{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/reviewing-lack-trust-between-police-and-community-and-excessive-use", "Reviewing Lack of Trust between Police and Community and Excessive Use of Force", "2019-09-20", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week, I questioned witnesses at a House Judiciary Committee hearing examining policing practices, the lack of trust of the police in some communities and the need for transparent investigations of the use of deadly force by law enforcement.I also questioned EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) officials about coal ash contamination and the regulation of deadly asbestos; remembered distinguished Memphian philanthropist and civic leader Ira A. Lipman; demanded answers from former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski; wrote an opinion article for The Commercial Appeal opposing the block-granting ofTennCare; introduced the Deadly Force Independent Review Act; was named a notable leader in Congress for my votes on international religious freedom issues; questioned Republicans' harmful politicization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) process; announced a grant supporting the hiring of 36 new Memphis Fire Department firefighter-paramedics; announced a grant aimed at reducing gang violence; announced a $9.9 million grant to St. Jude Children's Research Center for leukemia research; called attention to a gun crime tip line; offered Capitol Historical Society calendars; offered a health tip on enrolling forTennCare; and recognized the 232ndanniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramto see more updates as they happen.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReviewing the lack of trust between the Police and Community and use of excessive forceQuestioning the EPA aboutCoal Ash ContaminationRemembering Ira A. LipmanDemanding Answers from former Trump Campaign Manager LewandowskiWriting Opinion Article Opposing Block-Granting ofTennCareIntroducing Deadly Force Independent Review ActBeing Recognized as a Notable Leader on International Religious FreedomQuestioning Republicans' Politicization of the FISA ProcessAnnouncing FEMA Grant to Hire 36 Memphis firefighter-paramedicsAnnouncing Grant to Reduce Gang ViolenceAnnouncing $9.9 Million Grant to St. Jude for Leukemia ResearchCalling Attention to U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Tip LineHolding a Congress On Your CornerOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society CalendarsWeekly Health TipQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Reviewing the lack of trust between the Police and Community and use of excessive force\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on policing practices and the lack of trust many communities have in police departments over concerns about transparency in investigations of the use of deadlyand excessiveforce. Witnesses endorsed the ideas behind several criminal justice measures I have introduced. See my release on the hearinghere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDemanding Solutions to Coal Ash Contamination\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday and Thursday, I questioned Environmental Protection Agency officials about coal ash contamination.I requested Wednesday's hearingwith the EPA's top official on water pollutionto raise my concerns about the pollution of the Memphis sand aquifer beneath the Allen Fossil Plant. See that releasehere. On ThursdayI questionedEPA Administrator Andrew Wheelerwhen heappeared before the Committee on Science, Space and Technologyabout when the risk evaluation on whether to ban asbestos will be completed. See my questions to him inthis release.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemembering Ira A. Lipman\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, the distinguishedMemphian, founder ofGuardsmark, philanthropist and all-around civic leader Ira A. Lipman. See my statement about his storied life in The Congressional Recordhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDemanding Answers from former Trump Campaign Manager Lewandowski\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, Corey Lewandowski appeared before the House Judiciary Committee anddid his best to aggressivelyavoid answering our questions. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report established that the President asked Lewandowskito obstruct justice andtheTuesday proceeding established that, like his former boss, he lies a lot. See my release on the hearing, and my questions to Lewandowski,here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWriting Opinion Article Opposing Block-Granting ofTennCare\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEarlier today,The Commercial Appeal published my opinion piece where I expressed my strong opposition to Governor Lee's proposal to turnTennCareinto a block grant. See that articlehere. Also Friday, I wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Servicesto express my oppositionandsent a letterto Governor Leerequesting that a public hearing about theTennCareprogram be held in Memphis. See a release containing both lettershere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIntroducing Deadly Force Independent Review Act\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week,I introduced the Deadly Force Independent Review Act.Thebill would require federal law enforcement agencies to establish a protocol for investigating the use of deadly force by federal officers and require the inspector general for the investigating agency to review and report on the adequacy or flaws in the review. See my release on the billhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeing Recognized as a Notable Leader on International Religious Freedom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBasedon my voting record,I was recognized as one of 34 House Members considered a leader on international religious freedom. See my release on the awardhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuestioning Republicans' Politicization of the FISA Process\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee examined the use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) designed to identify and pursue foreign spies and expressedmydisappointment that Republican members of the Committee continue to spin absurd conspiracy theories and bizarre accusations about the intelligence and law enforcement professionals trying to keep us safe. Seemyrelease on the hearinghere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnouncing FEMA Grant to Hire 36 New MemphisFirefighter-Paramedics\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency hadawarded a $4.4 million grantto the Memphis Fire Department,allowing it tohire 36 new firefighter-paramedics and reduce its use of overtime.See my releasehere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnouncing Grant to Reduce Gang Violence\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlsoTuesday, I announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will receivea $500,000 grant from the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to combat gang violence. See that releasehere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnouncing $9.9 Million Grant to St. Jude for Leukemia Research\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I announced St. Jude Children's Research Hospital willbereceivemorethan$9.9 million from the National Cancer Institute for research on acute leukemia. See that releasehere.On Friday, St. Jude received a $448,750 grant to study immunology andtransplantation.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCalling Attention to U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Tip Line\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLast month, I met with officials with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to talk about gun crime in Memphis and the creation of a strike force to address it. I also told the officials that I would call attention to the bureau's Gun Crimes Tip Line in my newsletter to constituents. Call (888) ATF-TIPS (888) 283-8477--if you have a tip for these dedicated law enforcement specialists.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHolding a Congress On Your Corner\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tToday my District Office staff held a Congress On Your Corner event at theFrayserBranch Library. They were able to help my 9thCongressional District constituents with federal programs, benefits and opportunities.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy office will have a limited number of 2020 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please completethis formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive myeNewsletter.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign Up for Congress on Your Corner and this e-Newsletter\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\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 cansign up hereto receive a notification as soon as the next event is scheduled. My next Congress on Your Corner is Friday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the South Branch Library, 1929 South Third Street, Memphis 38109.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWeekly Health Tip\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTennCareprovides comprehensive health care for both children and adults. If you have any questions about your coverage, you can contactTennCareConnect at 1-855-259-0701 or visit its websitehere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuote of the Week\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, September 17thwas Constitution Day,the 232ndanniversary of the date the Constitution was signed by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA woman in Philadelphiaat the conclusion of theConstitutional Convention in 1787 asked BenjaminFranklin, Well, doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?A Republic, Franklin replied. If you can keep it.  Notes of James McHale, a Maryland delegate to the Convention, first published in 1906.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe principle of the Constitution is that of a separation of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary functions, except in cases specified. If this principle be not expressed in direct terms, it is clearly the spirit of the Constitution --Thomas Jefferson in a letter to James Madison, 1797.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs always, I remain\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMost sincerely,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSteve Cohen\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/reviewing-lack-trust-between-police-and-community-and-excessive-use"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7453279104083776, "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"}