{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"TN\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/criticizing-trumps-government-shutdown", "Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis week, the federal government remained partially shutdown by an unnecessary demand by the President for funding for a border wall. In addition to pushing back against the Trump shutdown, I met with constituents and went on CNN to emphasize the need for overdue oversight of the Trump administration, announced a grant for Early Head Start programs at Porter-Leath, expressed concern at the death of a second child migrant in U.S. custody this month, and offered a holiday health tip about getting enough sleep. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tCriticizing Trump's Government Shutdown  Talking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNNAnnouncing $2.3 million Early Head Start Grant to Porter-LeathExpressingConcernat a Second Death of a Child Migrant in U.S. CustodyAppearing on MSNBC on SundayOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown\n\t\t\t\tThis week, for the third time in Trump's presidency, portions of the federal government shut down. This time it was because of Trump's 11thhour demand for a border wallthat the President said Mexico would pay for, not taxpayers.As he boasted how proud he was to shut down the government,I spoke out against it. The public deserves and expects the programs and services it pays for to stay open and work. I will continue to work to reopen the government, and get federal employees back to work for the American people.\n\t\t\t\tTalking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNN\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I went on CNN with Dana Bash who asked me about oversight of the Trump administrationafterDemocrats take the Majority in the House on January 3. I told her oversight is a basic duty of Congress that has been neglected during the past two years and that that will change in the year ahead. See theinterview here.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing $2.3 million Early Head Start Grant to Porter-Leath\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, I announced that Porter-Leathwill be receiving a $2,330,982 Early Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Office. Early Head Start helps at-risk children under three years old develop the skills they need to give them and their families a shot at the American Dream. I was pleased to announce this important grant funding is heading to Memphis.I appreciate the outstanding work Mike Warr and his staff do at Porter-Leath.\n\t\t\t\tExpressingConcernat a Second in-Custody Death of a Child Migrant\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Christmas Eve,an8-year-old Guatemalan boy, Felipe Gomez Alonzo, died while in U.S. custody. This follows the death ofa7-year-old Guatemalan girl,Jakelin Caal Maquin,earlier this month. While I understand the necessity of border patrol stations,I am concerned that these overcrowded stations are unhealthy to the point of death. AfterJakelin'sdeath, I wrote to Secretary of Homeland SecurityKirstjenNielsen urging her to take immediate steps to end the policy of deterring migrants from applying for asylum at ports of entry which has led these desperate asylum seekers to attempt crossings at dangerous areas. Asylum is a human right and people seeking it must be protected. I will continue to support oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and seek answers about how these unfortunate deaths occurred.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAppearing on MSNBC on Sunday\n\t\t\t\tOn Sunday, I'll join MSNBC's Frances Rivera in the noon hour in Memphisto talk about theongoing government shutdown, the border wall and the new Congress that convenes January 3.\n\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMy office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\n\t\t\t\tFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),getting enough sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining good health and avoiding mistakes and injuries.See the CDC's sleep guidelines and recommendationshere.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI've been in politics over 50 years in a number of positions and working under nine presidents. I've never seen a situation like this, in which almost every important area that is key to this country is confronting crisis.  Former Defense Secretary, CIA Director, Budget Director and Member of Congress Leon Panetta on Fox News Sunday.\n\t\t\t\tAs 2018 draws to an end, I wish all my constituents and friends a very happy 2019. The new year looks to be full of promise.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-23-million-early-head-start-grant-porter", "Congressman Cohen Announces $2.3 Million Early Head Start Grant for Porter-Leath", "2018-12-27", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Porter-Leath will be receiving a $2,330,982 Early Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Office, and made the following statement:\nEarly Head Start helps at-risk children under three years old develop the necessary skills to give them a shot at the American Dream. I'm pleased to announce this continuing grant funding for Porter-Leath which has helped meet the needs of Memphis' children and their families since 1850.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-senate-passage-open-book-equal-access-justice", "Congressman Cohen Applauds Senate Passage of Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act", "2018-12-26", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded today's Senate passage of the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act he and Congressman Doug Collins (R-Georgia) introduced last year and passed by the House in February 2017.\nThe measure will increase accountability from federal agencies. TheEqual Access to Justice Act(EAJA) was enacted to bring relief to veterans, retirees, small businesses, and other individuals whose limited resources would prevent them from seeking redress against the government.EAJArequires federal agencies to reimburse plaintiffs for legal fees incurred through suits in which the agency pursued an unsupportable position.\nSince 1995, federal agencies have not been required to publish records ofEAJAreimbursements or the legal justifications behind them, meaning that the public has no access to how much agencies are paying out and whether the payments are justified.\nTheOpen Book on Equal Access to Justice Actwould bring transparency to theEAJAprocess by requiring the Administrative Conference of the United States to maintain an online database that makesEAJAdata from every federal agency available to the public and to Congress, which has oversight over government spending.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI thank the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation and thank Representative Collins for his steadfast effort to help us get it through the House. Americans have a right to know what their government is doing, and their government has a duty to be as transparent as possible.Without adequate reporting, citizens' rights cannot be fully protected, and the government risks failing in its duty to its people. I am pleased that the Senate saw the wisdom in joining the House in this important reform that calls for the government to reopen its books to help ensure that all Americans have access to this information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-my-concern-about-more-bad-decisions-impulsive-president", "Expressing My Concern about More Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I grew even more concerned about our erratic President and his sudden and reckless decisions on withdrawing troops from Syriathat resulted in the Defense Secretary quitting, and his insistence on a $5 billion border wall that, as I write, has us approaching another partial government shutdown.I also saw our Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Act passed by both the House and Senate, planned for my January 18 District Issues Meeting, voted for a significant criminal justice reform bill that will now become law, questioned the Homeland Security Secretary about the rise in hate crimes,asked Governor Bill Haslam to look at possible clemency fora juvenile victim of sex trafficking, praised Senator Lamar Alexander's long service to our state following his announcement that he will retire in 2020, and offered a health tip about drinking and driving during the holidays. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nExpressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President  Passing the SOAR Act  Holding a District Issues Meeting January 18  Passing the First Step Act  Questioning Homeland Security Secretary about Hate Crimes  Asking Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency forCyntoiaBrown  Praising Senator Alexander for his Service  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n  Expressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President\nThis week we faced more alarminglyimpulsivedecisions by President Trump. After indicating he would support a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open, he suddenly reversed course, and now, as I write this, it appears we may be heading for a partial governmentshutdown. Even more alarming, the President surprised our allies, Republican members of Congress and even his own advisors byannouncing that ISIS had been defeated and that he would hastily withdraw American troops from Syria.The move was so alarming, Defense Secretary Mattis announced his resignation. The only person happy about the move seems to be Russian President Vladimir Putin. I will continue to work to ensure that America works with our allies to protect our nation's citizens from ISIS and all other threats.\nPassing the SOAR Act\nOn Thursday, I voted for and the House passed my Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Act addressing human trafficking.This followed Senate passage earlier in the week. The SOAR Act was inspired byan event for front-line health and public safety officials at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center two years ago, and will go a long way toward combatting human trafficking.See my press release about ithere.\nHolding a District Issues Meeting January 18\nMy district staff and I will be hosting my annual District Issues Meeting on January 18 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Clifford Davis/Odell Horton Federal Building, 167 North Main, Suite 369.I look forwardto hearing from you and updating you on my work for the 9thCongressionalDistrict.\nPassing the First Step Act\nOn Thursday, the Housefollowed the Senate in passingthe First Step Act, the first major criminal justice reform measure in a long time, and one that will shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, give judges more latitude to work around mandatory sentences where appropriate, and allow offenders who were sentenced before Congress reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine in 2010 to petition to have their cases re-evaluated for possible sentence reductions. I have long championed these causes and will be pleased to see these reforms implemented. See my press release about ithere.\nQuestioning Homeland Security Secretary about Hate Crimes\nOn Thursday, I questioned Homeland Security SecretaryKirstjenNielsen about the President's sudden, reckless and dangerous declaration that ISIS had been defeated and decision to withdraw American troops from Syria and discovered she had not been consulted beforehand. I also asked her about the President's use of racial, ethnic and anti-Semitic dog whistle and code words and whether they have contributed to the rise in hate crimes. See ourexchange here.\nAsking Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency forCyntoiaBrown\nThis week,Shelby County Commission Chairman Van Turner and Commissioners Willie Brooks, Tami Sawyer and Mikell Lowery and state Senator Katrina Robinson this week soughtclemency forCyntoiaBrown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking.Last week,I wrote a letterasking Governor Bill Haslam to consider Ms. Brown's case forclemency and released the letter on Wednesday.See my press release about ithere.\nPraising Senator Alexander for his Service\n\nOn Monday, Senator Lamar Alexander announced he would retire in 2020. It has been my pleasure to have a fine working relationship with Senator Alexander in Congress as well as when he was Governor. We have partnered often to the benefit of Tennessee. I worked with then-Governor Alexander as a state senator on the Tennessee State Scenic Highway legislation and, in Congress, on the 21st Century Cures Act which delivered important resources to the National Institutes of Health for medical research, particularly on Alzheimer's. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Honey and his wonderful family, and wish him well.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\nMy office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\n\nWith holiday season upon us, many of us will be going to Christmas, New Year's Eve and other festivities where drinks are served. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests you save yourself and many others a lot of grief by designating a sober driver to take you home. See its advicehere.\nQuote of the Week\nMy views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues. We must do everything possible to advance an international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values, and we are strengthened in this effort by the solidarity of our alliances. -- Secretary of Defense James Mattis in his letter of resignation Thursday.\nI want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!\nAs always, I remain  \n\tMost Sincerely,\n\n\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-first-step-act", "Congressman Cohen Votes for First Step Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted for the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that passed the House today on a 358 to 36 vote after clearing the Senate late Tuesday night.\nWhen enacted, the First Step Act will shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, give judges more latitude to work around mandatory sentences where appropriate, and allow offenders who were sentenced before Congress reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine in 2010 to petition to have their cases re-evaluated for possible sentence reductions. It will also enable certain prisoners to participate in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to earn credits to complete the last portion of their sentence in a residential reentry center or home confinement, and encourage the placement of offenders at prisons closer to their homes where possible. The bill will also prohibit the shackling of pregnant women.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThe First Step Act just that  a good first step. It will bring long overdue relief to nonviolent drug offenders who endured unfair, unduly harsh sentences that Congress disavowed in 2010, but failed to make the new law retroactive. It will also enable nonviolent offenders to earn reductions to their time in prison by taking part in programs that will help them become law-abiding citizens when they reenter society, encourage offenders to be placed in facilities closer to their homes, and stop the barbaric practice of shackling pregnant prisoners.\nMore needs to be done to reform our criminal justice system, and I will continue to work to make that happen, but I am grateful Congress has taken this important First Step.\nCongressman Cohen has long pressed for criminal justice reform, including reforms to bad policies with racially disparate impacts like mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders and differential treatment of crack versus powder cocaine. In 2015, he voted for the Sentencing Reform Act, a bipartisan package of criminal justice reform measures that would have allowed for retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act, the 2010 law that reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine. The 2015 bill passed the House, but was not ultimately enacted.\nIn May, Congressman Cohen voted for an earlier, House version of the First Step Act when it was considered by the House Judiciary Committee, with a hope, now realized, that the committee's work would spur the Senate to take action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-cohen-kinzinger-cardenas-and-wagner-praise-final-passage", "Representatives Cohen, Kinzinger, Cardenas, and Wagner Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas andAdam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims.\nCongresswoman Wagner said:\nAs the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by passing the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act.\nCongressman Cardenas said:\nWhen I wasa Los Angeles City Councilman, I saw first-hand the danger and heartbreak of human trafficking taking place in our own communities, right under our noses. We need to give healthcare professionals the necessary tools to recognize human trafficking victims amongst their patients, give them the support that they need, and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Though Los Angeles is making progress in eradicating this despicablecrime, we still have so much work to do. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for supporting the SOAR Act, and hope that the President can sign it into law soon so we can save more lives.\nCongressman Kinzinger said:\nHard to imagine, but human trafficking is happening here in the United States, within our communities, and it affects all of us. I'm proud to be a co-lead on H.R. 767, the SOAR Health and Wellness Act, and glad to see it pass the House today. By raising awareness and training our healthcare workers to identify and better care for victims, we can combat this heinous crime and help our most vulnerable. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, especially Representative Cohen, as we work to end human trafficking.\nThe bill passed the Senate early Thursday morning by voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-tn-05-congressional-app-challenge-winners-0", "Cooper Announces TN-05 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced that two students from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School are this year's Congressional App Challenge winners for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District.\nThe high school juniors are Zavier Miller and Bob Qian. Zavier and Bob used computer programming to create a user-friendly digital scheduling apparatus for students and teachers. They also produced a video that describes the app's inner workings.\nEach day, students at the winners' school get a block of time to choose and attend one class in which they feel they need extra time or instruction. The winning app provides students an easy way to secure space in desired classes and eliminates a cumbersome paper process. The app also gives teachers a high-tech way to communicate their daily course offerings to students and track student attendance.\nZavier and Bob did what Congress should do more often  they simplified a complicated process and solved a problem, Rep. Cooper said. Both students clearly have a bright future. Thinking big is what will keep America on top!\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. Students participate in technology and math programs, and have the opportunity to create and code. Winning apps will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol.\nAlthough the competition has closed for this year, it opens back up in 2019, and all middle and high school students in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District are eligible to participate. The district includes Cheatham, Davidson, and Dickson counties. Click here to learn more about the Congressional App Challenge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-denounces-trump-s-decision-to-withdraw-american-troops-in-syria-0", "Cooper Denounces Trumps Decision to Withdraw American Troops in Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)today denounced President Trump's decision to withdraw Americantroops from Syria.\nPresident Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria is impulsive and irresponsible. National security experts believe ISIS is still a threat, and the removal of our troops will create a power vacuum in the Middle East. We also should not abandon our Kurdish allies who have been working tirelessly beside us in the fight against ISIS, Rep. Cooper said. Revealing our military strategy to everyone in the world, including our enemies, is an avoidable error Trump himself has mocked in the past. The fact that Putin is supportive of this decision should be an indication that it is an alarming idea.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-governor-haslam-consider-clemency-cyntoia-brown", "Congressman Cohen asks Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency in Cyntoia Brown Case", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last week wrote to Governor Bill Haslam asking him to consider potential clemency for Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking convicted of murder as an adult and currently serving a life sentence.\nThe letter, sent December 10, can be seen here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-senator-alexander-announced-retirement", "Congressman Cohen Praises Senator Alexander on Announced Retirement", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) responded to today's announcement by Senator Lamar Alexander that he will be retiring in 2020 with the following statement:\nOn all occasions, Senator Alexander has been a gentleman, is knowledgeable about issues and is honest and above board. I worked with then-Governor Alexander as a state senator on the Tennessee State Scenic Highway legislation and, in Congress, on the 21st Century Cures Act, part of the National Institutes of Health package that delivered important resources to medical research, particularly on Alzheimer's.\nI look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wonderful family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-announcement-by-sen-lamar-alexander", "Cooper Statement on Announcement by Sen. Lamar Alexander", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "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 U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would not seek re-election in 2020:\nLamar is finishing a stellar career in Tennessee politics, Rep. Cooper said. I honor him for his service, but I also hope he will use his last two years in office to challenge President Trump the way that Bob Corker has done. I am worried that the Tennessee Republican Party is losing the legacy of Howard Baker: his willingness to investigate his own president, to insist on fiscal discipline, open markets, and civil rights. America needs that fair-mindedness now more than ever.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/announcing-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-becoming-law", "Announcing Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Becoming Law", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I announced that my bill to name the post office on Autumn Avenue for Judge RussellB.Sugarmonhas been signed into law. I also questioned Google's CEO about protecting free speech;voted to pass a Farm Billwhich protects important food assistance,animal protection and conservation programs;expressed my concern about developments in the Special Counsel Robert Muellerinvestigation;visited with students at Hamilton High School's pre-K program, welcomed new American citizens, noted that open enrollment for HealthCare.gov policies ends this Saturday, December 15;remembered Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about preparing for wintry cold snaps. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law  Questioning Google about Protecting Free Speech  Protecting Food Assistance  Expressing Concerns About Developments in the Mueller Probe  Visiting with Hamilton High SchoolPre-KStudents  Welcoming New American Citizens in Memphis  Flagging Open Enrollment Ending Soon at HealthCare.gov  RememberingO.C. Pleasant Jr.  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  Announcing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I announced that my bill to rename the post office at 1325 Autumn Avenue for Russell B.Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, lawyer and judge, had been signed into law. No one deserves this honor more than JudgeSugarmonand I look forward to dedicating thismonumentto a great man's achievements soon.\n\t\t\t\tQuestioning Google about Protecting Free Speech\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday,Google CEO Sundar Pichaitestified beforethe House Judiciary Committee on which I serve and took questions about baseless claims of bias against conservatives in its search functionandconcerns about privacy and tracking people's physical locations. I asked Pichai to make it easier for people to understand and adjust privacy settings on their smart phones and asked him what Google is doing to limit the effectiveness of bots that use algorithms tostiflethefree speech ofhumanitarian and democratic activists in authoritarian countries.See that exchangehere. The hearing and my questioning drew a lot of commentary on Twitter, including this post by journalist Eli Lake:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProtecting Food Assistance\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I voted for and the House passed a five-year Farm Bill thatprotects food assistance, conservation and animal welfare policies that are priorities forresidents of the 9thCongressional District.We successfully blocked efforts by the Majority to imposepunishing work requirements for food stamp recipientsand preserved the Conservation Stewardship Program, which encourages farmers to strengthen conservation efforts on their farms.I am also pleased that two bills I cosponsored to protect animals, the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) and the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act (H.R. 1406), were included in the final bill. The Farm Billalso provides permanent funding for programs promoting local farmers markets and organic farming.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Concerns About Developments in the Mueller Probe\n\t\t\t\tAll week, I have been concerned about mounting evidence in support of allegations that the President directed his lawyer to violate campaign finance laws with illicit hush-money payments to two women during the 2016 campaign and what impact that might have on the future of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in our elections. I talked to MSNBC's Alex Witt about those concernson Sunday. The day before, I talked with MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart onAM Joyand with the network'sRichard Liu.And last Friday night, I spoke to Lawrence O'Donnell on the network'sThe Last Word.In print press interviews, I've suggested tying legislation protecting the integrity of Mueller's probe to spending bills whose deadlines are looming. I am acosponsor of theSpecial Counsel Independence and Integrity Act(H.R. 5476)which I hope we can pass before the 115thCongress ends later this month.\n\t\t\t\tI am scheduled to talk with MSNBC's the Reverend Al Sharpton on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m.\n\t\t\t\tVisiting with Hamilton High SchoolPre-KStudents\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday morning, Ivisitedthe Hamilton High School Pre-Kindergarten program for a holiday party and to deliver and read a book to encourage literacy. I talked to the students, staff and parents about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, or food stamps) program reauthorized in theFarmBill and about my support for early childhood education and Head Start. I told the kids to make good grades, stay in school and to enjoy being kids.\n\t\t\t\tWhile at Hamilton, I was pleased and surprised to meet football coach Cedrick Wilson, the former Melrose High School quarterback and University of Tennessee and NFL wide receiver. He is an iconic football player who will both teach and inspire.\n\t\t\t\tWelcoming New American Citizens in Memphis\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, members of my staff attended the naturalization ceremony for 59 new American citizens from 32 foreign countries, including Yemen, Mauritania, Congo, Mexico, India, China, South Korea, Venezuela, Syria, Ethiopia and Peruand Ukraine. Federal District Judge Sheryl Lipman administered the oath and shared a story about her family which originated in Ukraine, then part ofthe Russian Empire.Her family fled the anti-Jewish pogroms at the end of the 19thcentury and settled in Memphis. It was a struggle but there was much hope becauseAmericaoffered religious freedom, had separation of church and state, and had a democratic form of government that offered opportunity to all. On Sunday night, her family celebrated Chanukahas they havefor a hundred years herein Memphis. I'm proud to have recommended Judge Lipman to President Obama, who made her the first federal Jewish judge in Tennessee history. These naturalization ceremonies are always a moving experience as many of these newAmericans have waited years to become citizens. It's a good reminder that we are a nation of immigrants.\n\t\t\t\tFlagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOpen enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plansendstomorrow,Saturday, December 15. Listen for my public service radio announcementthat encouragessigning up.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov.\n\t\t\t\tRemembering O.C. Pleasant Jr.\n\t\t\t\tI was saddened this week to note the passing of my old friend O.C. Pleasant Jr., the longest-serving member of the Shelby County Election Commission. O.C. and I became friends when we were elected as delegates to the 1977 Tennessee State Constitutional Convention. We got to know each other well during the five months of the convention and we maintained that friendship over the next 40 years. He was a stand-up member oftheCountyElectionCommissionwho served with great distinction and heroism, and was noted for speaking truth to power. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Barbara, his children and his many friends. He was a good man and his was a life well lived.\n\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMyofficehasa limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\n\t\t\t\tSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional 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\tRainy and windy conditions this week are likely get colder as the Mid-South transitions fromfallto winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice about getting prepared for wintry weather by repairing leaking roofs at home,having your furnace inspected, and being prepared for emergencies in your car by having booster cables, blankets and flashlights available. See all theCDC'sadvicehere.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division inspects gas appliances with its ongoing Pilot Safety Inspections that are free to those over 60. See details including how to make an appointmenthere.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tYou want to know something? I'll tell you what: I am proud to shut down the government for border security, ChuckI will be the one to shut it down  I'm not going to blame you for it.  President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday during a meeting with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer about a Homeland Security spending bill.\n\t\t\t\tNote:Trump campaigned on a pledge to build a southern border wall and to makeMexicopay for it.\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain  \n\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-congratulates-kaywin-feldman-national-gallery-art", "Congressman Cohen Congratulates Kaywin Feldman on National Gallery of Art Appointment", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) congratulated former Brooks Museum of Art director Kaywin Feldman on her appointment as the fifth director and first women to lead the national Gallery of Art that she has called arguably America's greatest treasure.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThe National Gallery is the home of priceless Rembrandts, Titians, Picassos, Monets, Modiglianis, Pissarros, classic statuary, and many of the greatest and best-known works of art on earth, including Memphis' own William Eggleston's. Kaywin Feldman is just the person to oversee this great American art institution located on America's front yard, the National Mall. I congratulate her for this huge achievement and look forward to walking the storied galleries with her soon.\nFeldman has been the director of the Minneapolis Institute of Art since 2008. Before that, she was director of Memphis' Brooks Museum of Art from 1999 to 2007. She takes over in March from longtime National Gallery Early Rusty Powell III, who has led the museum since 1992 and announced his plan to retire last year. Feldman will be overseeing a museum that receives more than five million visitors a year, has a staff of 1,100 and has an annual operating budget of $167 million. It was founded in 1937 for the American people by billionaire philanthropist Andrew Mellon. It can be visited free of charge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-bill-becomes", "Congressman Cohen Announces Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill Becomes Law", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) is pleased to announce that his bill renaming the post office at 1325Autumn Avenue for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, attorney and judge, has been signed into law.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nNo one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, whose lifetime achievements include being the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction, in 1966. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm  Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell  after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University. Working alongside Maxine and Maxine Smith, Jesse Turner and other NAACP leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, public facilities and the Memphis public schools.\nThe Russell B. Sugarmon post office on Autumn Avenue will be a lasting Memphis monument to this great man's many achievements, and I look forward to celebrating this honor with him and his many friends.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-oc-pleasant-jr", "Congressman Cohen Remembers O.C. Pleasant Jr.", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of his longtime friend, Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., and made the following statement:\nO.C. and I became friends when we were elected as delegates to the 1977 Tennessee State Constitutional Convention. We got to know each other well during the five months the convention lasted and we maintained that friendship over the next 40 years. He was a stand-up member of the county election commission who served with great distinction and heroism, and was noted for speaking truth to power. He dearly loved his wife Barbara and his children and was a good family man and a good citizen. His was a life well lived. He will be missed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/paying-respects-late-president-george-h-w-bush", "Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, Ijoined my colleaguesin the Capitol Rotundaandat Washington's National Cathedral, and a nation in mourning, to pay my respects to the late President George H. W. Bush. Ialsoled a letter with 96 of my colleagues urging the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to act swiftly to investigate, address and hold a hearing to review allegations of pregnancy discrimination at the Memphis XPO Logistics warehouse and usher in national legislation to protect pregnant workers,wrote to the federal regulator of motor coaches after Monday's fatal accident involving an Orange Mound youth football team, noted that the December 15 deadline is looming for signing up for coverage at HealthCare.gov, participated in the Judiciary Committee'sdepositionof former FBI Director James Comey, remembered Creole Chef Gary Williams, noted the passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall, announced a $11.8 million grant for Head Start, scheduled four appearances on MSNBC, moved my Washington office, offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about getting a timely flu shot. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nPaying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush  Calling for Hearing onXPO Logistics Labor Practices  Seeking answersabout Fatal Bus Crashin Arkansas  Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov  Questioning former FBI Director Comey  Remembering Creole Soul Food Chef Gary Williams  Noting the Passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall  Announcing $11.8 Million Head Start Grant  Appearing on MSNBC Tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday  Moving My Washington Office  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\n  Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush\nOnMonday,I joined my colleagues in the Capitol Rotunda to pay my respects to President George H.W. Bush and,onWednesday, I attendedhisstate funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. President Bush presided over the end of the Cold War, expelled the Iraqi army from Kuwait, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act and Clean Air Act, and upheld the traditions and expectations of his high office with dignity and grace. The World War II fighter pilot, Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and President served his country with distinction.The last of the greatest generation presidents, he volunteered for service in World War II and was the country's youngest Navalaviator. At the funeral, I had the opportunity to talk with former Vice President Al Gore about his experience as an investigative reporter at The Tennessean, and to my Congressional Class of 2006 colleague GabbyGiffordsand her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. I suspect President Bush, known for his compassion, visited with Gabby during her long convalescence in Houston after the assassination attempt in 2011. President Bush's 1989visit to Memphis and speech from the front lawn of The Commercial Appeal on Union will be long remembered.His was a life well lived.\nCalling for Hearingand Investigation intoXPO Logistics Labor Practices\nOn Tuesday, my colleague Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and I, joined by another 95 members of Congress, urgedthe House Committee on Education and the Workforce to hold a hearing on alleged unfair labor practices, including pregnancy discrimination, of XPO Logistics, which operates in Memphis and in 22 other states.Many of the allegations featured in a New York Timesexposeoccurred in Memphis and were brought to my attention by employees who came to my office. In our letter,we asked the committee toconsider national legislation to protect pregnant workers such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Shortly after releasing our letter, XPO Logistics announced it was undertaking an independent investigation of recent complaints and implementing a new policy toward pregnant employees. This appears to be a step in the right direction but I intend tocontinue closely monitoring progress on this issue to ensure the company's proposals are implemented and that Congress enacts laws to prevent future pregnancy discrimination.\nSeeking Answers aboutFatal Bus Crashin Arkansas\nOn Monday morning, I learned about the terrible accident that took the life of 9-year-old Kameron Johnson and injured more than 40 other children returning home to Memphis from a youth football game in Texas. Iwroteto the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates motor coach transportationto ask for details about its oversight of the bus company.I alsoexpressed my condolencesto Kameron's family and myhopefor a speedy recovery for all those injured and their loved ones.\nFlagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov\n\nOpen enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plans is now under way. This year, open enrollmentrunsonly through December 15, a week from tomorrow.I will be making use of every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been limited again this year compared to the enrollment periods during the Obama Administration -- six weeks shorter than it was in 2016. Listen for my public service radio announcementthatencouragessigning up.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov.\nQuestioning former FBI Director Comey\nOn Friday, the Republican Majority still in control of the House Judiciary Committee held a last-chance hearing behind closed doors at whichjust a few membersquestioned former FBI Director James Comey. Director Comey wasconsistentlyprofessional and fulsome and answered my questions.In January, under new leadership, you can expect theCommittee on which I serve as a senior member to conduct substantive oversight of the Trump administration and fulfill duties it hasbeenshirking.\nRemembering Creole Soul Food Chef Gary Williams\nI was saddened to learn of Chef Gary Williams' passing on Thursday. Williams, a New Orleans native, was one of Memphis' renowned chefs, known for his gumbo, crawfish etouffee, catfish with grits and greens and for his engaging smile as he worked the kitchens and glad-handed diners at hisDejaVuand Krewe ofDeJavueateries. He loved Memphis and Memphis loved him back.\nNoting the Passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall\nOn Sunday, longtime Collierville Municipal Judge and lifelong Collierville resident William Craig Hall passed. Judge Hallwasmy classmate in law school,wasalways fair-minded and he was a heck of a nice guy. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, his many friends and to the people of Collierville whose lives he touched.\nAnnouncing $11.8 Million Head Start Grant\nI was pleased to announce on Thursdaya Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs. Head Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream.\nAppearing on MSNBC Tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday\nI am scheduled to appear on MSNBC four times in the next four days. I'll be on \"The Last Word\" with Lawrence O'Donnell tonight at 9 p.m., \"AM Joy\" with Jonathan Capehart at 10 a.m. on Saturday, \"Live with Alex Witt\" at 11 a.m. on Sunday and again on \"The Last Word\" at 9 p.m. on Monday.\nMoving My Washington Office\nThis week, I moved from the fourth floor to the first floor of the Rayburn House Office Building. Seniority has its advantages and the new office, at 2104 Rayburn, will be more convenient for visiting constituents. My phone number remains the same: (202) 225-3265.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\nMy office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nThis week is National Influenza Vaccination Week which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established to remind people of how important it is to get vaccinated against the flu during the holiday season and that there's still time to get your flu shot this year.I'vegottenmine.Sofar this flu season, rates of flu-like illness remain low but the CDC still encourages flu shotssince the flu kills tensofthousands every year. You can view the CDC's flu shot recommendationshere.Usethis CDC toolto review surveillance reports for flu cases and to find a location in your neighborhood where you can get vaccinated.\nQuote of the Week\n\nWe're a nation of community, of thousands and tens of thousands of ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique.This is America: the Knights of Columbus, the Grange, Hadassah, the Disabled American Veterans, the Order ofAhepa, the Business and Professional Women of America, the union hall, the Bible study group, LULAC, Holy Name'  a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. -- George H. W. Bush, accepting the Presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, August 18, 1988\nAs always, I remain  \n\tMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-118-million-head-start-grant", "Congressman Cohen Announces $11.8 Million Head Start Grant", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) received notice today of a Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs and made the following statement:\nHead Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-saddened-youth-football-bus-accident", "Congressman Cohen Saddened by Youth Football Bus Accident", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his condolences to the family of the youth football playerwho diedin the predawn bus accident in Arkansas this morning and said his thoughts arealsowith the children injured in the accident and their families.\n\nCongressman Cohen released the following statement:\n\nI am saddened to learn about the terrible accident that cost the life of an Orange Mound youth football player this morning.My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.The team was representing one of the heartbeats of our community, historic OrangeMound,and mythoughts are with the many reportedly injured in the accident and theirfamilies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-president-george-hw-bush", "Congressman Cohen Remembers President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of President George H. W. Bush today with the following statement:\nPresident Bush was a statesman and a gentleman who served his country in a several important roles with dedication. As a fighter pilot in World War II, congressman, CIA director, vice president and president, he led a life of public service.\nOn a rainy day in late November 1989, President Bush spoke from the front lawn of The Commercial Appeal on Union, extolling the newspaper and its editor, Lionel Linder, for their work focusing on individuals in the Memphis region making a difference as volunteers.\nHis One Thousand Points of Light' initiative still thrives and will be part of his lasting legacy. He was a class act.\nI wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his children and their families and his many friends. His was a life well led.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-president-george-hw-bush", "Cooper Statement on President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "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.\nPresident George H.W. Bush embodied a bygone American era of civility, respect and bipartisanship, Rep. Cooper said. The leader of a patriotic family, he was a war hero, CIA director, honorable commander-in-chief, and the proud father of a fellow President and a governor. No President is perfect, but it's certain we've lost a national hero. President Bush and his beloved Barbara are deeply missed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-elected-regional-seat-steering-and-policy-committee", "Congressman Cohen Elected to Regional Seat on Steering and Policy Committee", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Cohen (TN-09) was elected by acclamation to the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee this evening for the new Congress that convenes in January by Democratic Congressional colleagues from the 7th Region which encompasses Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressman Cohen has served as a member of the committee in an appointed capacity since January 2017 when he was named to it by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.\nThe Steering and Policy Committee nominates Democratic Members for committee assignments and has both elected and appointed positions.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI am honored to receive this vote of confidence from my colleagues from the 7th Region and the opportunity to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee, and want to thank them for their support. I was honored to serve on the committee after my appointment almost two years ago by the once and future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to using my experience in Congress to help advise the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats must remain committed to ensuring civil rights and voting rights for all Americans, preserving the Affordable Care Act, protecting Medicare and Social Security, exercising oversight over the current administration's culture of corruption and creating jobs to build a stronger economy, among other issues. I am grateful my colleagues have placed their trust in me.\nCongressman Cohen was the first Congressman from the Ninth District of Tennessee to serve on the committee since Harold Ford Sr. served from 1988-1990 and the first Tennessean to serve on the committee since John Tanner served from 1996-2004.\nIn 2008, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Congressman Cohen as the conscience of the freshman class. Congressman Cohen also serves of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Ethics, and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (also known as the Helsinki Commission). Earlier this month, he was elected to a seventh term representing Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-will-reintroduce-constitutional-amendment-limit", "Congressman Cohen Will Reintroduce Constitutional Amendment to Limit the Presidents Pardon Power", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, announced today his intention to reintroduce his constitutional amendment to limit the President's pardon power when the new Congress convenes in January.\nLast year, following the indictment of Paul Manafort, Congressman Cohen introduced H. J. Res. 120, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, their administration and campaign staff.\nPresident Trump's overtures to his convicted former campaign chairman Paul Manafort pose a dangerous threat to the rule of law and are not what the Founders intended when they included the pardon power in the Constitution. The pardon power is supposed to serve justice, not thwart it. It was never meant to immunize presidents' families and close advisors against laws the rest of us must obey. That's what kings and dictators do, and if there is one thing the Founders made clear, it was that we don't have kings in the United States of America.\nManafort is not the only convicted former Trump advisor facing serious questions about the legality of their conduct. Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, George Papadopoulos have all been convicted or pleaded guilty, and questions remain about the conduct of Roger Stone and even Trump's son and son-in-law. We need to limit the scope of the pardon power to protect the rule of law.\nThe amendment would apply to the current as well as future presidents.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-endorses-pelosi-next-speaker-house", "Congressman Cohen Endorses Pelosi as Next Speaker of the House", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) enthusiastically and proudly endorsed Nancy Pelosi of California to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, as he has prior to every new Congress since the 2007 leadership elections that made her the first woman Speaker. Congressman Cohen wrote his colleagues on November 16 offering his full support for what he called a skilled and experienced tactician, a steel hand in a silk glove. See the letter here.\nCongressman Cohen also made the following statement:\nGoing into 2019 with Trump in the White House and a partisan Senate leader, the people need a strong, experienced House Speaker and negotiator on their side. When you're in the seventh game of the NBA Finals, you want Lebron in the paint. When you're in the final game of the World Series, you want Sandy Koufax on the mound. And when you have a country in crisis, you want Nancy at the negotiating table.\nNancy has already proven to be one of the greatest Speakers in our history and has shown she can work with but also stand up to a President and get the people's work accomplished. With a unified leadership team, we can confront the ongoing culture of corruption and the harm done to our nation's standing in the world. I urge my colleagues and the American people to support Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the House.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-hails-senate-passage-bill-naming-post-office-judge-russell-b", "Congressman Hails Senate Passage of Bill Naming Post Office for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded last week's Senate passage of his bill, H.R. 5349, to name the post office at 1320 Autumn Avenue in Memphis for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon Jr., the Civil Rights leader, attorney and judge.The House passed the bill in September and the final step is for it to be signed into law.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nNo one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, whose lifetime achievements include being the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and, in 1966, becoming the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm  Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell  after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University.\nWorking alongside Vasco and Maxine Smith, Jesse Turner and other NAACP leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, public facilities and the Memphis public schools. Russell Sugarmon's example and support have been an inspiration to me in my career as a public servant as they have been to many others. I look forward to the dedication of the Judge Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office soon.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commemorates-veterans-day", "Congressman Cohen Commemorates Veterans Day", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen released the following statement commemorating this year's Veterans Day:\nEach November, we pause to pay special tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. This year, on Sunday, we alsocommemoratethe 100thanniversary of the armistice that ended the brutality of World War I.\nAmerica mobilized 4 million soldiers and support personnel in World War I, and 116,708 never returned home, including 231 from Shelby County. In Memphis, the Doughboy Statue on Veterans Plaza in Overton Park, erected in 1926, reminds us of their sacrifice.\nThis week, the remains of Army Air Forces Second Lieutenant Martin F. O'Callaghan of Memphis, killed in February 1945 over what is now Slovenia, were laid to rest at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery after he was finally accounted for in April. His loss in World War II reminds us of others who have given the last full measure of devotion to this country on battlefields in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere.\nAs we honor all our veterans, we must also keep our promises to them with excellent care at our Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities so they receive the timely, high-quality treatment they deserve. For those transitioning out of the armed services into civilian life, we need to assure them that good-paying jobs and educational opportunities are available.I am proudtowork onlegislation to ensure veterans receive the benefits they were promised.\nWe have thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed all around the world. On this Veterans Day, we thank them for their sacrifice and valor and look forward to their safe returns home.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/celebrating-change-people-s-house", "Celebrating Change for The Peoples House", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I celebrated the change to come to the People's House, the U.S. House of Representatives, when the new Congress convenes in January. I also expressed concern about the integrity of justice with the leadership of the U.S. Department of Justice in flux and the Special Counsel's probe of Russian interference in jeopardy, reminded constituents that open enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govplans has begun and ends December 15, called for an end to unnecessary military deployments at the border to thwart innocent asylum seekers, suggested a way to get to the bottom of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder, expressed concern about the President's renewed attacks on the press, planned to commemorate Sunday's Armistice Day anniversary and Monday's Veterans Day, planned to hold a November Congress On Your Corner, offered constituents U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars and suggested a health tip aboutdiabetes.Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nCelebrating Change for The People's House  Protecting the Integrity of Justice  Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov  Calling for an End to Military Deployment at theBorder  Getting to the Bottom of the Khashoggi Murder  Again Expressing Concern about the President's Attacks on the Press  Celebrating Veterans Day on Sunday and Monday  Appearing on MSNBC About the New Congress  Holding My Next Congress On Your Corner  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly HealthTip  Quote of the Week\n\n  Celebrating Change for The People's House\nOn Tuesday, the people spoke with their votes and changed the House of Representatives for the 116thCongress that gets under way in January.It will once again be what the Founders intended it to be, the People's House, and no longer the House of Trump. Thisputs Congress in a good place to begin addressing the people's needs long sidelined by gridlock, such as improvements to the Affordable Care Actand protecting people with pre-existing conditions,protections for safety net programs, protection for the integrity of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of the 2016 elections,protecting voting rights by updating and strengthening the Voting Rights Act,and oversight of the suspicious patterns of corruption we've seen but were powerless to investigate in this Congress. I look forward to playing an active role in that oversight as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am hopeful that we can work in a bipartisan way to improve our crumbling highways, bridges, pipelines, transit systems and rail lineswhilecreatingjobs.\nProtecting the Integrity of Justice\nOn Wednesday, President Trump fired U.S. Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard SessionsIIIand replaced him with loyalist Matthew Whitaker, who has been publicly skeptical of the ongoing investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 elections undertaken by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.Not only was Whitaker an anti-Mueller, anti-Clinton political commentator on CNN after a failed bid for the U.S. Senate from Iowa, but worked for a now defunct patent marketing firm that the Federal Trade Commission accused of running a scam that bilked thousands of consumers out of millions of dollars, and the firm was ultimately forced to pay a more than $25 million fine. The only reason he was selected is that he will be a hatchet man, employing an open, notorious and blatanteffortto stifle and control the Mueller investigation and have its final report shielded from the public.The predictable but perilous Constitutional crisis requires Congress to step up and protect Mueller's probe by passing theSpecial Counsel Independence and Integrity Act(H.R. 5476) that I have cosponsored. Congress must act.I will attend a rally to protect Mueller's probe at the downtown Federal Building on Saturday, beginning at noon.\nFlagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov\nOpen enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plans is now under way. This year, open enrollment runs only through December 15. I will be making use of every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been limited again this year compared to the enrollment periods during the Obama Administration -- six weeks shorter than it was in 2016.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov.\nCalling for an End to Military Deployment at theBorder\nSending thousands of military troops to the border to protect against a so-called invasion -- a political stunt meant to scare the Trump base ahead of the midterms  was inappropriateand wastes taxpayers' money.I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis expressing my opposition to sending additional troops. The troops should be called back and the migrants seeking asylumshouldgo through the routine legal vetting procedures without unnecessary drama.\nGetting to the Bottom of the Khashoggi Murder\nAsI told CNN's Wolf Blitzer, I thinkthe bipartisan Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, on which I serve, should look into credible allegations from Turkey that the journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Istanbul by Saudi Arabian agents. I will be pursuing this in the days ahead. This grisly affair has deep repercussions for U.S.- Saudi relations and the stability of the region.\nAgain Expressing Concern about the President's Attacks on thePress\nCNN's reporter Jim Acosta routinely asks hard questions of the current President, as he did the previous President and other elected officials,because he represents the Fourth Estate and is obliged to inform the public. When he did so at Wednesday's presidential news conference, the White House decision, for the second time this year, was to curtail CNN's access to White House officials, breaching First Amendment rights. The press is not the enemy of the people, and the public knows it, but the President continues to say it is. Such behavior is both dangerous and un-American and should be condemned.\nCelebrating Veterans Day on Sunday and Monday\n\nSunday is the 100thanniversary of the Armistice that ended the horrific trench warfare that killed millions in World War I, including 116,708 Americans, 231 of themfrom Shelby County.I'll be at the Doughboy Statue in Overton Park on Sunday to read the names of our fallen.\nMonday is Veterans Day, when we honor all who have served in uniform. It is an appropriate time to remember Army Air Forces Second Lieutenant Martin F. O'Callaghan of Memphis, shot down over what is now Slovenia in the waning weeks of the Second World War, whose remains were buried this week. His sacrifice and that of those who fell on battlefields in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world should never be forgotten.\nI look forward to my 10thannual Veterans Day Meeting on Monday to hear their concerns.\nAppearing on MSNBC About the New Congress\nI'm scheduled to appear onLawrence O'Donnell's MSNBC show Friday night and onAlex Witt's show on MSNBC on Sunday morning in the 11 o'clock a.m. hour to talk about the new Congress convening in January and its agenda.\nHolding My Next Congress On Your Corner\nMy Memphis staff and I will hold an evening Congress On Your Corner for those who can't make our daytime events, onMonday, November 26, at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.As your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and expeditiously. We can help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visas and passports, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues and more.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it isbest to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nAccording to the National Diabetes Association, 806,000 Tennesseans have diabetes and 1.7 million have prediabetes.November is National Diabetes Awareness Monthandnext Wednesday is Diabetes AwarenessDay.Many don't know that they have diabetes, which is problematic because diabetescan be managed or prevented with active measures.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasadvice on preventing pre-diabetic patients fromdevelopingthe condition. See thatinformationhere.\nQuote of the Week\nWe have men of science, too few men of God. We have grasped themystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is aworld of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. If we continue todevelop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner. -- U.S. Army General Omar N. Bradley, ArmisticeDay speech, November 11, 1948.\nAs always, I remain  \n\tMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-steve-cohen-reacts-firing-attorney-general-sessions", "Congressman Steve Cohen Reacts to Firing of Attorney General Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEMPHIS, TN  Congressman Steve Cohen, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's firing of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and appointment of Sessions' Chief of Staff Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General:\nPresident Trump's firing of Jeff Sessions is just the latest interference with the Department of Justice's ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Special Counsel Mueller must be allowed to complete this investigation without political interference, and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein should continue to supervise. \nIt strains credulity to believe that Matthew Whitaker could provide objective supervision. His past statements render him inappropriate.\nThis action raises serious questions about the rule of law and our constitutional order.The American people deserve answers, and I intend to work with my colleagues to make that happen.\nMatthew Whitaker has previously written an op-ed entitled Mueller's investigation of Trump is going too far and publicly discussed the possibility of reducing Special Counsel Mueller's budget to a point so low that the investigation would grind to a halt.\nCongressman Cohen is a cosponsor of the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, H.R. 5476, which would protect special counsels from being removed from office except for good cause such as misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, or conflict of interest. It would also allow a special counsel who has been inappropriately removed to challenge such removal in court.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/protecting-patients-pre-existing-conditions", "Protecting Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I wrote to President Trump and to the state attorneys general who are suing the federal government to allow insurance companies to deny coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions and called upon them to drop their litigation and for the President to defend the Affordable Care Act. I also took note of Thursday's start of an abbreviated open enrollment period for 2019HealthCare.govplans, called for emergency hearings on hate crimes after the recent murders in a Pittsburgh synagogue, talked about the Music Modernization Act and other federal policy concerns with the Memphis chapter of the Recording Academy, expressed concern about a series of recent false statements from the President, invitedveteransto my annual Veterans Day event, planned to hold a November Congress On Your Corner, offered constituents U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars and suggested a health tip about Halloween candy and safe storage of medication. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nProtecting Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions  Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available atHealthCare.gov  Calling for Emergency Hearings on Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism  Talking Music with Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy  Expressing Concern about the President's False Statements  Remembering Attorney MarvinBallin  InvitingVeteransto My Annual Veterans Day Event  Holding My Next Congress On Your Corner  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week \n  \nProtecting Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions\nOn Tuesday, I joined Congressional colleagues in sending letters to President Trump, 18 state attorneys general -- including TennesseeAttorney General Herbert H. Slatery III-- and two governors who are suing the federal government inTexas v. United States.The letters call on them to drop pending litigation that seeks to allow insurance companies to deny health insurance coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions.\nThe letters note that both the President and the Senate Majority Leader now claim they are fully supportive of coverage for pre-existing conditions despite years of effort by them to kill or weaken the 2010 Affordable Care Act thatguarantees those protections.President Trump's Department of Justice has refused to intervene to uphold those protections. Trump-aligned state attorneys general, including Tennessee's, are still advancing litigation that, if successful, would end those protections. If they're serious about their newfound position, they should call for this litigation to be dropped.\n\nFlagging Open Enrollment Now Available atHealthCare.gov\nThursday was the first day of open enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plans. This year, open enrollment runs only through December 15. I will be making use of every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been limited again this year compared to the enrollment periods during the Obama Administration -- six weeks shorter than it was in 2016.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov.\nCalling for Emergency Hearings on Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism\n\nOn Monday, as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and CivilJustice, I joined House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Leeinsendinga letterto Chairman Bob Goodlatte calling for emergency hearings on hate crimes and domestic terrorism in the wake of recent killings by individuals with white supremacist views. Our letter comes after 11 people were murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,explosive devices were sent to more than a dozen public figures critical of President Trump,and two African Americans were killed at a supermarket in Jeffersontown, Kentucky after the shooter attempted to enter a predominately black church. The American people deserve hearings so that right-wing extremists and those with neo-Nazi and white supremacist views are exposed for the dangerous threat they pose to our liberties.\n\nTalking Music with Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy\n  .\nLeft to right: Recording Academy chapter members AngeloRapan, Vicki Loveland, Congressman Cohen, Susan Marshal, Jeff Powell\n\nOn Wednesday, I was honored to receive the Memphis Recording Academy's Champion of Music citation at agatheringat DavidPorter's Made in Memphis Entertainment Studio.The Memphis recording professionals thanked me for my work on the Judiciary Committee that helped lead to passage of the Music Modernization Act in September. The new law updates provisions of federal copyright law to account for the transformation of the music industry by the internet, music streaming and smart phones. It also expands federal copyright protection to pre-1972 sound recordings to ensure that legacy artists, including many in Memphis, are appropriately compensated for the use of their work. The Music Modernization Act contains elements of the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS) Act, which I cosponsored, that will resolve uncertainties over copyright protections for certain pre-1972 sound recordings and clarify digital royalties for pre-1972 sound recordings. The Recording Academy members also wanted to talk about the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act (H.R. 3945) that I have cosponsored and asked me to stay committed to funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and music education programs, which I have long supported.\n\nExpressing Concern about the President's False Statements\n\nWhile a group of migrants who are seeking asylum and fleeing unspeakable conditions in their Central American countries was more than 1,000 miles from the U.S. border, President Trump declared it an invasion and dramatically but needlessly called out active duty soldiers to stop it. A few days later, he said the middle class would get a 10 percent tax cut before the Midterm elections despite the fact Congress isn't in session until after those elections. Then the President declared he had the authority to end birthright citizenship,enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment,by executive order. None of these statements are true. As I told CNN's Wolf Blizerthis afternoon,the President \"shouldn't engage in fantasy, falsehoods and fabrications.\" This kind of serial dishonesty needs to be called out.\n\nRemembering Attorney MarvinBallin\n\nOn Wednesday, I attended the Baron Hirsch Synagogue services for MarvinBallin, a great lawyer who was loved around the courthouse for his storytelling and for the advice he offered. Marvinstood up for people who needed a voice when they otherwise wouldn't have one. In eulogies by his son and law partner LeslieBallin, his law partner Randy Fishman and his grandson and law partner BlakeBallin,hishard work for his clients, his family and his community werecelebrated. Marvin Ballin was a special person, a special lawyer and a special Memphian. His was a life well lived, and he will be missed.\nInviting Vets to My Annual Veterans Day Event\n\n\nWords cannot adequately express the gratitude our nation owes its military veterans for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they have made. My annual Veterans Day gathering is a time to thank them and their families and enjoy some barbecue while we discuss veterans issues. My 10th Annual Veterans Day Meeting and Barbecue Luncheon will be held on Monday, November 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center of Memphis  Hardin Hall, 800 East Parkway South.Vets please RSVP by Thursday, November 8 at (901) 544-4131.\nHolding My Next Congress On Your Corner\n\nMy Memphis staff and I will hold an evening Congress On Your Corner for those who can't make our daytime events, onMonday, November 26, at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.As your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and expeditiously. We can help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visas and passports, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues and more.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nAfter Halloween,you might find that you have a lot of loose candy and gum drops around the house. Somepills and capsules of medicinecan look like candy,especially to young children, so my tip this week comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keep your prescription and over-the-counter medications up and out of the reach of children and make sure safety caps are locked. See detailshere.\nQuote of the Week\n\nRabbi Jacob Rothschild and Atlanta Mayor William Hartsfield in the rubble of the bombed-out synagogue, October 1958.\nJust before dawn on October 12, 1958, a dynamite blast ripped a hole in the wall of The Temple synagogue on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Those responsible called themselves the Confederate Underground. The bombing was in retaliation for Senior Rabbi Jacob Rothschild's outspoken support for racial equality. The next day, Ralph McGill, the legendary editor and publisher ofThe Atlanta Constitution, published a front page editorial.\nThis is a harvest. It is the crop of things sown. It is the harvest of defiance of courts and the encouragement of citizens to defy law on the part of many Southern politiciansIt is not possible to preach lawlessness and restrict itLet it be understood that when leadership in high places in any degree fails to support constituted authority, it opens the gates to all those who wish to take law into their handsYou do not preach and encourage hatred for the Negro and hope to restrict it to that field. It is an old, old story. It is one repeated over and over again in history. When the wolves of hate are loosed on one people, then no one is safeFor a long time now it has been needful for all Americans to stand up and be counted on the side of law and the due process of law  even when to do so goes against personal beliefs and emotions. It is late. But there is yet time.\n\nAs always, I remain\nMost Sincerely,\nSteve 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-urges-tennesseans-to-sign-up-for-health-insurance", "Cooper Urges Tennesseans to Sign Up for Health Insurance", "2018-11-01", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today encouraged Tennesseans to evaluate their health insurance options, including some that are newly available to Volunteer State residents, before choosing an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plan that best fits their needs.\nToday is the first day to enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage plans at Healthcare.gov between now and Dec. 15. The plans will cover consumers for calendar year 2019.\nMost Tennesseans will have more insurance choices at a lower cost. Benchmark premiums across Tennessee are dropping an average of 26.2 percent, the largest decrease in the country. Nashville will have a new insurer offering coverage, Bright Health, as well as continued options from Cigna and Oscar Health. \nIt's never been easier for Middle Tennesseans to sign up for health insurance! Rep. Cooper said. All the new and expanded options show the Affordable Care Act is working. Tennesseans have six weeks to choose the best plan for them.\nMore than 229,000 Tennesseans selected ACA plans during the most recent sign-up time despite the Trump administration shortening the open enrollment period by several weeks. A recent study also found that Marketplace premiums are 16 percent higher than they would be absent some administration actions, including repealing the individual mandate and expanding short-term junk plans.\nDespite the success of the individual market, many Tennesseans still struggle to gain access to affordable coverage. Tennessee has still failed to expand Medicaid, which would cover more than 250,000 Tennesseans and reduce premiums even further for those shopping on the individual market. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Tennessee recently found that the statewide rate of uninsured Tennesseans has increased about 10 percent in the last year, leaving a total of about 450,000 residents without any form of health insurance.\nTennesseans can shop for plans at Healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-calls-end-state-litigation-aimed-denying-coverage-pre", "Congressman Cohen Calls for an End to State Litigation Aimed at Denying Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions", "2018-10-30", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), along with dozens of his Congressional colleagues, today wrote to President Trump and tomultiple state attorneys general -- including TennesseeAttorney General Herbert H. Slatery III who are suing the federal government inTexas v. United States. The letters are calling on the attorneys general to drop pending litigation that seeks to allow insurance companies to deny health insurance coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions.\nThe letters note that the President and the Senate Majority Leader claim they are fully supportive of coverage for pre-existing conditions despite years of effortby them to kill or weaken the 2010 Affordable Care Act that guarantees those protections. President Trump's U.S. Department of Justice has refused to intervene to uphold those protections.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThere is a lengthy record of statements and votes establishing that the President and the Senate Majority Leader, who are now claiming to support the popular protections for people with pre-existing conditions, have worked for years to end those protections.Achange of heartwould be welcomebut actions speak louder than words. Trump-aligned state attorneys general, including Tennessee's, are still advancing litigation that, if successful, would end those protections. If they're serious about their newfound position, they should call for this litigation to be dropped.\nOpen enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govcoverage plans for the Affordable Care Act begins Thursday, November 1 and ends December 15.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wake-unprecedented-white-supremacist-violence-top-judiciary-dems-demand", "In the Wake of Unprecedented White Supremacist Violence, Top Judiciary Dems Demand Emergency Hearings On Hate Crimes & Domestic Terrorism", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "IN THE WAKE OF UNPRECEDENTED WHITE SUPREMACIST VIOLENCE, TOP JUDICIARY DEMS DEMAND EMERGENCY HEARINGS ON HATE CRIMES & DOMESTIC TERRORISM\nWashington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), and Constitution and Civil Justice Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN) sent a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) calling for emergency hearings on hate crimes and domestic terrorism in the wake of recent killings by individuals with white supremacist views. The Members' letter comes after 11 people were murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; explosive devices were sent to at least a dozen Democratic public figures; and two African-Americans were killed at a supermarket in Jeffersontown, Kentucky after the shooter attempted to enter a predominately black church to carry out a larger attack.\nIn their letter, the Members wrote, In the past week, our nation has borne witness to three acts of terror. This groundswell of violence includes both the largest attempted mass assassination of prominent political figures in American history and the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in American history. Each of these acts was carried out by an individual understood to espouse white supremacist viewsWhether it manifests itself as racism or anti-Semitism or xenophobia, white supremacy is white supremacy. In its modern form, it motivates a fluid and particularly virulent form of domestic terrorism. It must be stopped.\nThe Members continued, The House Judiciary Committee is charged with confronting the causes of racial and religious violence, assessing the adequacy of federal hate crimes statutes, and protecting the civil liberties of all AmericansIt also falls to our Committee to address gun violence in all its formsIt is our responsibility to respond to this madness, and to do so without delayPlease, let us set aside the politics for however long it takes for us to address this extraordinary threat.\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nOctober 29, 2018\nChairman Bob Goodlatte  \n\tHouse Committee on the Judiciary  \n\t2138 Rayburn House Office Building  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20515\nChairman Goodlatte:\n We write to request that you convene an emergency hearing on the wave of domestic terrorism now gripping our nationas soon as possible. We will work with you to waive any relevant Committee rules in order to hold this hearing on short notice.\n In the past week, our nation has borne witness to three acts of terror. This groundswell of violence includes both the largest attempted mass assassination of prominent political figures in American history and the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in American history. Each of these acts was carried out by an individual understood to espouse white supremacist views:\n On Wednesday, Gregory Bush attempted to enter a predominantly black church in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. When he failed, he entered a nearby supermarket and killed two African American individuals. He is reported to have told a bystander: Don't shoot me. I won't shoot you. Whites don't shoot whites.[1] He is also reported to have a long history of domestic violence charges, and to have been previously barred from possessing a firearm under federal law.[2]\n\t\t\n\tOn Friday, federal prosecutors charged Cesar Altieri Sayoc Jr. with sending explosive devices to at least a dozen public figures who have often been singled out by President Trump.[3] Savoc identified himself to coworkers as a white supremacist who dislikes gays, African-Americans, Jews, and anybody who isn't white.[4]\n\t\t\n\tOn Saturday, Robert Bowers shot and killed 11 people gathered to worship at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He made his motive clear to the SWAT team that captured him: I just want to kill Jews.[5]\n We should not waste time trying to discern the minor differences in these small but dangerous worldviews. Whether it manifests itself as racism or anti-Semitism or xenophobia, white supremacy is white supremacy. In its modern form, it motivates a fluid and particularly virulent form of domestic terrorism. It must be stopped.\n Mr. Chairman, like you, we are proud of the law enforcement officers who tracked and captured these dangerous suspects. Like you, we will stand behind the state and federal prosecutors who will now seek justice for these crimes in due course. But it falls to us to begin the hard work of answering the questions left in the wake of this violence. The House Judiciary Committee is charged with confronting the causes of racial and religious violence, assessing the adequacy of federal hate crimes statutes, and protecting the civil liberties of all Americanswhether they are gathered to worship or speaking out against this or any other administration. It also falls to our Committee to address gun violence in all its formsa subject we have ignored for far too long, at the cost of far too many lives.\n In August 2017, we wrote to you to ask for hearings in the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginiaa tragic event featuring the open display of firearms, swastikas, and other flags and symbols associated with racial hatred and white supremacy, punctuated by chants of Jews will not replace us,' and culminating in the killing of Heather Heyer, a counter-protestor, and the accidental deaths of Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M. Bates of the Virginia State Police.[6]\n You never responded to this request. There is a cost to this inaction as well. The Anti-Defamation League reports that incidents of antisemitism in the United States rose 57% in 2017, the largest increase on record since the organization started tracking this data in 1979.[7] White supremacists were responsible for 18 of the 34 deaths linked to domestic extremism last year.[8] Must we let this violence play out another year before the Committee takes action? It is our responsibility to respond to this madness, and to do so without delay.\n You have already set the precedent for interrupting this recess for Committee business. Since the House adjourned in September, the Committee has conducted several transcribed interviews, convened one formal deposition, and scheduled (but not actually held) an important meeting with the Deputy Attorney General. Each of these events serves your ongoing and open-ended investigation into decisions made and not made at the FBI and the Department of Justice in the lead up to the 2016 election. If this workwhich does not, by any stretch, involve the safety of our communitiesmerits a break from the campaign trail, surely the emergency now before us deserves our immediate attention as well.\n Please, let us set aside the politics for however long it takes for us to address this extraordinary threat. We thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.\n\n Sincerely,  \n\t\n___________________________\nJerrold Nadler  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tHouse Committee on the Judiciary\n  \n\t___________________________\nSheila Jackson Lee  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tSubcommittee on Crime, Terrorism,  \n\tHomeland Security, and Investigations\n  \n\t___________________________\nSteve Cohen  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tSubcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice\n\n###\n\n\t  \n\t\t[1] Chris Kenning and Thomas Novelly, Kroger shooting: Chaos, heroism, and the search for a scared young boy, Louisville Courier-Journal, Oct. 27, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[2] Karen Zraick and Matt Stevens, Kroger Shooting Suspect Tried to Enter Black Church before Killing Two, Police Say, N.Y. Times, Oct. 26, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[3] William K. Rashbaum, et al., Outspoken Trump Supporter in Florida Charged in Attempted Bombing Spree, N.Y. Times, Oct. 26, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[4] Nicole Chavez, Cesar Sayoc was a DJ, bodybuilder and pizza delivery man before he became a bomb suspect, CNN, Oct. 27, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[5] Avi Selk, et al., I just want to kill Jews: Documents detail the Pittsburg synagogue massacre and name the dead, Wash. Post, Oct. 28, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[6] Letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, H. Comm. on the Judiciary, from Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr., et al., Aug. 23, 2017.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[7] Harriet Sherwood, Rising antisemitism worldwide boils over at Pittsburgh synagogue, Guardian, Oct. 28, 2018.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t[8] Jonathan Greenblatt, The Resurgent Threat of White-Supremacist Violence, Atlantic, Jan. 17, 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-responds-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting", "Congressman Cohen Responds to Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting", "2018-10-27", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) reacted to today's mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh, an attack the Anti-Defamation League has said is likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States, with the following statement:\nI extend my sympathies to all of the Tree of Life victims, their families and the first responders wounded by an anti-Semitic maniac in this horrific crime. President Trump's statements today, suggesting that if there were armed guards inside the synagogue they may have been able to stop the shooter, is NRA-driven and sophomoric logic. We need a president who protects all Americans from enemies both foreign and domestic. President Trump must put America first and stop the anti-George Soros and anti-Globalist (code for Jewish,' for many) rhetoric. Trump must also stop encouraging and advocating violence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/seeking-solutions-working-conditions-xpo-logistics", "Seeking Solutions to Working Conditions at XPO Logistics", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, the working conditions of pregnant employees at Memphis' XPO Logistics warehouse became national news and I continued to work toward solutions. I also praised the Memphis Business Journal's 40 Under 40 honorees, let you know Open Enrollment at HealthCare.gov begins next week, expressed concern about the bombs sent to current and former public officials and other public figures,drew historic parallels between Watergate and Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe, watched as the President misled the public about a caravan of migrants from Central America, expressed dismay at the President'sdisgraceful reaction to the killing of Washington Post journalist JamalKhashoggi, held a Congress On Your Corner at Parkway Village, noted that Saturday is \"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,\" invited veterans to my annualVeterans Day event, offered U.S. Capitol Society calendars to Memphians and provided a health tip involving childhood vaccinations in honor of World Polio Day. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto seemoreupdates as they happen.\nSeeking Solutions toWorking Conditionsat XPO Logistics  Honoring Memphis Business Journal's 40 under 40  Previewing 2019 Plans on HealthCare.gov  Expressing Concern about Pipe Bombs  Recalling Saturday Night Massacre  Reacting asPresidentMisleadsPublic on Central American Caravan  Responding to Trump'sEvolvingReaction to the Murder ofJamalKhashoggi  Holding Congress On Your Corner  Noting Saturday's \"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day\"  Inviting Vets to MyAnnualVeterans DayEvent  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\n  Seeking Solutions toWorking Conditionsat XPO Logistics\nOn Sunday,The New York Times took noteof an ongoing dispute over working conditions at XPO Logistics' southeast Memphis warehouse, bringing to light a history of alleged pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, and unsafe and hazardous working conditions. Theexposfurther detailed stories of women whose horrific experiences dealing with grueling heat, and strenuous physical labor, in some cases despite the explicit recommendation from medical professionals for their patients' employers to lighten their duties, led to miscarriages. Last October, another Memphis XPO Logistics worker at the same warehouse, Linda Neal, died of heat exhaustion after management denied her medical aid, before she passed out and even after she had lost consciousness. Twice earlier this month, I went to the warehouseto talk with constituents who allege that company employees are being sexually harassed and work in unsafe conditions. I alsowrote to the company's CEOwith my concerns and notified the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S.Department of Labor. I am endeavoring to hold a meeting with all parties in the near future and intend to bringthe matter to the attention of my Congressional colleagues on the House Education and the Workforce Committee to urge them to investigate and exercise oversight into the conditions at XPO Logistics in Memphis and nationwide.\nHonoring Memphis Business Journal's 40 under 40\nThis week, theMemphis Business Journalnamed its annual \"40 Under 40\" honor roll, and I want to congratulate them all. I was pleased to see my former Senior Legislative Assistant and transportation expert Michael Fulton, now the Government Affairs Director at the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, recognized for his exceptional skills. I also want to give a shout-out to my friends State RepresentativeRaumeshAkbari and Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer for being namedtothis prestigiouslist.This younger generation of leaders is making Memphis a better place.\nPreviewing 2019 Plans on HealthCare.gov\nStarting Friday, consumers are able topreview 2019 plansand prices before Open Enrollment for health care under the Affordable Care Act begins this coming Thursday. As in previous years, window shopping lets consumers browse plans without logging in, creating an account, or filling out the official application. Starting Thursday, November 1, consumers can log in to HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to fill out an application and enroll in a 2019 Exchange health plan.This year, open enrollment runs only through December 15. I will be making use of every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been limited compared to the enrollment periods during the Obama Administration -- six weeks shorter than it was in 2016.For more information on signing up for health care,seeHealthcare.gov.\nExpressing Concern about Pipe Bombs\nAll week I have been dismayed that pipe bombs have been sent to prominent current and former elected officials and other public figuresin what has so far been, mercifully, a series of unsuccessful terror attacks.I am grateful for the continued hard work of law enforcement to safely remove the bombs and investigate and bring to justice those responsible.\nRecalling Saturday Night Massacre\nLast Saturday, October 20, was the 45thanniversary of the Saturday Night Massacre when Richard Nixon tried to get his Attorney General to fire the Special Prosecutor looking into Watergate. The parallels to the perilous situation we are in today are obvious and troubling as a potentially vulnerable Special Counsel Robert Mueller continues to look into Russian interference in the 2016 election. It is clear we must pass the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 5476) I have cosponsored so the Mueller investigation, which has already produced guilty pleas and felony convictions among President Trump's inner circle, can proceed to its conclusion.\nReacting as President Misleads Public on Central American Caravan\nAll week, I followed the confused and misleading reaction of the President to a caravan heading north from Central America. At one point, he claimed Middle Easterners were part of the group but, when challenged by the press, acknowledged he had no proof. This irresponsiblelanguageis unacceptable but shows the importance of a free press. Trump's effort to frighten the public with misleading, dishonest and made up stories needs to be called out.\nResponding to Trump's EvolvingReaction to the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi\nThe President has moved 180 degrees from first appearing to accept Saudi Arabia's claims thatWashington Postcolumnist Jamal Khashoggi left its Istanbul consulate unharmed to now finding plausible that the Saudis killed him.I have signed on to several lettersto the Trump Administrationandto the Saudi governmenturging a full and fair investigation in this matter and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The President has so far failed to stand on principle and show the Saudis that America doesn't tolerate and will punish this kind of thuggery.\nHolding Congress On Your Corner\n\nAs your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and expeditiously. My office held a Congress On Your Corner event Friday at the Parkway Village Branch Library to help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visa and passports, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues and more. My office will hold an evening Congress On Your Corner for those who can't make ourdaytime events, onMonday, November 26, at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.\nNoting Saturday is \"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day\"\nSaturday is the federal Drug Enforcement Administration's \"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.\" It is a coordinated opportunity to get rid of extra pills that may be sitting around, including and especially prescription opioids, to reduce the risk of misuse.\nYou can find your nearest collection locationhere.\nInviting Vets to My AnnualVeterans Day Event\n\nWords cannot adequately express the gratitudeournation owes its military veterans for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they have made. My annual Veterans Day gathering is a time to thank them and their families and enjoy some barbecue while we discuss veterans issues. My 10thAnnual Veterans Day Meeting and Barbecue Luncheon will be held onMonday, November 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center of Memphis  Hardin Hall, 800 East Parkway South.Vets please RSVP by Thursday, November 8 at (901) 544-4131.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thCongressionalDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nWednesday was World Polio Day, set on the October 24 birthdate of virologist Jonas Salk who first developed a vaccine against the crippling disease. This year's recognition of World Polio Day marks the 27thyear that polio has been eradicated from the Americas. Over the past 30 years, we have reduced the number of confirmed cases of polio 99.9 percent -- from 350,000 in 1988 to just 22 last year. The worldwide effort to rid the planet of this scourge is led by the United Nations' World Health Organization. Read about its effortshere.As someone who was stricken with polio in my youth, I know how important vaccines are. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends children get vaccinated against polio at appropriate ages. The CDC's recommendations can be foundhere.\nQuote of the Week\n\nOur Republic and its press will rise or fall together. An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and the courage to do it can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and mockery. A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in time a people as base as itself. The power to mold the future of the republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.  Joseph Pulitzer,North American Review, May 1904 (Plaque in the lobby of the Columbia School of Journalism in New York City).\nAs always,\nI remain\nMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/honoring-national-civil-rights-museum-freedom-award-winners", "Honoring National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Winners", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I attended the Freedom Awards at the National Civil Rights Museum,wrote to five pharmaceutical companies about high drug prices and their tax windfall, expressed my concern about unprocessed voter applications, noted the local impact of DNA evidence in solving crimes, attended the swearing in of Juvenile Court Magistrate Alycia Carter Chism, visited students at Crosstown High School, talked to students at the Memphis Business Academy,read about my recent visit to constituents at the U.S. Naval Academy,planned next Friday's Congress On Your Corner, invited veterans tomy annualVeterans Dayevent,offered some U.S. Capitol Society calendars and provided a health tip involving earthquake preparedness. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nHonoring National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Winners  Demanding Answers from Big PHARMA on Drug Prices  Pressing Shelby County Elections Officials for Answers  Noting the Local Impactof DNA Evidence in Solving Crime  Attending Swearing In of Juvenile Court Magistrate Alycia Carter Chism  Visiting Crosstown High School Students  Talking with Students at Memphis Business Academy  Reading about Visitto 9thCongressional District Midshipmen at theU.S. Naval Academy  Holding Congress On Your Corner next Friday  Inviting Vets to MyAnnualVeterans DayGathering  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\n  Honoring National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Winners\nOn Wednesday, I attended the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award Student Forum and helped honor Keeper of the Dream student winners Sarah Rosenthal of Germantown Middle School, Timmy Becton Jr. of Douglass High School,Xinya(Cindy) Tan of White Station High School and Cameron Jones of Marion High Schoolin Arkansasas well as the Bridge Builders cohort of Caitlin Robinsonfromthe Hutchison School,LakiaCoakleyfromMiddle College HighSchool, Aaliyah JamesfromOverton HighSchool, ElenaMatadefromBellevue MiddleSchooland Aniya MullfromSoulsvilleCharterSchool. They are keeping the dream alive.\nThat night,I attended theNCRM's Freedom Awards and saw former Vice President Joe Biden, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Memphis entrepreneur and philanthropist J.R. Pitt Hyde honored for their lives of public service. Bidentold the crowd at The Orpheum Theaterthat we are living through a battle for the soul of this nation. The 27thawards ceremony was infused with the music of the late, great Memphis native Aretha Franklin, who passed awayin August, and whose grandchildren were in the audience. Fifty years after the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and of Senator Robert Kennedy, on whose staff Biden was working in 1968, it was an especially moving and memorable evening.\nDemanding Answers fromBig PHARMAon Drug Prices\nOn Monday, I joined 15 colleagues in sending letters to the CEOs of five large pharmaceutical companies that benefit from corporate tax breaks and publicly funded research, demanding answers to the problem of soaring prescription drug prices. The five corporations to which we wrote Amgen,AbbVie,Eli Lilly,MerckandPfizer each benefitted from last year's GOP tax bill with windfall tax cuts. We want to know why, despite receiving massive amounts of U.S. taxpayer support, the companies are charging prices that place life-saving medications out of the reach of many Americans. We also asked if they had discontinued any drugs in development and, for those companies scaling back employment in their research divisions, what business factors affectedthose decisions. We concluded the lettersby askinghow much their top executives are getting paid.I will continue to press this issue and get answers on these important public policy issues.\nPressingShelby County Elections Officials for Answers\nToday, when I went to vote I was disturbed to learn that the voting booth large screen format that I chose does not follow the law in terms of how the candidates' names are placed on the ballot. Tennessee law requires that the names of the major parties' candidates be listed first and second and then independent (non-party affiliated) candidates listed after. When I chose the large screen format, I discovered that the second major party candidate's name doesn't even appear on the first page of the large format. I have contacted the Shelby County Election Commission as well as Secretary of State Tre Hargett to express my concern. It is the duty of election officials to ensure that ballots are in order as required by law before the first voter steps into the booth,and that federal voting rights are protected.\nEarlier in the week,Iwas disappointedwhen it became clearthat 24,000 pending voter registration applications in Shelby County still had not been processed even as Early Voting for the Midterms got under way. That, combined with the Shelby County Election Commission'sassertionlast week that 55 percent of the voter applications it had received were invalid, raise critical questions. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, whose jurisdiction includes oversight compliance with theVoting Rights Act, I believe this matter is serious. We have an ugly history in this country of voter suppression, especially against prospective African American voters. We need to ensure that all who have the right to vote have that right upheld in this election. I havewritten to the commissionand am continuing to press for answers.\nNoting the Local Impactof DNA Evidence in Solving Crime\nThis week,welearned about the recentuse of DNA evidence to win a convictionagainst the perpetrator of an 18-year-old rape that occurred in southwest Memphis. That evidence was finally tested 12 years after the crime occurred. DNA analysis is a powerful tool to bring about justice, but that doesn't happen when rape kit evidence sits on shelves untested.I haveamended multiple House billsto increase funding to for rape kit analysisto address a shameful nationwide backlog. Since 2014, my amendments have increased funding for the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) by 36 percent. Congress must continue to provide funding to ensure that all rape kits get tested and all perpetrators are brought to justice. I commend the prosecutors in Memphis for their persistence.\nAttending Swearing In of Juvenile Court Magistrate Alycia Carter Chism\n\nOn Wednesday, I attended the swearing in of Alycia Carter Chism as a Magistrate for the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court.Alycia Carterwas my first associate district director and counselin my Congressional office and I was proud to recommend her to Judge Dan Michael.The Magistratesaid her black robe is not just black garment but a symbol of responsibility, and she pledged to handle every child who appears before her with care, dignity and respect. She will do us proud.\nVisiting Crosstown High School Students\n\nOn Monday, I visited with the 9thgrade students of Crosstown High School and came away impressed with their zeal for learning and their knowledgeable questions.These bright young people are our future, and I look forward to watchingtheir progress.\nTalking with Students at Memphis Business Academy\n\nAlso Monday, I visited teacher Justin Cole's class in the auditorium of the Memphis Business Academy and talked with students about the importance of their roles as U.S. citizens, the need for criminal justice reform, public investment in college education and immigration reform.The students askedsmartquestions.They are a dedicated group and should go far.\nReading aboutVisit with9thCongressional DistrictMidshipmen at theU.S. Naval Academy\nMy visit with 9thCongressional District midshipmenat the U.S. Naval Academy,which I mentioned in last week's newsletter, was the subject of a story last Saturday inThe Daily Memphian. See ithere.\nHolding Congress On Your Corner Next Friday\nAs your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and expeditiously. My office will be on hand Friday to help you with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visa and passports, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues and more.When: Friday, October 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Where: The Parkway Village Branch Library, 4655 Knight Arnold Roadin Memphis.\nInviting Vets to MyAnnual Veterans DayEvent\n\n\nWords cannot adequately express the gratitude a grateful nation owes its military veterans for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they have made. My annual Veterans Day gatheringis a time to thank them and their families and enjoy some barbecue while we discuss veterans issues. My 10thAnnual Veterans Day Meeting and BarbecueLuncheon will be held onMonday, November 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center of Memphis  Hardin Hall, 800 East Parkway South.Vets please RSVP by Thursday, November 8 at (901) 544-4131.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thCongressionalDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nDistrict staffer Patti Marsh participates in earthquake drill\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nMore than 3 million people across the Central U.S., including the staff in my Memphis office, participated in Thursday's Great Central U.S. Shakeout earthquake disaster drill. Our region is particularly susceptible to serious earthquakes like the ones that shook the New Madrid FaultLine running from Marked Tree, Arkansas, to Cairo, Illinois, in 1811 and 1812, and createdReelfootLake when the Mississippi River ran backwards for a while. Those quakes rang church bells in Boston and collapsed chimneys for hundreds of miles in all directions. There are very useful resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency'sEarthquake Safety Checklist(tips: update emergency contacts and learn how to shut off gas lines and purify water) and from theweb page of the drill this weekto help you prepare for an earthquake and plan ahead to make sure your shelter will be resilient. It's always time to prepare for the Big One.\nQuotes of the Week\nAmerica's ability to lead the world depends not just on the example of our power, but on the power of our example.  Former Vice President Joe Biden, Reclaiming America's Values,The New York Times, September 14, 2017.\nForces we thought we had buried, fights we thought we had won -- they're lashing back once again, testing our humanity, our decency, with the same old tactics that represent one of the oldest most insidious forces in America.  Former Vice President Joe Biden after receiving this year's National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Wednesday.\nTwo Tigers teams meet in Memphis-Missouri game Saturday. Go Memphis!\nAs always,\nI remain,\nMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-use-dna-evidence-win-conviction-18-year-old", "Congressman Cohen Praises Use of DNA Evidence to Win Conviction in 18-year-old Rape Case", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today praised theuse of DNA evidence to win a convictionagainst theperpetrator of an 18-year-old rape that occurred in southwest Memphis.\nDNA analysis is a powerful tool to bring about justice, but it doesn't work when rape kits sit on shelves untested, said the Congressman. Congress must continue to provide funding to ensure that all rape kits get tested and all perpetrators are brought to justice. I commend the prosecutors in this case for their continued vigilance.\nCongressman has repeatedlyintroduced amendments to increase funding for rape kit analysisin the face of a nationwide backlog. Since 2014, Congressman Cohen's amendments have helped increase nationwide funding for the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) by 36 percent.\nAccording toThe Commercial Appeal, David Hugo Johnson was convicted late last week for a sexualassaultthat occurred in Memphis. Johnson is currently in prison in Oklahoma for burglary.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-smith-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-consumers", "Congressmen Cohen, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumers from Unfair Taxes on Digital Goods", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressmen Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Lamar Smith (R-TX)today introducedlegislationtoprotect consumers from unfair taxes on digital goods and services like those purchased over the internet or on smartphones. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act ensures that digital goods and services are not taxed at a higher rate than their tangible counterparts.\nDigital goods and services have become a driving force in our national economy, said Congressman Cohen. We shouldmake sure consumers are treated fairly andnotdouble-taxed.\nCongressman Smith said: In our modern economy, more and more consumers are buying digital goods and services rather than tangible items. But as technology advances, it is important that tax policies do not unfairly penalize consumers who choose to download digital goods rather than purchase their tangible counterparts. This legislation promotes tax fairness and ensures that consumers are not discouraged from purchasing digital goods.\nThis legislation would prevent the taxation of MP3 and software downloads, for example, at a higher rate than the tax on music and software CDs. The bill would prevent tax discrimination for consumers who chose to purchase a good or service in digital rather than tangible form.\nA Senate version of the measure was introduced Thursday by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ron Widen (D-OR).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/visiting-9th-congressional-district-constituents-us-naval-academy", "Visiting 9th Congressional District Constituents at the U.S. Naval Academy", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I visited midshipmen fromTennessee's 9thCongressional Districtstudying at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and came away impressed at their commitment to becoming U.S. Navy or Marine officers.I also wrote the Shelby County Election Commission expressing my concern at its reported high rate of invalid voter applications, introduced a bill to prevent double taxation on purchase of digital goods and services, cheered the signing of bills on which I worked that block insurers from enforcing gag clauses that prohibit pharmacies from telling customers about how they can pay less for drugs, attended a documentary film on the Watergate scandal, condemned the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, wrote an opinion column on the treatment of Obama-era judicial nominations, began inviting veterans to my Veterans Day barbecue, offered my constituentsU.S. Capitol Society calendars and provided a health tipon Alzheimer's disease. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nVisiting 9thCongressional District Constituents at the U.S. Naval Academy  Expressing Concern about Voter RegistrationApplication Invalidations  \n\tIntroducing the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act  Blocking Big PHARMA's Influence over Insured Drug Costs  Attending Washington Premiere of Watergate  Condemning the Confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh  Lamenting Obstruction of Obama-eraJudicial Nominations  Inviting Vets to My Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\n  Visiting 9thCongressional District Constituents at the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nOn Tuesday, I had a delightful visit with three, third-year Midshipmen fromthe9thCongressional Districtat the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. These young men will graduate as U.S. Navy or Marine officers after a fine education at an elite institution. Memphis University School graduate C.J. McCoy, White Station High School graduate Brody McDonald and Evangelical Christian School graduate David Boyd will make this country proud.Receivinga Naval Academy education is a tremendous honor and a major achievement. It also instills qualities of character that produce true leaders. I was disappointed I couldn't meetwithfour other 9thDistrict midshipmen who are on the Navy football team and were busy training, but I'll give a shout out to them, too: Sean Williams of Cordova and Memphians Cameron Kinley, Caleb Clear, and Camren Taylor. I wish them all a Navy toast of fair winds and following seas.\nExpressing Concern about Voter RegistrationApplication Invalidations\nOn Wednesday, I wrote to Shelby County Election Commission Chairman Robert Meyers expressing my concern about the Commission's assertion that 55 percent of voter applications are being ruled invalid. I asked Chairman Meyers what theCommission is doing to ensure federal law is being followed and that applications are processed before the beginning of early voting on October 17  next Tuesday. I also asked what theCommission is doing to inform eligible citizens whose applications have been deemed incomplete what they are required to do to complete them,and what is being done to inform felons who are eligible to have their voting rights restored what they are required to do to complete an application. Read my letterhere.Withwhat's going on in Georgia, where 53,000 registration applications are being held up  70 percent of which are from African Americans -- we must ensure that no Tennessean's right to vote is compromised.\nIntroducing the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act\nOn Friday, I joined Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) in introducing the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act aimed at protecting consumers who make purchases over the internet or by smart phone.The bill wouldensure that consumersaren't taxed at a higher rate than they would be for purchases of tangible items.It would also ensure that consumers aren't double taxed. I look forward to its consideration by theHouseJudiciary Committee on which I serve.\nBlocking Big PHARMA's Influence over Insured Drug Costs\nOn Wednesday,two bills were signed into lawthat block insurers from enforcing gag clauses that prohibit pharmacies from telling customers about how they can pay less for drugs.I was proud to cosponsor the House version ofThe Patient Right to Know Drug PricesActwhich was introduced by my colleague Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), as well as the House version of theKnow the Lowest PriceAct. These billswill help ensure that consumers canfind out whether a prescription drug would cost less were they to pay for it out of pocket instead of through their healthinsurance. The Patient Right to Know Act applies to patients covered by private insurance and takes effect immediately. The second measure applies to Medicare recipients and takes effect in 2020.\nAttending Washington Premiere of Watergate\nWatergate prosecutors George T. Frampton, Richard Ben-Veniste, and Jill Wine-Bank speak with Watergate director Charles Ferguson (with microphone).\nOn Wednesday evening, I attended and enjoyed the Washington premiere of the first half of the documentary Watergate  Or, How We Stopped an Out-of-Control President at the National Portrait Gallery. The part I saw led up to 1973 and depicted a paranoid, obsessed president whose involvement in illegal activity and its coverup was abetted by people around him who realized but hid that he was out of control. Nixon is seen attackingThe Washington Postand other news organizations and falsely asserting that the Watergate special prosecutors would find nothing in their investigation of the burglary, the political chicanery orthe payoffs to keep witnesses silent. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee,I found the parallels to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation of Russian interference in our elections, and Trump's response to it, chillingly similar, and was reminded why it is so important for Congress to pass the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act to protect Mueller from being inappropriately fired. The documentary airs on cable television in early November.\nCondemning the Confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh\nMuch of the country was disappointed at last Saturday evening's Senate vote confirming Judge Brett Kavanaugh as anassociate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. I talked withthe Reverend Al Sharptonof MSNBC on Sunday and with CNN'sWolf Blitzer on Mondayabout the confirmation process and the impact Kavanaugh is likely to have in jeopardizing voting rights, women's reproductive rights and other critical issues resolved by the nation's highest court. Kavanaugh does not have the judicial temperament for the job. We need fair and impartial judges to protect the rights of the most vulnerable.\nLamenting Obstruction of Obama-eraJudicial Nominations\nIn response to a recentcolumn by Senator Lamar AlexanderinThe Commercial Appealaccusing Senate Democrats of stalling the confirmation of federal District Court judge nominees, including state Senator Mark Norris, I wrote my ownop-edinThe Commercial Appealpointing out the lengthy delay and ultimate derailing of President Obama's nomination of former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton to become a federal judge.Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to let the Senate consider President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, Merrick Garland. Senator Norris was confirmed by the Senate Thursday night.The record reflects thatRepublicansenators engaged in far more obstruction ofObama's nominees thanDemocratic senators have ofTrump'snominees.\nInviting Vets to My Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon\nWords cannotfullyexpress the gratitudeournation owes its military veterans for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they have made. My annual Veterans Day Luncheon is a time to thank them and their families.This luncheon serves asan opportunity for me to hear their concerns and for veterans to hear what is being done at the federal, state and local levels to better serve their needs.\nMy 10thAnnual Veterans Day Barbecue Luncheon will be held on Monday, November 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center of Memphis  Hardin Hall, 800 East Parkway South.VetsshouldRSVP by Thursday, November 8 at (901) 544-4131.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)estimates 5.7 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. While some risk factors, like age and genetics, can't be controlled,the CDC offers a few tipsto improve your chances of staving off dementia, including staying active, avoiding smoking and, perhaps surprisingly, just trying to learn new things. Alzheimer's is also the most expensive disease in America, with one in five Medicare dollars spent on someone with the disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, early diagnosis would save billions while providing better treatment options for families and caregivers.\nQuote of the Week\nWith the post-season upon us, it's always nice to be reminded of the wisdom of baseball great Yogi Berra:\nYou can observe a lot by just watching.\nBaseball is 90 percent mental and the other half is physical.\nNever answer an anonymous letter.\nI'll be at the Liberty Bowl Saturday afternoon when the Tigers take on UCF. Let's go Tigers!\nAs always,\nI remain\nMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-seeks-answers-shelby-county-election-commission", "Congressman Cohen Seeks Answers from Shelby County Election Commission", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen late yesterday sent a letter to the Shelby County Election Commission about its procedures for processing applications following the Commission's assertion that 55 percent of the voter applications it had received were invalid. Congressman Cohen is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Voting Rights Act.A copy of the letter can be found here.\nWhen an election commission tells you that the majority of voter registration applications it has received are invalid, that begs serious questions, said Congressman Cohen. Our nation has an ugly history of voter suppression, especially when it comes to African American voters, and we need to ensure that voting rights are protected. Mindful of what's going on in Georgia, where 53,000 registration applications are being held up  70 percent of which are from African Americans -- we must ensure that no Tennessean's right to vote is compromised.\nSpecifically, Congressman Cohen asked the Commission:\n \nWhat is the Commission doing to ensure that all applications are processed before early voting begins on October 17, 2018?\n\tWhat is the Commission doing, if anything, to inform eligible citizens, whose applications are incomplete, what is required for them to complete their applications?\n\tWhat is the Commission doing, if anything, to inform felons who have filed applications to vote, and who are eligible to have their voting rights restored, what is required for them restore their voting rights and complete an application to vote?\n \n                                                             ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-kavanaugh-confirmation", "Congressman Cohen Condemns Kavanaugh Confirmation", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed disappointment at today's Senate confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and made the following statement:\n\nOne of the Ten Commandments dating back tothe12thCentury B.C. condemns bearing false witness,' or lying, which is what we saw Kavanaugh do repeatedly during his Senate confirmation hearing. He lied about his drinking. He lied about the meaning of offensive language in his high school year book. I think he lied about sexual abuse and blacking out. He was evasive about his service in the George W. Bush White House, dissembled about his work on Kenneth Starr's anti-Clinton crusade and deflected questions about his evolving view of presidential immunity. His partisan tirade showed the whole country he does not have the temperament to be a Circuit Court judge, much less a Supreme Court justice. He showed the Senatedisrespect.He is profoundly unqualified for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land. This is a bad day for the Senate, for the truth and for the Supreme Court.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/questioning-judicial-fitness-supreme-court-nominee-brett-kavanaugh", "Questioning the Judicial Fitness of Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, new allegations about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh emerged as the FBI undertook a hasty supplemental background investigation that did not eveninclude an interview with Dr. ChristineBlaseyFord and I expressed my concern about the reputation of both theHighCourt and the Senate were he to be confirmed. I also spoke out about unsafe working conditions at a Memphis logistics warehouse, wrote to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in response to the Memphis VA Medical Center being ranked among the nation's worst for the third year in a row, applauded Senate action on my bill torequirethe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)toset minimum passenger aircraft seat sizes for the safety of the flying public, commended The New York Times for its expos on the Trump family's alleged abuse of the U.S. tax system, met with prospective applicants to our national service academies, began offering 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nQuestioning the Judicial Fitness ofSupreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh  Expressing Concerns about Working Conditions at XPO Logistics  Taking Action in Response to Disappointing VA Medical Center Rankings  Praising Senate Action on my SEAT Act  Commending an Investigation into Disturbing Trump Family Tax History  Meeting Prospective Service Academy Applicants  Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\n  \nQuestioningtheJudicial Fitness ofSupreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh\nThis week, as the FBI reopened its background check on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaughfor a hurried review, I questioned why the obvious evidence already apparent thatKavanaughlacks the required judicial temperament shouldn't disqualify him. Itwasclear the Majority wantedto rush to confirm him before another scandalous eruption occurred, but my concernwas always to preservethe integrity of two fundamental institutions: the Supreme Court and the United States Senate. Both have been damaged in this process but Kavanaugh's confirmation --after his display of hyper-partisanship and disrespectful disdain for the process and for the Senate, as well as his evident misrepresentations under oath--would do long-term harm to theHighCourt. I continue to hope the interests of the country will prevail and his nomination will be withdrawn.\nExpressing Concerns about Working Conditions at XPO Logistics\nTwice this week, I went to the southeast Memphis warehouse of XPO Logistics to talk with constituents who allege that company employees are being sexually harassed and work in unsafe conditions. I alsowrote to the company's CEOwith my concerns and notified the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Labor. I will continue to monitor this situation and seek answers.\nTaking Action in Response toDisappointingVA Medical Center Rankings\nOn Wednesday, I readThe Commercial Appeal storydetailing the unfortunate one-star ranking  for the third year in a row -- of the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). I immediatelywroteto VA Secretary RobertWilkieto ask for his intervention. I also received a detailed briefing on the facility from Memphis VADirector David Dunning.We discussed the existing problems at the VAMC and what more must be done. Director Dunning has been on the job for 14 months and there have been improvements during his tenure, including improved employee morale and declines in mortality rates. Prior to Director Dunning, the Memphis VA had a series of interim directors with no long-term plans.I will continue to demand improvements so that our veterans canreceivethe level of service they deserve and expect.\nPraising Senate Action onmy SEAT Act\nOn Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted 93 to 6 to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Actcontaining the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act provisionthat I introduced with Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Florida). On Friday it was signed into law. As a senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I worked for three years to pass the measure, which requires the FAA to establish both minimum seat size and distance between rows of seats on commercial aircraft to protect the safety of the flying public. Safety must never take a backseat, much less a shrunken seat, to profits. The safety of the public must be the airlines' primary concern and this bill now requires the FAA to take it seriously. I'm proud that this measure has been enacted into law and I commend my colleagues for including this important safety measure in the FAA bill.\n\nCommending an Investigation into Trump Family Tax History\n  On Tuesday, The New York Times publisheda lengthy and detailed examinationof the alleged tax abuses perpetrated by President Trump and the Trump family.President Trump claims his father loaned him $1 million that he was required to repay with interest. The Times investigation establishes that Trump was a millionaire by age 8 and in fact received up to $413 million from his father through what may have been fraudulent transfers to avoid estate and gift taxes. The American people deserve to see Trump's tax returns. \n\nMeeting Prospective Service Academy Applicants\n\nLast Saturday, I met at the Crosstown High School with prospective applicants to the five service academies  the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. These bright and patriotic students will make us proud shouldthey be admitted to these sterling and very competitive national institutions.\nOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\nMy office will soon have a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am able to mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter.\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional 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.One in every eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women between 50 and 74 get a mammogram every two years, while women under 50 are advised to talk to their doctors about how often they should be screened. For information on free and low-costs screenings,seethis resourcefrom the CDC.\nQuote of the Week\n  \n\t\nThis country has nothing to fear from the crooked man who fails. We put him in jail. It is the crooked man who succeeds who is a threat to this country.  President Theodore Roosevelt, speech in Memphis, Tennessee, October 25, 1905.\nAs always,\nI remain,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-cohen-kinzinger-airplane-seat-size-bill", "Senate Passes Cohen-Kinzinger Airplane Seat Size Bill", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, hailed today's Senate passage of the bipartisan Cohen-Kinzinger Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that now heads to the President's desk. The SEAT Act requires the FAA to establish minimum seat size and distance between rows of seats on commercial aircraft to protect the safety of the flying public.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nSafety must never take a backseat, much less a shrunken seat, to profits. The safety of the public must be the airlines' primary concern and this bill now requires the FAA to take it seriously. I'm proud that this measurewill soon be enacted into law. I commend my colleagues for including this important safety measure in the FAA bill.\nThe SEAT Act was first introduced by Congressmen Cohen (D-Tennessee) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) in February 2016. The Representatives reintroduced the SEAT Act in March 2017, joined this time by SenatorsRichard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Charles Schumer (D-New York), Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts), Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) and Dianne Feinstein (D-California). \nWhat is the SEAT Act?\nThe Safe Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act, H.R. 1467 requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a minimum seat size and minimum distance between rows to protect the safety and health of airline passengers.\n\nThe average distance between rows of seats has dropped from 35 inches before airline deregulation in the 1970s to about 31 inches today. The average width of an airline seat has also shrunk from 18 inches to about 16 . \n\nLegislative Timeline:\n\nFebruary 8, 2016  Reps. Steve Cohen and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduce the SEAT Act (114th Congress  H.R. 4490) \n\nMarch 9, 2017 - Reps. Cohen and Kinzinger reintroduce SEAT Act. This time, they are joined by Senators Blumenthal, Schumer, Markey, Menendez and Feinstein (S. 596)\n\nJune 27, 2017  Rep. Cohen offers the SEAT Act as an amendment to a House FAA reauthorization bill during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote. Video of Congressman Cohen speaking in support of his amendment at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting can be found here.\n\nFebruary 27, 2018  Rep. Cohen directly questions FAA officials at a House Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on airline safety about the danger of shrinking seat size, the US Court of Appeals order requiring the FAA review its decision not to comply with a public petition on the matter.\n\nApril 27, 2018  The House of Representatives passes the FAA reauthorization bill containing the SEAT Act by a vote of 393-13.\n\nJune 19, 2018  As a result of questions raised by Rep. Cohen in a February aviation safety hearing and a letter from Transportation Committee Ranking Member DeFazio, the Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General, announced an audit in the FAA's oversight of evacuation procedures with specific regard to seat size, baggage, and issues raised by Rep. Cohen in the February hearing.\n\nSeptember 23, 2018  House and Senate negotiators announce new bipartisan, bicameral FAA reauthorization package that includes the SEAT Act.\n\nPrevious press coverage of the SEAT Act can be found at:\n\nWashington Post; USA Today; NY Times;CBS News, The Hill; Chicago Tribune;Travel Weekly; CBS Evening News;CBS Morning News;NBC's Today Show;Washington Post;USA Today;Washington Post;CNN; NYT Editorial Board", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hailing-passage-faa-reauthorization-bill-seat-and-pets-provisions", "Hailing Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill with SEAT and PETS Provisions", "2018-09-29", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, the House passed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill with several safety and common-sense provisions that I introduced, including the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act, which will require the FAA to regulate cramped airplane seating as a safety issue. I also expressed grave concern at allegations that Judge Brett Kavanaugh committed sexual assault, spoke out to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, remembered civic leader Phil Trenary, hailed House passage of the Music Modernization Act, welcomed a Senate committee's action advancing my effort to name a Memphis post office for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, met with a group of patient advocates, held a Congress On Your Corner, planned to host military academy applicants and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tHailing Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill with SEAT and PETS Provisions  Expressing Concern at Allegations Against Judge Brett Kavanaugh  Attempting to Protect the Mueller Investigation  Remembering Phil Trenary  Welcoming Passage of the Music Modernization Act  Praising Senate Action on the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill  Meeting with National Patient Advocate Foundation Members  Holding a Congress On Your Corner Event  Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t  Hailing Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill with SEAT and PETS Provisions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, the House voted 398 to 23 to pass the five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that included several provisions I introduced, including theSeat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act,whichrequires the FAA to establish minimum seat size and distance between rows of seats on commercial aircraft to protect the safety of the flying public. The bill also included thePlanes Ensuring Total Safety(PETS) Act which I introduced with Rep. Dan Donovan (R-NY) to prohibit placing live animals in planes' overhead compartments, putting an end to the practice that has resulted in accidental deaths that have beenwidely reportedin recent years. In addition, the bill contains a provision I sponsored to make airplane pilots' records of DUI's, suspended or revoked driver licenses available to the FAA so that they can't pilot airplanes. Further, the bill contains a provision to prohibit discriminatory taxes on certain services like car rentals at airports. As Tennessee State Senator Leonard Dunavant used to say, Don't tax me, don't tax thee, tax that man behind the tree. The taxes prohibited in the bill are just that. Although I was disappointed that the final bill did not contain the Forbid Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees amendment that I offered, which would have protected consumers from unreasonable baggage and flight cancellation charges and make them proportional to the cost of services provided, I was proud to have succeeded in negotiating the inclusion of five of my initiatives, including some significant safety measures, in the House-passed legislation and I look forward to swift Senate consideration.\n\t\t\t\tExpressing Concern at Allegations Against Judge Brett Kavanaugh\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAll week, but particularly on Thursday, I expressed my belief that the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court looked like a collision of the Me Too movement and a Senate Majority unwilling to uncover the truth about allegations the nominee committed sexual assault. The Senate has lost much of its prestige and the reputation of the Supreme Court itself  which most Americans believe should retain non-political objectivity and independence  has now been tainted, as well. Christine Blasey Ford is a brave woman and I believe her while Kavanaugh chose to dissemble and deflect questions about the charge and I believe he lied about his drinking, calling into question his veracity. There's no excuse for not conducting an FBI investigation of these allegations and for not questioning Kavanaugh's friend Mark Judge, who Ford identified as the third person in the room when the assault occurred. If Kavanaugh is approved, it will because the truth no longer matters. On The Hill's television programRisingon Wednesday morning, in afloor speechWednesday afternoon and again onC-Span's Washington JournalThursday morning, I expressed my belief that the allegations appeared credible and that Kavanaugh's name should be withdrawn. I continue to hope that a majority of Senators, including a few in the Majority with backbones and clear consciences, will vote down his nomination. Prior to the testimony of Dr. Ford, Iwroteto the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee asking them to take procedural precautions not to re-traumatize Dr. Ford in her appearance before a national audience.\n\t\t\t\tAttempting to Protect the Mueller Investigation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, Ispoke on the House floorin favor of the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 2644) in the wake of credible reports that the President was about to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who has been overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. The existential threat Mueller's probe poses for this presidency makes it likely that some effort will be made to shut it down or have a Trump ally in a position to limit its scope. The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act,which I helped introduce in April, would establish that the President could remove Mueller or any future special counsel only for cause, such as misconduct, incapacity or conflict of interest. So far, the Majorities in both Houses have not seen the urgency of putting this needed protection in place -- for a former Republican FBI director who is winning convictions and guilty pleas -- but I will continue to urge them to do so.\n\t\t\t\tRemembering Phil Trenary\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFred Smith, Congressman Cohen and Phil Trenary\n\t\t\t\tI was shocked and saddened to hear of the death Thursday night of my friend Phil Trenary, CEO of the Memphis Chamber and a civic booster of the first rank. Phil came to Memphis to run a regional airline but took on a variety of duties to make his adopted city a better place. My sincere condolences go to his family, his colleagues and his many friends.\n\t\t\t\tWelcoming Passage of the Music Modernization Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDionne Warwick with Congressman Cohen\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday night, the House passedthe Music Modernization Actwhich the Senate passed the previous week. It now goes to the President to be signed into law. The law will update music licensing for the first time in 20 years and finally brings us into the age of streaming and other 21stcentury media technologies. The bill contains elements of the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS) Act, which I co-sponsored, which will resolve uncertainties over copyright protections for certain pre-1972 sound recordings and clarify digital royalties for pre- and post-1972 sound recordings. The bill is good for music and good for Memphis musicians.At a House Judiciary Committee field hearing on the measure in January, lawmakers heard from witnesses Dionne Warwick and Memphis music impresario Booker T. Jones, who noted that his 1962 classic Green Onions is still treated as pre-'72.\n\t\t\t\tPraising Senate Action on the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlso Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed my legislation to rename the facility at 1325 Autumn Avenue as The Judge Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office. The Senate committee's action clears the way for consideration by the full Senate. I'm grateful to the Senate committee and appreciate the support of Senators Alexander and Corker for approving legislation to name the Autumn Avenue post office for the Civil Rights pioneer, lawyer and jurist. There is no one more deserving of this honor, and I appreciate my colleagues' recognition of Judge Sugarmon's stature in our community and around the country. I look forward to final passage in the Senate and seeing the measure signed into law. The House passed the Sugarmon post office bill on September 13, 2018.\n\t\t\t\tMeeting with National Patient Advocate Foundation Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, members of the National Patient Advocate Foundation stopped by my office to discuss the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) which I cosponsored and which passed the House earlier this year. They are also advocating legislative remedies to limit medical debt and surprise billing. This week, I cosponsoredthe Fair Billing Actto address surprise billing in emergency rooms. I was pleased to meet with Brenda Kyles of the Memphis-Shelby County Health Department, Memphians Faye Hollowell, Wy Harris and William Roperson and Debra Poppelaars of Nashville in my Washington office.\n\t\t\t\tHolding a Congress On Your Corner Event\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, my district staff held a Congress On Your Corner at the Cordova Branch Library. These events allow constituents to get help with federal agencies like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and with their veterans, Social Security and Medicare benefits. My next Congress on Your Corner will be on Friday, October 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.\n\t\t\t\tHosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers. Chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov\n\t\t\t\tSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\n\t\t\t\tFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\n\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional 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 Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, recognizing a leading cause of disability that affects one in four Americans and generates $140 billion in medical costs each year. Read more about arthritis and other rheumatic diseases from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseaseshere.\n\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator Dick Durban of Illinois: Dr. Ford, with what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?\n\t\t\t\tDr. Christine Blasey Ford: \"100 percent.\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain.\n\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,  \n\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-statement-passing-philip-h-trenary", "Congressman Cohen Statement on the Passing of Philip H. Trenary", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) Congressman Steve Cohen today released the following statement regarding the passing of Philip H. Trenary, CEO of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce:\nPhil Trenary was a civic leader and businessman, and was extremely important to the City of Memphis. He was totally immersed in the Memphis community, both as a celebrant and as a contributor. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-passage-pets-act", "Congressman Cohen Hails Passage of PETS Act", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, hailed passage of his Planes Ensuring Total Safety (PETS) Act that was made a part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that passed the House on a vote of 398 to 23 and is expected to be considered in the Senate soon. See his remarks on the House floor here.\nThe bipartisan, bicameral PETS Act (H.R. 5315), which Congressman Cohen introduced with Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-New York) and Senators John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), directs the FAA to issue regulations to prohibit the storage of live animals in the overhead compartments of airplanes to prevent incidents like the death of Kokito, a French bulldog that died on a United Airlines flight after being stored in an overhead compartment earlier this year.\nCongressman Cohen said:\nReading stories about the terrible treatment of a pet perishing after being stowed in an overhead bin on long-distance flights prompted this vital legislation and I'm pleased it has now passed the House. Dogs, cats, and other animals should never be placed in overhead bins on aircraft. Pets are considered family members and to jeopardize their health, safety, and ultimately their lives should be prohibited.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-passage-music-modernization-act-0", "Congressman Cohen Applauds Passage of Music Modernization Act", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded House passage of the Music Modernization Act, a bill that updates provisions of federal copyright law to account for the transformation of the music industry by the internet, music streaming and smart phones. It also expands federal copyright protection to pre-1972 sound recordings to ensure that legacy artists are appropriately compensated for the use of their work.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nThe Music Modernization Act is the first update to our music licensing laws in 20 years and brings us up to date with the current technologies. The bill contains elements of the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS) Act, which I cosponsored, that will resolve uncertainties over copyright protections for certain pre-1972 sound recordings and clarify digital royalties for pre-1972 sound recordings. This bill is good for music, and good for Memphis musicians and music fans.\nCongressman Cohen was a cosponsor of the House version of the Music Modernization Act, and voted for it when it came before the House Judiciary Committee as well as when it initially passed the House in April.\nLast night's House passage by unanimous consent follows last week's Senate passage by unanimous consent.The bill will now move to the President's desk for signing into law.\nAt a House Judiciary Committee field hearing on the measure in January, lawmakers heard from witness and Memphis music impresario Booker T. Jones, who noted that his 1962 classic Green Onions is still treated as pre-'72.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-senate-committee-action-russell-b-sugarmon", "Congressman Cohen Applauds Senate Committee Action on Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded today's Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee passage of his bill to rename the facility at 1325 Autumn Avenue as The Judge Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office. The Senate committee's action clears the way for consideration by the full Senate.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm grateful to the Senate committee for approving legislation to name the Autumn Avenue post office for Civil Rights pioneer, lawyer and jurist Russell B. Sugarmon. There is no one more deserving of this honor, and I appreciate the Senate's recognition of Judge Sugarmon's stature in our community and around the country with this vote. I look forward to final passage in the Senate and seeing the measure signed into law.\nThe House passed the Sugarmon post office bill on September 13, 2018.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-applauds-passage-faa-reauthorization", "Congressman Cohen Hails Passage of FAA Reauthorization", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, hailed passage of his Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act and three other measures he introduced that were made a part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that passed the House today on a vote of 398 to 23 and is expected to be considered in the Senate soon. See my remarks on the House floor here.\nThe SEAT Act provision requires the FAA to establish minimum seat size anddistances between rows of seats to meet the 90-second emergency airplane evacuation time currently mandated by federal regulation.\nCongressman Cohenintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral SEAT Act,H.R. 1467, with Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) and was joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Charles Schumer (D-New York), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) and Dianne Feinstein (D-California.) (S. 596.) Congressman Cohen offered the legislation asan amendmentduring the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's consideration of FAA reauthorization legislation last year. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, prior to fullHouse passagein April.\nThe FAA reauthorization bill passed Wednesday also includes a measure Congressman Cohen offered in conjunction with Representative Rodney Davis (R-Illinois) and Representative Sam Graves (R-Missouri), based on H.R. 2024, to ensure that discriminatory taxes on certain services at airports be spent on airport improvements, not as revenue for other purposes. This measure is good for consumers and good for our airports. This effort has been endorsed by the National Consumers League and the National Urban League.\nIt also includes the bipartisan measure S. 1971, the Pilots Record Improvement Enhancement Act, that the Congressman introduced as an amendment with Rep. Mark Woodall (R-Georgia) and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and David Perdue (R-Georgia) to the FAA reauthorization, ensuring that the FAA has access to Department of Motor Vehicles records to assure that pilots who have had their driving privileges suspended or revoked for such offenses as drunken driving are not permitted to pilot planes.\nThe bill also includes Representative Cohen's amendment to give the public a seat at the table and requires that the FAA follow established rulemaking processes in the agency's effort to implement one-engine inoperative standards that would break over 70 years of precedent. Such changes without public input could severely endanger economic growth and the construction of needed cellular towers, wind turbines, and important infrastructure.\nCongressman Cohen said:\nI am proud that several measures I offered are in this bill. Consumers and their safety are too often overlooked in these bills. Safety should be our primary concern. Tightly cramped seating on aircraft is a safety issue, and will now be taken seriously.The SEAT Act will ensure that shrinking seats on airplanes are evaluated in the interest of the safety of the flying public. Similarly, our bill regarding the automobile driving records of pilots is a common sense safety measure. Additionally, another amendment I offered would ensure taxes on certain services at airports are spent on airport improvements only, not as revenue for other purposes. I commend my colleagues for recognizing the need for these measures and including them in the FAA reauthorization package.\nHowever, I was disappointed that the bipartisan, bicameral Fair Fees amendmentI offeredduring House consideration of the FAA reauthorization legislationthat was included in the Senate Committee-passedFAA reauthorizationbill, was struck from the bill we considered today. Americans continue to be burdened with ever increasing baggage and cancellation fees while airlines making record-breaking profits continue to pad their bottom lines.\nThe Fair fees provision, sponsored by Representative Cohen, Representative Walter Jones (R-North Carolina) and SenatorsEdward Markey (D-Massachusetts) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) wouldhave protected consumers from unreasonable fees by having the FAA assess whether airline fees for changed or cancelled flights, baggage or other services are reasonable and proportional to the cost of the services provided. Thebipartisan, bicameralquartetwroteto 11 airlines after United Airlines and Jet Blue raised baggage fees earlier this month. American Airlines and Delta have since followed suit.\nThe five-year reauthorization of FAA programs came after five extensions prior to Sunday's September 30 deadline. Key Houseand Senate negotiators reached an agreement lastFriday eveningand released the text of H.R. 302, a consensus bill that includes nearly $1.7 billion in federal disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Florence.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-passage-seat-act", "Congressman Cohen Praises Passage of SEAT Act", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, praised passage of his Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act he introduced that was made a part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that passed the House today. The vote was 398 to 23. See his floor remarks here.\nThe SEAT Act provision requires the FAA to establish minimum seat size anddistance between rows of seats to meet the 90-second emergency airplane evacuation time currently mandated by federal regulation.\nCongressman Cohenintroducedthe bipartisan SEAT Act,H.R. 1467, with Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois). Congressman Cohen offered the legislation asan amendmentduring the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's consideration of FAA reauthorization legislation last year. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, prior to fullHouse passagein April.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nSafety should not take a back seat, especially a shrunken seat, to airline profits. Tightly cramped seating on aircraft is a safety issue, and will now be taken seriously.The SEAT Act will ensure that shrinking seats on airplanes are evaluated in the interest of the safety of the flying public. I commend my colleagues for including this important safety measure in the FAA bill.\nThe five-year reauthorization of FAA programs came after five extensions prior to Sunday's September 30 deadline. Key Houseand Senate negotiators reached an agreement lastFriday eveningand released the text of H.R. 302, a consensus bill that includes nearly $1.7 billion in federal disaster relief for Hurricane Florence victims.\n\nSEAT Act Legislative Timeline\nFebruary 2016  SEAT Act Introduced (Cohen-Kinzinger). March 2017 -- SEAT Act reintroduced (Cohen-Kinzinger) joined by Senators Blumenthal, Schumer, Markey, Menendez and Feinstein.\n2017 Markup: H.R. 2997 (First FAA Reauth Bill)\nJune 27, 2017  SEAT Act offered as an amendment (safety and health) to House FAA reauthorization (H.R. 2997) during T&I markup. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote as part of an en bloc agreement. Video of Cohen here.\n On the eve of the markup, we reached out to airlines individually:\n\t\tAmerican Airlines\n\t\t\tDelta Airlines\n\t\t\tSouthwest Airlines\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\tThe message was simple -- will you oppose a strictly safety-based measure? The markup was very closely preceded by the incident on a United flight where a passenger was dragged off the plane. Airlines were on the PR defensive. It was always about safety, NOT comfort.\n\t\t\n\tEach of the above carriers engaged in staff level negotiations on technical changes. The main change being a switch from a reference to the DOT Secretary to the FAA Administrator. Those conversations continued late into the night and continued during the markup, including a direct conversation with representatives from Airlines for America.\n\tUltimately, a decision from each to not actively oppose the amendment was reached. Right as the amendment was called up to be offered, the Counsel on each side with the Chairman's consent, agreed to include the amendment in a voiced en-bloc vote.\n\t\t\n 2017  2018 Uncertain Floor Action\nJuly 2016 to March 2018 - On at least 2 occasions, HR 2997 was rumored to be pending floor consideration and a notice for solicitations for floor amendments was issued twice by the Rules Committee.\n The ongoing issue with both the House bill and Senate bill were the ATC Privatization title (Shuster) in the House and the 1500-hour pilot training rule in the Senate (Thune).\n February 27, 2018  Rep. Cohen directly questioned Acting FAA Administrator Behrami at a House Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on airline safety. You raised pointed questions about the following:\n Danger of shrinking seat size for evacuations.\n  Failure of evacuation tests to account for baggage, varying fitness of real-life passengers, and the behavioral difference between rehearsed tests and life-threatening situations.\n  U.S. Court of Appeals order requiring the FAA review its decision and justification to dismiss a successful public petition submitted by FlyersRights ordering the review of seat size. FAA argument characterized as vaporous by judge.\n\t\t\n\tAmerican Airlines flight 383, October 2016 fire at O'Hare. Evacuation took 2 minutes and 21 seconds. Federal mandates require 90 second evacuation with half of the exist inoperable.\n\t\t\n\tActing Administrator Behrami said they would respond soon.\n\t\t\n H.R. 4 (Second Version of FAA Reauth)\n\nApril 4, 2018 - Shuster introduces a newly written FAA bill for floor consideration. The ATC privatization title was dropped. 1500 Hour rule from Thune was also dropped. SEAT Act was written into the base text.\nApril 27, 2018  The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4 with the SEAT Act included (393-13).\nJune 19, 2018  DOT Inspector General announces audit of FAA oversight of evacuation procedures with specific regard to seat size, baggage, and issues raised by Rep. Cohen in the February hearing and a letter from Ranking Member DeFazio and Subcommittee Ranking Member Larsen.  \n\t\nH.R. 302 (3rd and Final Conference FAA Reauth)\nSeptember 23, 2018  House and Senate negotiators announce new bipartisan, bicameral FAA reauthorization package that includes the SEAT Act as passed by the House.\n In the days and weeks leading up to the new bill, H.R. 302, the following actions were taken to influence the conference negotiators:\n\t\tThe seven major consumer groups including National Consumer League, Travelers United, Consumers Union, and Flyers Rights included in their FAA position letter strong support for the SEAT Act's inclusion.\n\t\t\tSenators Whitehouse (D-RI) and Warner (D-VA) were engaged and weighed in with Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL).\n\t\t\tRep. Kinzinger weighed in with Chairman Shuster.\n\t\t\tRep. Cohen discussed with Ranking Member DeFazio and Chairman Shuster.\n\t\t\tLeader Pelosi's transportation staff were engaged and the professional staff of the Aviation Subcommittee (minority) to fight to maintain House language.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-senate-majority-doesn-t-want-hear-truth-about", "Congressman Cohen Says Senate Majority Doesnt Want to Hear the Truth About Kavanaugh", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) spoke from the well of the House this afternoon to say that the soul of the country is in jeopardy and in question over the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh and accusations against him of sexual assault. See his remarks here.\nShe should be given respect and there should be an attempt to find the truthButthey don't want to know the truth. They fear the truth.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-cooper-sanford-bill-would-give-congress-authority-to-weigh", "Bipartisan Cooper-Sanford Bill Would Give Congress Authority to Weigh Tariffs", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) and U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford (SC-01) today introduced the Promoting Responsible and Free Trade Act, a bipartisan bill that would give Congress a stronger role in implementing trade policy and scrutinizing unnecessary tariffs.\nThe president currently possesses unilateral authority to impose any tariff under Sections 201, 301 and 232. Before a tariff is imposed, however, the Commerce Department, International Trade Commission (ITC) or U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must issue a report on the proposed tariff's justification and potential effects. But Congress doesn't have an official say in the matter, and the president is able to impose a tariff without any congressional approval or oversight.\nThe new Cooper-Sanford bill would give Congress the authority to debate and accept or reject any such tariffs before they are imposed.\nOur bipartisan bill gives Congress the authority to weigh in on tariffs before they are implemented, Rep. Cooper said. No President should have unlimited powers, especially when those powers are hurting innocent farmers and businesses.\nAlthough the power to impose tariffs is one our Constitution explicitly grants to Congress, modern history is filled with examples of the executive branch imposing tariffs without Congress's approval...or even a congressional debate, Rep. Sanford said. Our Founding Fathers were deliberate in setting up a system of checks and balances, and regardless of your views on the global trading system, the underlying balance of powers should be respected. Given recent events, I think Congress needs to reclaim its seat at the table, and this bill is a simple and effective way to give Congress a more proactive role in trade policy.\nHere is how each type of tariff would be affected by the new bill:\n Section 201: The ITC would be required to send its report to Congress for a maximum review period of 60 days. Congress would then be given the power to pass a joint resolution of disapproval within the 60-day window to stop the tariff's implementation.\n\tSection 301: The USTR would be required to send its report to Congress for a maximum review period of 60 days. Congress would then be given the power to pass a joint resolution of disapproval within the 60-day window to stop the tariff from being implemented.\n\tSection 232: The Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce would be required to send a report that reviews any national security implications and tariff recommendations to Congress for approval.\n\tThe Defense Department would be required to submit its report on national security implications to the president.\n\tIf the president determines a tariff is necessary, the Commerce Department would be required to send a report to Congress on tariff-level recommendations.\n\tCongress will have a maximum of 60 days to approve the tariff report. If approved, the tariff report will go to the president for final approval and implementation.\n\tThere is a two-year retroactivity period for Section 232 tariffs due to national security implications. This allows Congress to review any existing Section 232 tariffs.\n The text of the bill can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-applauds-congressional-passage-of-the-music-modernization-act", "Cooper Applauds Congressional Passage of the Music Modernization Act", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today applauded congressional passage of the Music Modernization Act, a bill that promotes fairness in an essential Nashville industry. The House this week passed the Senate's version of the legislation.\nPresident Trump's signature will make the landmark bill the law of the land.\nCongress has finally listened to the music industry, Rep. Cooper said. I hope the President signs our bill into law quickly so our songwriters get better pay for their work. This bill is great news for Music City.\nRep. Cooper was an original cosponsor of the Music Modernization Act, legislation that creates a blanket licensing system and spurs other major changes. The bill is set to promote public consumption of licensed music, increase royalties paid out to rights holders, and lead to licensing efficiencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-inclusion-seat-act-faa-reauthorization", "Congressman Cohen Applauds Inclusion of SEAT Act in FAA Reauthorization Package", "2018-09-23", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), asenior member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation,today applauded the inclusion ofthe Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act in a consensus bicameral, bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization package, H.R. 302, that is expected to be considered by the House and Senate soon. The SEAT Act will require the FAA to establish minimum seat sizes and distances between rows to ensure the safety of the flying public.\nCongressman Cohenintroducedthe bipartisan SEAT Act,H.R. 1467, with Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois). Congressman Cohen offered the legislation asan amendmentduring the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's consideration of FAA reauthorization legislation last year. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, prior to fullHouse passage.in April. He originally introduced the measure in February 2016.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nSafety must never take a backseat, much less a shrunken seat, to profits.The SEAT Act will ensure that this won't happen when it comes to shrinking seats on airplanes. I commend my colleagues for recognizing the need for this safety legislation, and including it in the FAA reauthorization package.\nCongress has passed five short term extensions of FAA authorization and must again meet aSeptember 30deadline toextend or reauthorize current FAA operations. Key Houseand Senate negotiators reached an agreement lateFriday eveningand released the text of H.R. 302, a consensus, 5-year FAA reauthorization with $1.7 billion in federal disaster relief.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/urging-congressional-action-police-shootings", "Urging Congressional Action on Police Shootings", "2018-09-22", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, in the wake of the shooting of Martavious Banks, I once again called on Congress to pass the Police Training and Independent Review Act to prompt states to require the use of independent prosecutors when the police use of deadly force results in a death or injury. I also called for a delay in the Supreme Court confirmation process for Judge Brett Kavanaugh until a full investigation of recent allegations against him is conducted, wrote the Medicaid administrator objecting to proposals to exclude certain women's health care providers under TennCare, cosponsored a bill to seal the records of non-violent federal drug offenders to give them a clean slate upon re-entry, announced more medical research grant money for Memphis, helped introduce a resolution raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, planned to host military academy applicants, scheduled my next Congress On Your Corner, and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Urging Congressional Action on Police Shootings  Calling for a Delay in Kavanaugh Confirmation Proceeding  Protecting Tennessee Women's Access to Medical Care  Cosponsoring the Clean Slate Act  Announcing More Than $2 Million in Medical Research Grants  Raising Awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis  Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  Scheduling My Next Congress on Your Corner  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tUrging Congressional Action on Police Shootings In the wake of the shooting of Martavious Banks, I once again urged Congress to pass thePolice Training and Independent Review Act, a bill I introduced with Rep. Lacy Clay of Missouri to address the continuing problem of deadly force being used too often by police. If enacted, this bill would direct federal funding to encourage states to require diversity and sensitivity training for law enforcement officers and encourage the use of independent prosecutors when police use of deadly force results in a civilian death or injury. Thebill, cosponsored by 99 of my House colleagues, has beenendorsed by the NAACPand by theChicago Tribune a major publication that serves the city where the trial of Police Officer Jason Van Duke in the shooting death of Laquan McDonald is underway. The shooting of Martavious Banks once again raises serious, longstanding questions about the fairness and transparency of our criminal justice system and it is past time for Congress to act. Calling for a Delay in Kavanaugh Confirmation Proceedings  On Monday, I joined 113 of my House colleagues in asking the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders to postpone consideration of the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court until a thorough investigation of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's allegation has taken place. See theletter here.Dr. Ford's allegation of sexual assault is serious and the investigation deserves the time needed to collect available evidence. Kavanaugh's evasive non-responses on a number of critical matters, including his views on abortion and presidential powers, already fail to inspire confidence. The Judiciary Committee Majority's efforts to rush the process without a proper vetting of Kavanaugh's record in the George W. Bush White House are not the way to review a lifetime judicial nominee whose opinions will determine legal decisions for generations. The Senate should take its time to ensure that everything is fully reviewed. Protecting Tennessee Women's Access to Medical Care On Thursday,I wroteto Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma objecting to Tennessee's recent request to exclude all health care providers that offer abortion services from providing care to TennCare enrollees. Excluding needed providers and building barriers to family planning and other medical services will not improve Medicaid coverage or healthy outcomes; quite the contrary. Tennesseans do not want to see thousands deprived of the health care providers they rely on. I urged the administrator to reject a cruel policy that unfairly targets Planned Parenthood and clinics that provide these needed services. Cosponsoring the Clean Slate Act This week, I cosponsored theClean Slate Act(H.R. 6669) to make re-entry more fair for individuals convicted of non-violent federal drug offenses. If enacted, it would automatically seal a person's federal record of conviction, including for misdemeanor crimes such as simple possession, and any non-violent offense involving marijuana, once the individual completes his or her sentence. It would also allow individuals to petition federal courts to seal records for non-violent drug offenses that are not automatically sealed. A criminal record of even a nonviolent crime is often an impediment to employment. We need to do all we can to remove unfair, lifelong obstacles for non-violent drug offenders by allowing them to re-enter society with a clean slate. Announcing More Than $2 Million in Medical Research Grants to Memphis     This week, I was pleased to announce over $2 million in federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) bound for Memphis, specifically to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), St. Jude Children's Research Center, the Memphis Health Center, Christ Community Health Services, Inc. and to the Tri-State Community Health Center. This follows my announcement just last week of $1.9 million in HHS funding awarded to organizations in Memphis. In this week's grants, UTHSC will receive $515,999 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) for research into the origin of phantom limb sensations.St. Jude will receive $999,999 from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) for research into how medications react differently for some patients based on their genetic differences. The Memphis Health Center and Christ Community Health Services, Inc. will receive $110,000 and $285,000 respectively, each from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), for support of the Health Center Cluster project. Tri-State Community Health Center will receive $285,000 from HRSA for its Health Center Program. These Memphis institutions are conducting research and providing care that will affect health outcomes both locally and globally, and I'm pleased they are receiving this critical federal funding and recognition for their ongoing, life-saving work. Raising Awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis On Thursday, I helped introducea bipartisan resolutionwith Representative Erik Paulsen (R-Minnesota) to make September Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. I continue to support more robust and accelerated research to develop effective treatments, and ultimately cures, for this deadly disease. See my weekly health tip below for more information. Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  On Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers. Chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov Scheduling My Next Congress On Your Corner As your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and efficiently. My office is here to help you navigate what can be a complex and confusing process. My next Congress On Your Corner will be on Friday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cordova Branch Library, 8457 Trinity Road. My staff will be on hand to help you. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\n\t\t\t\tFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip  Each week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional 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\tThis week, after introducing the resolution calling for more awareness of and more resources for research into treatments and a cure for pulmonary fibrosis, I'mproviding useful informationfrom the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute about pulmonary fibrosis, its causes, symptoms and treatment. Quote of the Week  If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.  George Orwell, preface toAnimal Farm(1945)\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain, Most sincerely,  Steve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-more-415000-federal-funding-bound-city", "Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $415,000 in Federal Funding Bound for City of Memphis", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a grant totaling $417,953 to the City of Memphis. The award will support a project titled Map901: Building Rich Interior Hazard Maps for First Responders.\nThis project will better equip first responders with the tools they need to facilitate their work, and to better serve and protect the people of Memphis and Shelby County, said Congressman Cohen. I'm grateful for all of our fire fighters, law enforcement officers, ambulance drivers, EMTs and all emergency service personnel and first responders for the vital services they provide to our community. I'm pleased that these new federal funds from NIST will help first responders in Memphis work with the most state-of-the-art technology and in-depth, real-time information  this technology is critical, as it will increase both for our community's and our first responders' safety.\nThe City of Memphis will collaborate with the NIST's Global City Team Challenge program to collect data from city- and university-owned properties. The city's chief information officer and chief data officer will oversee the aggregation of environmental data including temperature, humidity and ambient sounds to infer scene semantics. Both natural and machine learning approaches will be used to survey and re-survey buildings, producing thorough, updated interior hazard maps.\nNIST has partnered with different municipalities across the United States since 1901 in promoting urban sustainability through the advancement of technology and science. Decades of collaboration with local governments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and private corporations have led to innovative solutions to universal problems.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-more-675000-federal-funding-memphis-health", "Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $675,000 in Federal Funding to the Memphis Health Center, Christ Community Health Services and the Tri-State Community Health Center", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $680,000 to the Memphis Health Center, Christ Community Health Services, Inc. and the Tri-State Community Health Center.All grants are being awarded through the HHS's Health Resources and Services Administration(HRSA).\n\nHealth centers are a fundamental part of providing primary and preventativehealth care to all Memphians in need,said Congressman Cohen.I am proud of theinvaluableworkthat Memphis Health Center, Christ Community Health Services and the Tri-State Community Health Center provide throughout Shelby County.\n\nMemphis Health Center received $110,000 and Christ Community Health Services received $285,000 from theHealth Center Cluster competing continuation grant program. The Health Center Cluster program is designed to support primary health care services in underserved areas. \n\nTri-State Community Health Center received $285,000 fromtheHealth Center Program, whichhelps fund nearly1,400 health centers operating more than 11,000 sites across the United States.The Health Center Program is authorized in Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This Fund was established under the Affordable Care Act for the operation, expansion and construction of health centers throughout the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-more-15-million-university-tennessee-health", "Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $1.5 Million to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and St. Jude", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $1,515,998to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)andSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The research done at UTHSC and St. Jude keeps Memphis a leader in medical research and funding from HHS is key to maintaining that,said Congressman Cohen. HHS allocates millions of dollars for medical research each year through its various institutes and research centers. UTHSC is receiving $515,999 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) for research into the origin of phantom limb sensations. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been awarded $999,999 from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). This grant is for research into how medications react differently to some patients based on their genetic differences.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/applauding-house-passage-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-bill", "Applauding House Passage of the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill", "2018-09-15", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I hailed the House passage of my the bill to name the post office on Autumn Avenue for Civil Rights champion Judge Russell B. Sugarmon. I also introduced the School Bus Safety Act, expressed my support for expanding Social Security, wrote a letter to Senator Alexander to request his help in gaining Senate passage of the my bill to address human trafficking, met with Russian dissident Marina Litvinenko, announced $1.9 million in medical research grants, received a perfect score from Common Cause on a Congressional Legislative Scorecard, remembered civic booster Bud Chittom, offered best wishes to some St. Jude newlyweds, planned to host military academy applicants, scheduled my next Congress On Your Corner, and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. \nApplauding House Passage of the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office BillIntroducing the School Bus Safety ActSupporting Social Security ExpansionWriting to Senator Alexander to Request Senate Action on SOAR ActMeeting with Russian dictator Putin critic Marina Litvinenko  Announcing $1.9 million in Medical Research Grants to Memphis  Receiving Perfect Score from on Common Cause's 2018 Legislative Scorecard  Speaking at MIFA's Legacy Day Event  Remembering Gerald M. Bud Chittom  Tipping My Hat to Some St. Jude Newlyweds  Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  Scheduling My Next Congress on Your Corner  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n  Applauding House Passage of the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill\n\nOn Thursday, the House passed my bill to name the post office at 1320 Autumn Avenue for Judge Russell B. Sugarman Jr., the Civil Rights leader, attorney and judge. No one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, whose lifetime achievements include being the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction in 1966. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm  Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell  after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University. Working alongside Vasco and Maxine Smith, Jesse Turner and other NAACP leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, public facilities and the Memphis public schools. I look forward to Senate action on the designation. Introducing School Bus Safety Act\nAs students across the U.S. return to school for the beginning of the new school year, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and I introduced theSchool Bus Safety Act(H.R. 6773)on Wednesday to help keep students safe as they travel to and from school while also helping prevent accidents involving school buses. The legislation would implement safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) by ensuring there are seat belts at every seat and that buses are equipped with safety measures like automatic stability control and automatic emergency braking systems. The bill would also create a grant program to help school districts modify school buses to meet these important safety goals. There's no more precious cargo than school-aged children entrusted by their parents for a ride to school to earn an education. The common sense measures called for in this legislation will save young lives. We've seen enough deaths in school bus accidents in Tennessee and elsewhere. It is past time we act to save young lives. Supporting Social Security Expansion\nOn Wednesday, I spoke out for Social Security as an original member of the Expand Social Security Caucus. I expressed my support for this critical safety net program that helps 116,000 people in Shelby County. It is one of our most successful anti-poverty programs and helps many senior citizens and disabled workers. I've always been committed to the New Deal Era program signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt. I'm working to expand and enhance the benefits of a program you have paid into and have earned and will fight ongoing efforts to cut benefits and limit eligibility. See a video of myremarks here. Writing to Senator Alexander to request Senate Action on SOAR Act\nOn Friday, I joined my bipartisan Tennessee Congressional delegation colleagues Scott DesJarlais, Jimmy Duncan and Jim Cooper in asking Senator Lamar Alexander, the Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, to have the committee consider and approve the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Act already passed earlier this year by the House. The legislation addresses the crime of human trafficking by providing training to health professionals at all points of service delivery, including clinics and emergency rooms, to recognize signs of human trafficking in the patients they see. The SOAR Act took shape after I participated in a discussion about human trafficking at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 that brought together first responders, faith-based groups, educators, and health care workers. I look forward to swift Senate passage of the measure. Meeting with Russian dictator Putin critic Marina Litvinenko\nCongressman Cohen with Marina Litvinenko and Alex Goldfarb\nOn Thursday, I met with Marina Litvinenko, widow of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko, who died in London in 2006 after drinking tea laced with polonium-210, a radioactive substance that was traced back to Russia.A United Kingdom public inquiry concluded that Litvinenko was probably murdered on the personal orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mrs. Litvinenko and I discussed her husband's case, for which no one has yet been held accountable, and we also discussed the March 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England, with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. An English woman who came in contact with the Novichok bottle in June died and UK authorities have identified and charged, in absentia, two men believed to be Russian intelligence officers. The talk then turned to this week's suspected poisoning of Pussy Riot activist Pyotr Verzilov.In the past, I have often spoken out against Putin's actions against the punk rock band whose members he has jailed for daring to protest against his regime.Russian intelligence agencies' long reach to find and harm Russian defectors and Kremlin critics in other countries has the U.S. scrambling to protect those living in America, according to an article inThe New York Timesthis week.We also discussed Russian aggression around the world and potential U.S. sanctions against Russia. Announcing $1.9 million in Medical Research Grants to Memphis\n\nThis week, my office was notified of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and to St. Jude Children's Research Center totaling more than $1.9 million. UTHSC will receive a total of $842,069 ($500,069 for research on neurological disorders and $342,000 for research on drug addiction). St. Jude will receive $1,111,740 ($460,489 for research into the biology of deafness and $651,251 for research in genome editing). These Memphis institutions are at the forefront of medical research worldwide and I'm pleased they are receiving this critical federal funding for their ongoing, life-saving work. Receiving Perfect Score from on Common Cause's 2018 Legislative Scorecard\nOn Wednesday, I learned that I have received a 100 percent score from the government watchdog group Common Cause after it assessed 15 Congressional measures involving money in politics, voting rights, net neutrality, overturning the Supreme Court'sCitizens Uniteddecision, presidential conflicts of interest and abuse of power, and redistricting reform. See the scorecardhere. I was one of just 31 members to receive a perfect score and the only member to do so from Tennessee. I'm a proud co-sponsor of all 15 measures highlighted in Common Cause's 2018 Democratic Scorecard. I'll continue to fight for protecting and expanding the Voting Rights Act, for fairness in campaign finance and elections, for Net Neutrality, for ethics and integrity at the White House and in Congress, and for the protection of our Constitution and democracy. Speaking at MIFA's Legacy Day Event\nOn Friday, I celebrated the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association's (MIFA) 50thanniversary Legacy Day. I said MIFA is the most important institution in Memphis today born out of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., through the courage and visionary leadership of Memphis clergymen like Rabbi James Wax, the Reverend Frank McRae and Father Nicholas Vieron. I also praised the volunteers for Meals on Wheels who do a good deed by delivering food to seniors, low-income and disabled individuals. While the program provides nutrition to the poor, it also dispenses care and concern for recipients and provides the volunteers a window into the racial, gender and income inequalities in our community. I want to congratulate this important institution championing social justice on reaching its Jubilee Year. Remembering Gerald M. Bud Chittom\n\nOn Sunday evening, I attended the overflowing visitation for Bud Chittom with his many friends and admirers and, on Monday, I was honored to speak at his funeral. Bud was one of a kind, a longtime restaurant and club owner manager, musician and Memphis booster whose unique character is captured in the quote adorning his 2011 Brass Note on Beale Street: A Man You Don't Meet Everyday. Bud was the force behind the Blues City Caf on Beale, Club 616, Earnestine and Hazel's, Hunt Phelan House, The Ritz Club, Side Street Grill and a host of others. He was an entrepreneur of exceptional abilities who rose in one generation, as he put it, from the head of a hoe to being one of the most successful restaurateurs and night club owners in Memphis. Bud was quietly generous to many in Memphis. He will be missed. Tipping My Hat to Some St. Jude Newlyweds\nIread about the recent weddingat St. Jude Children's Research Hospital of two former childhood cancer patients who met at the hospital in 1993 and later became co-workers at the renowned institution. Lindsey Wilkerson and Joel Alsop, now healthy, were married September 1st at the gold-domed Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion on the St. Jude campus. The date was no coincidence: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I wish the newlyweds every happiness. Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day\nOn Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers. Chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov Scheduling My Next Congress On Your Corner\nAs your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and efficiently. My office is here to help you navigate what can be a complex and confusing process. My next Congress On Your Corner will be on Friday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cordova Branch Library, 8457 Trinity Road. My staff will be on hand to help you. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nThis week, partly to honor the newlyweds mentioned above and to underline the importance of medical research grants to St. Jude, I offeruseful information from the National Cancer Instituteon childhood cancers. In 2017, more than 10,200 new cases of childhood cancers were diagnosed in the United States but research should help reduce those numbers. Quote of the Week\nWe had a choice, while the teachers were teaching some grade other than the one we were in: we could either take a nap, sit there and be quiet, or read. And she had a nice library, so, we all came out of there loving to read.Books opened up access to other times, and other places. I mean, you could visualize, and read about the world.  Russell B. Sugarmon, describing Mrs. Smith's elementary school class forThe History Makers(2017)  \n\t\nAs always, I remain,\nMost Sincerely,\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-house-passage-bill-name-post-office-after", "Congressman Cohen Hails House Passage of Bill to Name Post Office After Russell B. Sugarmon", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded House passage today of a bill he introduced that designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 1320 Autumn Avenue as the Judge Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Building. He made the following statement:\nNo one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, a crusader for Civil Rights and a respected attorney and jurist. I look forward to the Senate's passage of the bill.\nJudge Sugarmon, aged 89, was the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1966. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm  Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell  after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University.\nWorking alongside notable Memphis pioneers and leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants and public facilities and the desegregation of Memphis public schools.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-rates-perfect-score-common-cause", "Congressman Cohen Rates Perfect Score from Common Cause", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) received a 100 percent score from the government watchdog group Common Cause on Wednesday after it assessed 15 measures involving money in politics, voting rights, Net Neutrality, overturning the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, presidential conflicts of interest and abuse of power, and redistricting reform. See the scorecard here. Congressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm a proud co-sponsor of all 15 bills highlighted in Common Cause's 2018 Democratic Scorecard. I'll continue to fight for protecting and expanding the Voting Rights Act, for fairness in campaign finance and elections, for Net Neutrality, for ethics and integrity at the White House and in Congress, and for the protection of our Constitution and democracy.\nCongressman Cohen was one of just 31 members to receive a perfect score and the only member to do so from Tennessee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/students-go-back-school-duckworth-cohen-introduce-legislation-improve", "As Students Go Back to School, Duckworth & Cohen Introduce Legislation to Improve School Bus Safety", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- As students across the U.S. return to school for the beginning of the new school year, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the School Bus Safety Act today to help keep students safe as they travel to and from school while also helping prevent accidents involving school buses. Their legislation would implement safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board to make school buses safer by ensuring there are seat belts at every seat and buses are equipped with safety measures like stability control and automatic braking systems. The bill would also create a grant program to help school districts modify school buses to meet these important safety modifications.\nThere's no more precious cargo than school-aged children entrusted by their parents for a ride to school to earn an education and pave the way to a better life. The common sense measures called for in this legislation will save young lives, said Congressman Cohen. I am pleased to join Senator Duckworth in introducing legislation to make school buses across the country safer while helping often financially strapped school districts modify their school bus fleets in a timely manner. We've seen enough deaths in school bus accidents in Tennessee and elsewhere and it's past time we act to save young lives.\nNo parent should have to worry about the safety of their children when they get on a school bus each day, but school buses often lack seat belts and basic safety equipment, Duckworth said. I am introducing this legislation to prevent accidents, reduce the severity of accidents when they occur and implement other commonsense safety recommendations because nothing is more important than protecting our children.\nThe School Bus Safety Act would require the Department of Transportation to issue rules requiring all school buses include:\n A 3-point safety belt, which includes a seat belt across a lap as well as a shoulder harness to help protect passengers by restraining them in case of a collision.\n\tAn Automatic Emergency Braking System, which helps prevent accidents and crashes by detecting objects or vehicles ahead of the bus and braking automatically.\n\tAn Event Data Recorder (EDR) that can record pre- and post-crash data, driver inputs, and restraint usage when a collision does occur.\n\tAn Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System that will use automatic computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to assist the driver to remain in control of the vehicle.\n The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and safety advocates have long called for all school buses to be equipped with seat belts and other proven safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and electronic stability control systems, says Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. These lifesaving tools offer some of our youngest and most vulnerable passengers essential protections in a crash.With kids across the country starting the new school year, Congress should ensure these elementary safeguards are in place by passing the School Bus Safety Act.We commend Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) for their leadership in introducing this critically important legislation.\nAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1,282 people have died in school transportation-related crashes between 2007 and 2016, which is an average of 128 people each year. That includes a pair of tragic school bus accidents in 2016 that took place in Baltimore, Maryland and Chattanooga, Tennessee, both of which resulted in six fatalities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-more-800000-st-jude-and-uthsc", "Cohen Announces More Than $800,000 for St. Jude and UTHSC", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $802,489 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).\nI am proud of the important medical research taking place in Memphis, said Congressman Cohen. These significant federal investments will help keep Memphis at the forefront of the medical research community.\nHHS allocates millions of dollars for medical research each year through its various institutes and research centers. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the recipient of a $460,489 grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The funds will help support research into the biology behind these disorders.\nIn addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has awarded UTHSC a grant for $342,000. This award is for research into drug abuse and addiction.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-announces-more-11-million-federal-grants-bound-medical-research", "Cohen Announces More Than $1.1 Million in Federal Grants Bound for Medical Research in Memphis", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $1,151,320 to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.\nThe entire country benefits from the important medical research that takes place in Memphis, said Congressman Cohen. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are two of the nation's leading institutions for the study of medicine, and I'm proud of their efforts. From clinical research into neurological disorders to understanding more about genome editing, these new federal funds will help UTHSC and St. Jude to continue their innovative, groundbreaking research in the field of medicine. HHS allocates millions of dollars for medical research each year through its various institutes and research centers. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has awarded UTHSC two grants totaling $500,069, both of which will help fund clinical research related to neurological disorders. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the recipient of a $651,251 grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The funds will help support research into the biological effects of genome editing.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-recognizes-anniversary-911-attacks", "Congressman Cohen Recognizes Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted Tuesday's 17th anniversary of the al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and the loss of life in the four hijacked planes, and made the following statement:\nSeventeen years after the terrorist attacks on our country, we pause to reflect on what we've learned as a nation, recalling the nearly 3,000 victims who died that day, including Memphian Gary Lasko, and the first responders exposed to dangerous chemicals. We should be grateful that our vigilance has prevented another such attack and reaffirm our commitment to our democratic values.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/reacting-chaotic-trump-white-house", "Reacting to Chaotic Trump White House", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I reacted to the chaos created by President Trump in reaction to public critiques of his so-called crazy town White House. I also called attention to a successful demonstration connected to the Federal Aviation Administration aerial drone integration pilot program now operating in Memphis, wrote to the airlines about increased tack-on fees, listened to the authors of a new book about America's small and medium-sized towns and their optimism for the country, went to the House floor for a final tribute to Senator John McCain, celebrated Labor Day at the AFL-CIO cook-off, thanked Cedric Richmond for his shout-out, called attention to the baby-diaper shortage in Memphis, planned to host a military academy day, scheduled my next Congress on Your Corner, and offered some health advice about prostate cancer. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\tReacting to Chaotic Trump White HouseLauding Memphis Aerial Drone Program for Successful DemonstrationWriting to Airlines Inquiring about FeesHearing Authors ofOur TownsSpeak of Their OptimismSpeaking about the Late Senator John McCainAnnouncing $2.3 Million Grant for Memphis International AirportCelebrating Labor Day at the AFL-CIO Cook-OffThanking Cedric Richmond for his Shout-OutCalling Attention to a Baby-Diaper Shortage and ResponseHosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC DayScheduling My Next Congress On Your CornerSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-NewsletterWeekly Health TipQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  Reacting to Chaotic Trump White House\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cohen with author Bob Woodward\n\t\t\t\tThis week, it was hard to avoid the cacophony and chaos emanating from President Trump's White House. It appears that leaked excerpts ofFear: Trump in the White HousebyThe Washington Post's Bob Woodward, focusing on the President's pettiness, ignorance, incompetence and lack of curiosity, as described by insiders, has the President unhinged. And the publication ofan anonymous opinion pieceinThe New York Timesfrom a senior administration official, calling attention to the President's amorality and vowing to thwart his worst impulses, has piqued his paranoia. I've always respected Bob Woodward as an investigative journalist and told him so earlier this year when he interviewed me in my office about myArticles of Impeachment. I have never seen a presidency in such utter disarray and I continue to call for the Judiciary Committee on which I serve and Congress generally to conduct oversight hearings on this administration's  as the anonymous columnist wrote  worst inclinations. I'm concerned about a possibleConstitutional crisis as Special Counsel Robert Mueller probes Trump's inner circle and I continue to call for hearings and a vote on The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 5476) to protect Mueller's ongoing investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Lauding Memphis Aerial Drone Program for Successful Demonstration\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAt a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on Airspace Integration of New Aircraft Thursday, I praised the selection of Memphis as one of 10 sites around the country chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a pilot program integrating aerial drone aircraft into the national airspace.Drones have boundless real-world applications and Memphis is now at the center of this rapidly growing industry. I was pleased to learn about a recent successful demonstration of perimeter geofencing safety measures, witnessed by industry and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, to keep drones from flying into designated zones and the redundancies that keep the public safe and airport operations unaffected. See my remarks at the hearing on the Memphis drone programhere. According to the DOT, the potential economic benefit of drone integration into the national airspace will be upwards of $82 billion and create 100,000 new, high-tech jobs. Writing to Airlines Inquiring about Fees\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlso Thursday, in response to the announcement that United and JetBlue airlines would raise baggage and flight cancellation fees, I joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) in writing letters to 11 major airlines inquiring about their airline fees. In our letter, we note that while airline fees are on the rise, there appears to be no appreciable increase in the costs of the services that could justify these higher fees. In fact, a 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that few airlines consider a service's costs when they set the price of ancillary fees for that service. In the letter, we ask the airlines to break down the costs for the airlines of checked bags, and if they intend to increase their checked-bag, ticket change and cancellation fees in the next three months, as well as how customers will be notified of any increases. As airline fees rise, passengers' frustration with the modern flying experience continues to grow, we told the airline company CEOs. After being enticed by artificially low airfares, passengers are bombarded with a rash of airline fees that can drastically increase the overall cost of flying  fees that the GAO found confusing and poorly communicated to consumers. Passengers deserve relief from this fee gouging. See theletters here. Hearing Authors ofOur TownsSpeak of Their Optimism\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday night, I attended a book talk with the authors of the new national bestseller,Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of Americaby The Atlantic national correspondent James Fallows and his wife, linguist Deborah Fallows. They spent four years traveling the country in a single-engine plane, visiting small and medium-sized towns, often finding in community colleges and local libraries the heartbeat of a town. They found successful older people mentoring millennials and other reasons to be optimistic about our country. They noted, however, that their travel ended before Trump's inauguration and they didn't observe the deep resentments and anger now evident in many Trump supporters. Speaking about the Late Senator John McCain\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator John McCain of Arizona was buried Sunday at his beloved U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, which I plan to visit on Saturday. I joined my colleagues in a series of brief floor speeches Thursday night praising his heroism, his willingness to stand on principle, his ability to learn from his mistakes and to show empathy for others. See those remarkshere. Announcing $2.3 Million Grant to Memphis International Airport\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded a $2.3 million Voluntary Low Emission (VALE) grant to Memphis International Airport.This funding will be used to keep the airport's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut operating costs by reducing fuel consumption, and will provide healthier air quality for Memphis residents. I'm pleased this funding will extend the objectives of the Obama administration's Climate Action Plan by addressing climate change and clean energy innovations. Celebrating Labor Day at the AFL-CIO Cook-Off\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Cohen with State Representative-elect London Lamar and Representative Raumesh Akbari\n\t\t\t\tI've always celebrated Labor Day and attended the AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic at AFSCME headquarters on Beale on Monday with hundreds of friends, including state Representatives Raumesh Akbari, Dwayne Thompson, G.A. Hardaway and Representative-elect London Lamar (a former intern) and Judges Betty Moore and Valerie Smith. In my remarks, I talked about how important organized labor was in creating an American middle class. Most working people are not benefiting from the massive tax scam for millionaires and corporations passed by the majority and signed into law by President Trump, and they know it. Thanking Cedric Richmond for his Shout-Out\n\t\t\t\tAt the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Judge Brett Kavanaugh on Friday, witness and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana) paid me a nice compliment and I want to thank him for it. Cedric said that I was doing \"an amazing job\" representing my district. Here hisshout-out here. Calling Attention to a Baby-Diaper Shortage and Response\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEarlier this summer, I held a symposium on infant and maternal health with a variety of medical and other advocates and experts. During our discussion, the unaffordability of basic necessities, including clean diapers, was raised, and so was a proposed solution. In Memphis, 44 percent of children under 3 live in poverty and one in three mothers report running out of diapers each month. As a result, seldom discussed diaper rash is a serious problem in our community. The University of Memphis' Institute for Interdisciplinary Memphis Partnerships to Advance Community Transformation (iIMPACT), the Coordinated Effort to Enhance Development (CEED), the Urban Child Institute (UCI) and other partners are working to create a Shelby County Diaper Bank, Bundles for Babies, in response to this critical need. UCI will host a Diaper Drive from September 22 to 30, with a kickoff event on Saturday, September 22nd, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Neighborhood Christian Center, 785 Jackson Avenue. Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers while chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov Scheduling My Next Congress On Your Corner\n\t\t\t\tAs your representative in Congress, part of my job is making sure your concerns and issues with federal agencies and federal benefits are dealt with fairly and efficiently. My office is here to help you navigate what can be a complex and confusing process. My next Congress On Your Corner will be on Friday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cordova Branch Library, 8457 Trinity Road. My staff will be on hand to help you. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\n\t\t\t\tFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional 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\tThis week, I read in The Commercial Appeala column by Bradley G. Somernoting that September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the need for men over 40 to talk to their doctors about their risks of developing prostate cancer, symptoms, and early testing procedures. Prostate cancer affects one in nine American men and has a higher incidence among African Americans. Learn more about this serious illness and get some useful guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhere. Quote of the Week\n\t\t\t\tWe have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country, we'll get through these challenging times.  John McCain's Final Statement released August 27.\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\tGo Memphis! Beat Navy!\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\tL'Shanah Tovah to those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, on Sunday night and Monday, which begins the high holy days culminating in the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. As always, I remain, Most sincerely,  Steve Cohen  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-lauds-memphis-national-center-aerial-drone-research", "Congressman Cohen Lauds Memphis as National Center for Aerial Drone Research", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, at a hearing of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on which he serves as a senior member, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) praised the U.S. Department of Transportation's selection of Memphis as center for aerial drone technology and noted the initial success last week of a drone demonstration.\nAt the hearing, entitled Airspace Integration of New Aircraft, Congressman Cohen noted that Memphis was selected in May to be one of 10 sites participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Drone Integration Pilot Program.\nDrones have boundless real-world applications and Memphis is now at the center of this rapidly growing industry, Congressman Cohen said at the hearing. It is important to get the policy framework right. See his remarks on the drone program here.\nAccording to the DOT, the potential economic benefit of drone integration into the national airspace will be upwards of $82 billion and create 100,000 new, high-tech jobs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-lauds-memphis-national-center-aerial-drone-research-0", "Congressman Cohen Lauds Memphis as National Center for Aerial Drone Research", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, at a hearing of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on which he serves as a senior member, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) praised the U.S. Department of Transportation's selection of Memphis as center for aerial drone technology and noted the initial success last week of a drone demonstration.\nAt the hearing, entitled Airspace Integration of New Aircraft, Congressman Cohen noted that Memphis was selected in May to be one of 10 sites participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Drone Integration Pilot Program.\nDrones have boundless real-world applications and Memphis is now at the center of this rapidly growing industry, Congressman Cohen said at the hearing. It is important to get the policy framework right. See his remarks on the drone program here.\nAccording to the DOT, the potential economic benefit of drone integration into the national airspace will be upwards of $82 billion and create 100,000 new, high-tech jobs.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-senate-should-pass-seat-act-faa-reauthorization", "Congressman Cohen Says Senate Should Pass SEAT Act in FAA Reauthorization", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) urged the Senate to include the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act in its version of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before authorization expires on September 30, 2018. The bipartisan bill, which Congressman Cohen introduced with Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), would require the FAA to establish minimum sizes for seats and distances between rows to ensure that passenger safety is not put at risk by the recent shrinking of seat sizes. It was included in the House-passed version of FAA reauthorization legislation.Congressman Cohen made his comments today at a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing.See a recent news story on the issue here.\nAs a matter of health and safety, I urge the Senate to adopt the SEAT Act provision included in the House bill, H.R. 4, the Congressman said at the hearing. The U.S. Court of Appeals found FAA's justification for not reviewing the safety risks of more cramped passengers vaporous' and now the Inspector General is auditing the FAA for its failure to take this issue seriously.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-senate-should-pass-seat-act-faa-reauthorization-0", "Congressman Cohen Says Senate Should Pass SEAT Act in FAA Reauthorization", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) urged the Senate to include the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act in its version of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before authorization expires on September 30, 2018. The bipartisan bill, which Congressman Cohen introduced with Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), would require the FAA to establish minimum sizes for seats and distances between rows to ensure that passenger safety is not put at risk by the recent shrinking of seat sizes. It was included in the House-passed version of FAA reauthorization legislation.Congressman Cohen made his comments today at a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing.See a recent news story on the issue here.\nAs a matter of health and safety, I urge the Senate to adopt the SEAT Act provision included in the House bill, H.R. 4, the Congressman said at the hearing. The U.S. Court of Appeals found FAA's justification for not reviewing the safety risks of more cramped passengers vaporous' and now the Inspector General is auditing the FAA for its failure to take this issue seriously.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-celebrates-labor-day", "Congressman Cohen Celebrates Labor Day", "2018-09-02", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) recognized the annual Labor Day holiday tomorrow with the following statement:\nWorking people are the backbone of this country and their labor, like all labor, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us, has dignity. American workers deserve our recognition this Labor Day and every other day as our nation enjoys the fruits of their labor. I wish all my constituents a safe and happy holiday.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-26-million-nci-research-grant-st-jude", "Congressman Cohen Announces $2.6 Million NCI Research Grant for St. Jude", "2018-08-31", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded a grant of more than $2.6 million to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The grant will be used to create a catalog of cancer clonotype drug sensitivities with single-cell genome sequencing, furthering the progress of cancer research and expanding possibilities for treatment.\nSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital has rightfully earned its place as a pioneer in modern medicine, Congressman Cohen said. Not only has it contributed so much to our surrounding community in Memphis, but its discoveries have directly and indirectly improved the lives of families living all over the world.\nSince its opening in 1962, the childhood cancer survival rate has risen from 20 percent to 80 percent, largely due to the treatments developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Cancer Center, which received its NCI designation in 1977, has conducted a broad spectrum of research in the areas of genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. The NCI has worked in conjunction with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to develop more accurate means of cancer prevention and diagnosis, and currently supports 70 Cancer Centers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-national-institute-diabetes-and-digestive", "Congressman Cohen Announces National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Grant to the University of Memphis", "2018-08-31", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has awarded University of Memphis a grant of $189,929 for a project titled The Impact of Stress and Resilience on Obesity-Related Metabolic Complications in Adolescents.\nChildhood obesity is a national epidemic and Tennessee's childhood obesity rate is a staggering 38 percent. This award will help researchers at the University of Memphis study youth obesity, its causes, and find solutions on how to reduce it, said Congressman Cohen.\nThis grant will help fund important research for studying the relationship between stress and resilience in youth and how it can lead to childhood obesity. Resilience can be defined as how one adapts to trauma, tragedy, and threats. Idia Binitie Thurston, the Director of CHANGE Lab at University of Memphis, will be leading the research project.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/honoring-memory-senator-john-mccain", "Honoring the Memory of Senator John McCain", "2018-08-31", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I paid tribute to the heroism and dignified public service that the late Arizona Senator John McCain rendered to our country. I also commemorated the 55thanniversary of the historic March on Washington at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have A Dream speech; attended the swearing-in ceremony for new Shelby County Major Lee Harris, the county commission and other elected county officials; thanked two U.S. Senators for their efforts to prevent injury to Tennessee Walking Horses; announced a major investment in affordable housing; praised California for being the first state to end money bail as a condition of pretrial release in criminal cases; talked with our troops at a base in Honduras; remembered Aretha Franklin; planned to host a Military Service Academy Day next month and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\nHonoring the Memory of Senator John McCain  Commemorating the 55thAnniversary of the 1963 March on Washington  Attending the Swearing-In of New Shelby County Officials  Working to Prevent Injury to Horses  Announcing $14.2 million Federal Investment to Support Affordable Housing  Praising California State Lawmakers for Ending Cash-Bail System  Talking with Our Troops in Honduras  Remembering the Queen of Soul  Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n  Honoring the Memory of Senator John McCain\n\nSince the announcement of his death last Saturday night, the country has been in mourning while at the same time celebrating the amazing life of Senator John McCain, a true military hero,a Senator who stood up to our current President who he felt, as I do, is a threat to democracy, and a larger-than-life figure in our country's history. His example of decorous respect for our traditions, and his insistence that there is more that unites us than divides us, will remain his never ending tribute to our country. I was pleased to hear former Vice President Joe Biden extol his old friend's virtues at the memorial service in Arizona Thursday and to watch the moving ceremony from the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Friday. I look forward to the eulogies to be offered Saturday at the National Cathedral in Washington by McCain's former rivals for the presidency, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. McCain's service to our country, as a Naval aviator, prisoner of war, Congressman, Senator and noble citizen won't be forgotten. I agree with Senator Chuck Schumer that the Russell Senate Office Building should be named in his honor. I extend my deepest condolences to McCain's family, his colleagues and his many friends, including Fred Smith, who will be a pallbearer.\nCommemorating the 55thAnniversary of the 1963 March on Washington\n\nOn Tuesday, I noted the 55thanniversary of thehistoric March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that brought a quarter of a million people to the National Mall to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his I Have a Dream speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while millions more watched on television. On that hot day in 1963, the March on Washington brought together the nation's greatest civil rights and labor leaders to demand an end to racial discrimination. Many tens of thousands heard labor leader A. Phillip Randolph, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) leader and future Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Roy Wilkins of the NAACP and others address the need for federal legislation guaranteeing civil and voting rights. The day's triumphant and dramatic climax was Dr. King's unforgettable dream of one day living in a land where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. It's a message as relevant now as it was then as we continue working to achieve that dream and remember this important anniversary.\nAttending the Swearing-In of New Shelby County Officials\nOn Thursday, I went to the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts after receiving personal invitations from County Mayor-elect Lee Harris and Commissioner-elect Tami Sawyer to witness the swearing-in of Mayor Harris, the county commissioners and newly elected Circuit Court Clerk Temiika Gipson, County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman, County Assessor Melvin Burgess, County Clerk Wanda Halbert, Register of Deeds Shelandra Ford, Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn, Juvenile Court Clerk Janis Fullilove and Probate Court Clerk Bill Morrison.My office works closely with county government at all levels and I was there to assure the newly elected representatives that that seamless cooperation will continue.\nWorking to Prevent Injury to Horses\n\nAlso on Tuesday, I commended Senators Mike Crapo of Idaho and Mark Warner of Virginia for their recent letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting the department vigorously enforce the Horse Protection Act and prevent the intentional injury to horses participating in the ongoing Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville. The Senators' letter interceding on behalf of horses and horse lovers asked Perdue for a vigilant inspection regimen at this year's Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration to assure the cruel practice of horse soring does not occur. Unfortunately, some participants in the past have used various painful techniques, including acid, to make the gait of Tennessee's iconic Walking Horses more dramatic in an effort to win prize money. USDA inspectors are critical to the prevention of these practices, and I join the Senators in calling for their active review. I am the lead sponsor of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act(H.R. 1847)introduced in March 2017 and have been a leader on legislation to prevent horse soring since I arrived in Congress. The primary opposition to the humane treatment of horses has come from Congressman Marsha Blackburn, who has long favored those inflicting these horrific cruelties over the suffering of the horses.\nAnnouncing $14.2 million Federal Investment to Support Affordable Housing\nOn Thursday, I announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is investing $14,254,835 in federal funds to combat homelessness and support affordable housing programs and facilities for vulnerable populations throughout Memphis. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, Community Development Block Grant program, and Emergency Solutions Grants program. Access to affordable, quality housing is a staple of health, happiness, safety and success. These federal funds are needed in Memphis and Shelby County, and they will help to further develop and maintain affordable housing throughout the Ninth Congressional District.\n\nPraising California State Lawmakers for Ending Cash-Bail System\nOn Wednesday, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that will eliminate the cash-bail system for pretrial detainees, leaving pretrial release of defendants up to state trial judges. The bill reforms the pretrial release system so rich and poor people are treated the same and it is expected to reduce the pretrial jail population for those who have not been convicted of a crime. The No Money Bail Act (H.R. 1437) I have cosponsored would create incentives for states to make similar reforms. California has taken a step the rest of the nation should follow, and I commend its lawmakers for this thoughtful move.\nTalking with Our Troops in Honduras\n\nI have just returned from a trip to visit our troops in the Southern Command at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras. There I talked with service members, including several from Tennessee, and thanked them for their sacrifice. I especially appreciated my opportunity to meet with U.S. Army Sergeant Aaron Wright of Memphis, a Craigmont High School graduate, about his unit's mission in Central America. We also talked about Penny and the football season and his football coach father. It was a good visit.\nRemembering the Queen of Soul\nOn Friday, the nation turned its eyes on Detroit for the final sendoff of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. From her humble origins  she was born at 406 Lucy Street in South Memphis -- to her consistent place atop the Billboard charts, Aretha Franklin was one of a kind. It was nice to see the star-studded assembly swaying to the Gospel songs she sang from earliest childhood in her own inimitable style and to feel the deep R-E-S-P-E-C-T she was shown by the people of our country and music lovers the world over. Rest in Peace, Aretha Franklin.\nHosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day\nOn Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers while chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov\nSigning Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nPancreatic cancer,the disease that claimed the life of Aretha Franklin, is one of the deadliest cancers with the lowest survival rate at just 9 percent and its incidence has been rising each year. Unfortunately, it has only vague symptoms that can be confused with other abdominal or gastrointestinal issues and the cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Tobacco use is considered a likely risk factor and African Americans are at a slightly higher risk for the disease. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org) acts as a support system for those who need it. More information on pancreatic cancer from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be foundhere.\nQuote of the Week\nWe weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been. -- John McCain's Final Statement, released Monday.\nHave a safe and happy Labor Day. I'll be at the AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic on Monday.\nAs always, I remain\nMost sincerely,\nSteve Cohen\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-applauds-end-to-trump-newspaper-tariff", "Cooper Applauds End to Trump Newspaper Tariff", "2018-08-31", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Weeks after fighting for such an outcome, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)celebrated the end of President Trump's Commerce Department tariff on a chief component of newsprint, heralding a big win for local and national media organizations that rely on the printed page.\n\"This is an awesome weekfor American journalism, Rep. Cooper said. Newspapers are important defenders of democracy. Thank goodness the threat of newspaper tariffs is over.\nRep. Cooper joined several members of the House and Senate in publicly opposing the tariffs earlier this summer at a July 17 hearing of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Rep. Cooper's full testimony to the commission is below.\nFirst announced in January, increased in March and overturned this week after a unanimous vote by the commission, the tariff some as high as 20%  affected newspapers large and small. This week's vote means the tariff will be stopped.\nNewsprint is the paper on which newspapers and retail inserts are printed, and uncoated groundwood paper is a key component of the final product.\nJust five U.S. paper mills produce such paper. Meanwhile, Canada produces about 60 percent of all newsprint paper in the world. The U.S. imported more than $1 billion of uncoated groundwood paper in 2016.\nTennessee newspapers are delivered to more than 1 million households each week.\nSupplementing Rep. Cooper's testimony, three Tennessee newspapers  The Manchester Times, The Tullahoma News and Morristown's Citizen Tribune  submitted letters for the record, stating the negative effects of the tariff. The Tennessean also editorialized on the tariff, imploring the Commerce Department to stop the job-killing tax on newspapers.\nU.S. International Trade Commission\n\tTestimony of Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)\n\tHearing: Uncoated Groundwood Paper (INV701-TA-584 & 731-TA-1382)\n\tJuly 17, 2018\nThank you, Chairman Johanson and Commissioners, for convening this important hearing to address the adverse effects of the duty on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.\nAs you well know, uncoated groundwood paper is primarily used to make newsprint, the paper on which newspapers and retail inserts are printed. According to the Department of Commerce, the United States imported over $1 billion of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada in 2016. We have to import; we have no choice. Canada produces about 60% of all newsprint paper in the world and few U.S. paper mills actually produce this kind of paper. Five, to be exact. On their best day, those five mills are not going to produce enough newsprint at a low enough cost to cover the circulation of America's biggest newspapers. It's no surprise that American newspapers and printing companies import most newsprint paper from Canada.\nThis investigation started with one company, but the practical effects of this shortsighted tariff are already dramatic. Paper is already the second-largest expense for any newspaper, behind labor. To make up for the increased cost of importing paper, newspapers across the country are cutting pages, decreasing circulation and eliminating jobs. Newspapers and printing companies are not suddenly going to start buying newsprint from American producers. They aren't buying from them now for several reasons:there are too few, it is too expensive, and there just simply isn't enough supply to keep up with demand.\nThis tariff on newsprint and the ultimate decision on uncoated groundwood paper will hurt rural and local papers the most. Big papers like The Wall Street Journal will initially cut pages, but local papers like The Dickson Herald could cut jobs and even close their doors. A small increase of 2 cents more per paper per day may not sound like much, but it has a big effect. It will add over $8 million in annual expenses for The Wall Street Journal. Newspapers provide the best source of news information around. Tennessee newspapers are delivered to over 1 million households each week. Less news will lead to an increasingly distant and ill-informed American citizen; it will make them more likely to make an ill-informed choice at the ballot box, or perhaps not even vote at all. In times like these, that is something this country cannot afford.\nEven before this uncoated groundwood paper investigation was initiated, the paper and newspaper industries were already declining. While many of us would like to believe that most Americans read the news each day, it is simply not the case. Subscriptions and circulations are down and continue to drop. While The New York Times can reach many of its readers through online content, rural Tennesseans rely on their printed local papers for the news that directly affects them. The decline in demand for newsprint and other paper is due to the decline of readership of newspapers, not imports from Canada.\nEven with this decline in readership, the American printing and newspaper industries employ over 600,000 people. One company filed a complaint to initiate this investigation and now we are headed down a rabbit hole. Newsprint prices have already increased by about 30% since the start of the year. We have around 150 newspapers in circulation in Tennessee, 20% of which are printed daily. What does that mean for those papers? Right now, it means a hiring freeze and fewer pages dedicated to the actual news until the tariff is either eliminated or becomes final. I am proud that the main newspaper for the state, The Tennessean, is produced in my district. But The Tennessean and local papers alike cannot afford this unforeseen and unnecessary financial burden. The Manchester Times in Manchester, Tenn., will pay an additional $40,000 over the next year because of the increased price of newsprint. The Tullahoma News will pay $50,000. That is not sustainable. I would like to submit three letters for the record from local papers in Tennessee stating the effects of this tariff and describing their grim futures.\nNewspapers make their profit in print because of retail inserts. There is very little profit to be made when readers are all online. Quad Graphics produces retail inserts for magazines and newspapers and has a plant in Nashville that employs about 200 people. That plant consumes over 52,000 tons of newsprint each year. With the tariff, the Nashville plant alone will see its paper expenses increase by almost $8 million per year. There is no chance of this company being able to keep up its same production levels with the same employee base. It's impossible. Those additional expenses will be passed along to customers.\nI appreciate the USITC's investigation into the dumping of uncoated groundwood paper into the American market. But only one of the five newsprint-producing paper mills in the United States filed this complaint. That is telling. The damage this tariff will do to the newspaper and printing industries will be catastrophic. This knowledge should far outweigh one stakeholder's concern of subsidized paper imports from Canada. America's trade laws should protect the whole, not endanger the few. This administration's approach to trade is cavalier and ill-informed. I cannot sit by and watch this country's news industry be destroyed by federal overreach. I hope the USITC will stand with me in protecting American jobs and its news.\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-head-start-grants", "Congressman Cohen Announces Head Start Grants", "2018-08-30", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start have awarded Porter-Leath, formerly known as the Children's Bureau, two grants totaling more than $3.1 million to further their work in early childhood development.\nI'm pleased that Porter-Leath will receive these funds to help young children in our community gain access to resources they need. Disadvantaged children need early help to prepare for an increasingly competitive world, said Congressman Cohen. Providing young children access to that help benefits our community as a whole.\nPorter-Leath has served the Memphis community for over 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families. Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Children Services, Porter-Leath offers residential, foster care, and adoption services alongside numerous other forms of assistance for families. The Early Head Start and Head Start programs are initiatives designed to promote developmental skills in children from birth to five years old, with home-based and center-based services catering to over 5,000 children and families in Shelby County each year.\nThe Administration of Children and Families partners with local providers to address and respond to the needs of vulnerable families, while the Office of Head Start allocates grant funding to 1,700 nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services. Both organizations emphasize inclusive and holistic early development programs in order to better communities across the United States.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-head-start-grants-0", "Congressman Cohen Announces Head Start Grants", "2018-08-30", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start have awarded Porter-Leath, formerly known as the Children's Bureau, two grants totaling more than $3.1 million to further their work in early childhood development.\nI'm pleased that Porter-Leath will receive these funds to help young children in our community gain access to resources they need. Disadvantaged children need early help to prepare for an increasingly competitive world, said Congressman Cohen. Providing young children access to that help benefits our community as a whole.\nPorter-Leath has served the Memphis community for over 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families. Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Children Services, Porter-Leath offers residential, foster care, and adoption services alongside numerous other forms of assistance for families. The Early Head Start and Head Start programs are initiatives designed to promote developmental skills in children from birth to five years old, with home-based and center-based services catering to over 5,000 children and families in Shelby County each year.\nThe Administration of Children and Families partners with local providers to address and respond to the needs of vulnerable families, while the Office of Head Start allocates grant funding to 1,700 nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services. Both organizations emphasize inclusive and holistic early development programs in order to better communities across the United States.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-more-14-million-federal-housing-funding", "Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $14 Million in Federal Housing Funding Bound for Memphis", "2018-08-30", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $14,254,835 in federal funds to combat homelessness and support affordable housing programs and facilities for vulnerable populations throughout Memphis. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, Community Development Block Grant program, and Emergency Solutions Grants program. Access to affordable, quality housing is a staple of health, happiness, safety and success, said Congressman Cohen. These federal funds are needed in Memphis and Shelby County, and they'll help to further develop and maintain affordable housing throughout the Ninth District. Memphis will receive $3,580,035 through HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Grants program, which provides states and local governments, often in partnership with local non-profit organizations, to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. From 1992  2016, HOME Investment Partnership Grants have funded the construction of 914 rental units, 2,017 homebuyer units and the rehabilitation of 1,132 homeowner units in the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee. Memphis will receive $3,547,703 through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) grants program, the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Under the HOPWA program, grants are awarded to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Memphis will receive $6,586,442 through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG program provides annual grants to local governments and states to ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion of and retention of businesses. One such example of the use of CDBG funds was the $9/9 million CDBG grant that funded the redevelopment of the downtown Pyramid.\n  \n\tMemphis will receive $540,655 through HUD's Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. The ESG program provides funds to rehabilitate and operate emergency shelters and transitional shelters, provide essential services, and prevent homelessness.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commemorates-anniversary-1963-march-washington", "Congressman Cohen Commemorates Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington", "2018-08-28", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today noted the 55th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that brought a quarter of a million people to the National Mall to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his I Have a Dream speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while millions more watched on television. Congressman Cohen made the following statement:\nFifty-five years ago, the Great March on Washington brought together the nation's greatest civil rights and labor leaders to demand an end to racial discrimination. Many tens of thousands heard labor leader A. Phillip Randolph, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) leader and future Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Roy Wilkins of the NAACP and others address the need for federal legislation guaranteeing civil and voting rights. The day's triumphant and dramatic climax was Dr. King's unforgettable dream' of a land where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.' It's a message as relevant now as it was then as we continue working to achieve that dream and remember this important anniversary.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commends-senators-their-stand-horse-soring", "Congressman Cohen Commends Senators for their Stand on Horse Soring", "2018-08-28", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) commended Senators Mike Crapo of Idaho and Mark Warner of Virginia for their recent letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting the department vigorously enforce the Horse Protection Act and prevent the intentional injury to horses participating in the ongoing Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Congressman Cohen made the following statement:\nSenators Crapo and Warner are to be commended for interceding on behalf of horses and horse lovers and asking for a vigorous inspection regimen at this year's Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration to assure the cruel practice of horse soring does not occur. Unfortunately, some participants in the past have used various painful techniques, including the use of acid, to make the gait of Tennessee's iconic Walking Horses more dramatic in an effort to win prize money. USDA inspectors are critical to the prevention of these practices, and I join the Senators in calling for their active review.\nCongressman Cohen is a lead sponsor of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 1847) introduced in March 2017 and has been a leader on legislation to prevent horse soring since he arrived in Congress.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-late-john-mccain", "Congressman Cohen Praises the Late John McCain", "2018-08-25", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of John McCain upon hearing of his death in Arizona, and made the following statement:\nJohn McCain was a man of honor and an American hero. He served his country as a Naval aviator and endured torture at the hands of his North Vietnamese captors which affected his health for the rest of his life. Returning home, he continued to serve his country in the House and Senate with principles, honesty and integrity and he earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. John McCain was a giant, stood for what was right and stared down bullies. He was a patriot who loved his country and his country mourns his passing. He will be missed.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/urging-house-judiciary-committee-do-its-job", "Urging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job", "2018-08-24", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I urged the Majority on the House Judiciary Committee to do the important work within its jurisdiction and stop neglecting pressing issues such as ongoing voter suppression efforts, the need for criminal justice reform and President Trump's self-dealing constitutional violations. I also reacted to the federal courtroom convictions of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and the President's long-time attorney Michael Cohen; wrote to the President to urge him to stop punishing his critics by revoking or threatening to revoke their security clearances; planned to host a Military Service Academy Day next month; welcomed our newest American citizens naturalized this month; and offered a health tip about breastfeeding. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. \nUrging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job  Reacting to the Convictions of Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort  Protecting the Security Clearance Process  Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day  Welcoming New American Citizens  Holding Monthly \"Congress On Your Corner\"  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n  Urging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job\nSince the early days of the Trump administration, I have been urging the Majority on the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on criminal justice reform, re-entry programs, ongoing efforts to suppress voting rights and other matters under the committee's jurisdiction. I have also asked that the committee pursue inquiries into the various violations of the Constitution's anti-corruption emoluments clauses  violations that continue because of the President's failure to divest his financial holdings or put them in a blind trust, as others have done. Now we are approaching a constitutional crisis with sworn testimony this week that the President ordered his lawyer to violate campaign finance laws with hush-money payments to his paramours -- and his supporters evidently plan to look the other way. Meanwhile the Committee pursues yet another meaningless investigation of the Clinton email server other congressional probes have found groundless. It is well past time for the Committee to call witnesses and get to the bottom of the real matters of concern to the American people. I joined my Democratic colleagues on the Committee in a letter asking the chairman to let us get on with the important work our citizens expect us to do. See ithere. Reacting to the Convictions of Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort\n\n\tSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller\nOn Tuesday, in federal courthouses in New York and Virginia, members of the President's inner circle were convicted of serious crimes. Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was convicted of bank- and tax-fraud charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and faces up to 80 years in prison. Minutes later, Trump's former personal lawyer and self-described fix-it guy, pleaded guilty to making hush-money payments to a Playboy playmate and an adult movie star to guarantee their silence, with the express purpose of affecting the 2016 presidential election, among other charges. Elements of those offenses that were within their jurisdiction were turned over to New York federal prosecutors by Mueller's team. Despite the President's efforts to label the Mueller investigation a rigged witch hunt, it is clear it is instead a very professional, disciplined criminal probe. Besides Cohen and Manafort, Mueller has brought charges against 25 other people and secured guilty pleas from former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn; Manafort's deputy, Rick Gates; and Russia policy campaign advisor George Papadopoulos, and others. I'm continuing to urge passage ofThe Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act(H.R. 5476) that I co-sponsored so that Mueller's ongoing efforts can be protected. Protecting the Security Clearance Process\nThe President's use of his authority to punish critics by revoking or threatening to revoke their security clearances is unprecedented and wrong. I joined colleagues in writing the President on Thursday, noting that there has been no assertion or indication that former CIA Director John Brennan or any of the individuals named on what some are calling Trump's Nixonian enemies list have ever compromised or disclosed classified information. Security clearances for former government officials provide our ongoing government with access to vital institutional memory and skills that are essential to our national security. We suggested that the President follow long-established procedures for administrative review of these sensitive credentials, which include respect for the due process rights of those involved. See the letterhere. Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day\n\nOn Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies  for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers while chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 orJeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov Welcoming New American Citizens\nEarlier this month, members of my Memphis staff attended the monthly naturalization ceremony with U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker in the Clifford Davis-Odell Horton Federal Building downtown, watching as 57 people from 26 countries raised their right hands and took the oath to become American citizens. Judge Parker encouraged the new citizens to vote and the League of Women Voters was there to register them. These new Americans emigrated from such places as Somalia, Ghana, Syria, Iraq, Argentina, Taiwan, Palestine and China to follow the American dream. I welcome all the new Americans, especially those who make Memphis their home.E Pluribus Unum. Holding Monthly Congress On Your Corner\nOn Thursday, my office held another Congress On Your Corner event, this time at the Whitehaven Branch Library, and had a good turnout. For a change, this was an evening event for constituents who can't get away during daytime hours to get help from my staff on Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visa and passports or help with any federal agency or department. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nEarlier this month, I hosted a symposium on infant and maternal health with a variety of medical specialists, advocates and social services experts. Evidence shows that mothers who breastfeed have healthier babies and are at a lower risk for some cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared August National Breastfeeding Month, and have outlined advantages of the practicehere. Quotes of the Week\nA sacred respect for the Constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy, of a free government.  Alexander Hamilton, essay inThe American Daily Advertiser, August 28, 1794.\nWhen occasions present themselves in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests to withstand the temporary delusion, in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection.  Alexander Hamilton,Federalist No. 71,March 18, 1788. As always, I remain, Most sincerely,  Steve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-special-prosecutor-showing-effectiveness", "Congressman Cohen Says Special Prosecutor Is Showing Effectiveness", "2018-08-21", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted today's conviction on eight counts of fraud in the trial of President Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and the eight felony guilty pleas in the New York case involving Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen and made the following statement:\nThe jury in the Manafort case looked at serious charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team and found the former Trump campaign chairman guilty. The President's former fixer Michael Cohen has pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws and other felony violations based on conduct uncovered by Mueller's team and turned over to prosecutors in New York. This doesn't look like a rigged witch hunt.' It looks instead like the Mueller team's investigation is resulting in effective prosecutions of guilty individuals in the President's inner circle. This is becoming one of the most effective investigations in U.S. history.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-office-host-congress-your-corner", "Congressman Cohen's Office To Host \"Congress On Your Corner\"", "2018-08-20", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen's office will hosta \"Congress On Your Corner\" event this Thursday, August 23. The event is intended to help constituents with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grants applications, IRS problems, passports and dealing with a host of issues involving interaction with federal agencies.\nWhat: Congress on your Corner  Assistance with Federal Agencies\n\tWhere: Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch Road\n\tWhen: Thursday, August 23rd, 5:30pm - 7:00pm", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-national-science-foundation-award-made", "Congressman Cohen Announces National Science Foundation Award made to University of Memphis", "2018-08-17", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded University of Memphis a grant of $35,000 for students to attend the CBMS Conference: The Cahn-Hilliard Equation: Recent Advances and Application.\nThe conference will focus on these profoundly complex mathematical equations as explained by University of Poitiers (France) Mathematician Alain Miranville and will be held at Montgomery Bell State Park's Conference Center and Inn in Burns, Tennessee, from May 20 to 24, 2019.Thanks to this grant, about 30 students will be able to attend the conference.\nThe NSF supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides a source of economic growth in the United States. The conference will center around Professor Miranville's lectures about the applications of Cahn-Hilliard (CH) type equations.Cahn-Hilliard equations can be applied in fluid dynamics, imagine inpainting, and tumor growth.\nThis award will help University of Memphis students attend the CBMS Conference and learn about CH-type equations and their many uses in addressing future scientific challenges, said Congressman Cohen.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/remembering-queen-soul-aretha-franklin", "Remembering the \"Queen of Soul,\" Aretha Franklin", "2018-08-17", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis week, I noted the passing of Memphis native and \"Queen of Soul\" Aretha Franklin, paying my R-E-S-P-E-C-Ts at her birthplace on Lucy Street in South Memphis. I also condemned the vindictive revocation of former CIA Director John Brennan's security clearances, commended newspaper editorial pages for defending our First Amendment and standing up to the President's relentless attacks on a free press, wrote to HUD Secretary Ben Carson regarding my concerns about chronic and ongoing health and safety risks related to poor management at some federally subsidized housing facilities in Memphis, recognized the 83rdanniversary of Social Security and provided information about a baby diaper shortage. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen.\n\nRemembering the \"Queen of Soul,\" Aretha Franklin  Defending Former CIA Director John Brennan  Standing Up for a Free Press  Writing to HUD Secretary Ben Carson with Concerns  Holding \"Congress On Your Corner\" This Thursday Evening  Recognizing the 83rd Anniversary of Social Security  Signing Up for \"Congress On Your Corner\" and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quotes of the Week\n\n  Remembering the \"Queen of Soul,\" Aretha Franklin\n\nThe world lost a great artist on Thursday. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, who thrilled millions with her renditions of gospel, Motown, R & B, jazz and pop classics. I went to her Memphis birthplace at 406 Lucy Street in South Memphis Thursday afternoon to pay my R-E-S-P-E-C-Ts and saw many of her fans there for the same purpose. Aretha Franklin taught the world what R-E-S-P-E-C-T means. From her humble origins to her consistent place atop the Billboard charts, Aretha Franklin was truly the Queen of Soul. What a voice and what a passion she brought to her songs. Detroit, Memphis and the whole world have lost a very bright star.\nDefending Former CIA Director John Brennan\nShortly after the President revoked the security clearances of former CIA Director John Brennan, I put out a statement defending the man who helped capture Osama bin Laden and has long been combatting Russian attempts to interfere with our our democracy. Brennan knows a lot about the ongoing investigation of Trump's campaign and Russian interference in our 2016 elections. It's crystal clear that the revocation of the clearances is punishment for Brennan speaking the truth. The President continues to dishonor his high office and the American people with these petty, vindictive attacks. I stand with Brennan and suggest the next president restore this fine public servant's ability to lend his wisdom to our men and women in the intelligence community.\nStanding Up for a Free Press\n\nAfter The Boston Globe suggested that newspapers all across the country write editorials defending a free press on Thursday, I was pleased to seeThe Memphis FlyerandCommercial Appealcolumnist David Waters taking that principled stand. Journalists, generally, but their readers, too, are genuinely fearful of what the President has unleashed with his accusations that reporters are the enemies of the people and that accurate, factual news he doesn't like is fake news. Most serious journalists work hard to write accurate stories with adequate context and, when they fall short, correct errors immediately. Unlike many of the President's favorite outlets, the mainstream media does not fabricate false news intended to mislead. I'm pleased the nation's newspapers are making it clear that the only way a true democracy can function is with citizens having access to accurate news and commentary.\nWriting to HUD Secretary Ben Carson with Concerns\nThis week I wrote to U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson with concerns about persistent health and safety risks present at HUD-subsidized housing units in Memphis resulting in low inspection scores. Earlier this Congress, I introduced theHousing Accountability Actwith Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to strengthen federal oversight of the inspection process for federally subsidized affordable housing in an effort to address and prevent these safety violations.\nThe recent low inspection scores indicate ongoing issues of failed maintenance and questionable federal oversight practices despite changes to the law and the media spotlight on the poor management of facilities like those formerly owned by the Global Ministries Foundation. In the letter, I asked HUD Secretary Carson what he is doing to get these properties into compliance with federal standards. I will report on his response when I receive it. See theletter here.\nHolding \"Congress On Your Corner\" This Thursday Evening\nOn Thursday everning, my office will hold our monthly \"Congress On Your Corner\" event at the Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch Road, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. My staff will be on hand to help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues, visas, passports and more. While \"Congress On Your Corner\" hours have typically been during the day, we are adding some evening events to expand outreach to those whose schedules do not permit daytime attendance.\nRecognizing the 83rd Anniversary of Social Security\nOn Tuesday, I noted the 83rdanniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing of the Social Security Act into law, creating old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. Critics at the time, including many Republicans, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Bar Association, called it socialism. Eighty-three years later, it is the cornerstone of our country's commitment to seeing that our senior citizens and those who cannot work are able to live out their retirements in dignity and secure financial confidence.\nIn recent years, we have defeated efforts to erode Social Security benefits or privatize hard-earned investments in our future, but aggressive efforts to push these risky ideas are still circulating and we must remain vigilant. I am committed to making Social Security -- the backbone of the safety net for our senior citizens and families -- as well as Medicare and Medicaid, stronger and to assuring their permanence.\nSigning Up for \"Congress On Your Corner\" and this e-Newsletter\n\nI enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign up here to receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form.\nWeekly Health Tip\n\n\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nLast week, I held a symposium at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church on infant and maternal health with a variety of medical and other advocates and experts. During our discussion, the unaffordability of basic necessities, including clean diapers, was raised, and so was a proposed solution. In Memphis, 44 percent of children under 3 live in poverty and one in three mothers report running out of diapers each month. As a result, seldom discussed diaper rash is a serious problem in our community. The University of Memphis' Institute for Interdisciplinary Memphis Partnerships to Advance Community Transformation (iIMPACT), the Coordinated Effort to Enhance Development (CEED), the Urban Child Institute and other partners are working to create a Shelby County Diaper Bank. The Bundles for Babies initiative is an excellent response to this critical need.\nQuotes of the Week\nOn Thursday, as noted above, the nation's newspapers defended themselves and the First Amendment constitutional right of a free press in hundreds of editorials. Here is a sampling:\nAs women's rights pioneer and investigative journalist Ida B. Wells wrote in 1982: The people must know before they can act and there is no educator to compare with the press.' Falls City(Nebraska)Journal.\nThe danger is that over time. Mr. Trump's antics and the incivility he encourages could lead to the arrest of journalists or violence against them, and it could also erode the public's faith in the First Amendment, which is the foundation of all our liberties. The Providence(Rhode Island)Journal.\nTrump is inflicting massive, and perhaps irreparable, damage to democracy with these attacks.The St. Louis(Missouri)Post-Dispatch.\nThat 44 percent of Republicans polled recently said Trump should have the autocrat's power to shut down news outlets shows how successful his efforts have already been. The Kansas City(Missouri)Star.\n  \n\tAs always, I remain,\nMost sincerely,\n\nSteve Cohen  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-defends-former-cia-director-brennan", "Congressman Cohen Calls for Strong Bipartisan Response to Intelligence Restrictions", "2018-08-16", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement regarding the revocation of the security clearance of former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John O. Brennan:\nJohn Brennan is an American patriot who helped lead the United States in getting to Osama bin Laden, said Congressman Cohen. He has been stalwart in combatting the former Russian KGB, as well as the FSB and GRU, the leading intelligence agencies in Russia's efforts to attack our nation and the free world. In revoking the former CIA Director's security clearance, President Trump is following in the footsteps of Richard Nixon in many ways, including by keeping an 'enemies list,' which is what this review of his critics' security clearances amounts to. There was no consultation with National Intelligence Director Dan Coats about the revocation and suspensions, or with the CIA.\nThe lifting of security clearances from former Intelligence, Justice and FBI officials is not only detrimental to our democracy, but also counterproductive to our intelligence capabilities. The cumulative knowledge and wisdom of these officials is invaluable, and it's being eliminated from our intelligence resources at a time when our electoral system is under attack, and spies from Russia and from other countries are operating against the United States. We need all of the institutional memory we can bring to bear.\nThis is very dangerous to our democracy and to a free society. Vindictive moves such as this represent an even further drift into authoritarianism by the Trump Administration, and an urgent need for bipartisan, pro-American, pro-democracy stands by my colleagues in Congress. I call on Speaker Ryan, Majority Leader McCarthy, Minority Leader Pelosi and Minority Whip Hoyer to take a strong, unified stand on behalf of our nation, and to propose a legislative remedy to limit the President's unfettered power to use this process to weaken our intelligence resources and capabilities.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-aretha-franklin", "Congressman Cohen Remembers Aretha Franklin", "2018-08-16", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today noted the sad passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, who thrilled millions with her renditions of gospel, Motown, R & B, jazz and pop classics, and made the following statement:\nAretha Franklin taught to world what R-E-S-P-E-C-T meant and what it was like to feel like a natural woman.' From her humble origins -- born at 406 Lucy Street in Memphis -- to her consistent place atop the Billboard charts, Aretha Franklin was truly the Queen of Soul.' What a voice and what a passion she brought to her songs. Detroit, Memphis and the whole world has lost a very bright star.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-stands-defenders-free-press", "Congressman Cohen Stands with Defenders of a Free Press", "2018-08-16", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted that hundreds of newspapers, led by The Boston Globe, used their editorial pages Thursday to defend journalists and the constitutional protection of a free press, and made the following statement:\nAfter The Boston Globe suggested that newspapers all across the country write editorials defending a free press on Thursday, I was pleased to see The Memphis Flyer and Commercial Appeal columnist David Waters taking that principled stand. Journalists, generally, and their readers, too, are genuinely fearful of what the President has unleashed with his accusations that reporters are enemies of the people' and that accurate, factual reporting that he doesn't like is fake news.' Serious journalists work hard to write accurate stories with adequate context and, when they fall short, correct errors immediately. Unlike many of the President's favorite media outlets, the mainstream media does not fabricate false news' intended to mislead. I commend all the news outlets that took a stand for democracy and a free press today. I'm pleased that the nation's newspapers are making it clear that the only way a true democracy can function is with citizens having access to accurate news and commentary.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-marks-83rd-anniversary-social-security", "Congressman Cohen Marks 83rd Anniversary of Social Security", "2018-08-14", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) marked the 83rd anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing the Social Security Act into law on Tuesday and made the following statement:\nWhen Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act creating old-age pensions and unemployment insurance, critics, including many Republicans, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Bar Association, called it socialism.' Eighty-three years later, it is the cornerstone of our country's commitment to seeing that our senior citizens and those who cannot work live out their retirements in dignity and secure financial confidence.\nIn recent years, we have defeated efforts to erode Social Security benefits or privatize hard-earned investments in our future, but aggressive efforts to push these risky ideas are still circulating and we must remain vigilant. I am committed to making Social Security -- the backbone of the safety net for our senior citizens and families -- as well as Medicare and Medicaid, stronger and to assuring their permanence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-steve-cohen-s-statement-one-year-anniversary-charlottesville", "Congressman Steve Cohens Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the Charlottesville Hate March", "2018-08-11", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the anniversary of the Charlottesville hate march, planned and carried out by a cabal of hate groups including Klansmen and Neo-Nazis, I call upon Americans to reflect upon the tragic loss of life and the deplorable words and actions of the white supremacists and nationalists, countered by passionate Americans standing for love, tolerance, hope, and kindness.\nAs I watched Spike Lee's The Black Klansman last night, I thought back on that event and President Donald Trump's insistence that there were very fine people on both sides that day.\nThere were not very fine people on both sides. Those groups, with their hatred of African-Americans, Jews, Hispanic people, and immigrants, represent the antithesis of American values.\nThe president's paean to hate groups, the absolute low point thus far in the history of the American Presidency, inspired me to author and introduce H. Res. 621 calling for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.\nI offer my condolences to the family and friends of Heather Heyer and I hope that we can have peaceful activities both in Charlottesville, and in Washington, D.C.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hosting-maternal-health-symposium-memphis", "Hosting a Maternal Health Symposium in Memphis", "2018-08-10", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend, This week, I hosted an infant and maternal health symposium in Memphis along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Illinois which featured experts, advocates, and those at risk to discuss issues around infant and maternal mortality. I also received a perfect score on the Progressive Public Health and Environmental Scorecard which tracked Members of Congress' records on issues concerning public health and the environment; met with Chastity Toler of the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation in Memphis; talked with former Congressional office intern Janeisha Harris, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the National Black Action Committee at Tennessee State University, and others, to review issues ranging from the state of minority businesses in Memphis to the importance of federal financial aid programs to students throughout Tennessee; and paid tribute to Charlottesville murder victim Heather Heyer on the anniversary of her death. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Hosting a Maternal Health Symposium in Memphis  Receiving a 100% Score for My Record on Public Health and The Environment  Meeting with Chastity Toler and the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation  Discussing Criminal Justice Reform with Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the National Black Action Committee  Meeting with Marquiepta Odom and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)  Meeting with Tennessee College Access and Success Network  Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter  Weekly Health Tip  Quote of the Week\n  Hosting a Maternal Health Symposium in Memphis\n   On Thursday, I hosted a symposium on infant and maternal mortality at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. I was pleased that Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) joined me as a co-host of this important event which featured health experts from across the Memphis area. Michelle Robinson McKissack, our newly elected school board member and editor of Memphis Parent Magazine, was our phenomenal moderator. Congressman Kelly and I discussed bills before the House of Representatives, including my legislation, theNEWBORN Act, that addresses America's and Memphis' high rate of infant mortality, and Congresswoman Kelly's legislation, theMOMMA Act, that addresses maternal mortality and morbidity. We discussed the needs of our community and the barriers to improving maternal health care and reducing infant mortality. Our expert panel shared their experiences as they work directly with mothers and other health care and non-traditional partners within our community. The panelists included Ajay J. Talati, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and OB/GYN at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Tiana Pyles, co-founder of BSTARS; Susan Helms, director if Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South; Nikia Grayson, midwife at CHOICES; Beth Shelton, lead therapist at Appleseed Inc.; and Danielle Tate, director of the high risk OB clinic at UT Regional One Physicians. We discussed resources available right here in Shelby County, such as free car seats for those in need. See my weekly health tip for more. I want to thank everyone who joined us to make this symposium a success.\n  Receiving a 100 Percent Score for My Record on Public Health and The Environment  \n\t  \n\tAlso on Thursday, I was proud to be one of only of 12 lawmakers to receive a 100 percent score on a Congressional Legislative Scorecardcompiled by National Nurses United, Food & Water Watch and the Progressive Democrats of America. The scorecard tracked Members of Congress' records on issues concerning public health and the environment, and looked specifically at 5 bills: theExpanded and Improved Medicare For All Act(H.R. 676), which would ensure every person in the U.S. has quality health care; theInclusive Prosperity Act(H.R. 1144), which would impose a small tax on Wall Street to fund public health and environmental initiatives; theNurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety Act(H.R. 2392), which would help nurses and hospitals ensure quality patient care; theOff Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act(H.R. 3671), which would bring us closer to a 100 percent renewable energies future; and theWATER Act(H.R. 5609), which would provide major investment to update and improve the country's drinking water infrastructure. I'm a co-sponsor of all 5 of these bills, and I'll continue to advocate for bold solutions to our most urgent public health and environmental problems. Meeting with Chastity Toler and the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation  On Tuesday, I met with Chastity Toler, a 1992 graduate of Melrose High School and the force behind the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering, equipping, supporting and improving the quality of life for all affected by Multiple Sclerosis. When Chastity needed support, she found the closest group was in Nashville and so she created her foundation, which can be reached atSBSMSA@Outlook.com. Her work is inspiring many in Memphis to face their health problems with determined courage. Discussing Criminal Justice Reform with Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the National Black Action Committee\nAlso on Tuesday, I was pleased to welcome back to my office our former intern Janeisha Harris, who is now the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the National Black Action Committee at Tennessee State University. We discussed criminal justice reform measures I support as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear her perspective on a variety of issues as a young woman on a college campus. Meeting with Marquiepta Odom and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)  On Wednesday I had the opportunity to speak with Marquiepta Odom, Associate Executive Program Director for the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Greater Memphis, and other YWCA representatives. The meeting dealt largely with the YWCA's funding needs and its plan to increase the capacity of its domestic violence shelter from 44 to 78 beds by the end of September. It's always valuable to talk over issues with those so deeply involved with them locally. I appreciate the work the YWCA is doing to help those affected by domestic violence. Meeting with Tennessee College Access and Success Network On Tuesday, I also met with Kate Watts of the Tennessee College Access and Success Network to discuss the importance of federal investment in education. We talked about ways to make it easier for first-time college students to get access to higher education. Ms. Watts also presented evidence from a study in Davidson County that the Tennessee Promise Scholarship is in effect plundering the resources of the Tennessee Hope Scholarship to the detriment of many students in need of help. The evidence indicates the lowest income students get the least amount of assistance yet are most likely to advance while the highest income level Promise students get the most money but are less likely to advance. The Promise Scholarship doesn't operate as a scholarship should -- rewarding merit and meeting genuine need. \n\n  Signing Up for \"Congress On Your Corner\" and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you cansign up hereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.\nFor those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form.\nIf you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip\nEach week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.\nThe Shelby County Health Department provides free child safety seats to eligible county residents. Eligibility criteria include the baby's birth certificate, the recipent must be enrolled in TNCare, SNAP or WIC programs; and the recipient must have a valid Tennessee driver license or state I.D. Appointments are required (call 901-222-9276) and distribution is limited to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.\nAnother tip this week stems from my meeting with Chastity Toler and the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation. MS is a terrible illness but important work at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is making advances in its treatment. See detailshere. Quote of the Week\nSunday will be the first anniversary of the death of Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old Charlottesville, Virginia, paralegal protesting the neo-Nazi and white supremacists rally who was run down and killed. The same organizer of that backward movement plans another protest outside the White House on Sunday. I hope all my constituents will pay tribute to Heather's bravery and the cause for which she gave her life and remember, too, that the President of the United States said that there were \"some very fine people on both sides.\" I am a cosponsor of theNational Opposition to Hate, Assault and Treats to Equality (NO HATE) Act(H.R.1566). As always, I remain,\nMost sincerely,\nSteve 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-statement-on-space-satellites-and-security", "Cooper Statement on Space, Satellites and Security", "2018-08-10", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Jim Cooper", "C000754", "cooper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)issued the following statement after Vice President Pence's Aug. 9 speech at the Pentagon.\nOrigin of the Space Force Idea\nI am embarrassed by the politicization, polarization, and even commercialization of the idea of strengthening U.S. military capabilities in space.\nThe Aug. 9, 2018, speech by Vice President Pence at the Pentagona speech that I was invited to attend but did notlooked like it was boosting national defense, but may have harmed it. The vice president mentioned four people by name in the speech, including me, to demonstrate the bipartisan nature of strengthening U.S. space capabilities, but the administration is handling the issue so clumsily that it risks becoming a laughingstock.\nEven worse, the campaign arm of the Trump administration has suggested selling merchandise with the logo of the Space Force on it in order to help finance President Trump's re-election campaign. This makes efforts to strengthen U.S. space capabilities look like a partisan joke, further strengthening the hands of America's rivals.\nOrigins\nOur satellites were safe until about 11 years ago, when China successfully attacked one of its own weather satellites. That test proved that China could destroy many satellites, as well as create a debris field that threatens everything in orbit. Nations like Russia have also taken aggressive actions in space. These nations aren't our friends. An adversarial attack in space could cripple satellites before we knew what hit us. Without satellites, cell phones wouldn't work, our banking systems would crash, planes could not fly, and electrical sockets would go dead. It would crush our economy and paralyze our military.\nAt the end of 2016, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) and I began pushing the idea of giving our military space professionals more support and flexibility so that they could better meet the national security challenges that America has been facing. Since most of these space professionals are in the Air Force, our natural conclusion was that the Air Force was not doing enough to help them and to ensure our readiness in space.\nMike and I are the chairman and ranking member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, so it is our job to request the briefings and to lead the hearings of the subcommittee. Our jurisdiction includes nuclear weapons and military satellites. We knew that the Chinese and Russians had been taking steps for many years to militarize space, to threaten U.S. and world satellites that are largely defenseless, and to be able to disrupt every type of satellite activity on which the world's business, entertainment, and defense structures completely depend. We also knew that the U.S. response was extremely slow, ridden with cost-overruns, and increasingly behind the technical curve, leaving us increasingly exposed to new threats.\nAfter months of discussing these problems with top Air Force personnel, with the other services, and with outside experts, we decided that creation of a Space Corps would be appropriatewithinthe Air Force. The Marine Corps has long held a similar position within the Department of the Navy. This proposal would have given the secretary of the Air Force and other Air Force leadershipmoreauthority to streamline the acquisition process for new satellites, to improve morale and expertise of space specialists in the Air Force, and to gradually start the process of evolving space from the Air Force over many years. We specifically directed thatno new military bases, academies, uniforms or unnecessary overhead were required. We preferred that the Air Force reallocate existing resources to strengthen its space capabilities and increase its organizational focus to address rapidly emerging threats.\nSince our proposal was launched, it has gone through two years of full committee markups and two years of floor passage of two National Defense Authorization Acts, with overwhelmingsometimes even unanimous--support. Each year, Senate conferees have tried to trim back our proposals with some success. In response, we urge our Senate colleagues to attend the secret Pentagon briefings that will help them understand the urgency of our security challenges. Space is already a war-fighting domain. Pretending that our satellites are safe today would be foolish.\nDespite Senate misgivings, the strong bipartisan nature of the House's support for the idea has resulted in fundamental changes in the Air Force treatment of space, and in the writing of the latest Pentagon report on space which prompted the vice president's speech.\nTrump's Intervention\nPresident Trump has gone off-script on several occasions in 2018 to strongly support a Space Force, an entirely separate military service devoted to space. He has publicly and abruptly demanded that General Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, get the Pentagon to push the new service. The president has provided no detail to his thinking; only that it is the latest shiny object to capture his attention.\nVice President Pence's recent speech is the formal kickoff of the process of creating a new service (the first since 1947), which he demanded should end with the creation of a Space Force by 2020. Vice President Pence's speech was in response to a congressionally mandated report on Pentagon recommendations for strengthening America's space capabilities.\nThe vice president's remarks go beyond what the Pentagon had recommended in the report. Now there is talk of billions in new spending, new uniforms, and the vast overhead that goes with an entirely new service. Already, the idea of streamlining space acquisition and performance looks like it is getting bogged down in overhead and bureaucracy.\nMy Reaction\nAt first, I was optimistic that President Trump was supporting our hard-fought and timely congressional initiative to strengthen our capabilities to defend our vital space assets, thinking that his support might wear down some of the opposition to reform both in the Senate and in the Air Force. To use a country phrase, why look a gift horse in the mouth?\nBut the administration's mishandling of the idea by allowing it to become a political fundraising tool, a jingoistic partisan rallying cry, an exaggerated caricature of a new service, and a rhetorical scourge of our brave men and women in uniform, just goes too far and will not help the cause.\nAmerica urgently needs better satellite capability and better defenses in space against real threats, but the administration's stridently political approach undermines that goal. We need serious conversation, not e-mails from political campaigns to vote on a logo or a patch.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-marks-53rd-anniversary-voting-rights-act", "Congressman Cohen Marks 53rd Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act", "2018-08-06", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) celebrated the passage of the Voting Rights Act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on this date in 1965, and made the following statement:\nWe are a better, more representative democracy thanks to passage of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibited practices like literacy tests used to disenfranchise racial minorities. Spurred to action by the Bloody Sunday attack by white Alabama state troopers on marchers demanding voting rights, led by future Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Congress and President Johnson crafted and passed the landmark bill at a tense time in America. Unfortunately, in the Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby County v. Holder case, involving an Alabama county, the high court weakened some of the law's most important provisions. We need to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and restore its ability to guarantee voting rights for all.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-over-775000-st-jude-children-s-research", "Congressman Cohen Announces Over $775,000 for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital", "2018-08-02", "2018", "2018-08", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital a grant totaling $792,792. This grant will help fund important research on mechanisms of regulated cell death.\nSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital is one of the top research hospitals in the world and they continue to follow their mission of saving lives and providing care for all children, said Congressman Cohen. We are fortunate to have St. Jude in Memphis and this federal grant will support St. Jude in their efforts to end childhood cancer.\nResearch for mechanism of regulated cell death aims to find cells in multicellular organisms that threaten the organism or are no longer essential to that organism. These damaged cells are then destroyed through apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is a tightly regulated cell self-destruction process. Regulated cell death is crucial in advancing cancer research and the elimination of deadly cancer cells.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-cosponsors-bill-stop-3-d-downloadable-guns-and-urges", "Congressman Cohen Cosponsors Bill to Stop 3-D Downloadable Guns and Urges Tennessee Attorney General to Seek an Injunction", "2018-07-31", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON, DC]  After writing to Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery late yesterday urging him to seek an injunction against the publishing of blueprints for a 3-D downloadable guns, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today cosponsored legislation to block the proliferation of 3-D guns. A copy of Congressman Cohen's letter to Attorney General Slatery can be found here.\nGuns manufactured pursuant to these instructions would be essentially untraceable to law enforcement and nearly undetectable to metal detectors, said Congressman Cohen. The blueprints could help individuals, regardless of criminal history or mental fitness, to obtain firearms, even potentially assault weapons. The threat this poses to public safety is serious. These blueprints should not be released. Today, Congressman Cohen cosponsored the Untraceable Firearms Act, which was introduced this morning by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI). The bill would prohibit the manufacture or possession of 3-D printed guns that are made of plastic, rendering them virtually undetectable by metal detectors. In June, the Trump Administration's State Department agreed to allow the Texas-based group Defense Distributed to post designs for 3-D printed guns online. Critics of the decision believe that proliferation of this technology will make it virtually impossible to prevent criminals, terrorists and others who should not possess firearms to easily build their own do-it-yourself firearms. Furthermore, critics point out that these plastic firearms would be virtually impossible to detect using modern security technology such as metal detectors, and that they would lack serial numbers, rendering them essentially untraceable to law enforcement.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-celebrates-53rd-anniversary-medicare-and-medicaid", "Congressman Celebrates 53rd Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid", "2018-07-30", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) marked the 53rd anniversaries of the Medicare and Medicaid programs that President Lyndon Johnson signed into law on this date in 1965, and made the following statement:\nMedicare and Medicaid have helped millions of Americans lead healthier lives. These programs that were once deemed controversial are now mainstream and accepted as essential to the wellbeing of those who are eligible. As an advocate of Medicare for All, I know the safety net programs can be expanded and improved but, especially on this anniversary, I stand with those who want to make Medicare and Medicaid stronger and better and against proposals, like those advocated by House Speaker Paul Ryan, that would slash federal funding for these lifesaving programs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-433-million-grants-memphis-shelby-county", "Congressman Cohen Announces $43.3 Million in Grants to Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority", "2018-07-27", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Aviation Subcommittee, today announced two Federal Aviation Administration grants. One grant is a reimbursement for $28.5 million spent in reconstructing Taxiways Y and T. A second grant for $14.7 million funds the fifth phase of the rehabilitation of the Memphis International Airport's Concourse B.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI'm pleased to announce more than $43 million in grants for work at Memphis International Airport. This is a sizeable public investment in our community and will make travel through our region more efficient. The airport is an important economic engine in our area and maintaining the facility in prime condition is critical in drawing future economic development to Memphis.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-marks-150th-anniversary-14th-amendment", "Congressman Cohen Marks 150th Anniversary of the 14th Amendment", "2018-07-27", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, took note of Saturday's 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and made the following statement:\nThe 14th Amendment gives meaning to basic human rights by stating as Constitutional law that states cannot deny citizens their life, liberty or property without due process of law. It also defined citizenship for all people born or naturalized in the United States, a provision now under attack by President Trump and others who would end birthright citizenship. The 14th Amendment extended the equal protection under federal law afforded in the Bill of Rights to the states. While it has taken far too long for the Amendment to fully deliver on its promise to African Americans, we should cherish this monumental achievement in human rights, celebrate its anniversary, and rededicate ourselves to protecting the essential rights it enshrines in our Constitution.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-effort-impeach-rosenstein", "Congressman Cohen Condemns Effort to Impeach Rosenstein", "2018-07-26", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) condemned in the strongest terms the groundless Articles of Impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein introduced last night by members of the Freedom Caucus, and made the following statement:\nRod Rosenstein is the guardian of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. The sham pretext for this move is Rosenstein's completely reasonable resistance to turning over certain documents in an ongoing criminal investigation, something that is never done and that would be a breach of his sworn duties. It's obvious that the ulterior motive for this effort to impugn the reputation of Mr. Rosenstein is a desperate plan to hobble a probe that is getting too close to President Trump's inner circle. It is critical that we prevent this impeachment effort from going further and it's essential that we pass the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 5476) immediately.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-truman-s-foresight-integrating-armed-forces", "Congressman Cohen Praises Trumans Foresight in Integrating the Armed Forces", "2018-07-26", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) took note of the 70th anniversary of the integration of the armed services by President Harry Truman's Executive Order 9981 and made the following statement:\nIt is a shameful part of our history that the African American men and women of our armed forces served in segregated units in World War II and returned from fighting abroad to a Jim Crow South of lynchings and other violence at the hands of men who refused to recognize their contribution or their dignity as human beings. Harry Truman read the reports of attacks on black servicemen and was so angry and determined to send a message that he created the President's Committee on Civil Rights and, over the objections of senior military officials, took decisive action to implement its recommendation to integrate the armed services with the stroke of his pen. We're fortunate to have had a man like Truman in the White House. His foresight 70 years ago was an early step toward a fairer society.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cohen-delauro-and-schakowsky-introduce-bill-address-childhood", "Reps. Cohen, DeLauro and Schakowsky Introduce Bill to Address Childhood Obesity", "2018-07-26", "2018", "2018-07", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) today introduced legislation to address the epidemic of childhood obesity in America which not only has implications for the future health of these children but also has a bearing on future national health care costs and national security. Today, one in three American teens and children are overweight or obese, placing them at risk of a host of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\nI was disheartened to learn that Tennessee has the highest childhood obesity rate in the nation. The national childhood obesity rate is a dangerous 31 percent but Tennessee's is a staggering 38 percent. Fortunately, research has shown that early childhood is an important time for developing positive dietary and physical activity behaviors. I am pleased that the bill that Congresswoman DeLauro and Congresswoman Schakowsky and I are introducing would encourage those positive behaviors. Our bill would create a competitive grant program to incentivize the development of earlier health and nutrition education environments for our children. We have to help our children get healthy starts so they can lead healthy lives.\nCongresswoman DeLauro made the following statement:\nThe United States is currently facing a childhood obesity epidemic, with more than one-third of children and teens overweight or obese. We know that early intervention helps children learn healthy habits that will serve them throughout their lifetime. That is why I am proud to support the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act with Congressman Cohen and Congresswoman Schakowsky, which will provide the resources necessary to foster healthier communities.\nCongresswoman Schakowsky made the following statement:\nThe staggering rate of obesity in America's youth is an epidemic that cannot be ignored. The consequences of youth obesity are extremely serious and can last a lifetime. We owe it to America's children to prevent obesity at a young age by promoting physical activity and healthy eating. I'm so proud to join Rep. Steve Cohen and Rep. Rosa DeLauro today in introducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act today. I will work with them and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation and give American children the active, healthy lives they deserve.\nThe Reducing Obesity in Youth Act would create a grant program to assist in the development of healthier early care and education environments to improve healthy eating and physical activity among children from birth through 5 years of age. The bill is the House Companion to S. 2726, led by Senators Booker, Nelson, Carper and Coons.\nRepresentatives Donald M. Payne Jr. of New Jersey, Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Tim Ryan of Ohio, Darren Soto of Florida and James P. McGovern of Massachusetts are original cosponsors of the House measure.\nThe bill has been endorsed by the Nemours Children's Health Center, The American Heart Association, Child Care Aware of America, the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at George Washington University, the Alabama Partnership for Children, the Permanent Fund for Vermont's Children, the Society for Public Health Education, the American Association on Health and Disability, the Lakeshore Foundation, the National Child and Adult Care Food Program Forum and Prevention Institute.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 271, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "TN", "p2": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 271, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TN&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 271, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "TN", "label": "TN", "count": 271, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 271, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-07-26,https~3A~2F~2Fcohen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Freps-cohen-delauro-and-schakowsky-introduce-bill-address-childhood", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=TN&year=2018&_next=2018-07-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcohen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Freps-cohen-delauro-and-schakowsky-introduce-bill-address-childhood&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 229.3022871017456, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}