiefs of surgery, anesthesiology, and research. He has also hired a new head of the human resources department at the hospital.\nDirector Dunning, an Iraq-war veteran and a 30-year career Army officer, was born in Memphis and has deep Memphis roots. In a\u00a0recent interview\u00a0with the USA TODAY NETWORK --\u00a0Tennessee, Director Dunning referred to Memphis as \u201cforever home\u201d and said he was fully committed to the city. While the appointment of David Dunning as the Director of the Memphis VA was an integral step to repairing the relationship between Memphis veterans and the hospital, it is clear that more improvements are still needed.\nDuring my phone call with Secretary Shulkin, I invited him to come to Memphis to visit the VA. Secretary Shulkin assured me that the Memphis VA was one of the hospitals that he was keeping a personal eye on for improvements. I have also spoken to Congressman Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, numerous times about the issues at the Memphis VA, and he expressed interest in accompanying Secretary Shulkin on his visit.\u00a0\nI will continue working with the VA and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Memphis VA receives all federal funding, staffing and other federal aid necessary to ensure Memphis-area veterans receive the care that they deserve.\nU.S. Rep. Steve Cohen represents Tennessee's Ninth Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-tennessee-s-decision-reinstate-work-requirements-snap", "Cohens Statement on Tennessees Decision to Reinstate Work Requirements for SNAP Recipients", "2017-09-18", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on Governor Bill Haslam\u2019s decision to reinstate workforce requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in most counties in Tennessee, including Shelby County, beginning February 1, 2018.\n\u201cMemphians shouldn\u2019t be allowed to go hungry, and while I am awaiting more details about how the Governor\u2019s workforce requirement policy for food stamps will be implemented, I fear that\u2019s what may happen.\u00a0 According to the most recent census data, the Memphis metro area has the highest poverty rate of metro areas with at least one million people.\u00a0 We need to be making nutrition assistance more available, not less.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/reining-civil-asset-forfeiture-abuse", "Reining in Civil Asset Forfeiture Abuse", "2017-09-15", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, the House of Representatives passed an amendment Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and I introduced to rein in civil asset forfeiture abuse and passed an amendment I introduced to increase funding to help eliminate the rape kit backlog. Also this week, I supported Senator Bernie Sanders\u2019 (I-VT) Medicare For All Act, I introduced a bill with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to protect job-seekers from credit-based discrimination, I was featured on a CBS This Morning story about the safety risks of shrinking airline seats, I released a statement on the recent natural disasters across the country, and commemorated the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tReining in Civil Asset Forfeiture Abuse  Helping to Eliminate the Rape Kit Backlog  Supporting Medicare For All  Protecting Job Seekers from Credit-Based Discrimination  Fighting the Safety Risks of Shrinking Airplane Seats  Keeping Those Affected by Recent Natural Disasters in My Thoughts  Commemorating the 16th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks  Objecting to the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration  Bringing Congress to your Corner  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tReining in Civil Asset Forfeiture Abuse\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment that Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and I introduced to rein in the federal government\u2019s power to seize private property without due process. The amendment prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the Department of Justice\u2019s recently announced expansion of civil asset forfeiture, which reversed a previous ban on the practice of adoptive seizures. Read more\u00a0here. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tHelping to Eliminate the Rape Kit Backlog\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed my amendment to include an additional $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2018 House appropriations package for the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). This federal program helps local law enforcement agencies who are working to reduce their backlogs of untested rape kits. This is the third time since 2014 that the House has approved an amendment that I have offered to increase funding for this program. Altogether, these amendments have increased annual funding by 36%. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tSupporting Medicare For All\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Medicare For All Act to expand the federal Medicare program for all Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of the House companion to this bill, introduced earlier this year by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI). I have cosponsored this bill since coming to Congress in 2007, and I will continue to advocate for Medicare for all Americans.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tProtecting Job Seekers from Credit-Based Discrimination\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and I introduced the Equal Employment for All Act to protect job seekers from unfair discrimination from employers based on credit ratings that are often inaccurate and bear little to no correlation to job performance or ability to succeed in the workplace. The legislation would protect prospective employees from being forced to disclose their credit history as part of an employer\u2019s application process. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tFighting the Safety Risks of Shrinking Airplane Seats\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, CBS This Morning ran a story in which I was featured about the potential safety risks of shrinking airplane seats. Earlier this year, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and I introduced a bipartisan bill 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. I am pleased our bill has been included as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill in the House. Watch the CBS story\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tKeeping Those Affected by Recent Natural Disasters in My Thoughts\n\t\t\t\tMy thoughts go out to the people affected by Hurricane Irma in Florida and across the Southeast, as they did for the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana and the people affected by massive wildfires in the West. These victims have experienced suffering, loss of property and, in some cases, loss of life. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tCommemorating the 16th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks\n\t\t\t\tMonday was the 16th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. September 11th is a time to remember the victims who tragically lost their lives, as well as the heroism of first responders who risked their lives on September 11 and the subsequent days, weeks and months at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tObjecting to the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLast week, my Democratic colleagues and I walked out of a House Judiciary Committee meeting because of Chairman Bob Goodlatte\u2019s (R-VA) decision to shut down debate on a Resolution of Inquiry and the lack of oversight of the Trump Administration and its ties to Russia. NowThis Politics reported on the incident. You can watch the video\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tBringing Congress to your Corner On Friday, September 29, 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave). 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. We hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here for more information.\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tSeptember is National Prostate Health Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American men. Learn more about symptoms and screening tests for prostate cancer here.\n\t\t\t\tL\u2019Shanah Tovah to those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, next week.\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/rep-cohen-sen-warren-introduce-bill-protect-job-seekers-credit-based", "Rep. Cohen, Sen. Warren Introduce Bill to Protect Job Seekers from Credit-Based Discrimination", "2017-09-14", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today introduced the Equal Employment for All Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to protect job seekers from unfair discrimination from employers based on credit ratings that are often inaccurate and bear little to no correlation to job performance or ability to succeed in the workplace. The legislation would protect prospective employees from being forced to disclose their credit history as part of an employer\u2019s application process.\n\u201cUsing a job applicant\u2019s credit history to deny employment is not just unfair, it also makes no sense because credit scores are not accurate predictors of job performance,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cWe should be doing everything in our power to help people find jobs \u2013 not hinder them. I am pleased that a consumer champion like Senator Warren has joined this fight and I look forward to working with her to pass our Equal Employment for All Act.\u201d\n\"This bill is about basic fairness -- let people compete on the merits, not on whether they already have enough money to pay all their bills. It makes no sense to make it harder for people to get jobs because of a system of credit reporting that has no correlation with job performance,\" Senator Warren said. \u201cWe also know that credit histories are riddled with errors and the recent Equifax breach makes that much more likely.\u201d\nExtensive research has shown that a family\u2019s poor credit is more often the result of medical bills or unemployment than a mark of someone\u2019s character or ability to perform in the workplace. Following the 2008 financial crisis, millions of people confronted job loss, shrinking home prices, and depreciated savings. For too many people, the fallout from the crisis also damaged their credit. Today, credit reports are not always accurate, and poor credit disproportionately targets women, minorities, and those already struggling financially. Including credit checks as part of the hiring process bars qualified workers from entering the workforce. The Equal Employment for All Act would make sure that hiring decisions are made based on an individual\u2019s skill and experience rather than credit reports. Eleven states and the City of New York already have similar laws already in place, and legislation to protect job seekers has been introduced in another 19.\nCongressman Cohen originally introduced the Equal Employment for All Act in 2009 to prohibit employers from using credit checks and bankruptcy filings in the hiring process unless the position sought requires national security clearance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-cohen-maloney-amendment-secure-additional-funding-help", "House Passes Cohen-Maloney Amendment to Secure Additional Funding to Help Eliminate Rape Kit Backlog", "2017-09-12", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed an amendment offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) to include an additional $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2018 House appropriations package for the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which helps local law enforcement agencies working to reduce their backlogs of untested rape kits.\u00a0Today\u2019s passage continues a trend of increased funding for SAKI.\u00a0 In 2015, Congressman Cohen and Congresswoman Maloney successfully offered an amendment to increase funding for SAKI by $4 million.\u00a0 In 2014, Congressman Cohen successfully offered an amendment to increase funding for SAKI by $5 million.\u00a0 If today\u2019s House-passed amendment becomes law, Congress will have increased funding from $36 million to $49 million since 2014 \u2013 a 36% increase.\n\u201cDNA analysis has been revolutionary in helping catch criminals and prevent further crimes from occurring.\u00a0 But when evidence is sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting to be tested, that means assailants are still at large and could be assaulting more victims,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0 \u201cThe backlog of untested rape kits across this country is shameful, and we need to commit the resources necessary to get them tested.\u00a0 This increased funding will help make that happen. I am grateful that our amendment was included, and I am proud to have Rep. Carolyn Maloney\u2019s support.\u201d\n\u201cLocal law enforcement agencies need federal resources to address rape kit backlogs and seek justice for survivors of sexual assault,\u201d said Congresswoman Maloney. \u201cI worked to pass the Debbie Smith Act, which has been called the most important anti-rape legislation ever signed into law, to provide substantial federal funds to help states and localities work through DNA evidence backlogs and increasing funding for SAKI will continue this much needed work. Rape kits that are sitting on shelves need to be tested and predators who walk our streets must be put behind bars. I\u2019m proud to have worked with Rep. Cohen on this amendment.\u201d\nAt its peak, the backlog reached 12,000 untested kits in Memphis alone with an estimated 400,000 sitting in evidence rooms nationwide. In 2015, Memphis received nearly $2 million from this grant program to reduce its rape kit backlog.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-walberg-cohen-amendment-rein-civil-forfeiture-abuse", "House Passes Walberg-Cohen Amendment to Rein in Civil Forfeiture Abuse", "2017-09-12", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment offered by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) that reins in the federal government\u2019s power to seize private property without due process. The amendment prohibits funding to implement the Department of Justice\u2019s recently announced expansion of civil forfeiture, which reversed a previous ban on the practice of adoptive seizures. Congressmen Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Tom McClintock (R-CA) also sponsored the bipartisan amendment.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u201cUnder current civil forfeiture law, the system is ripe for abuse and has undermined the constitutional rights of far too many Americans. We should not accept a system where the government can seize innocent people\u2019s property without charging them with a crime,\u201d said Congressman Walberg. \u201cThis bipartisan amendment takes an important step in halting the practice of adoptive seizures, protecting the rights of states and localities, and limiting some future abuses. Ultimately, Congress must cement more comprehensive reforms into law, including those called for in my bipartisan bill, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act.\u201d\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u201cI am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan amendment to stop Attorney General Sessions from implementing his recent directive to make it easier for law enforcement to seize people\u2019s property and cash. When I was the Memphis Police Legal Advisor, I saw firsthand how civil asset forfeiture could be misused, and I have been working to correct this issue since the 1990s when I was a Tennessee State Senator. In Congress, I am proud to work with Rep. Walberg on this amendment as well as bipartisan legislation to eliminate the financial incentive for these kind of forfeitures and increase the standard of proof that that prosecutors need to meet. This has been a cash register system of \u2018justice\u2019 with injuries to both law enforcement and the citizenry. Under this system, a citizen can lose property to forfeiture without ever having been arrested, much less convicted. It is past time to do away with these unfair practices,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-to-join-effort-to-force-house-vote-on-dream-act", "Cooper to Join Effort to Force House Vote on DREAM Act", "2017-09-12", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) announced today that he will join a legislative effort to force a vote on the DREAM Act, a bill that would provide a path to citizenship and permanent protection for young people who arrived in America as children.\n\u201cDREAMers are our friends and neighbors. They are hard workers and many are going to school or serving in our military,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cThey have bright futures and embody the best of America. The DREAM Act has bipartisan support, so Congress should be allowed to vote on it.\u201d\nLast week in Nashville, Rep. Cooper criticized President Trump\u2019s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unless Congress acts in six months. Former President Barack Obama started DACA after Congress failed to agree on comprehensive immigration reform, and the program has granted permits to an estimated 750,000 \u201cDREAMers,\u201d including 8,000 Tennesseans.\nTo achieve their goal of a House vote on the DREAM Act, Democrats plan to file a discharge petition later this month. A discharge petition is a legislative procedure that at least half of House members must support in order to bring a given bill to the floor for a vote. The DREAM Act discharge petition effort is being led by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-5) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1). Rep. Cooper plans to sign the discharge petition.\nRep. Cooper was the only member of Tennessee\u2019s congressional delegation to vote for the DREAM Act in 2010. A cosponsor of the DREAM Act, Rep. Cooper continues to seek a long-term legislative solution and a path to citizenship for DREAMers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-commemorates-16th-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist-attacks", "Cohen Commemorates the 16th Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks", "2017-09-11", "2017", "2017-09", "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 16th anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:\n\u201cSeptember 11th is a time for each of us to reflect on the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred 16 years ago today. We also remember the victims who tragically lost their lives, as well as the heroism of 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, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, we must remain ever-vigilant to help ensure 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/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-recent-natural-disasters-united-states", "Cohens Statement on Recent Natural Disasters in the United States", "2017-09-11", "2017", "2017-09", "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 recent natural disasters in the United States, including Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey and wildfires in the West:\n\u201cMy thoughts go out to the people affected by Hurricane Irma in Florida and across the Southeast, as they did for the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana and the people affected by massive wildfires in the West. These victims have experienced suffering, loss of property and, in some cases, loss of life. In addition to the irreplaceable human lives lost, each of these natural disasters have and will cost American taxpayers billions of dollars in cleanup, search-and-rescue and reconstruction costs. They have had an extraordinary economic and environmental impact, which I believe has been exacerbated by climate change and will only get worse in time. We should come together as a country to aid victims of natural disasters, just as the country came to the aid of Memphians during past flooding and tornado events. \nWe need stronger infrastructure and better laws to protect against flooding and prohibit building housing in flood plains. Now is not the time to cut funding for climate change research. Now is not the time to consider cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans. We should be reforming our tax structure to ensure middle- and lower-income Americans have more disposable income to stimulate the economy and the federal government has sufficient funds to respond to natural disasters and international crises without taking funding from health care and other essential life preserving programs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/opposing-president-trump-s-decision-end-daca-program", "Opposing President Trumps Decision to End the DACA Program", "2017-09-08", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I opposed President Trump\u2019s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, criticized Republicans for blocking my appropriations amendments to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and businesses, spoke with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin to reiterate my concerns about the quality of care at the Memphis VA Medical Center, objected to House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte\u2019s (R-VA) decision to shut down debate on the Trump Administration\u2019s ties to Russia, accepted the 2017 Excellence in Design Award from the Waterfront Center on behalf of Big River Crossing, and voted for an emergency disaster aid package for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on\u00a0Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\nOpposing President Trump\u2019s Decision to End the DACA Program\u00a0  Criticizing Republicans for Blocking My Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending at Trump-Owned Hotels, Resorts and Businesses\u00a0  Working with the Secretary of the VA to Fix Issues in Memphis\u00a0  Objecting to House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration\u00a0  Honoring Big River Crossing in Washington, D.C.\u00a0  Voting for a Hurricane Harvey Relief Package and to Keep the Government Open\u00a0  Bringing Congress to your Corner  The Congressional App Challenge\u00a0  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\u00a0  Quote of the Week\u00a0  Weekly Health Tip\nOpposing President Trump\u2019s Decision to End the DACA Program\nOn Tuesday, President Trump announced that he would be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay. This decision by the President is heartless, illogical and un-American. DACA is a commonsense, compassionate program that helps protect from deportation young people who were brought to the United States by no choice of their own. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\nCriticizing Republicans for Blocking My Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending at Trump-Owned Hotels, Resorts and Businesses\nOn Wednesday and\u00a0Thursday, the House Rules Committee blocked my 16 appropriations amendments to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and other Trump-owned businesses. It is shameful that Republicans are allowing Trump to profit off the Presidency. History will look back on the President\u2019s actions as brazenly in violation of our Constitution. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\nWorking with the Secretary of the VA to Fix Issues in Memphis\nYesterday, I spoke with Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Dr. David Shulkin about the unacceptably\u00a0poor care at the Memphis VA Medical Center. I invited the Secretary to come to Memphis, and I will continue to work with the Secretary to ensure that Memphis receives all federal funding, staffing and aid necessary for Memphis-area veterans to receive the care that they deserve. Read my full statement\u00a0here.\u00a0\nObjecting to House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration\nYesterday, my Democratic colleagues and I objected to the House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte\u2019s (R-VA) decision to shut down debate on a Resolution of Inquiry and the lack of oversight of the Trump Administration and its ties to Russia. What happened during the meeting was a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham. Watch my comments at the\u00a03:55mark\u00a0here.\nHonoring Big River Crossing in Washington, D.C.\nToday I was proud to accept the 2017 Excellence in Design Award from the Waterfront Center in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Big River Crossing. The Waterfront Center assists communities across the globe in making the wisest and best long-term uses of waterfront resources for maximum public benefit. The Design in Excellence award internationally recognizes developments that have catalyzed active public enjoyment of and access to a waterfront while also making civic, environmental, and educational contributions to the surrounding area and incorporating natural and historical features. 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. Read more\u00a0here.\nVoting for a Hurricane Harvey Relief Package and to Keep the Government Open\nToday, I voted for an emergency disaster aid package for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. This legislation also included a provision to raise the debt ceiling and to keep the government funded through December 15. I would like to thank House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for their work in securing this deal. My thoughts are with those in the path of Hurricane Irma in Florida this weekend.\u00a0\nBringing Congress to your Corner\u00a0 On Friday, September 29, 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave). 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. We hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe Congressional App Challenge\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or \u201capps.\u201d The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on\u00a0CongressionalAppChallenge.us\u00a0by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click\u00a0here\u00a0for more information.\nSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\nEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th\u00a0District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here.\nQuote of the Week\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District.\u00a0As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nSeptember is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Nearly one in six children in the United States is obese, putting these children at risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Read more about the effects of childhood obesity and how to combat it\u00a0here.\u00a0\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-issues-memphis-va-medical-center", "Cohens Statement on Issues at the Memphis VA Medical Center", "2017-09-07", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after reports of issues at the Memphis Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center:\n\u201cPoor care at the Memphis VA Medical Center is unacceptable. That\u2019s why last year, after the Memphis VA received one out of five stars in the VA\u2019s quality-of-care rankings, I called then-Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health David Shulkin urging him to get the very best director for the Memphis VA. At the time, the Memphis VA had gone through several interim directors and the previous permanent director transferred due to issues at the hospital. Upon becoming Secretary of the VA, Dr. Shulkin appointed David Dunning as the director of the Memphis VA Medical Center. It is my understanding that the new director has been reviewing the practices at the hospital and has begun to implement changes to improve the quality of care. Clearly more improvements are needed. I\u2019ve called the Secretary today to reiterate my concerns, and I will continue to work with the Secretary to ensure that Memphis receives all federal funding, staffing and aid necessary to ensure Memphis veterans receive the care that they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/republicans-block-cohen-amendments-prohibit-federal-spending-trump-owned", "Republicans Block Cohen Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending at Trump-Owned Businesses, Hotels & Resorts", "2017-09-06", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 The House Rules Committee tonight blocked eight of the 16 appropriations amendments offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and other Trump-owned businesses. The other eight amendments have yet to be considered by the House Rules Committee The amendments were offered to the upcoming appropriations package that is scheduled to be considered on the House floor this week.\n\u201cIt is shameful that Republicans are allowing Trump to profit off the Presidency. History will look back on the President\u2019s actions as a brazen violation of our Constitution,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe President\u2019s refusal to divest from his privately owned businesses creates a conflict of interest when steering federal spending to his resorts and other businesses. It also continues to raise serious questions about his compliance with the Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which is a vital protection against foreign governments\u2019 corrupting influence, as well as the Constitution\u2019s Domestic Emoluments Clause, which prohibits the President from receiving federal funds in excess of his official salary. The American people should have total confidence that the President is serving their interest, not his own financial enrichment.\u201d\nSpecifically, Congressman Cohen offered two amendments to each of eight upcoming appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2018: Interior & Environment; Agriculture & Rural Development; Commerce, Justice, & Science; Financial Services; Homeland Security; Labor, Health & Human Services, Education; State & Foreign Operations; and Transportation, Housing & Urban Development.\u00a0 Half of his amendments prohibit federal funds from being spent at Trump hotels and resorts.\u00a0The other half of his amendments prohibit federal funds from being spent at Trump-owned businesses identified in his financial disclosures.\nAccording to\u00a0press reports, President Trump spent 40 of his 181 full days in office \u2013 approximately 22 percent of his days in office -- at a Trump-branded golf course.\u00a0It has also been\u00a0reported\u00a0that the Secret Service has spent $73,000 on golf cart rentals at Trump properties. The secret service has said they will run out of money to protect the President by September 30.\nCongressman Cohen offered similar amendments to an appropriations package that passed the House in July, however the Republican majority blocked them from being considered on the House floor.\nCongressman Cohen is helping lead a lawsuit filed by nearly 200 Members of Congress against President Trump for allegedly violating the U.S. Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause.\u00a0 The Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits the President from accepting payments and other benefits from foreign governments without seeking and receiving Congressional authorization. More information about the lawsuit can be found\u00a0here.Congressman Cohen has announced he is drafting articles of impeachment for, among other things, potential violations of the Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause. Additional information on his impeachment announcement can be found\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-bill-would-halt-congressional-pay-if-us-defaults-on-debt", "Cooper Bill Would Halt Congressional Pay if U.S. Defaults on Debt", "2017-09-06", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 As Congress returned from its August recess and Republican majorities failed to develop a plan for funding government, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) reintroduced a bill that would stop congressional pay in case of an even bigger catastrophe: American default.\n\u201cIt\u2019s our duty in Congress to keep America strong. Risking our nation\u2019s credit rating hurts America. Members of Congress should do their jobs, not play political games,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cShutting down government is shameful. Defaulting on our debt is dangerous.\u201d\nCooper is the lead sponsor of the Stop Pay for Members Act as Congress again lumbers toward fiscal meltdown. Even as a government funding bill expires Sept. 30, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently warned that Congress must raise the debt ceiling by late September or risk federal default. Raising the debt ceiling is a parliamentary procedure that allows America to pay bills Congress is already obligated to pay.\nA veteran supporter of a bipartisan debt plan that would tackle America\u2019s toughest issues, Cooper says his bill is a needed antidote to rampant congressional misbehavior.\nJust six years ago, Congress came within hours of failing to increase the debt limit in time, leading the nation to the brink of default. Citing partisan brinksmanship and an inability to complete even basic tasks in Congress, Standard & Poor\u2019s downgraded America\u2019s credit rating as the 2011 dispute resolved itself at virtually the last minute. The U.S. Treasury issued a report in 2013 detailing the impasse\u2019s impact on the economy.\nCooper first introduced the Stop Pay for Members Act during the 2011 crisis. Two years later, Cooper reintroduced the bill during a similar breakdown, and House Republicans eventually used it as the basis of an amendment to a debt ceiling bill. The amendment passed overwhelmingly, receiving 340 votes.\nA longtime advocate for fiscal accountability, Cooper is also sponsoring the No Budget, No Pay Act, a bill that would halt congressional pay if Congress fails to pass America\u2019s budget bills on time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hot-cars-act-passes-house", "HOT CARS Act Passes House", "2017-09-06", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today celebrated House passage of critical legislation for Tennesseans that would prevent infants and toddlers from being killed or injured when unknowingly left behind in vehicles.\nCosponsored by Rep. Cooper earlier this summer and passed today as part of a larger bill, the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats (HOT CARS) Act would require the federal government to issue a final rule requiring stringent safety features in all new passenger vehicles.\nThe HOT CARS Act says each vehicle must be equipped with a reminder system to alert the driver if a passenger remains in the back seat when a vehicle is turned off. The technology is available and akin to a seat belt reminder, complete with warning sounds and flashing graphics near the speedometer.\nIn the last 19 years, at least 736 children have died of heatstroke after being left in vehicles; 25 of those deaths occurred in Tennessee, consistently placing our state in the 10 highest totals nationwide, according to NoHeatStroke.org, a program supported by the National Safety Council. This year, 36 children have suffered such a death in America, including an 11-month-old infant in Chattanooga and a 2-year-old child in Gatlinburg in July.\n\u201cI\u2019m thankful for quick House passage, and I hope the Senate follows our sense of urgency,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cSmart legislative action would help save precious lives.\u201d\nNASA engineers developed a child presence sensor in 2003, but the agency has only had one potential license, which was withdrawn. Some car seat manufacturers have installed child presence sensors on their car seats, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned against relying on these systems. To date, only General Motors has installed a Rear Seat Reminder. It is available on more than 20 vehicles and is now a standard feature on many of GM\u2019s 2017 and 2018 model vehicles.\nMore than 20 of the nation\u2019s leading public health, consumer and safety\u00a0organizations support the HOT CARS bill.\nA bipartisan effort, the HOT CARS Act was introduced by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and joined by Reps. Peter King (R-NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). Last fall Tim Ryan challenged Nancy Pelosi for Democratic Leader. Along with more than 60 other Democrats, Rep. Cooper supported Tim Ryan, saying he is part of a new generation and applauding his vision to lead House Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-s-statement-announcement-trump-administration-will-end-daca", "Cohens Statement on the Announcement that the Trump Administration will End the DACA Program", "2017-09-05", "2017", "2017-09", "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 released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to end the DACA program is heartless, illogical and un-American. DACA is a commonsense, compassionate program that helps protect from deportation young people who were brought to the United States by no choice of their own. According to the Center for American Progress, 95% of these DREAMers are currently either working or in school. The decision is not only harmful for the DREAMers, but also for America which relies on them for a more effective and productive workforce. I urge Congress to move quickly to protect these bright and talented young people who have significantly contributed to what makes America great.\u201d \nCongressman Cohen has requested to cosponsor the bipartisan, bicameral DREAM Act of 2017 to allow certain U.S.-raised immigrant youth to earn lawful permanent residence and American citizenship.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/at-news-conference-cooper-criticizes-president-s-daca-decision", "At News Conference, Cooper Criticizes Presidents DACA Decision", "2017-09-05", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHVILLE \u2013 Surrounded by DREAMers and other leaders of Nashville\u2019s vibrant immigrant community, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today criticized President Trump\u2019s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, citing the innocence, hard work and future of those affected.\n\u201cYou were brought here through no fault of your own,\u201d Rep. Cooper said this morning at Casa Azafr\u00e1n. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault you didn\u2019t have paperwork when you were 2 or 3 years old. But you\u2019ve done everything right. You\u2019re working hard in school, you have bright futures, and we want your future to be here in the United States of America. \u2026 I am thankful for your presence in this country. I am thankful for your innocence and your hard work.\u201d\nFormer President Barack Obama started DACA after Congress failed to agree on comprehensive immigration reform. The program has granted permits to an estimated 750,000 young people \u2013 known as \u201cDREAMers\u201d \u2013 who arrived in America as children. Immediately before Rep. Cooper spoke at Casa Azafr\u00e1n, President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that DACA would be terminated unless Congress acts on a legislative solution within six months.\nRep. Cooper said there was \u201cgood news\u201d and \u201chope,\u201d pointing out that Tennessee\u2019s two U.S. senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, supported comprehensive immigration reform as recently as 2013. But Rep. Cooper said the president\u2019s decision unnecessarily places innocent young people in \u201ca terrible limbo\u201d and squanders a variety of benefits America otherwise would enjoy.\n\u201cTo throw that away, as the president\u2019s policy is suggesting, would be just shooting ourselves in the foot,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cAmerica needs you.\u201d\nAs the only member of Tennessee\u2019s congressional delegation to vote for the DREAM Act in 2010, Rep. Cooper continues to favor a long-term legislative solution and a path to citizenship for DREAMers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/reaffirming-us-support-nato-and-remembering-holocaust", "Reaffirming U.S. Support for NATO and Remembering the Holocaust", "2017-09-01", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I was part of a Congressional Delegation to Eastern Europe and the Baltic Countries to reaffirm Congressional support for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and learn more about NATO\u2019s efforts to combat Russian aggression and influence in Europe. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tReaffirming U.S. Support for NATO and Remembering the Holocaust  Bringing Congress to your Corner  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tReaffirming U.S. Support for NATO and Remembering the Holocaust\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I was part of a Congressional Delegation to Eastern Europe and the Baltic Countries hosted by Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) to reaffirm Congressional support for NATO and learn more about NATOs efforts to combat Russian aggression and influence in Europe. In every discussion, whether it was with the Montenegrins, Estonians or Lithuanians, one consistent theme was to not trust Russia or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Several people in our meetings referred to Putin as having not changed since he was a mid-level KGB officer.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  Meeting with the Minister of Defense in Estonia\n\t\t\t\tIn addition to the 2016 American Presidential election, Russia has interfered in many elections in Europe, including in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Montenegro. The Russians used social media and fake news in all of these elections and always supported the anti-democracy, anti-NATO, anti-American candidate. I am proud to have introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives earlier this year with Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), who was also part of the delegation, to reaffirm U.S. support for NATO and Eastern European countries. NATO is critical to the safety and security of the United States and our European allies and to promoting democracy and stability in Europe.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  Meeting with U.S. Marines outside of the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tAt the beginning of the Congressional Delegation, we met with U.S. troops at the Grafenwoehr training facility outside of Nuremburg, Germany and in Krakow, Poland. We received briefings on U.S. involvement in NATO and on the upcoming Zapad 2017 military exercise later this month for the Russia and Belarus armed forces. NATO forces are extremely concerned about these military exercises, which will be the largest conducted by Russia since the Cold War.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWhile in Poland, we visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which was an incredibly moving experience. What the Nazis did to Jews, gays and lesbians, political opponents, people with disabilities, and others during the Holocaust was horrific. The experience was particularly chilling after seeing Neo-Nazis marching through the streets in Charlottesville, Virginia and President Trump refusing to unequivocally denounce hate groups. We should be doing everything in our power to prevent an event like the Holocaust from happening again.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  The entrance to Auschwitz. The infamous sign reads \u201cArbeit Macht Frei\u201d or \u201cWork Will Set You Free\u201d\n\t\t\t\t  Birkenau death camp\n\t\t\t\t  Wreath laid by our delegation at Auschwitz\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWhile in Vilnius, Lithuania, we met with the President of Lithuania and got her thoughts on the Zapad 2017 military exercise, President Putin and the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. I also visited the site of the Ponary massacre where 100,000 people (70,000 of whom were Jewish) were gunned down by the Nazis during the Holocaust.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  Meeting with the President of Lithuania\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  Memorial commemorating the Ponary Massacre\n\t\t\t\tAs we travelled through the Baltic Counties, they all mentioned that they would like to see an increased American presence in the region to help counter the increasing influence of Russia. We visited with a platoon of American troops at the Tapa Army Base in Estonia. One of the soldiers was from Clarksville, TN and another from Murfreesboro, TN. We also met with NATO cybersecurity officials and Estonian intelligence officials on Russian cyber threats.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t  Holocaust Memorial in Kaunas, LithuaniaBringing Congress to your CornerOn Friday, September 29, 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold \u201cCongress on your Corner\u201d office hours at the North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave). 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. We hope you can make it.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tIt is almost time to get your flu vaccinations for the 2017-2018 flu season. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued their recommendations for this season. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tI hope you were able to stay out of the rain and Go 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/in-the-news/tennessee-needs-start-over-tennessee-promise", "Tennessee needs to start over with Tennessee Promise", "2017-08-28", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New York Times columnist David Leonhardt recently highlighted the current trend to focus on vocational training as a cure-all for job preparedness, student debt and poor matriculation.\nAs Leonhardt points out, vocational education may be beneficial in the short term but the long-term prospect will leave workers out in the cold. Leonhardt states, \u201cVocational education, done right, helps workers find jobs when they are young. But as they age \u2014 and job requirements change \u2014 workers are often not well prepared for the changes, according to the study, published in The Journal of Human Resources. Rather than retraining workers, many companies decide to let them go and hire other workers.\u201d\nLeonhardt emphasizes vocational training should not come at the expense of general education. He recommends prioritizing and expanding efforts to increase four-year college graduates who receive a \u201cbroad, flexible education\u201d who will have a much better chance in the job market and will be able to adapt to market changes.\nLeonhardt\u2019s points are applicable to the Tennessee Promise program.\u00a0Gov. Bill Haslam and former Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd touted Promise as a panacea for joblessness and as \u201cfree\u201d or \u201cfound\u201d money because taxes were not raised to fund it.\u00a0 However, the price tag is very high for students who have shown the academic skills and work ethic to receive the Tennessee HOPE scholarship and succeed in receiving a four-year college degree.\nHOPE scholarships were reduced from $4,000 to $3,500 per year for freshmen and sophomores and the Aspire Award for students whose family income is $36,000 or less was cut from $3,000 per year to $2,250.\u00a0The HOPE and Aspire scholarships will never increase again as all future lottery revenue growth has been directed to Promise, reducing the HOPE scholarship to a stipend as tuitions rise.\nPromise recipients have five semesters to complete the two-year program so graduation rates for the first class are not yet available.\u00a0Still, some indicators are very discouraging.\nLess than 5 percent of the 1,300 students at Southwest Community College who began Promise two years ago completed the program.\u00a0In a May 2016 Tennessean story, Promise-architect Mike Krause, now executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, admitted that the significant number of Promise drop outs were academically unprepared for college. Conversely, the HOPE scholarship program has high retention and graduation rates because students arrive prepared for college, having worked to earn the scholarship in the first place.\nPromise, designed for students coming straight from high school, does not target the blue-collar group most in need of help.\nStanford professor\u00a0Eric Hanushek, a researcher of The Journal of Human Resources study,\u00a0recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal that\u00a0\u201cThe largest problem of skills in the U.S. today isn\u2019t a shortage of young workers with specific competencies.\u00a0Instead it is a need for more general cognitive skills that give workers the ability to adapt to new circumstances and new jobs.\u201d\nTennessee needs to go back to the drawing board with Promise and consider the data in the study.\u00a0 Long term planning is essential for workers to have opportunities for good-paying jobs.\u00a0 Students with the aptitude and will to succeed should be rewarded with HOPE scholarships that reflect rising tuition so they do not graduate with crippling debt.\nAll tuition assistance programs should teach skills that are flexible and give people the tools needed to retain good-paying jobs throughout their working years.\nSteve Cohen, D-Memphis, represents District 9 in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a former state legislator, Cohen worked to create the Tennessee Education Lottery that funds the HOPE Scholarship.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-reacts-president-trump-s-pardon-joe-arpaio", "Congressman Cohen Reacts to President Trumps Pardon of Joe Arpaio", "2017-08-26", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Cohen Reacts to President Trump\u2019s Pardon of Joe Arpaio  \n\t\u00a0\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following reaction to President Trump\u2019s pardon of former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.\n\u201cPresident Trump's pardoning of Joe Arpaio isn't just bad, it's dangerous. The President continues to show a callous disregard for the independence of our federal judiciary,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u00a0\u201cEven worse, he did so in defense of a man who had been criminally convicted of failing to follow a court order in connection with a lawsuit involving racial profiling. \u00a0This was not only a terrible decision, but if reports are accurate that he did not consult the Department of Justice, it was also done incredibly irresponsibly. Presidents have a duty to consult professionals and experts before taking action. \u00a0Authoritarianism always starts with attacks on the press and the judiciary.\u00a0 We must guard against these kind of attacks against democracy.\u00a0 The rule of law is one of our basic precepts. \u00a0We fought a revolution to place the law above men.\u00a0 By pardoning the former sheriff, the President has once again abused his authority and divided our nation.\u00a0 I will be reviewing the President\u2019s action with my Judiciary Committee colleagues to determine how best to address it.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-us-navy-sailors-uss-mccain-tragedy", "Congressman Cohen Remembers the U.S. Navy Sailors of the USS McCain Tragedy", "2017-08-25", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Cohen Remembers the U.S. Navy Sailors of the USS McCain Tragedy\n2 U.S. Navy Sailors Died in Accident Off the Coast of Singapore, 8 Missing as Navy Suspends Search-and-Rescue\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) spoke in remembrance today of the two deceased and eight missing U.S. Navy sailors of the USS John S. McCain tragedy. The ten sailors were serving aboard the USS John S. McCain when it collided with a merchant ship near Singapore on August 21, 2017.\n\u201cI was saddened to learn that the United States Navy suspended its search-and-rescue operations for the eight missing sailors of the USS John McCain,\u201d said Congressman Cohen, \u201cand to learn of the deaths of two other Navy sailors aboard the ship, Kenneth Aaron Smith and Dustin Louis Doyon. These Americans died serving our country and serving each other in camaraderie as shipmates. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent people in the United States Navy at the Millington Naval Base. I am thankful for their service and for the brave efforts of the sailors of the USS John S. McCain, who gave their lives in service to their country. \nThe USS John S. McCain, a missile-guided destroyer named in honor of United States Senator John S. McCain\u2019s father and grandfather, both of whom were admirals in the U.S. Navy, was passing east of the Strait of Malacca on its way to Singapore when it collided with a merchant vessel. You can learn more about the victims in a New York Times article here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-amendments-prohibit-federal-spending-trump", "Congressman Cohen Introduces Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending  at Trump-Owned Hotels, Resorts, and other Trump-owned Businesses", "2017-08-23", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nContact: Michael Eisenstatt  \n\t202.225.3265  \n\tAugust 23, 2017\u00a0\u00a0\n  \n Congressman Cohen Introduces Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending\n\tat Trump-Owned Hotels, Resorts, and other Trump-owned Businesses  \n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen, who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today introduced a series of 16 appropriations amendments to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and other Trump-owned businesses.\u00a0 The amendments were offered to an upcoming appropriations package that is scheduled to be considered on the House floor in September.\n\u201cCongress should not allow the President to use his office to profit himself and his family,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\u00a0 \u201cThe President\u2019s refusal to divest from his privately owned businesses creates a conflict of interest when steering federal spending to his resorts and other businesses.\u201d\nAccording to press reports, President Trump spent 40 of his 181 full days in office \u2013 approximately 22 percent of his days in office -- at a Trump-branded golf course.\u00a0 It has also been reported that the Secret Service has spent $73,000 on golf cart rentals at Trump properties.\n\u201cThe President\u2019s refusal to divest also continues to raise serious questions about his compliance with the Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which is a vital protection against foreign governments\u2019 corrupting influence.\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\nThe Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits the President from accepting payments and other benefits from foreign governments without seeking and receiving Congressional authorization.\n\u201cThe American people should have total confidence that the President is serving their interest, not his own financial enrichment.\u00a0 President Trump\u2019s refusal to disclose information to Congress or seek Congress\u2019s authorization for accepting profits from foreign governments stemming from his sprawling foreign financial interests is a brazen violation of the Constitution and a danger to our democracy.\u201d\u00a0\nSpecifically, Congressman Cohen offered 2 amendments to each of 8 upcoming appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2018: Interior & Environment; Agriculture and Rural Development; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; State and Foreign Operations; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.\u00a0 Half of his amendments prohibit federal funds from being spent at Trump hotels and resorts.\u00a0The other half of his amendments prohibit federal funds from being spent at Trump-owned businesses identified in his financial disclosures. A link to the text of these amendments will be posted when it becomes available.\nCongressman Cohen offered similar amendments to an appropriations package that passed the House in July, however the Republican majority blocked them from being considered on the House floor.\u00a0\nCongressman Cohen is helping lead a lawsuit filed by nearly 200 Members of Congress against President Trump for allegedly violating the U.S. Constitution\u2019s foreign emoluments clause.\u00a0 More information about the lawsuit can be found here.Last week, Congressman Cohen announced he is drafting articles of impeachment for, among other things, potential violations of the Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause. Additional information on his impeachment announcement can be found here. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0\n***", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-opposes-increased-presence-afghanistan", "Cohen Opposes an Increased Presence in Afghanistan", "2017-08-21", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cohen Opposes an Increased Presence in Afghanistan\u00a0 \n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) responded today to President Trump\u2019s announcement to increase U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.\n\u201cIt has been said that, \u201cAfghanistan is the graveyard of empires.\u201d Alexander the Great, the British Empire and the Soviet Union were all met with crushing military defeats in Afghanistan.\u201d, said Cohen. \u201cAfter sixteen years of war we have not made great progress because there have been issues of corruption in the Afghan Government and the Afghan people are ambivalent towards their government and towards the eventual outcome of the war. The President\u2019s nuanced speech did not contain any element that makes me believe that we will be successful in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with the soldiers who were watching tonight\u2019s speech and their fellow soldiers, some of whom will sacrifice their lives in what is a war without a likelihood of success. God bless our American troops.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-introduce-articles-impeachment-against-president", "Ranking Member Cohen to Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald Trump After Comments on Charlottesville", "2017-08-17", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Michael Eisenstatt  \n\t202.225.3265  \n\tAugust 17, 2017\n\u00a0\u00a0\nRanking Member Cohen to Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald Trump After Comments on Charlottesville \n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today announced that he will be introducing articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump following the President\u2019s comments on the horrific events in Charlottesville, Virginia.\n\u201cI have expressed great concerns about President Trump\u2019s ability to lead our country in the Resolution of No Confidence (H.Res. 456) that I introduced in July with 29 of my colleagues; however, after the President\u2019s comments on Saturday, August 12 and again on Tuesday, August 15 in response to the horrific events in Charlottesville, I believe the President should be impeached and removed from office. Instead of unequivocally condemning hateful actions by neo-Nazis, white nationalists and Klansmen following a national tragedy, the President said \u2018there were very fine people on both sides.\u2019 There are no good Nazis. There are no good Klansmen.\u201d \n\u201cWe fought a World War to defeat Nazis, and a Civil War to defeat the Confederacy.\u00a0 In reaction to the downfall of the Confederacy, and the subsequent passage of the Reconstruction Amendments to our constitution, the KKK embarked on a dastardly campaign to terrorize and intimidate African Americans from exercising their newly acquired civil rights.\u00a0 Subsequent incarnations of the Klan continued to terrorize African Americans with lynchings and civil rights murders such as the assassination of Medgar Evers and the killings of Schwerner, Chaney, Goodman and other civil rights workers.\u201d\n\u201cWhen I watched the videos from the protests in Charlottesville, it reminded me of the videos I\u2019ve seen of Kristallnacht in 1938 in Nazi Germany. It appeared that the Charlottesville protesters were chanting \u2018Jews will not replace us\u2019 and \u2018blood and soil,\u2019 an infamous Nazi slogan, as they marched with torches that conjured up images of Klan rallies. None of the marchers spewing such verbiage could be considered \u2018very fine people\u2019 as the President suggested. And it certainly appeared the participants were in lock-step. Some of the white nationalist protesters were interviewed by the media, such as Sean Patrick Nielsen. He said one of his three reasons for being there was \u2018killing Jews.\u2019 Another was Christopher Cantwell, one of the white nationalist leaders, who said he couldn\u2019t watch \u2018that Kushner bastard walk around with that beautiful girl\u2019 and said he hoped \u2018somebody like Donald Trump, but who does not give his daughter to a Jew,\u2019 would lead this country. As a Jew and as an American and as a representative of an African American district, I am revolted by the fact that the President of the United States couldn\u2019t stand up and unequivocally condemn Nazis who want to kill Jews and whose predecessors murdered 6 million Jews during the Holocaust, and could not unequivocally condemn Klansmen whose organization is dedicated to terrorizing African Americans. \n\u201cPresident Trump has failed the presidential test of moral leadership. No moral president would ever shy away from outright condemning hate, intolerance and bigotry. No moral president would ever question the values of Americans protesting in opposition of such actions, one of whom was murdered by one of the white nationalists. Senator John McCain rightfully tweeted this week that there was \u2018no moral equivalency between racists and Americans standing up to defy hate.\u2019 Senator Marco Rubio tweeted, \u201cVery important for the nation to hear @potus describe events in #Charlottesville for what they are, a terror attack by #whitesupremacists.\u201d President Trump has shown time and time again that he lacks the ethical and moral rectitude to be President of the United States. Not only has he potentially obstructed justice and potentially violated the Constitution\u2019s Foreign Emoluments Clause, but he has also shown that he is incapable or unwilling to protect Americans from enemies, foreign and domestic. Neo-Nazis and the KKK are domestic terrorists. If the President can\u2019t recognize the difference between these domestic terrorists and the people who oppose their anti-American attitudes, then he cannot defend us.\u201d\nMartin Niem\u00f6ller, a prominent Protestant pastor who was an outspoken critic of Adolph Hitler, said: \n\u00a0\nFirst they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out\u2014\n\tBecause I was not a Socialist.  \n\t\u00a0\nThen they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out\u2014\u00a0\n\tBecause I was not a Trade Unionist.  \n\t\u00a0\nThen they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out\u2014\n\tBecause I was not a Jew.  \n\t\u00a0\nThen they came for me\u2014and there was no one left to speak for me.  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cThey have come for me, and for the majority of my Congressional constituency. Accordingly, I must speak out today after what happened on Saturday and our President\u2019s subsequent response. It is morally and legally incumbent upon me, based on my oath of office, to introduce articles of impeachment.\u201d\u00a0 \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-urges-dhs-and-doj-devote-more-resources-combat-domestic-terrorism", "Cohen Urges DHS and DOJ to Devote More Resources to Combat Domestic Terrorism by White Supremacists Following the Events in Charlottesville", "2017-08-15", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2014 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke and Attorney General Jeff Sessions urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reestablish the Extremism and Radicalization Branch of the Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division and requesting an update from DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on how each Department is apportioning resources to ensure that they are commensurate with the risk posed by white supremacists and other hate groups acting as domestic terrorists. A PDF of Congressman Cohen\u2019s letter can be found here.\nCongressman Cohen raised this issue with then-Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson at a House Judiciary Committee hearing in 2015. You can read the questions and answers here.\n\u00a0\nAugust 15, 2017\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Elaine Duke\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Jeff Sessions\nActing Secretary\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Attorney General\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Department of Justice\n3801 Nebraska Ave., NW\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW\nWashington, D.C. 20528\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, DC 20530\n\u00a0\nDear Acting Secretary Duke and Attorney General Sessions:\nThe recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia is a chilling reminder of threats posed by white supremacists and other hate groups.\u00a0 According to Attorney General Sessions, the fatal car attack met the definition of domestic terrorism.[1]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe number of incidents involving domestic terrorism in recent years has far exceeded the number of incidents inspired by a violent interpretation of Islam.\u00a0 In 2015, the New York Times reported that since September 11, 2001, \u201cnearly twice as many people have been killed by white supremacists, antigovernment fanatics and other non-Muslim extremists than by radical Muslims.\u201d[2]\u00a0 Other analyses have found similar results.[3] [4]\nDespite this, questions persist about the amount of resources that are being devoted to detect and disrupt domestic terrorist plots by white supremacists and other hate groups as compared to plots inspired by a violent interpretation of Islam.\u00a0 For example, following conservative pushback against its 2009 report on the rise of extremism, the Department of Homeland Security disbanded the Extremism and Radicalization Branch of the Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division, and reduced the number of personnel studying domestic terrorism unrelated to Islam.[5]\u00a0\nIf anything, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice should be redoubling their efforts to address domestic terrorism.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI urge the Department of Homeland Security to reestablish the Extremism and Radicalization Branch of the Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division, and in the meantime, I would appreciate an update from each of you as to how each of your Departments are apportioning resources to ensure that they are commensurate with the risk posed by white supremacists and other hate groups acting as domestic terrorists.\nAs\u00a0always, I remain,\nMost sincerely,\n\u00a0\nSteve Cohen\nMember of Congress\n1\u00a0https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/08/14/was-the-charlottesville-car-attack-domestic-terrorism-a-hate-crime-or-both/?utm_term=.ff5d7f67cd4a\n2 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/us/tally-of-attacks-in-us-challenges-perceptions-of-top-terror-threat.html?_r=0\n3 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/domestic-terrorism-white-supremacists-islamist-extremists_us_594c46e4e4b0da2c731a84df\n4 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/terrorism-right-wing-america-muslims-islam-white-supremacists-study-a7805831.html\n5 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/homeland-security-department-curtails-home-grown-terror-analysis/2011/06/02/AGQEaDLH_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.3f2be74c6891", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hosting-town-hall-meeting", "Hosting a Town Hall Meeting", "2017-08-11", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I hosted a town hall meeting at the Burton Callicott Auditorium at the Memphis College of Art, honored Korean War hero Private Edward O. Clearborn, had an educational lunch with former moderator of NBC\u2019s Meet the Press Marvin Kalb, spoke to the Memphis Retired Teachers Association, taped two upcoming TV appearances in Memphis, and remembered country music legend Glen Campbell. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tHosting a Town Hall Meeting  Honoring Private Edward O. Cleaborn  Meeting with Marvin Kalb  Speaking at the Memphis Retired Teachers Association Meeting  Upcoming Appearances on TV in Memphis  Remembering Glen Campbell   Update on My NowThis Video  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tHosting a Town Hall Meeting\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Saturday, I hosted a town hall meeting at the Burton Callicott Auditorium at the Memphis College of Art. I appreciated having this opportunity to listen to the Ninth District\u2019s perspective on a variety of issues facing our community. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the democratic process last weekend by attending the town hall meeting in person as well as those who tuned in on Facebook Live. I would also like to thank Dr. Art Sutherland and Dr. Roger LaBonte for joining me in answering your questions about health care. I know there has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding this issue as Republicans attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. In case you missed it, you can watch the full town hall meeting\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tHonoring Private Edward O. Cleaborn\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAugust 15th is \u201cPrivate Edward O. Cleaborn Day\u201d in Memphis. I was proud to help secure a HOPE VI federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to renovate the Clearborn Apartments in Memphis and ensure the apartments remained named after this Korean War hero.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tEdward Obern Cleaborn entered the Army on February 13, 1950 at the age of 17 because \u201che couldn\u2019t find a job.\u201d On August 15, 1950, near Kuri, Korea, Private Cleaborn and the 34th All Negro GI Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division attacked a ridge on which the enemy was occupying. His platoon was pinned down almost immediately by machine-gun fire. Private Cleaborn killed the machine gun crews and other enemy troops who attempted to re-man the guns. Far East Command Headquarters said, \u201cCleaborn single-handedly wiped out red-gun crews threatening his unit.\u201d Disregarding burns on his hands from continuous firing, Private Cleaborn remained on the ridge to cover his platoon\u2019s withdrawal and permit the evacuation of the wounded. He continued firing from this position, thus denying the enemy access to adjacent higher ground, until he was mortally wounded.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tFor his heroism, Private Edward O. Cleaborn was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman\u2019s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and posthumously the Distinguished Service Cross.\n\t\t\t\tThe annual memorial in Memphis in his honor will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 2pm-6pm at the Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing (440 S. Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN 38126).\n\t\t\t\tMeeting with Marvin Kalb\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I had the privilege of having an educational lunch with Marvin Kalb, one of the greatest journalists and a former moderator of NBC\u2019s Meet the Press. Mr. Kalb and I discussed President Trump, North Korea, Richard Nixon, Congress, authoritarianism, the state of the freedom of the press, and our Jewish heritage.\n\t\t\t\tSpeaking at the Memphis Retired Teachers Association Meeting\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I spoke to the Memphis Retired Teachers Association. I gave them an update on health care, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, tax reform and efforts on education in Congress.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tUpcoming Appearances on TV in Memphis\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTonight at 7pm CT, I\u2019ll be on WKNO\u2019s Behind the Lines where I\u2019ll discuss tax reform, health care and President Trump with Bill Dries of Memphis Daily News and WKNO host Eric Barnes. On Sunday at 9am CT, I\u2019ll be on Local 24\u2019s This Week with Brandon Artiles to discuss health care, President Trump, North Korea and other issues affecting Memphis.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tRemembering Glen Campbell \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, country music legend Glen Campbell passed away from Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Glen and his family courageously carried a message about Alzheimer\u2019s and its costs to his fans through his farewell tour. He was a great singer/songwriter and spirit. My thoughts are with him and his family.\n\t\t\t\tUpdate on My NowThis Video\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMy video posted by NowThis Politics has now been viewed over 3 million times, has more than 73,000 likes, more than 54,400 shares, and more than 5,800 comments. I also gained more than 5,000 new followers on Twitter. Follow me on Twitter at\u00a0@RepCohen. In case you missed the video, you can watch it\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tIn light of the tense situation in North Korea, the quote this week comes from Albert Einstein:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tAlthough there is no cure for Alzheimer\u2019s Disease, there are certain steps you can take to help treat and care for your loved ones who have been diagnosed and allow them to live a more comfortable life. Learn more about Alzheimer\u2019s Disease and what steps can be taken here.\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/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hosting-town-hall-meeting-saturday", "Hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday", "2017-08-04", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I appeared on WREG\u2019s Live at 9 to discuss health care, President Trump and promote my town hall meeting tomorrow, celebrated National Night Out by attending programs around the city, attended the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Tennessee Headquarters Centennial Celebration, participated in a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) town hall meeting on mental health, and spoke at the Frayser Exchange Club meeting. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen. \nHosting a Town Hall Meeting on SaturdayCelebrating National Night OutAttending the COGIC Tennessee Headquarters Centennial CelebrationParticipating in a NAMI Mental Health Town HallSpeaking at the Frayser Exchange Meeting Sign Up for My New Grants E-NewsletterQuote of the WeekWeekly Health Tip\nHosting a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday\nTomorrow at 10 AM, I will be hosting a town hall meeting at the Burton Callicott Auditorium at the Memphis College of Art (1930 Poplar Ave.). I know health care is on the forefront of many peoples' minds, and I look forward to discussing the important issues that matter most to you. More details\u00a0here. I was on WREG Live at 9 this morning to discuss health care, President Trump and promote the town hall. You can watch the segment\u00a0here.\nCelebrating National Night Out\nOn Tuesday, I attended several different Memphis neighborhood association events to celebrate National Night Out. 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. I was pleased to meet former Memphis State Tigers point guard Andre Turner, the Little General, and his family (pictured above). Go Tigers!\nAttending the COGIC Tennessee Headquarters Centennial Celebration\nOn Monday, I congratulated Bishop David Hall, Sr., Mother Geraldine Miller, and members of Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on the Tennessee Jurisdictional Headquarters 100th Anniversary at Pentecostal Temple. I was on the Don Imus radio show in June, and I told him we shared a mutual friend, the late Bishop G.E. Patterson. Bishop Patterson was the Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of COGIC. I want to thank COGIC for filling the physical, emotional, and most importantly spiritual needs in Memphis.\u00a0\u00a0\nParticipating in a NAMI Mental Health Town Hall\nOn Thursday, I participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Memphis Affiliate town hall meeting on mental health issues. At the town hall, we discussed the Affordable Care Act and mental health legislation before Congress. I was joined at the meeting by State Representative Johnnie Turner, NAMI President Dr. John Tetzeli, NAMI Vice President Yvonne Osbourne and other members of NAMI Memphis Chapter\u2019s board.\nSpeaking at the Frayser Exchange Club Meeting \nOn Thursday, I spoke at the Frayser Exchange Club weekly meeting at Impact Baptist Church. During the meeting, I gave attendees a legislative update on health care, protecting our democracy from Russia and President Trump and supporting the Democrats\u2019 new Better Deal economic agenda to bring jobs to Memphis.\nSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\nEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\nQuote of the Week\nIn honor of Saturday\u2019s town hall \u2013 a viral response from Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA)\u2019s town hall:\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nAugust is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines are critical to keeping children and adults safe from a myriad of life-threatening diseases. Learn more about the importance of vaccines\u00a0here.\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-and-ross-reintroduce-bipartisan-housing-accountability-act", "Cohen and Ross Reintroduce the Bipartisan Housing Accountability Act", "2017-07-28", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) today reintroduced the Housing Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill 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. In 2015, local and federal investigations 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 January.\n\u201cI was very disturbed by the deplorable living conditions many Memphians 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. Our 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) is a faith-based non-profit organization located in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2015, 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/chastising-house-judiciary-republicans-squelching-voice-minority", "Chastising House Judiciary Republicans for Squelching the Voice of the Minority", "2017-07-28", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I chastised House Judiciary Republicans for squelching the voice of the minority party, announced that I would be hosting a town hall meeting on Saturday, August 5, inquired about the President potentially violating the Constitution\u2019s foreign emoluments clause, cosponsored a resolution disapproving of President Trump firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, hosted a bipartisan forum on the freedom of the press, met with the Washington Post\u2019s Bob Woodward, introduced a bipartisan bill to hold owners of low-income housing accountable for poor living conditions, spoke in support of a bill to create a network on civil rights monuments and memorials, sent a letter to the acting ICE Director expressing my concerns about the recent ICE raids in Memphis, and spoke at a Biomedical Research Caucus briefing on Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tChastising House Judiciary Republicans for Squelching the Voice of the Minority  Hosting a Town Hall Meeting  Inquiring About President Trump\u2019s Potential Acceptance of Foreign Emoluments  Cosponsoring a Resolution Disapproving of Any Attempt by President Trump to Fire Robert Mueller  Hosting a Bipartisan Forum on the Freedom of the Press  Meeting with the Washington Post\u2019s Bob Woodward  Holding Property Owners of Low-Income Housing Accountable for Poor Living Conditions  Supporting a Network of Civil Rights Monuments  Seeking Answers About the ICE Raids in Memphis  Speaking at the Biomedical Research Caucus Briefing on Alzheimer\u2019s Disease  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tChastising House Judiciary Republicans for Squelching the Voice of the Minority\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I spoke in support of a Resolution of Inquiry offered by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) to seek answers concerning President Trump\u2019s firing of FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Jeff Sessions' role therein. Instead of allowing this resolution to be debated, the Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee introduced an amendment to replace the resolution\u2019s language with new language that would, instead, seek information relating to old gripes about Hillary Clinton. The Majority disgustingly squelched the voice of the Minority. Watch my speech during the Committee meeting\u00a0here and my subsequent speech on the House floor\u00a0here. NowThis Politics also posted a video about my speech that you can watch\u00a0here. The video has over 600,000 views on Facebook and my speech has gone viral on Twitter.\n\t\t\t\tHosting a Town Hall Meeting\n\t\t\t\tOn Saturday, August 5 at 10 AM, I will be hosting a town hall meeting at the Burton Callicott Auditorium at the Memphis College of Art (1930 Poplar Ave.). I know health care is on the forefront of many peoples' minds, and I look forward to discussing the important issues that matter most to you. More details\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tInquiring About President Trump\u2019s Potential Acceptance of Foreign Emoluments\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, I spoke in support of a Resolution of Inquiry offered by Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) that would seek government communications related to the lease of the Old Post Office Building (now the Trump International Hotel) in Washington, DC. The President accepting money through his hotel from foreign governments as part of an effort to curry favor with him by staying at his hotel is potentially an unconstitutional violation of the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause. We can\u2019t let President Trump and his family con the American people. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tCosponsoring a Resolution Disapproving of Any Attempt to Fire Robert Mueller\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I was proud to stand with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) in cosponsoring her resolution disapproving of any attempt by President Trump to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller or abuse his pardon power. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tHosting a Bipartisan Forum on the Freedom of the Press\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), Congressman Mark Sanford (R-SC) and I hosted a bipartisan forum on the state of press freedoms in 21st century America. You can watch the forum\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tMeeting with the Washington Post\u2019s Bob Woodward\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I had the privilege of meeting with the Washington Post\u2019s Bob Woodward, the journalist famous for uncovering the Watergate Scandal during the Nixon Administration. Bob and I had a long discussion about the current political climate in our country.\n\t\t\t\tHolding Property Owners of Low-Income Housing Accountable for Poor Living Conditions\n\t\t\t\tToday, Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) and I reintroduced the Housing Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill to hold property owners of low-income housing accountable for poor living conditions. I was very disturbed by the deplorable living conditions many Memphians experienced at the Global Ministries Foundation (GMF) properties of Warren and Tulane Apartments. Read\u00a0more.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tSupporting a Network of Civil Rights Monuments\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 1927, the African American Civil Rights Network Act. This bill would establish a network of sites around the country that commemorate and honor the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the soldiers of the movement who fought for justice and equal rights. Watch\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tSeeking Answers About the ICE Raids in Memphis\n\t\t\t\tToday, in light of the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Memphis, I sent a letter to ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan expressing my concern and seeking more information about how and why the raids were conducted, as well as ICE\u2019s justification for who was targeted. Read the letter\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tSpeaking at the Biomedical Research Caucus Briefing on Alzheimer\u2019s Disease \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I introduced MIT Professor Dr. Li-Huei Tsai at a Biomedical Research Caucus briefing entitled, \u201cShining a Light on the Treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease.\u201d As co-chair of the caucus, I have continuously advocated for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find cures and treatments for diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in August 2013\u2026.some things never change.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tToday, the FDA announced that it planned to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes in an attempt to curb addiction. Learn more about the harms of smoking and how you can quit here.\u00a0\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://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-senate-republicans-health-care-vote", "Cooper Statement on Senate Republicans Health Care Vote", "2017-07-25", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to advance legislation that would undermine health care coverage for millions of Americans:\n\u201cThe Senate has, until now, been known as the thoughtful, deliberative house of Congress. Republican senators just voted to advance consideration of multiple health care plans that have received no hearings, but will reorder one-sixth of our economy and throw millions of people off of their health insurance,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cSo today marks a dramatic change in our history. It\u2019s shameful. I ask Tennesseans to continue to engage with their representatives and senators. All Americans deserve affordable health care that works and that doesn\u2019t bankrupt our country or our families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/introducing-resolution-no-confidence-president-donald-trump", "Introducing a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald Trump", "2017-07-21", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I introduced a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald Trump, participated in a forum on voting rights, questioned Department of Transportation officials on school bus safety, assisted Ninth District residents with problems with federal agencies at my monthly Congress on Your Corner office hours, honored Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on the House floor, congratulated Memphian Rachel Heck on her performance at the U.S. Women\u2019s Open Golf Tournament, and welcomed Team Memphis basketball team to my Washington, DC office. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen. \nIntroducing a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald TrumpParticipating in a Forum on Voting Rights and Privacy Concerns Under the Pence-Kobach Commission Questioning DOT Officials on School Bus SafetyBringing Congress to Your CornerHonoring Senator John McCainCongratulating Rachel Heck on Her Performance at the U.S. Women\u2019s OpenWelcoming Team Memphis to Washington Sign Up for My New Grants E-NewsletterQuote of the WeekWeekly Health Tip\nIntroducing a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald Trump\nOn Wednesday, I introduced H.Res. 456, a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald Trump. My resolution, which has the support of 29 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, details President Trump\u2019s unacceptable behavior as President and expresses a lack of confidence in his service. On Wednesday morning, I held a press conference with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), to introduce the resolution. You can watch the press conference\u00a0here. You can read more about my resolution\u00a0here.\u00a0\n  From Left to Right: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)\nParticipating in a Forum on Voting Rights and Privacy Concerns Under the Pence-Kobach Commission \nOn Tuesday, I participated in a forum hosted by the House Judiciary Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus on voting rights and privacy concerns under the Pence-Kobach Commission, the commission created by President Trump to investigate unsubstantiated claims of mass voter fraud in the 2016 Presidential election. I was proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act, which would fully restore and modernize the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 to reflect today\u2019s societal needs and challenges. You can watch the forum\u00a0here and\u00a0here.\u00a0\nQuestioning DOT Officials on School Bus Safety\u00a0\nOn Tuesday, during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing, I questioned safety officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation about school bus safety and contracting oversight issues for bus drivers that may have contributed to the deaths of school-aged children in Chattanooga, TN and Baltimore, MD in November 2016. Watch my remarks\u00a0here. Read more\u00a0here.\nBringing Congress to Your Corner\nToday, my staff and I were at the Parkway Village Library for our \u201cCongress on Your Corner\u201d office hours to assist Ninth District residents with questions or problems with federal agencies and benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. For more information about future Congress on Your Corners, visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov.\u00a0\nHonoring Senator John McCain\nOn Wednesday, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) announced that he was diagnosed with brain cancer.\u00a0 Senator McCain is a true American hero who served our country in Vietnam, in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. I urge everyone to keep Senator McCain in your thoughts and prayers, and I hope he can come back to work soon. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\nCongratulating Rachel Heck on Her Performance at the U.S. Women\u2019s Open\n  (Photo: Kyle Terada / USA TODAY Sports)\nLast weekend, St. Agnes sophomore Rachel Heck made Memphis proud with her performance at the 2017 U.S. Women\u2019s Open Golf Tournament. At 15 years old, Rachel was the youngest competitor in the field this year and is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, native Memphis golfers ever. I enjoyed following Rachel at the U.S. Women's Open and I wish her the best as she continues her golf career at St. Agnes and then at Stanford University. Read more about Rachel\u2019s performance\u00a0here.\u00a0\nWelcoming Team Memphis to Washington\nOn Thursday, I welcomed Coach Dorsey Sims and the TEAM Memphis basketball team to my Washington, DC office. The students, from high schools across Memphis, will be playing in their annual tournament. Good luck to TEAM Memphis!\nSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\nEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\nQuote of the Week\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nRecently, there has been an outbreak of Legionnaires\u2019 disease in Shelby County. Legionnaires' is typically spread when people breathe in mist containing legionella bacteria. In many cases, the infection doesn't cause a serious illness, but it can trigger symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, aches and nausea. Read more here.\u00a0\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/hill-dems-launch-no-confidence-resolution-against-trump", "Dems launch no confidence resolution against Trump", "2017-07-19", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A group of liberal House Democrats stepped up criticism of President Trump on Wednesday, introducing a \u201cno confidence\u201d resolution that officially questions Trump\u2019s fitness to serve as commander in chief.\nIt logs a laundry list of controversies swirling around the president \u2014 including his campaign\u2019s many contacts with Russian officials, his refusal to release his taxes, his verbal attacks on women and the press, and his firing of FBI Director James Comey.\nSponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), the resolution has been endorsed by 23 more Democrats, including Reps. John Lewis (Ga.), a civil rights icon; John Yarmuth (Ky.), ranking member of the Budget Committee; David Cicilline (R.I.), who leads the Democrats\u2019 policy and communications arm; and Judy Chu (Calif.), who heads the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.\nTrump\u2019s track record, Cohen said, exposes \u201ca president that you wouldn\u2019t want your children to look up to.\u201d\n\u201cThe way he talks about women, the press, the language he uses, the use of Twitter \u2014 you don\u2019t want him to be a role model,\u201d Cohen said during a press briefing in the Capitol. \u201cIt\u2019s injurious to our culture, and it\u2019s injurious to \u2026 our foreign policy.\u201d\nThe resolution has no chance of moving through the chamber, which is led by Republicans, who have largely defended Trump in the first six months of his tenure. And Cohen acknowledged that the effort is unlikely to sway a president known to buck the advice from even his closest associates.\n\u201cIs it going to have an effect on him? Apparently, his family members don\u2019t have an effect on him; his Republican friends don\u2019t; his Cabinet members don\u2019t,\u201d Cohen conceded.\nBut with Trump\u2019s approval rating at historic lows, the Democrats are hoping to send a message to voters that they\u2019re sympathetic to the public\u2019s frustration with the White House.\n\u201cThis is an attempt at a political intervention,\u201d Cohen said.\nUnveiling their resolution, the Democrats went after Trump over the recent news that he\u2019d had a second conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a dinner for world leaders during the G-20 economic summit in Hamburg, Germany, earlier this month. The meeting was previously undisclosed, and the only interpreter at the table was reportedly provided by Moscow.\n\u201cThis is not the behavior of the leader of the free world,\u201d said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).\nThe Democrats also lambasted Capitol Hill Republicans for defending Trump\u2019s actions and his unconventional approach to governing.\n\u201cIt is not normal,\u201d said Chu. \u201cTrump\u2019s behavior is cruel and unethical, and it\u2019s driving the people\u2019s faith in government to dangerously low levels.\u201d\nHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other Democratic leaders have focused their anti-Trump efforts on creating an independent commission to investigate any possible collusion between the president and Russia. But Cohen said he first floated his no-confidence resolution in a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee meeting, where it won Pelosi\u2019s blessing.\n\u201cShe said she didn\u2019t have a problem with us going forward with these types of actions,\u201d said Cohen, the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee\u2019s subpanel on the Constitution. \u201cShe preferred people to stay focused on what she thinks is the most important item present, which is an independent prosecutor bill, which I support.\u201d\nThe outside prosecutor bill has won scant support from Republicans \u2014 only Reps. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and Justin Amash (R-Mich.) have signed on \u2014 and Cohen said he doesn\u2019t expect any broader show of GOP backing unless Trump tries to fire Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor tapped to lead the Justice Department\u2019s probe into Russian election meddling.\nCohen predicted such a firing is likely.\n\u201cAt that point, I think Republicans will then call for an independent prosecutor,\u201d he said.\nSome Democrats have been critical of party leaders for focusing too intently on Trump \u2014 a strategy that backfired in November\u2019s elections and left the Republicans pulling all the levers of power in Washington.Those Democrats want the party to concentrate on jobs, wages, healthcare and other bread-and-butter economic issues that affect their constituents on a daily basis.\nBut Cohen and other supporters of the no confidence resolution rejected the notion that the Democrats can\u2019t promote a jobs agenda and attack Trump simultaneously.\n\u201cYou can do both,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can attack the jobs and the economy front \u2026 and also question this president who puts our very values at stake and our democracy at stake.\u201d\nChu agreed.\n\u201cThese are not mutually exclusive tactics to take,\u201d she said. \u201cYes, we have to concentrate on those issues, but that doesn\u2019t mean that we ignore what President Trump is doing to undermine this country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cohen-introduces-resolution-no-confidence-president", "Ranking Member Cohen Introduces Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald Trump", "2017-07-19", "2017", "2017-07", "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 a Resolution of No Confidence in President Donald J. Trump. The resolution details President Trump\u2019s unacceptable behavior as President and expresses a lack of confidence in his service. A copy of the resolution can be found here.\n\u201cSince taking office in January, President Trump has exhibited unacceptable and often offensive behavior for a President of the United States,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cHe has taken the unprecedented action in the modern era of refusing to release his tax returns. He has refused to divest from his private business interests, creating conflicts of interest and potential violations of the Constitution\u2019s emoluments clause. He fired his F.B.I. Director while the F.B.I. was investigating potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. He recklessly provided Russian officials with classified information during an oval office meeting. He has repeatedly used Twitter to insult and undermine the press, Congress, and the Judiciary. His Cabinet has the fewest number of women and minorities since the Reagan Administration. The gender pay gap at the Trump White House is more than double the national average. The list goes on and on and on.\u201d \nCongressman Cohen continued, \u201cPresident Trump has been President for six months and his probationary period is long over. This resolution sends a clear message to the President that we disapprove of his cumulative actions, that we are simpatico with our constituents and a majority of the America people, and that we have no confidence in his service.\u201d\nVideo from the press conference earlier today can be found here.\nCosponsors of the resolution include (alphabetical): Representatives Karen Bass (D-CA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Al Green (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Luis Gutierrez (D-TX), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), John Yarmuth (D-KY)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-cosponsors-hot-cars-bill-to-protect-infants-and-toddlers", "Cooper Cosponsors HOT CARS Bill to Protect Infants and Toddlers", "2017-07-19", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) has cosponsored the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats (HOT CARS) Act, a critical bill for Tennessee that would prevent infants and toddlers from being killed or injured when unknowingly left behind in vehicles.\nSince 1998, more than 700 children have died of heatstroke after being left in vehicles; 25 of those deaths occurred in Tennessee \u2013 tied for the seventh-highest total among all states, according to NoHeatStroke.org, a program supported by the National Safety Council. Already this year, 23 children have died this way in America, including an 11-month-old infant in Chattanooga and a 2-year-old child in Gatlinburg earlier this month.\nThe HOT CARS Act would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a final rule requiring each new passenger vehicle to be equipped with a reminder system to alert the driver if a passenger remains in the back seat when a vehicle is turned off. The technology is available and akin to a seat belt reminder, complete with warning sounds and flashing graphics near the speedometer.\n\u201cYour car already reminds you to fasten your seatbelt, so why can\u2019t it also remind you to check the rear seat?\u201d\u00a0Rep. Cooper said.\u00a0\u201cThat could be the difference between the life and death of a child.\u201d\nNASA engineers developed a child presence sensor in 2003, but the agency has only had one potential license, which was withdrawn. Some car seat manufacturers have installed child presence sensors on their car seats, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned against relying on these systems. To date, only General Motors has installed a Rear Seat Reminder. It is available on more than 20 vehicles and is now a standard feature on many of GM\u2019s 2017 and 2018 model vehicles.\nMore than 20 of the nation\u2019s leading public health, consumer and safety\u00a0organizations support the bipartisan HOT CARS bill.\nThe HOT CARS Act was introduced by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), joined by Reps. Peter King (R-NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). Last fall Tim Ryan challenged Nancy Pelosi for Democratic Leader. Along with more than 60 other Democrats, Rep. Cooper supported Tim Ryan, saying he is part of a new generation and applauding his vision to lead House Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-questions-dot-officials-about-school-bus-safety-house", "Cohen Questions DOT Officials About School Bus Safety at a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing", "2017-07-18", "2017", "2017-07", "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 questioned safety officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation about school bus safety and contracting oversight issues for bus drivers that may have contributed to the deaths of innocent Americans and school-aged children in Chattanooga, TN and Baltimore, MD in November 2016.\nCongressman Cohen questioned why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet issued regulations or a rulemaking process to require the installation of life-saving seat belt technology, despite that National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations dating back to 2010 resulted in recommendations that school buses be equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts.\n\u201cSix school-aged children were taken\u2026too early is not the right term. They were taken and that was wrong. No more precious cargo is there for any commercial carrier than school-aged children entrusted by their parents to go and get educated and get a better life. In both cases it seems there were a number of safety precautions and oversight issues that could have prevented or mitigated the risk of injuries and fatalities suffered from the unfortunate events,\u201d Congressman Cohen stated in his remarks.\nCongressman Cohen went on to ask the NTSB and NHTSA why they have failed to initiate a rulemaking process to mandate the installation of seat belts on school buses, despite their unequivocally affirmative positions on the need for three-point seat belts.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been working on this [school bus safety] since the 1990s. I have always had school boards against it. They didn\u2019t want to spend the money. The money should come secondary to safety\u2026Dollars shouldn\u2019t be the issue with our precious cargo.\u201d\nVideo of Congressman Cohen\u2019s remarks can be found here.\nIn January 2017, Congressman Cohen, Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), and Congressman John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) sent a letter Congressmen Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to request a hearing on school bus safety. You can read that letter here.\nIn December 2016, Congressman Cohen introduced the Bring Enhanced Liability in Transportation for Students (BELTS) Act to help protect children who ride on school buses. You can read more about that bill, which the Congressman plans to reintroduce, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/republicans-block-cooper-amendment-advocating-community-input", "Republicans Block Cooper Amendment Advocating Community Input", "2017-07-18", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) this week proposed an amendment to the Ozone Standards Implementation Act that would have ensured states have the option of including local land use policies \u2013 such as zoning and local ordinances \u2013 in State Implementation Plans (SIPs).\nSIPs are state-approved, long-term plans required for meeting federal air quality standards, such as controlling smog and other harmful pollutants. But existing law is ambiguous on including local land use policies in these SIPs.\nRepublicans blocked Rep. Cooper\u2019s amendment from reaching the House floor. Under Rep. Cooper\u2019s amendment, states would have retained final decision-making power over whether to include local input. However, the amendment\u00a0would have given local communities greater input as states decide how land is allocated for various purposes.\nA recent example involves the planned gas compressor station in Joelton, Tenn., where Rep. Cooper led a vocal yet unsuccessful charge to deny an industrial company\u2019s plans to do business in a residential community. Rep. Cooper\u2019s amendment would not have retroactively affected that case, but it would have applied to similar matters in the future.\n\u201cThis has affected us in Middle Tennessee, but it\u2019s a problem everywhere in America,\u201d Rep. Cooper said. \u201cThere are good people in local communities and their concerns matter. They shouldn\u2019t be steamrolled in the process.\u201d\nCatholic nuns in Pennsylvania confronted similar issues \u2013 recently documented in The Washington Post \u2013 when they built a chapel in a cornfield to block the path of a proposed gas pipeline.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-sends-letter-tdec-requesting-more-information-arsenic-ground-water", "Cohen Sends Letter to TDEC Requesting More Information on Arsenic in Ground Water at TVA Allen Fossil Plant", "2017-07-17", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sent a letter to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Robert Martineau requesting more information on the recently discovered high levels of arsenic and other harmful toxins in ground water within monitoring wells at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis, TN. A copy of Congressman Cohen\u2019s letter can be found here.\n\u201cI am concerned about recent news that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) discovered high levels of arsenic and other harmful toxins in ground water within monitoring wells at the Allen Fossil Plant,\u201d said Congressman Cohen in his letter. \u201c\u2026I would appreciate your informing me:\n1)How TDEC reached its conclusion that these contaminants are not impacting drinking water and the basis for its conclusion;\n2)What TVA and TDEC are doing to ensure that these contaminants are not impacting, and will not impact drinking water;\n3)What TVA and TDEC are doing to ensure that the Memphis Sand aquifer, a precious interstate resource, remains a viable source of drinking water.\u201d\nCongressman Cohen sent multiple letters to TVA President Bill Johnson in 2016-2017 expressing concern about TVA\u2019s decision to pursue the use of water from the Memphis Sands Aquifer to cool the natural gas generators at the Allen Plant and its impact on drinking water in Memphis. You can read those letters here, here and here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/urging-president-disband-his-voter-fraud-commission", "Urging the President to Disband His Voter Fraud Commission", "2017-07-14", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I urged President Trump to disband his voter fraud commission, sent a letter to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation requesting more information on the scope and impact of the arsenic leak at the TVA plant in Memphis, urged the House Judiciary Committee to reschedule marijuana, met with St. Jude patient Lela Moody, mourned the victims of the KC-130 plane crash in Mississippi, and criticized Donald Trump, Jr.\u2019s meeting with a Russian lawyer on PoliticKING with Larry King. Last week, I criticized President Trump and Russia at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk. Tomorrow, I\u2019ll be on MSNBC with Richard Lui at 3pm CT to discuss Russia and the Senate Republicans\u2019 mean and heartless health care bill.\u00a0Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook\u00a0to see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tUrging the President to Disband His Voter Fraud Commission  Requesting More Information About the Arsenic Leak at the TVA Plant in Memphis  Fighting for More Sensible Drug Policies  Meeting with St. Jude Patient Lela Moody  Criticizing President Trump and Russia at the OSCE PA in Minsk  Mourning the Victims of the KC-130 Airplane Crash in Mississippi  Criticizing Donald Trump, Jr.\u2019s For His Meeting with a Russian Lawyer   Bringing Congress to Your Corner  Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter  Quote of the Week  Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tUrging the President to Disband His Voter Fraud Commission\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and I sent a letter to President Trump urging him to immediately disband the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. In the letter, we expressed serious concerns with the Commission\u2019s request for the personal information of voters from states to investigate unsubstantiated claims that millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election. Read more\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tRequesting More Information About the Arsenic Leak at the TVA Plant in Memphis \n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation requesting more information about the scope and impact of the arsenic leak in the ground water within wells at the Tennessee Valley Authority\u2019s Allen Fossil Plant. Read my letter\u00a0here.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tFighting for More Sensible Drug Policies\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, at a House Judiciary Committee meeting, I criticized our nation's anachronistic drug laws and urged the Committee to reschedule marijuana. The fact that marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug along with heroin, ecstasy, and acid is ludicrous. Watch my remarks\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tMeeting with St. Jude Patient Lela Moody\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I met with 4-year-old St. Jude patient Lela Moody, her parents Amanda and Charles, and her doctors from St. Jude. I am proud to represent the #1 pediatric cancer hospital in the country that has saved so many young peoples\u2019 lives.\n\t\t\t\tCriticizing President Trump and Russia at the OSCE PA in Minsk\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWhile at the annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly last week in Minsk, Belarus, I witnessed the real Russia that votes against human rights, democratic values, free elections, and the territorial integrity of nations, while President Trump saw the fake Russia during his meeting at the G20 Summit in Germany with former KGB agent and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more\u00a0here. Watch my remarks in Minsk\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tMourning the Victims of the KC-130 Airplane Crash in Mississippi\n\t\t\t\tI was saddened by the terrible KC-130 plane crash on Monday in Mississippi that took the lives of 15 Marines and 1 Navy corpsman. My thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims.\n\t\t\t\tCriticizing Donald Trump, Jr.\u2019s For His Meeting with a Russian Lawyer\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, Donald Trump, Jr. released an email chain, that he reportedly knew was going to be released by the New York Times, between him and Rob Goldstone about \u201cRussia and its government\u2019s support for Mr. Trump\u201d and information from the Russian government that \u201cwould incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to [Donald Trump].\u201d These emails provide damning information that shows intent, if not actual collusion with the Russians. Read more\u00a0here. You can watch my interview with Larry King on this topic\u00a0here.\n\t\t\t\tBringing Congress to Your Corner\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, July 21 from 11am-1pm at the Parkway Village Library (4655 Knight Arnold Road), my staff and I will hold \u201cCongress on Your Corner\u201d office hours to assist Memphians with questions or problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. Please mark the date on your calendar. For more information about Congress on Your Corner, visit my website at\u00a0https://cohen.house.gov.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tSign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\tEach year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click\u00a0here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my\u00a0website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I was proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act, which would fully restore and modernize the original Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 to reflect today\u2019s societal needs and challenges. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., \u201cVoting is the foundation stone of political action.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\n\t\t\t\tVitamin D is a critical nutrient found in some foods needed to maintain strong bones. Vitamin D can also be made organically by the body when the skin is directly exposed to the sun. Don\u2019t forget, however, to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun\u2019s harmful rays. Read more about the importance of Vitamin D here.\u00a0\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://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-slams-defense-contractor-s-dream-amendment", "Cooper Slams Defense Contractors Dream Amendment", "2017-07-14", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) spoke on the House floor this week to strongly oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would reduce oversight and weaken requirements on weapon acquisitions related to the Missile Defense Agency.\n\u201cThis is not a vote on whether we are for or against missile defense,\u201d Rep. Cooper said on the House floor. \u201cI am strongly for missile defense. I just want to make sure that it works.\u201d\nDespite Cooper\u2019s opposition, the amendment, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-5), passed the House 235-189 on Friday. It would eliminate Congress\u2019 \u201cfly-before-you-buy\u201d rule, removing the Secretary of Defense from the process of vetting and approving billions of dollars\u2019 worth of missile defense weaponry. \nIn his floor remarks, Rep. Cooper called the amendment \u201ca defense contractor\u2019s dream.\u201d\n\u201c[This] is a vendor\u2019s dream, [this] is a defense contractor\u2019s dream, because it would enable them to sell stuff to us \u2013 the American taxpayer and to the citizens of this country \u2013 promising national defense, but not proving it,\u201d Rep. Cooper said.\nThe existing rule requires the Secretary of Defense to refrain from buying and deploying such weaponry until the Secretary believes there is enough data to know the weapons \u2013 missile defense interceptors among them \u2013 will work reliably and as intended.\nA member of the House Armed Services Committee and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Rep. Cooper noted that Rep. Lamborn\u2019s amendment was not voted on in committee or subcommittee votes on NDAA. The Pentagon and the Missile Defense Agency do not support Rep. Lamborn\u2019s amendment, Rep. Cooper added.\n\u201cWe need to fly it before we buy it. We need to test it before we invest in it,\u201d Rep. 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