Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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96 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and state = "TN" sorted by date descending
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| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/voting-increase-direct-payments-coronavirus-relief | Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Many constituents received my end-of-year postcard in the mail. The card featured a powerful photograph of the airport by Memphis photographer Jeffrey Jacobs but the artist was not properly credited as he is here. Thanks to Mr. Jacobs for such fine work representing our city. Dear Friend, This week, I voted to increase economic impact payments under our coronavirus relief measure passed earlier this month from $600 to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per couple and $2,000 for each dependent). I voted to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides assistance to Vietnam-era victims of Agent Orange and mandates the removal of names that honor the Confederacy from military installations; offered some guidance about the new coronavirus vaccines; appeared on national television to discuss the relief bill and the horrific bombing on Second Avenue in Nashville; and announced a significant sickle cell research grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief Voting to Override Presidential Veto of the Defense Bill Offering Guidance about Access to Coronavirus Vaccine Addressing Relief Bill and Nashville Bombing on MSNBC Announcing a Significant Grant for Sickle Cell Research to St. Jude Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year 2021 Quote of the Week Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief On Monday, the House convened to pass a bill increasing direct payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000 under the coronavirus relief measure that passed both Chambers last week to deal with the pandemic and its dire financial consequences. This means that those eligible will receive $2,000 for each person, including children and non-child dependents. Democrats have consistently pushed for larger relief checks, but Republicans refused to accept it before voting for the original … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-grant-st-jude-sickle-cell-research | Congressman Cohen Announces Grant to St. Jude for Sickle Cell Research | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $733,558 grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for research on sickle cell disease. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Sickle cell diseasedisproportionately affects Black Americans, and I'm pleased St. Jude's researchers' and scientists' efforts will continue to advance the important work being done to understand and eventually eradicate this disease. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-override-presidential-veto-defense-spending | Congressman Cohen Votes to Override Presidential Veto on Defense Spending | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today joined his colleagues in a bipartisan vote overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure contains vital provisions for our service members, addresses Vietnam-era veterans dealing with exposure to Agent Orange, and begins the process for removing the names of Confederate officials in the Civil War from our military installations, among its important provisions. The vote, which required a two-thirds majority, was 322 to 87. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Earlier this month, I voted for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and today I voted to override the President's misguided veto of this critical measure. The bill, which will become law if a similar override vote passes the Senate, has language that authorizes a $2 million multi-drone intelligence program that will be housed at the University of Memphis.The bill also removes all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. It also includes paid parental leave for federal civilians, a 3 percent wage increase for service members, substantial funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and parts of my Artificial Intelligence Careers Act to improve Artificial Intelligence education and preparedness for the workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-provide-2000-relief-checks | Congressman Cohen Votes to Provide $2,000 Relief Checks | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Cash (CASH) Act, increasing from $600 to $2,000 ($4,000, up from $1,200, for joint filers) the direct relief checks to be provided to eligible individuals under the coronavirus relief portions of the Fiscal Year 2021 Omnibus spending bill passed in both Houses last week. Dependents in each household would also receive $2,000 under the new measure. The measure phases out payments for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000 or $150,000 for couples. Today's bill incorporates the direct payment figure level for individuals originally proposed by Democrats that Republicans refused to support. The vote was 275 to 134. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: At this difficult time for so many Americans, it is important that we provide them with adequate financial aid which in turn should help our foundering economy. While the additional federal supplement to state unemployment payments in the original bill may have a more immediate impact, this increase in direct payments to most Americans is a significant improvement. It would have been nice if the President had been more engaged in the negotiations over the past several weeks, and had stated his position before the original bill passed, so that we could have provided this assistance to those in need sooner. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-senators-support-disaster-declaration-following-nashville-bombing | Cooper, Senators Support Disaster Declaration Following Nashville Bombing | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE Yesterday Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) along with Tennessee's two U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn, sent a letter to President Trump asking him to approve Governor Bill Lee's disaster declaration for Tennessee. On Christmas morning a bomb detonated in downtown Nashville, causing personal injury and damage to several downtown structures. Cooper, Alexander, and Blackburn all signed thisletter in support of the declaration. Nashvillians are grateful for the quick action by Governor Lee to request an emergency declaration to the President, Rep. Jim Cooper said. If approved, funding will start flowing to our damaged city. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-1-8-million-fema-funding-safe-room-belle | Congressman Cohen Announces $1. 8 Million in FEMA Funding for Safe Room at Belle Forest High School | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County Schools have received a $1,847,530 grant from the Department of Homeland Security and its Federal Emergency Management Agency to construct a safe room at Belle Forest High School. The grant will go toward the design and construction of a tornado safe room on the campus of Belle Forest High School. When school is in session, the safe room will be able to protect 1,187 students and 118 staff members of the school, for a total of 1,305 occupants. When school is not in session, it will provide protection to residents located within a half-mile radius of the school. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The Mid-South region gets more than its fair share of serious storms and tornadoes, so this is money well spent in an investment in our students' and our community's safety. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-12-million-early-head-start-funding-porter | Congressman Cohen Announces $1.2 Million in Early Head Start Funding to Porter-Leath | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Porter-Leath Inc. will receive a $1,235,346 grant to operate its Early Head Start Programs in Shelby County from the Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased that Porter-Leathwill be receiving this Early Head Start funding to helpensure young children in our community are ready for kindergarten. In August, I announced another significant grant to Port-Leath's Head Start Programs, preparing slightly older children for school. Early Head Start provides essential preparation forShelby Countychildren whoneed help to prepare both academically and socially for an increasingly complex world. This new and significant funding is an investment inour community. Porter-Leathhas served the Memphis community for more than 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families. Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Children Services, Porter-Leathoffers residential, foster care, and adoption services alongside numerous other forms of assistance for families. The 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. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-research-funding-st-jude | Congressman Cohen Announces Research Funding for St. Jude | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $209,791 grant from the National Cancer Institute for research on tumor DNA. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to see St. Jude is receiving this important cancer research grant which will both improve the quality of life for young patients and keep the hospital at the forefront of critical work in this field. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-congratulates-two-newest-tva-board-members | Congressman Cohen Congratulates Two Newest TVA Board Members | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today congratulated former Tennessee General Assembly Speaker Beth Harwell and Eastern Tennessee State University President Brian Nolan on their Senate confirmations as the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: These are first-rate appointments to the TVA board and I congratulate them both. I served with Beth Harwell in the General Assembly and found she served honorably as Speaker of the House. I have great faith in her ability and integrity. I've known Dr. Nolan for many years and have found him to be one of the most outstanding state employees I've ever worked with. As a state Senator, he was my right arm in crafting the lottery education program. There's not a better public employee. It remains an unfortunate fact that the Board lacks an African American member, an oversight that I hope will be rectified in the near future. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-coronavirus-relief-and-fiscal-year-2021-spending | Congressman Cohen Votes for Coronavirus Relief and Fiscal Year 2021 Spending | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for the Omnibus Appropriations bill containing full-year funding for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2021, and including $900 billion in much-needed coronavirus health and economic relief for millions during the first weeks of the Biden Administration. The bill contains in its entirety the Airport Readiness Act (AIR) Act which the Congressman introduced. The measure also includes major wins for Memphis, including the transfer of flood control obligations from the City to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an airport funding formula assuring a solid support for Memphis International Airport. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: My constituents know that the coronavirus health and economic relief established in this bill is long overdue. Much of its contents were in a House measure approved months ago. Nonetheless, I'm pleased it will begin flowing so that it can provide some measure of holiday cheer. The new year, and the new Biden Administration, provide reason for optimism on both the health and economic fronts. I am hopeful that the relief elements of the bill, including a renewed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans, will be administered in keeping with the spirit of these times and go to the industries most affected, including small and minority-owned businesses. I'm pleased funding is specifically targeted to the restaurants, entertainment venues and movie houses that I have been calling for. I'm pleased that my language, worked out in collaboration with the City of Memphis, is in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) contained in this measure, transferring the cost and obligation of Memphis flood control from the City to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I'm also glad it contains the Airport Readiness (AIR) Act that I introduced with Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, that ensures that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calculates Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement grants based on Fiscal Year 2018 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-vote-continuing-resolution | Congressmen Cohen to Vote for Continuing Resolution | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will vote for tonight's Continuing Resolution to provide an additional 24 hours for finalizing the compromise negotiators have achieved, and made the following statement: I'm pleased that we have been able to reach a compromise and give the American people some relief, which many deserve at the end of this dystopian year. This bill will provide holiday money and perhaps belated holiday cheer to the millions we know are suffering from the combined effects of this ongoing health and economic crisis. Of course, we know that this aid would have been much sooner in coming if the Scrooge-like, Republican-led Senate had been willing to act, as the House did, months ago. This much-needed measure is long overdue. A vote on the compromise bill is expected sometime Monday. As part of the agreement, Democrats have secured provisions that include: Accelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Ends surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. Strong support for small business: Democrats secured critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smalles… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/awaiting-vote-much-needed-coronavirus-relief | Awaiting Vote for Much-Needed Coronavirus Relief | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I monitored negotiations for a new coronavirus relief bill and learned this evening that they will continue into the weekend. Although it will be quite late for many enduring the pains of this pandemic and its economic fallout, I'm hopeful that I can vote for a compromise that will ease the suffering of many during the holidays. I also mourned the passing of the Reverend James L. Netters Sr., a giant of Civil Rights and a great, open-minded leader of the Memphis community. I was pleased to vote for and see the House pass the bill I introduced with CongressmanDanny K. Davis to study Rosenwald Schools to begin the process of creating a national park celebrating the 5,300 communities where Julius Rosenwald's philanthropy advanced opportunities to educate Black students in the rural South; commendedMemphis native Derek Fordjour for his phenomenal successes in the art world; welcomed William Barr's resignation from the Department of Justice, who I have called the worst U.S. Attorney General in American history; congratulated the Congressional App Challenge winners Jayda Murray, Anaya Murray and Johnathan Sherrill; announced a major grant to Shelby County's Head Start programs; announced a grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; offered U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 calendars; and provided a weekly health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Awaiting Vote for Much-Needed Coronavirus Relief Remembering the Reverend James L. Netters Sr. Advancing Rosenwald Schools Toward National Park Recognition Commending Acclaimed Memphis Native Artist Derek Fordjour Welcoming the Resignation of the Worst Attorney General Congratulating the Ninth District Winners of the Congressional App Challenge Announcing Major Grant to Shelby County Head Start Programs Announcing Vision Research Grant to UTHSC Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 Calendars Weekly Health Tip … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-davis-applaud-house-passage-rosenwald-schools | Congressmen Cohen and Davis Applaud House Passage of the Rosenwald Schools Study Act | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS -- CongressmenSteve Cohen (TN-09)andDanny Davis (IL-07), who co-introduced H.R. 3250,the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Study Act,last June, applauded its passage by the House this afternoon by a vote of 387 to 5. The measure begins the process of establishing a national historic park to honor the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald, a successful entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist who made lasting contributions to the advancement of African American education during the twentieth century. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois introduceda companion measure in the Senate. Rosenwald established the Julius Rosenwald Fund that partnered with local communities to create more than over 5,300 schools in the rural South to address the lack of education for African Americans. The Rosenwald Fund also supported the early NAACP cases that eventually led toBrown v. Board of Education of Topeka,ending the separate but equal doctrine and segregation in public schools. The fund also supported a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Fisk, Dillard, and Howard. The esteemed contralto singer Marian Anderson, discriminated against in the Jim Crow South, won a prestigious Julius Rosenwald Fellowship that allowed her to tour Europe, entertaining heads of state, making headlines in American newspapers and creating Marian Mania around the world. Returning to the United States, she was invited by President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to play the White House in 1936 and, famously, sang My Country'Tisof Thee from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday 1939 after being denied the stage of the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall by segregationists. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Julius Rosenwald was a visionary philanthropist whose altruism and philosophy of giving embodied the Jewish concept oftzedakah social justice and charity to those in need. He partnered with African American communities across the South to help build sc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-environmental-groups-release-report-on-tn-impact-of-withdrawal | Cooper, Environmental Groups Release Report on TN Impact of Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | Today Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), along with Climate Nashville, Nashville Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club Middle Tennessee Group, The Nature Conservancy Tennessee Chapter, Tennessee Conservation Voters, and the Tennessee Environmental Council released a report on the impacts of President Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. The report, put together by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, revealed that over the next five decades nearly 80,000 premature deaths and almost 70,000 visits to the emergency room could be prevented in Tennessee. I am confident President-Elect Biden will keep his promise and the U.S. will rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement in 2021, Rep. Jim Cooper said. It was reckless and irresponsible to leave the Agreement and we will be spending decades trying to reverse the impact on our climate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-128-million-shelby-county-head-start | Congressman Cohen Announces $12.8 Million for Shelby County Head Start Programs | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Shelby County Board of Education will receive a $12,829,760 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to operate its Head Start programs. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to see this significant funding, which will help young children in our community gain access to the skills and resources they need to thrive. Disadvantaged children need early help to navigate an increasingly competitive world, and Head Start provides that help in a safe place for them to learn and interact during their formative years. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-vision-research-grant-uthsc-0 | Congressman Cohen Announces Vision Research Grant to UTHSC | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHISCongressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will receive a $380,000 grant from the National Eye Institute for retina research. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased that our Memphis medical school will continue its important work in vision research with this grant funding. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-calls-barr-worst-attorney-general-american-history | Congressman Cohen Calls Barr the Worst Attorney General in American History | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, made the following statement after hearing that Attorney General William Barr has resigned: It is poetic justice that the man who subjugated himself and his office to this President won't finish out his term. His efforts to inflate the powers of the presidency weren't enough to satisfy Trump and he has embarrassingly had to leave office prematurely. Barr has been the worst Attorney General in American history, beginning his tenure by misleading the American people about the contents of the Mueller report, delaying its release and redacting critical parts and then ignoring lawful Congressional subpoenas. Barr for a long time refused to appear before the Judiciary Committee and, when he did, he was sullen and dismissive. He also helped give false credence to the idea that mail-in voting was dangerous, fomenting disunity and damaging democracy. Barr also pummeled the First Amendment by paving the way for peaceful protestors to be violently removed from Lafayette Park so that Trump could walk to St. John's Church and conduct a publicity stunt with a Bible. For all of these reasons, I introduced H. Res. 1032 on June 30 to begin impeachment proceedings against Barr. His tenure has been divisive, dangerous and beyond improper. However, his departure does leave me concerned that an even more craven sycophant could open the country to more treachery in the closing days of the Trump presidency. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-reverend-james-netters | Congressman Cohen Remembers Reverend James Netters | 2020-12-13 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after learning of the passing of longtime pastor and civic leader the Reverend James Netters. Memphis has lost a giant. The Reverend James Netters was a giant in the pulpit as a stand-up pastor and in our community where his friendships and influence knew no limits. In 1968, he was one of the first three Black City Council members and later served as a community liaison for Mayor Wyeth Chandler and as an open-minded civic leader for the rest of his life. There was not a prejudiced bone in his body. I valued his friendship and his solid support, particularly in my campaigns for Congress. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the Mount Vernon Baptist Church community. He led an exemplary life and will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/planning-vote-new-coronavirus-relief-bill | Planning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I monitored negotiations for a new and much-needed coronavirus relief bill before the end of the year. I urged negotiators to assist state, local and Tribal governments by extending the deadline for spending funds already appropriated, and I also asked them to prevent the President from falsely claiming credit for any future Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks. I also voted for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that will transfer the City of Memphis' flood control responsibilities to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes paid parental leave, considerable funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a pay increase for service members and priorities for Memphis; introduced a bill addressing childhood obesity; questioned a State Department expert about the rise of anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe; discussed the abuse of the presidential pardon power on national television; reminded constituents of the December 15 deadline for signing up for 2021 health plans at Healthcare.gov; offered U.S. Capitol Historical Society 2021 calendars; announced a significant medical training grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; and offered a coronavirus-specific health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Planning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill Transferring Memphis Flood Control to the Corps of Engineers Voting for Defense Bill Containing Memphis Priorities Introducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act Questioning Expert on the Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe Discussing Abuses of the Presidential Pardon Power Reminding Constituents of December 15 Healthcare.gov Deadline Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Announcing Medical Training Grant to St. Jude Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Planning to Vote on a New Coronavirus Relief Bill This week, Speaker Pelosi, Treasu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-s-flood-control-bill-set-to-become-law | Coopers Flood Control Bill Set to Become Law | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This week the House passed a final bill with language originally introduced by Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) that would expedite a feasibility study of Old Hickory Dam and Cordell Hull Dam, both upstream of Nashville, to include flood risk management as one of their authorized purposes. A decade ago, all of Nashville - East, West, South, and North Nashville - suffered a devastating flood, costing more than two dozen lives and billions of dollars in damages, Rep. Jim Cooper said. To mitigate the chance of future flooding we need to allow the two Army Corps of Engineers-operated dams that are directly upstream from Nashville, namely Old Hickory and Cordell Hull, to be used for flood risk management. Contrary to common sense these dams today may not be used for flood control, even in emergencies, unless they have previously been congressionally authorized to do so. The language was included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which is the omnibus legislation authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works activities. The House passed its original version in July; the Senate now needs to pass the final bipartisan agreement, which is expected, before sending the bill to the President's desk for his signature. Cooper previously thanked Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chair Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) for their efforts on this bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-reiterates-call-help-states-tribes-and-local | Congressman Cohen Reiterates Call to Help States, Tribes and Local Governments Access Desperately Needed Funds | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today sent a letter to coronavirus relief negotiatorsexpressing his supportfor an extension of the December 30, 2020 spending deadline for financial assistance to states, tribes and local governments. The letter reads in part: Unfortunately, the deadline to use CRF payments is fast approaching, and anyunusedfunds will have to be returned if unspentbyDecember 30, 2020a mere21daysfromtoday.According to the most recentreportfrom the Department of the Treasury, less than 25 percent of the $142 billionin funds for state and local governments have been spent.In fact, due to a wide range ofchallengingcircumstances,from pandemic-relatedconstructiondelaysand supply chain constraintsto the TreasuryDepartment's onerousprogramrequirements, severallocal officials haveindicatedthat there is simply not adequate time to plan and spend their allocated funds.Moreover, notall jurisdictions were afforded timely and equal access to their allocations. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-coronavirus-relief-negotiators-keep-trump-s-name | Congressman Cohen Urges Coronavirus Relief Negotiators to Keep Trumps Name Off Economic Impact Payment Checks | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to House and Senate negotiators considering a possible coronavirus relief bill, urging them to include language that would keep President Trump's name from appearing on a second round of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) stimulus checks. A similar prohibition was included in the Heroes Act that passed in May. The letter reads in part: As our nation dipped into the worst recession since the Great Depression, the economic impact payments authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided vital assistance to hundreds of millions of Americans. However, in an overtly political and unprecedented move, the president had his name printed on the payments. While he was not legally able to sign the checks, his signature was included in the payments' memo' section. This was the first time in history that a president's name appeared on an IRS disbursement check, whether refund checks or other stimulus checks that have been mailed during past economic crises. Besides increasing confusion and misinformation about the origin of the checks, this move likely constituted a criminal violation of the Hatch Act. It is illegal for any elected official to usegovernment employees and property to promote their own reelection. By having his signature appear on the checks, the President blatantly used taxpayer dollars for his own publicity in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign. This kind of self-serving, self-promoting behavior cannot be allowed ever again. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-and-senator-booker-introduce-reducing-obesity-youth | Congressman Cohen and Senator Booker Introduce Reducing Obesity in Youth Act | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey introduced a companion bill in the Senate to address the epidemic of childhood obesity in America. The measure, the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act, has implications for the future health of these children and has a bearing on future national health care costs and national security. 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. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I have been disheartened that Tennessee has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. The national childhood obesity rate is dangerously high but, in recent years, Tennessee has trended even higher than the national average. These already challenging circumstances have only been exacerbated by the ongoing public health crisis, which has had serious impacts on the health and well-being of children and families. Fortunately, research has shown that early childhood is an important time for developing positive dietary and physical activity behaviors. I am pleased to partner with Senator Booker to introduce the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act that would encourage and support these positive behaviors. The House and Senate bills being introduced today would create a competitive grant program to incentivize the development of earlier health and nutrition education environments for our children. We have to help our children get healthy starts so they can lead healthy lives. Senator Booker made the following statement: We know that the choices our children make in their earliest years when it comes to healthy eating and exercise will impact them throughout their lives. This bill will empower communities to work together to prevent childhood obesity and help our children build lifelong healthy habits. The Reducing Obesity in Youth Act would create a grant program to assist in the development of healthier e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-training-grant-st-jude | Congressman Cohen Announces Training Grant for St. Jude | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $164,718 grant from the Department of Health and Human Service's graduate medical training program. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Underwriting graduate medical training supports our medical professionals and strengthens research capabilities at St. Jude. This grant will improve our medical infrastructure and support important jobs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-s-taxpayers-right-to-know-act-headed-to-president-s-desk | Coopers Taxpayers-Right-to-Know Act Headed to Presidents Desk | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) along with Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-7) announced their bipartisan Taxpayers-Right-to-Know Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement that will be heading to the President for his approval. Earlier this year, the House passed the Taxpayers-Right-to-Know-Act and it has been introduced by Cooper for several Congresses. The House has passed the bill in four straight Congresses, but it will pass the Senate for the first time once the Senate officially passes the final defense agreement, which is expected. President Trump has threatened to veto the NDAA, so it is still uncertain if the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act will finally become law. This is a commonsense bill that both the House and Senate should have agreed to years ago. But hope springs eternal and I'm glad the fifth time is the charm, Rep. Cooper said. We've got to take steps to spend money where it's needed most. In a pandemic, with record unemployment, we need to know where funds are going and what should be redirected. The amount of wasteful spending black holes across the federal government are endless. That's why we need to shine a light on and streamline these duplicative programs, said Rep. Walberg. Our bipartisan bill establishes a transparent accounting system so federal agencies can be a better steward of taxpayer dollars. Rep. Cooper and I have collaborated on this bipartisan effort for several years, and I'm pleased it has passed the House as part of this defense legislation. The Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act requires federal agencies to report on their federal program activities and provide that information to the Office of Management and Budget to be published online as a complete inventory of the federal government's programs. This information would be updated regularly and posted online in a searchable format. The Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act will allow policy makers to identify areas of duplication and overlap to eliminate waste and inefficiency and provide transparency to taxp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-vote-transfer-memphis-flood-control-us-army | Congressman Cohen Applauds Vote to Transfer Memphis Flood Control to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today was pleased to see the Water Resources Development Act pass the House, a measure which includes his language transferring the operation and maintenance of the Memphis flood control system to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Worked out in collaboration with the City of Memphis, the change is consistent with the Corps' Mississippi River and Tributaries Project management of other flood control systems in the lower Mississippi River Valley that protect communities from devastating flooding. Memphis is currently the only city along the Lower Mississippi River that owns, operates and maintains the structural systems that provide protection from Mississippi River floods. The measure passed by voice vote. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Protecting communities against flooding is a national priority and should be handled as a national responsibility. I'm pleased the Army Corps of Engineers will now manage our massive flood control system as part of its nationwide program. This long-overdue change is consistent with the Corps' approach to flood mitigation elsewhere along the Lower Mississippi, and ensures flood control efforts and expenses fairly reflect national priorities. Memphis' flood control system includes 17,089 feet of flood wall, 5.5 miles of levees, 27 enclosures, and seven pumping stations along the flood backwaters of the Mississippi River-Wolf River-Nonconnah Creek Backwater Flood Control System. These flood control structures protect some of the city's most cherished assets, such as the world-renowned St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Bass Pro Shops flagship facility at the Pyramid,a major Tennessee Valley Authority power plant and many large industrial operations as well as major interstate railroad facilities. At the bill markup in July, Congressman Cohen spoke in favor of the measure. See those remarks here. The overall Water Resources Development Act, typic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-focuses-anti-semitism-helsinki-commission-hearing | Congressman Cohen Focuses on Anti-Semitism at Helsinki Commission Hearing | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Discusses Hungary and Coded Speech with State Department Witness MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today participated in a hearing on U.S. Priorities for Engagement at the OSCE, and focused his questions on anti-Semitism and the situation in Hungary. Congressman Cohen asked Ambassador Philip T. Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, about ongoing flare ups of anti-Semitism in Europe and in Hungary, in particular. See Congressman Cohen's exchange with Ambassador Reeker here. At the conclusion of his questioning, Senator Ben Cardin, the Organization for Security and Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly's (OSCE PA) Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance, noted that the situation in Hungary has been a growing concern, and thanked Congressman Cohen for his line of questioning. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-again-expresses-concern-over-treasury-secretary | Congressman Cohen Again Expresses Concern over Treasury Secretary Mnuchins Oversight of Paycheck Protection Program Loans | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today read with concern press accounts suggesting that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were directed to the tenants of properties owned by President Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner and renewed his request to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for details on PPP loans and loan forgiveness. Twenty-five loans worth $3.65 million reportedly went to Trump or Kushner property tenants to pay for rent (to Trump and Kushner properties). Congressman Cohen has written three letters on September 11, September 28, and November 20 -- seeking answers after learning of Treasury plans to offer blanket loan forgiveness for recipients of assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program despite findings by both the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service of egregious instances of fraud. See the Congressman's letters here, here and here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-emergency-eviction-enforcement-act | Congressman Cohen Introduces the Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act of 2020 to protect vulnerable tenants from evictions during a public health crisis. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Our efforts in the CARES Act to prevent evictions during the ongoing pandemic begin to expire at the end of the year and it is critical that we address the issue. This is when the experts tell us we could face the worst of the pandemic. Congress needs to send a clear signal that during national emergencies, no one can be removed from his or her home without full judicial review. Landlords cannot take things into their own hands. The Emergency Eviction Enforcement Act of 2020 would prevent landlords from effecting evictions by: Creating a private right of action in federal court against landlords for housing tenants who were evicted without a duly issued court order during a national emergency or public health emergency. To deter this conduct, successful plaintiffs would be entitled to treble (3x) damages. Creating a federal crime to prevent an eviction of a housing tenant without a court order during a national emergency or public health emergency. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-letter-urging-extension-funding-minority | Congressman Cohen Leads Letter Urging Extension of Funding for Minority Business Development Agency Centers | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Chairs of the Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science asking them for their continued support for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) business centers and extended funding through September 30, 2021. Without an extension, businesses centers across the country will shutter on March31, 2021when their five-year grants expire. The letter reads in part: We cannot afford to lose this economic lifeline. Minority-owned businesses employ more than 6.3 million people and generate over $1.8 trillion in annual revenue. They have a significant impact on the national economy that only continues to grow over time. However, minority-owned businesses also face unique challenges that non-minority-owned businesses are less likely to encounter. For instance, banks and investors are less likely to offer loans or investments to minority-owned businesses. The average loans the firms receive are also smaller and charge higher interest rates. Because of the massive racial wealth and income gap, minority business owners also have less access to the informal networks that businesses traditionally rely on for pursuing opportunities. The economic disadvantages of minority communities also reduce the sales and opportunities for businesses that operate in them. The pandemic has only further exacerbated these inequalities. The following House members joined Congressman Cohen in signing the letter: Dwight Evans from Pennsylvania, Joyce Beatty from Ohio, Danny K. Davis from Illinois, Adriano Espaillat of New York , Raul M. Grijalva from Arizona, Henry C. Hank Johnson Jr. from Georgia, Barbara Lee from California, James P. McGovern from Massachusetts, Jerry McNerney from California, Eleanor Homes Norton from Washington, D.C.,Donald M. Payne Jr. from New Jersey, Jamie Raskin from Maryland, and Dina Titus from Nevada. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-more-act | Congressman Cohen Votes for the MORE Act | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and a longtime member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today voted for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The bill would also establish a method of expunging criminal records for marijuana-related offenses which are often an impediment to employment. The vote on passage was 228 to 164. In a statement released after the vote, Congressman Cohen said: This landmark legislation is long overdue.It will de-schedule marijuana, provide expungement for previous offenders, clarify that those previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses would be eligible for federal benefits, and will establish an excise tax system on marijuana to invest in communities disproportionately affected by our failed marijuana policy. I have been working on this issue since I was first elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1982. In this Congress, I have sponsored the CARERS Act, to provide legal certainty for those using medicinal marijuana allowed under state law, and the Fresh Start Act which provides a pathway for expungement for these types of offenses. The history of marijuana as a Schedule-1 drug is one full of bias and discrimination.This policy has served its racist purposes, targeting communities of color and disproportionately incarcerating people of color. The War on Drugs has been a resounding failure, especially regarding cannabis.About 700,000 Americans each year are arrested for cannabis-related offenses.Despite similar usage rates, there are nearly four Black Americans arrested for cannabis offenses for every white American. In my district, the situation is even worse. According to a 2013 ACLU study, in Shelby County, 83.2 percent of people arrested for marijuana possession were Black, which the report cited as one of the highest county-level statistics in the nation. These arrests and convictions… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expresing-concern-over-presidents-past-and-potential-abuse-pardon | Expresing Concern over the President's Past and Potential Abuse of the Pardon Power | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I expressed concern over the President's past and anticipated abuse of the pardon power and urged my colleagues and the American people to consider my proposed Constitutional amendment to limit potential misuse. I also began preparing for the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine with cautionary guidance to my constituents that availability for Americans who are not on the front lines of this pandemic is still several months off. I also voted for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating federal criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures, distributes or possesses marijuana. I sponsored legislation to prohibit evictions without a court order during a national emergency. I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and the Appropriations Committee urging an extension of funding for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers. I was saddened to learn that Terri Freeman will be stepping down as President of the National Civil Rights Museum and wish her all the best. Also this week, I joined my colleague, Don Beyer of Virginia, in writing to the Administration to urge it to abandon plans to liquidate specialized, unarmed planes that are used to enforce provisions of the Treaty on Open Skies; reminded constituents of the fast-approaching December 15 deadline for signing up for affordable health insurance at Healthcare.gov; offered 2021 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars; announced a significant job-training grant for food service workers; and provided a coronavirus-specific health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Expressing Concern Over the President's Past and Potential Abuse of the Pardon Power Preparing for the Phased Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines Voting for Marijuana Legal Reforms Prohibiting Self-Help Evictions Writing in Support of Extending Funding for MBD… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-cohen-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-end-cruel-outdated | Representative Cohen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Cruel, Outdated VA Cat Experiments | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today,Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Reps. Dina Titus (NV-1), Brian Mast (FL-18) and 18 other House colleagues in introducing the bipartisanCat Abuse in Testing Stops (CATS) Act to permanently end painful and unnecessary taxpayer-funded experiments on cats by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congressman Cohen made the following statement: As a proud and longstanding member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in an effort to end these abusive, inhumane and often deadly practices. There are alternative effective methods for conducting this research without resorting to experiments on cats. The CATS Act builds on other efforts to stop unnecessary VA animal testing. The FY20 VA spending bill enacted last year restricted funding for the VA's testing on cats, dogs, and primates, and requested a phase-out plan for the use of these animals. The FY21 VA appropriations bill passed by the House in July 2020 also included a measure to de-fund VA's dog testing. As a State Senator, Congressman Cohen sponsored Tennessee's T-Bo Law, named in honor of his beloved dog, who was killed by a neighbor's larger dog. The T-Bo Law was the nation's first-ever law allowing for victims to recoup damages beyond property valuation stemming from cases of intentional or negligent acts resulting in the death of a companion dog or cat. Congressman Cohen has had three cat housemates. Congressman Cohen has been active in animal welfare issues since his days as a Tennessee state Senator. He currently has a 100 percent rating on his voting record on animal welfare issues from both the Humane Society of the United States and the Defenders of Wildlife. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-beyer-urge-trump-abandon-plan-liquidate-planes | Congressmen Cohen and Beyer Urge Trump to Abandon Plan to Liquidate Planes Used in Open Skies Efforts | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Don Beyer (VA-08) today wrote to President Trump and urged him to abandon plans to liquidate the unarmed surveillance airplanes used to assure compliance under the 2002 Treaty on Open Skies. The Trump Administration announced that the U.S. would unilaterally withdraw from the agreement last week. Cohen and Beyer maintain the decision should be made by the next Administration and note that the Trump Administration did not comply with a required 120-day notice to Congress of plans to withdraw from the treaty. The letter reads in part: The Open Skies Treaty is an important agreement to try to prevent military confrontation and the U.S. has used these planes to carryout Open Skies flights.Removing them with no plans to buy new planes to replace them will put our county and national security at great risk. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that these decisions have only one potential beneficiary: Russia as it increases its interference with the nations on its western borders. Blinding our allies to attempted Russian aggression is harmful and dangerous. The decision to keep the OC-135Bs or to scrap them should be left to the next Administration. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-announces-delta-regional-authority-job-training-grant | Congressmen Cohen Announces Delta Regional Authority Job Training Grant | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Delta Regional Authority will provide a $102,410 grant to ProGeny Place, a Memphis-based collaborative partnership, to train domestic violence victims in the food-based manufacturing and distribution industry certification program at Southwest Tennessee Community College. The grant is expected to train 20 people. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased the Delta Regional Authority is supporting this important training initiative by ProGeny Place, whose goal is to move more people into middle income jobs, and its Southwest Tennessee Community College partners. This collaborative partnership will create strong job opportunities and improve the quality of life for these trainees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-herman-green | Congressman Cohen Remembers Herman Green | 2020-11-27 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement upon hearing of the passing of blues and jazz saxophonist Herman Green: We will all miss the music Herman Green brought to Memphis, and to the whole world, for more than half a century. Mr. Green was a beautiful man with a big heart. Memphis has lost another of its magnificent musical artists, and he will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-and-senator-akbari-urge-governor-lee-send-pandemic | Congressman Cohen and Senator Akbari Urge Governor Lee to Send Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards to Eligible Families, Rather Than Throw Them Away | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and state Senator Raumesh Akbari sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee asking him to redouble efforts to see that Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) cards reach eligible families. The P-EBT program allows families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches to receive food benefits if their schools shut down or they are otherwise not able to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Press accounts indicate the state plans to discard the benefits cards for those it has not reached though eligible students' schools by an arbitrary deadline. The letter reads in part: In the middle of a devastating pandemic and painful economic downturn, the state of Tennessee must to do everything it can to ensure that our state's low-income children receive the food aid to which they are entitled. As these are federally appropriated funds, it is in incumbent on us to ensure this program is utilized by the people for whom it was intended. We respectfully request that you halt any plans to throw away P-EBT cards, and instead distribute these cards directly to eligible families. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-trump-pardon-flynn | Congressman Cohen Condemns Trump Pardon of Flynn | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today condemned President Trump's pardon of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn with the following statement: This was to be expected but it's clearly wrong. Flynn pleaded guilty twice to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. This shows the kind of damage this President can do in his final days in office and demonstrates the need to pass my H.J. Res. 8, which would prohibit any President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to certain members of a President's family, to members of the President's administration, or to paid employees of the President's presidential campaign. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-bipartisan-letter-supporting-humane-treatment | Congressman Cohen Leads Bipartisan Letter Supporting Humane Treatment of Wild Horses | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a longtime member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, today led a letter to House Leadership requesting it retain his Interior and Environment appropriations amendment requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to utilize $11 million in funding for humane, reversible fertility control for tens of thousands of wild horses and burros under the BLM's protection. The letter reads in part: We write to urge your continued support for the humane and sustainable management of wild horses and burros on our public lands. To that end, we request dedicated funding in any final spending package for the implementation of humane, proven and reversible fertility control, namely the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptive vaccine by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We are pleased this amendment to support this effort was adopted by voice vote in the House of Representatives as part of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. Read the entire letter here. In addition to Congressman Cohen, 21 Members co-signed today's letter including Representatives Vern Buchanan, Salud Carbajal, Gerald E. Connolly, Peter DeFazio, Ted Deutch, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ral M. Grijalva, Deb Haaland, Alcee L. Hastings, John Katko, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Ted W. Lieu, Carolyn B. Maloney, Joe Neguse, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jan Schakowsky, David Schweikert, Adam Smith and Dina Titus. Congressman Cohen has been active in animal welfare issues since his days as a Tennessee state Senator. He currently has a 100 percent rating on his voting record on animal welfare issues from both the Humane Society of the United States and the Defenders of Wildlife. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-wishes-all-safe-thanksgiving | Congressman Cohen Wishes All a Safe Thanksgiving | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement commemorating this year's Thanksgiving holiday: I want to wish all my friends, neighbors and constituents a very Happy Thanksgiving. This year, with all we've lost over the past eight months, let's give thanks for what we have: our health, our friends and family, work to do, our homes and all we are blessed to be grateful for. Our traditional family get-togethers have been upended by the ongoing pandemic, and I hope everyone is mindful of the precautions set by medical professionals that we all should heed, including minimizing travel and celebrating at home. If you must travel, please exercise extreme caution, wear your mask and keep an appropriate distance from others. I am particularly grateful this year for the constituents who have returned me to Washington for an eighth term representing the Ninth Congressional District. Happy Thanksgiving. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-again-seeks-answers-treasury | Congressman Cohen Again Seeks Answers from Treasury | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote for a third time to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin asking for clarification of the Treasury Department's plan to forgive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans despite clear evidence that some were obtained by fraud. In today's letter, Congressman Cohen urged the Secretary to ensure necessary controls are in place to deliver maximum relief to PPP borrowers while maintaining the government's ability to prosecute PPP fraud. The letter reads in part: Since only approximately 1 percent of the 5.2 million PPP loans made have received loan forgiveness decisions, I urge you to immediately take more stringent actions to ensure that taxpayer dollars are adequately safeguarded. Specifically, I request that small-dollar PPP borrowers still be required to certify that loan proceeds were used for permissible uses and maintain relevant documentation in the event of a subsequent audit. While I am mindful that the loan forgiveness process should not and cannot be too burdensome for our small businesses, especially minority-owned small business, I also believe there are controls we can put in place to deliver maximum relief to PPP borrowers while maintaining the government's ability to prosecute PPP fraud. See the entire letter here. In his previous letters to the Treasury Secretary, Congressman Cohen asked Mnuchin to exercise careful scrutiny of PPP loans and to conduct a review coronavirus-related loans to businesses associated with President Trump in light of recent revelations that several businesses with ties to the president received millions of dollars in loans. See his release containing the two previous letters here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-cancer-research-grant-st-jude-5 | Congressman Cohen Announces Cancer Research Grant to St. Jude | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a $442,391 grant from the National Cancer Institute for research on epigenetic tumor suppression. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to see St. Jude is receiving this important cancer research grant which will both improve the quality of life for young patients and keep the hospital at the forefront of this critical scientific work. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-answers-gsa-administrator | Congressman Cohen Demands Answers from GSA Administrator | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to General Service Administration Administrator Emily Murphy, reminding her of longstanding document requests he made about the Old Post Office in Washington now operating as The Trump International Hotel. Murphy has declined to declare that Joe Biden is the President-elect, preventing the transition to a new administration to begin. The letter reads in part: As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I've been very alarmed by your handling of the Old Post Office Building, which was outleased by the GSA to Donald J. Trump in August 2013. The lease agreement explicitly prohibited any elected official of the U.S. Government from serving as a lessee or from obtaining any benefit that may arise from the lease. When Donald J. Trump became President of the United States, instead of working with our Committee to ascertain the various constitutional issues and conflicts of interests associated with the lease, you made it a priority to protect the President's personal and financial interests by refusing to provide necessary financial statements and legal memos. When I have contacted you requesting additional information on confidentiality clauses in GSA's outleases or obtaining a redacted lease for the Hotel Monaco, you have ignored my requests entirely or provided unhelpful, vague answers. It is very concerning that you seem more interested in protecting the President as a tenant rather than protecting the American people's interest as a lessor. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/applauding-assembly-biden-administration-team | Applauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I applauded President-elect Biden's choices for important Biden Administration jobs as the transition to a new administration in January advances. I also expressed frustration at the current President's obstruction during what should be a smooth transition, endangering our national security and slowing critical preparations for coronavirus vaccinations that may become available in the new year. I also voted to send the National Defense Authorization Act, containing several priorities I sought when the measure passed the House in July, to a joint House-Senate conference committee. I congratulated James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman Sr. on their bright futures with the NBA after Wednesday's draft. I provided some guidance for those hoping to come to Washington for the Biden inauguration and a link to watch the virtual National Christmas tree lighting this year. I also announced a significant grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for enzyme research. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Memphis Medical District Cooperative's President Tommy Pacello this week. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Applauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team Expressing Dismay at Trump's Disruptive Actions Voting to Send the National Defense Authorization Act to ConferenceCommittee Congratulating New NBA Draft Picks for and from Memphis Preparing for a Safe Inauguration Watching National Christmas Tree Lighting Announcing Research Grant for UTHSC Expressing Condolences on the Passing of Tommy Pacello Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Applauding Assembly of Biden Administration Team I was pleased to see President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris begin to assemble a respected and experienced team for their Administration as they prepare to take office in January. I've worked with many of these dedicated public offic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-elected-steering-and-policy-committee | Congressman Cohen Elected to Steering and Policy Committee | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- Congressman Cohen (TN-09) today was elected by the Region VII Delegation as its representative on the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for the 117th Congress that convenes in January.Region VII encompasses Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressman Cohen served as the Region VII Steering and Policy Committee representative in the 116th Congress and, in the 115th Congress, served on the Committee as the appointee of Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Steering and Policy Committee recommends Democratic Members for committee assignments and advises Leadership on policy issues. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am honored to receive this vote of confidence from my colleagues from Region VII and the opportunity to continue to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee. I was honored to serve on the committee after my appointment by Speaker Pelosi four years ago. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to using my experience in Congress to help advise the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats must remain committed to protecting civil rights and voting rights for all Americans, preserving the Affordable Care Act, protecting Medicare and Social Security, exercising oversight and creating jobs to build a stronger economy, among other issues. I am grateful my colleagues have placed their trust in me. Congressman Cohen was the first Congressman from the Ninth District of Tennessee to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee since Harold Ford Sr. served from 1988-1990 and the first Tennessean to serve on the Committee since John Tanner served from 1996-2004. In 2008, Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Congressman Cohen as the conscience of the freshman class. In addition to serving on the Judiciary and Transportation Committees, Congressman Cohen serves on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology in the 116th Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-grant-university-tennessee-health-science | Congressman Cohen Announces Grant to University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a $228,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on biosynthetic enzymes. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to announce this significant funding for ongoing research at our medical school, which will both improve health outcomes and keep scientists in their labs working to save lives. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-tommy-pacello | Congressman Cohen Remembers Tommy Pacello | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement upon learning of the death of Tommy Pacello: Tommy Pacello did a lot of exceptional work for his hometown during his abbreviated lifetime. His focus on the Memphis Medical District, and his commitment to its steady improvement over six years, helped transform the area and will be his lasting legacy. It was a pleasure working with him on improvements to the transportation infrastructure of the district, and I was pleased he offered thoughtful ideas at a roundtable forum I hosted on those issues just last year. The way he approached his end with a positive mindset and a focus on the essential was an inspiration to all who knew him. I have no doubt that, had he been given more time, he would have been one of our greatest civic leaders. He led a fine life and will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-epa-clean-air-grant | Congressman Cohen Announces EPA Clean Air Grant | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Shelby County a $117,000 grant for ongoing air pollution monitoring. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Air pollution is a health hazard, especially for those with compromised health conditions, like asthma. The funding I'm announcing today will protect our air resources by supporting a robust program monitoring air quality and enforcing clean-air regulations. This is money well-spent. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/demanding-president-trump-concede-defeat | Demanding that President Trump Concede Defeat | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I expressed serious concern about the President's failure to concede defeat to President-elect Joe Biden in the recent election and dismay about the President's erratic behavior. I also thanked our veterans, particularly those last remaining members of the Greatest Generation from World War II, for their service and sacrifice. I renewed my ongoing effort to have Attorney General William Barr impeached for his outrageous efforts to sow doubt and suspicion about election results. I also spent this week preparing for the lame duck session of Congress, which begins next week. I also renewed efforts torepeal the Electoral College, which has distorted the results of our elections and undermined the will of the people. I reminded constituents that the abbreviated open enrollment period for Healthcare.gov policies authorized by the Affordable Care Act is under way even as Trump and some Republican state attorneys general argued at the Supreme Court this week to repeal the law and its protections. And, as cases soar around the country, I offered a coronavirus-related set of health tips. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Demanding that President Trump Concede Defeat Commemorating Veterans Day Renewing Efforts to Impeach Attorney General Barr Planning to Return to Washington For Beginning of Lame Duck Encouraging a Serious Focus on Repealing the Electoral College Reminding Constituents Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Demanding that President Trump Concede Defeat It is clear that the 2020 Election is over and that Joe Biden will be our next President. Nonetheless, President Trump is refusing to concede and, through some desperate actions, continues to sow doubt about the results while making last-minute appointments that suggest he will resist a peaceful transfer of power. Be assured I am paying close attention to these developments and will do… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-commemorates-veterans-day-2 | Congressman Cohen Commemorates Veterans Day | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen released the following statement commemorating this year's Veterans Day: Each November, we pause to pay special tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. This year, we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and cherish our few remaining heroes of that conflict. As we honor all our veterans, we must also keep our promises to them with excellent care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities so they receive the high-quality treatment they deserve. For those transitioning out of the armed services back into civilian life, we need to assure them that good-paying jobs and educational opportunities are available. I am proud to work on legislation to ensure veterans receive the benefits they were promised. We have thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed all around the world. On this Veterans Day, we thank them for their sacrifice and look forward to their safereturnhome. I'm disappointed that the ongoing pandemic forced me to cancel my annual Veterans Day event where I have in the past updated you on veterans issues, heard feedback directly from my constituents and thanked you in person. I hope everyone will take the time on this Veterans Day to appreciate the sacrifices made by all our veterans and their families. Congressman Cohen, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act (H.R. 3304) to ensure that certain members of the National Guard and Reservists who fall on hard economic times after their military service continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the means test under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The measure was signed into law in August 2019. Congressman Cohen has also introduced the Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act to help reduce veteran unemployment and train our veterans for good-paying, high-demand jobs. To fight for veterans during this … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-pleased-biden-has-won | Congressman Cohen is Pleased that Biden has Won | 2020-11-07 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Cohen (TN-09) is pleased to see that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the required Electoral College votes to become President and Vice President, and made the following statement: I am very pleased that the Biden-Harris ticket has more than enough Electoral College votes to become President and Vice President of the United States. I know Joe Biden. He's down to earth and genuinely concerned about the future of America, and he's the right person at the right time for our country. He will work to bring us together and make America respected again throughout the world, where he will restore frayed alliances. This is a great day for America and an opportunity to put the past divisiveness behind us and move forward with unity for the American people. The victory of Vice President-elect Harris gives hope and pride to all women, particularly African American and Asian-American women. This is an historic moment when a minority woman has been elected Vice President. I know Kamala Harris and know how smart and dedicated she is. She will be a great Vice President. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-gratitude-my-re-election | Expressing Gratitude for My Re-Election | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week,I thanked all of the voters who participated in Tuesday's election and was honored at the result in my race. My seniority on the Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure committees, and in Congress, will continue to benefit the people of Memphis, particularly if Joe Biden ultimately becomes President and major legislation can be passed and signed into law. I thank all of my constituents for the honor of serving you and congratulate Memphis and Shelby County for the remarkable 380,000-voter turnout in the midst of this pandemic. Settling into the work ahead of us, I reminded everyone that the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace (created by the Affordable Care Act) opened November 1 and the window to enroll or change your insurance plan will end on December 15. I also urged everyone to be patient as we await the will of the people on the election of our next President; wrote to FBI Director Wray asking him to be vigilant in prosecuting the crime of vote suppression when it is encountered; warned about a scam involving Economic Impact Payments; announced a significant Justice Department grant to discourage gang membership in South Memphis; was pleased to receive a 100 percent score on my voting record from the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights; pledged to re-introduce my Constitutional Amendment abolishing the Electoral College; and offered a pandemic-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Expressing Gratitude for My Re-Election Reminding Everyone that Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment has Begun Writing FBI Director to Be Vigilant in Prosecuting Vote Suppression Warning About Economic Impact Payment Scam Receiving a 100 Percent Score on Voting Record from Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Announcing Justice Department Grant to Discourage Gang Membership Re-Introducing Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Expressing Gratitude for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-fbi-director-investigate-efforts-deny-voters | Congressman Cohen Asks FBI Director to Investigate Efforts to Deny Voters the Right to a Free and Fair Election | 2020-11-03 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties which has jurisdictional oversight of voting rights, joined Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) and several Congressional colleagues in asking FBI Director Christopher Wray to conduct criminal investigations into complaints of vote suppression in the November 3 election. The letter notes that the U.S. Postal Service has been hamstrung in the on-time delivery of mail-in ballots and that other efforts to prevent free and fair voting and vote counting have been identified. The letter reads in part: We are asking that the FBI pursue criminal investigations where government officials -- or private individuals -- may have violated federal law in taking actions that make it more difficult for Americans to cast their vote or to have it counted. As can be seen, many of the actions that have been taken have no plausible purpose other than voter suppression. Criminal investigations may therefore find evidence of criminal intent. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-south-memphis-anti-gang-violence-grant | Congressman Cohen Announces South Memphis Anti-Gang Violence Grant | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and its Crime Subcommittee, today announced a $488,594 grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to discourage gang membership and address the traumas associated with exposure to gang violence. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased that this Department of Justice grant addresses gang membership and the traumas associated with exposure to gang violence as a public health issue. This is an important investment in the future of our community and I commend UTHSC for stepping up to meet this critical need. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-receives-100-percent-score-leadership-council-civil | Congressman Cohen Receives 100 Percent Score from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Score based on votes during the 116th Congress MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today was pleased to acknowledge his 100 percent score from the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights on a wide variety of votes during the 116th Congress that reflect his interest in promoting civil and human rights. Among the votes the Council used to assess his voting record were those to impeach President Trump and his support for coronavirus relief, the U.S. Postal Service, funding for the U.S. Census, pregnant workers, the right to join unions, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act, later renamed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Other votes reviewed involved Congressman Cohen's support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), student loan borrowers, older workers, and reversing certain anti-consumer decisions of the Trump-run Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am pleased and proud to receive a perfect score from the Leadership Council of Civil and Human Rights. Its assessment of my voting record reflects my policy positions on a variety of issues important to me and to my constituents. This score encourages me to continue to look out for those whose rights and needs are so often in jeopardy, and to stay vigilant in protecting them. Founded in 1950, the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition of 220 national organizations promoting and protecting civil and human rights, diversity and a more open and just society. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/urging-absentee-voters-deliver-ballots-barlett-post-office | Urging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Barlett Post Office | 2020-10-30 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I urged voters with absentee/mail-in ballots to forgo putting them in the mail and hand-deliver them to the Bartlett Post Office (see details below) instead. I also reminded constituents that we are far from turning the corner on the coronavirus pandemic with Tennessee a serious hot zone and to follow public health protocols. I expressed disappointment that a misguided Trump executive order prompted the University of Memphis to suspend employee diversity training; explained why the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase for the third quarter that Trump has touted just days before Election Day is a misleading anomaly in the midst of the worst economic downturn since 1946; urged leaders negotiating the next pandemic economic relief package to provide relief to cinemas; and offered a pandemic-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Urging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Bartlett Post Office Reminding Constituents that Our Region is a Pandemic Hot Zone Expressing Disappointment at Response to Trump Executive Order Explaining Misleading Trump Administration Claims about Economic Growth Focusing on Need to Support Cinemas in Next Relief Package Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Urging Absentee Voters to Deliver Ballots to Bartlett Post Office On Thursday, as it became clear that mailing in absentee ballots from remote locations most likely wouldn't get them to the Shelby County Election Commission, and counted, by Tuesday (Election Day), I began urging constituents to hand-deliver their ballots to the Bartlett Post Office at 2966 Elmore Park Road. The Trump administration's efforts this summer to meddle in postal operations have resulted in a serious decline in on-time delivery, just as it intended. Taking your ballot to Bartlett upends this cynical ploy and guarantees every vote will count. Voters can also still FedEx their ballots to the Shelby County Election Commission. The Election Commissio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-clarifies-misleading-gdp-figures-touted-trump-white | Congressman Cohen Clarifies Misleading GDP Figures Touted by Trump White House | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today clarified misleading claims by the Trump White House about the high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate in the third quarter, explaining that the deceptive figure being touted days before the election follows the second quarter GDP's historic low. Expert opinion predicts real GDP for all of 2020 will be down 4 percent, the worst showing since 1946. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: You know what they say about lies and statistics. Trump's third quarter looks high because of the second quarter's historic 31.4 percent drop, which was three times worse than the previous post-World War II decline of 10 percent in 1958. The economy would need to have made a stunning 53.4 percent increase in the third quarter to get even with pre-pandemic growth levels, and it came far short of that. Don't be misled. In fact, the dramatic decline in GDP this year is predicted to strip an estimated $1 trillion in economic output compared to pre-pandemic forecasts, or about $8,000 per household. Don't let the Trump snake oil salesmen spin you. Today's announcement is more evidence of a weakened economy suffering under incompetent management. Trump's failing efforts to deal with the ongoing health crisis are likely to weigh down growth well into 2021. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-absentee-voters-drop-ballots-bartlett | Congressman Cohen Urges Absentee Voters to Drop Off Ballots in Bartlett | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today urged constituents who have received absentee mail-in ballots to take them to the Bartlett Post Office and drop them in the dropbox. With just days before this Tuesday's November 3 election, Congressman Cohen is concerned that the U.S. Post Office might not be able to deliver mailed-in ballots from remote locations in time to be counted. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: This summer, we saw why the Trump administration wanted to meddle in postal operations to delay delivery of what everyone knew would be a record number of mail-in ballots because of the ongoing pandemic. That cynical strategy can still be upended if those who have received absentee mail-in ballots hand deliver them to the Bartlett Post Office dropbox by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3 Election Day. This solution guarantees that every vote will count. The Bartlett Post Office address is 2966 Elmore Park Road. Absentee ballot envelopes must have first class postage. The Shelby County Election Commission will not accept absentee ballots that are hand delivered to its offices. Voters can also still FedEx their ballots to the Shelby County Election Commission. The Election Commission's address is 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN, 38134. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-deplores-impact-trump-executive-order-jeopardizing | Congressman Cohen Deplores Impact of Trump Executive Order Jeopardizing Diversity Training | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed his deep concern about a Trump administration executive order in light of the University of Memphis' decision to suspend certain employee sensitivity training that could jeopardize federal funding. The September 22 Executive Oder 13950 purports to prohibit training that promotes race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am disappointed that the President's misguided executive order has forced the University of Memphis to take this action. While I understand its concern that certain training could be interpreted to run afoul of the order, and thus jeopardize critical federal funding, the policy enshrined in the order is unwarranted, ill-advised and should be reversed. All public institutions should do all they can to advance tolerance and inclusivity, including through employee training. Trump's cheap politicization of the issue is a not-so-subtle promotion of bigotry, and should be condemned. As an attack on the First Amendment, it is also a form of censorship. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-asks-house-leaders-protect-cinemas | Congressmen Cohen Asks House Leaders to Protect Cinemas | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to House Democratic leaders asking that they incorporate an increase in coronavirus economic relief funding for cinemas like one recently introduced in the Senate. That measure, the Heroes Small Business Lifeline Act, establishes targeted relief for movie theaters that will save both jobs and the movie industry. Congressman Cohen is a strong supporter of the updated Heroes Act he voted for and the House passed on July 1 that provides relief to restaurants and entertainment venues. The letter reads in part: According to Malco Theatres, which is headquartered in my district, 268 million Americans went to the movies in 2019 alone. If Congress fails to act, I fear that our country's beloved and essential cinemas may be at risk for permanent closure. We must preserve our theaters and the cinematic experience for millions of Americans to enjoy when it is safe to do so again. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/hoping-vote-coronavirus-relief-package | Hoping to Vote for Coronavirus Relief Package | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I hoped to return to Washington this week to vote on a coronavirus relief compromise worked out between Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, but evidently the Senate Majority Leader won't let anything happen until after the November 3 election. This week, America learned that the parents of 545 migrant children can't be located by federal immigration officials because of outrageous and inhumane Trump administration policies. We also learned that the coronavirus pandemic, far from turning a corner, is peaking again in Tennessee and across the country while the President continues his attacks on an infectious disease expert rather than working to fight a virus that has taken the lives of more than 220,000 Americans or providing support for the six million people who missed rent or mortgage payments in September. I welcomed the commutation of the unfair life sentence of non-violent offender Curtis McDonald and watched as record numbers of voters in Shelby County participated in our democratic election process. I praised Pope Francis for his inclusive approach to civil unions for same-sex couples and expressed disappointment at the Senate's haste in moving the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a floor vote. I also wrote an op-ed in The Commercial Appeal about progress on my Complete Streets Act. I also offered 2021 Congressional calendars and provided a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Hoping to Vote for Coronavirus Relief Package Calling for Repeal of Tax Break for Millionaires Expressing Outrage at Trump Immigration Policy Cruelty Warning of Coronavirus Peak Amid Trump Disinformation Effort Welcoming Clemency for Curtis McDonald Monitoring Record-Breaking Local Early Voting Approving of Pope Francis' Stand on Same-Sex Civil Unions Expressing Disappointment at Senate Haste to Confirm Judge Barrett Moving Forward with Complete Streets Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars Weekly Health Tip… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-applauds-clemency-curtis-mcdonald | Congressmen Cohen Applauds Clemency for Curtis McDonald | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, applauded today's commutation of the life sentence being served by 70-year-old Curtis McDonald but urged President Trump to use a more systematic approach to release thousands of similarly situated non-violent offenders before he leaves office. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased that Curtis McDonald has been released after 24 years for a non-violent offence and hope that President Trump will free the thousands upon thousands of non-violent offenders deserving of similar clemency. I wrote to President Trump and to President Obama seeking Mr. McDonald's commutation and it is past time for the prison doors to open for him as they did for his co-defendant, Alice Marie Johnson, in 2018. I know that Alice Marie Johnson asked the President to commute Mr. McDonald's sentences and it's possible Kim Kardashian did too. But it shouldn't take the influence of a reality television star, as happened with Ms. Johnson -- or of a congressman to see that these non-violent offenders receive the justice long overdue them. I hope that President Trump will use his pardon power to release thousands more before he leaves office, as President Obama did in the closing days of his final term in office. I hope that President Trump's future grants of clemency won't go, as I expect they will, to the kinds of well-connected donors and white-collar sycophants who he has favored in the past. Curtis McDonald was one of five people whose sentences were commuted by the President today. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/demanding-irs-increase-awareness-about-economic-impact-payments | Demanding IRS Increase Awareness about Economic Impact Payments | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I led a letter to the IRS Commissioner with 32 Congressional colleagues to demand the agency do all it can to deliver Economic Impact Payments to the estimated nine million low-income non-tax filers who still have not received their checks. I also continued to monitor the disturbing national and regional trends in coronavirus infection and the Trump administration's continued incompetent response to it; continued to urge repeal of a provision of the CARES Act that gives millionaires an undeserved tax break unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic or its economic consequences; expressed disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end the 2020 U.S. Census prematurely and before all who could have participated had the opportunity to do so; announced a $2 million Department of Justice grant to test backlogged rape kits; was pleased to receive a 100 percent score on my environmental record regarding clean water issues; provided guidance on voting in the upcoming election; made 2021 Congressional calendars available; and offered a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Demanding IRS Increase Awareness about Economic Impact Payments for Nine Million Low-Income Americans Monitoring Disturbing Trends in Coronavirus Infection and Trump Administration's Incompetent Response Urging Repeal of Undeserved Tax Break for Millionaires Expressing Disappointment at Supreme Court ending 2020 U.S. Census Announcing $2 Million Department of Justice Grant to Test Rape Kits Receiving Perfect Score on My Environmental Record on Clean Water Issues Providing Voting Procedure Guidance for Upcoming Election Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Demanding IRSIncrease Awareness about Economic Impact Payments for Nine Million Low-Income Americans On Thursday, I led a letter with 32 of my Congressional colleagues asking IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to do al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-letter-demanding-irs-disseminate-crucial | Congressman Cohen Leads Letter Demanding IRS Disseminate Crucial Information to Nearly Nine Million Low-Income Americans Regarding their $1,200 Economic Impact Payments | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a letter with 32 other Members of Congress demanding that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) alert the non-tax filers of its new Economic Impact Payment (EIP) registration deadline of November 21, 2020. Currently, the agency has no plans to contact non-filers and notify them of its new deadline, despite the fact that it recently sent direct letters to non-filers concerning the original deadline of October 15, 2020. Congressman Cohen's letter also calls on the IRS to expand its outreach efforts and do everything in its power to ensure this assistance is received. The IRS's outreach failure affects nearly nine million non-filers the majority of whom are very low-income who have not yet received their $1,200 EIP. Non-filers must submit information to the IRS in order to receive their payment. The IRS's original deadline for non-filers to submit their information was October 15, 2020, but after Congressman Cohen and his colleagues called for an extension for non-filers, the IRS pushed back the deadline to November 21, 2020. The letter reads in part: The IRS should be doing everything in its power to ensure that all Americans, and particularly those with the lowest incomes, receive their EIPs. Thus far, the IRS has stated that it will not directly alert non-filers of its new EIP registration deadline This unfortunately follows a troubling pattern at the IRS of inadequate and failed outreach efforts to low-income Americans concerning their EIPs. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-announces-2-million-rape-kit-testing | Congressmen Cohen Announces $2 Million for Rape Kit Testing | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced a Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant of $2 million to the City of Memphis. Over the past decade, Congressman Cohen has been a leader in efforts to increase spending under the initiative, and Memphis has receive substantial resources under the program. At its peak, the rape kit backlog reached 12,000 untested kits in Memphis alone with an estimated 400,000 sitting in evidence rooms nationwide. In 2015, Memphis received nearly $2 million and, in 2017, it received just over $1 million from this program to reduce its rape kit backlog. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Justice delayed is justice denied. I am pleased that Memphis will be receiving this grant funding to help ensure that rape kits get processed. DNA analysis is a powerful weapon against sexual assailants, but it can't do any good when rape kits don't get processed. This grant will help the City of Memphis and our local law enforcement track down assailants and help victims get justice. I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure that sexual assailants are brought to justice. Congressman Cohen has worked successfully through the years with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York and others to increase SAKI program funding by millions of dollars through the appropriations process. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-receives-100-percent-clean-water-action-scorecard | Congressmen Cohen Receives 100 Percent on Clean Water Action Scorecard | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) has received a perfect 100 percent on the Clean Water Action scorecard, the environmental group's assessment of 18 environmentally significant votes in the 116th Congress now drawing to a close. Those included a vote in opposition to leaving the Paris Climate Agreement in June 2019 and votes against oil drilling in sensitive areas later in 2019 to a July 2020 vote in support of $4.5 billion a year for replacement of harmful lead service lines. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm proud of my perfect Clean Water Action score on these important environmental issues and intend to maintain my voting history in favor of healthy air and water. This recognition encourages me to redouble my efforts to improve our environment for the generations to come. Congressman Cohen has a 97 percent lifetime score with the League of Conservation Voters. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-concern-coronavirus-cases-increase | Expressing Concern as Coronavirus Cases Increase | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I expressed concern that the Trump administration's continuing ineptitude, and its inadequate and chaotic response to the coronavirus pandemic, has resulted in an increase in COVID-19 cases in Tennessee and the Mid-South, and urged vigilance in complying with public health guidance to mitigate the crisis. I also looked forward to returning to Washington to vote for a compromise response to the pandemic until talks were summarily terminated by this erratic President; applauded the decision by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to heed my call to extend the deadline for those eligible for economic impact payments (EIPs) who do not file annual federal income tax returns; joined a bipartisan effort to make Russia pay the consequences for its attacks on dissidents and opposition figures, such as the poisoning of Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny; cosponsored a commission on presidential incapacity; monitored ongoing Republican efforts to suppress the vote; and offered a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebookand Instagram tosee what I'm doing as it happens. Expressing Concern as Coronavirus Cases Increase Awaiting Opportunity to Advance a Compromise Pandemic Response Welcoming IRS Decision to Extend EIP Deadline for Non-Filers Calling for Real Consequences for Russia's Assault on Political Opponents Cosponsoring Commission on Presidential Incapacity Monitoring Ongoing Republican Efforts to Suppress the Vote Urging Constituents to Fill Out U.S. Census Forms Providing Guidance on Voting Procedures Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Expressing Concern as Coronavirus Cases Increase As Tennessee's and the nation's numbers of coronavirus cases again surged this week, I expressed concern about the ongoing failure of the Trump administration to address the situation in a consistent and coherent manner. The President's own COVID-19 illness, and his irresponsible response to it, has been a textbook example of what not to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-applauds-extension-economic-impact-payment-deadline | Congressman Applauds Extension of Economic Impact Payment Deadline | 2020-10-06 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today applauded the decision by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to extend by five weeks the deadline for the estimated 9 million people eligible for Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) but who do not file federal income tax returns. Congressman Cohen wrote to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig on September 23 asking the agency to extend the deadline and increase its efforts to reach those eligible for the $1,200 payments authorized by the CARES Act since March. The deadline has now been extended from October 15 to November 21. At the same time, Congressman Cohen continues to urge the IRS to expand its outreach efforts to these individuals. Despite having their contact information for months, the IRS began sending out notification letters of the upcoming deadline on September 24, only three weeks before the original October 15 deadline. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased that the IRS has acted to provide needed economic assistance to the estimated 9 million people eligible but who are more difficult to reach because, for reasons including low incomes, they do not file annual federal income tax returns. While extending the deadline is a good move, the IRS must do more to identify and get EIP assistance to all who are eligible. See Congressman Cohen's letter to Commissioner Rettig here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-wilson-introduce-holding-russia-accountable-malign | Congressmen Cohen and Wilson Introduce Holding Russia Accountable for Malign Activities Act | 2020-10-06 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) have introduced the Holding Russia Accountable for Malign Activities Act in response to the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and other crimes against political opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced earlier today that it has concluded that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent which, according to experts, can only be used by the Russian Federation. The German government had requested the analysis after Navalny was treated at a Berlin hospital after falling seriously ill in Russia in August. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Vladimir Putin's and the Kremlin's history of poisoning political opponents and dissidents make this bill more important than ever. This horrid action calls for a strong response from the United States government, including sanctions. We must send a message to Putin that such malign activities will have severe consequences. Congressman Wilson made the following statement: Over the last two decades, Vladimir Putin has proven that he is nothing but a tyrant and a thug. He has been behind countless assassinations, attempted murders, and intimidation tactics targeting anyone who dares criticize his tyranny and repression. I am grateful to join Congressman Steve Cohen in exacting a price for Putin's long history of murdering opposition figures and dissidents by leading the Holding Russia Accountable for Malign Activities Act of 2020. The most recent attack on Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny in August underscores the need to hold Vladimir Putin and his inner circle personally accountable for these kinds of poisoning attacks which have become their calling card. The Holding Russia Accountable for Malign Activities Act of 2020 would: Require the President to make a report to Congress of Russian officials connected to the Navalny poisoning; Require a report on the pers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-wishes-president-trump-quick-recovery | Congressman Cohen Wishes President Trump a Quick Recovery | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after hearing that President Trump and the First Lady have tested positive for exposure to the coronavirus: I hope that the President and First Lady have only mild cases from exposure and remain safe from this dreaded virus and that they can return to their family after the required quarantine. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-condemns-vote-suppression-efforts-texas-and-pennsylvania | Congressman Condemns Vote-Suppression Efforts in Texas and Pennsylvania | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties with jurisdiction over voting rights, today condemned vote-suppression efforts in Texas and Pennsylvania aimed helping President Trump just a month before the November 3 election. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order limiting Texas counties some larger than two states to one drop-box for mail-in ballots. Pennsylvania's Republican-dominated legislature is considering an election integrity committee, with subpoena power, with authority to impound uncounted ballots in a transparent effort to weed out disfavored ballots and delay certification of the election results. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The vote-suppression efforts under way in both Texas and Pennsylvania are an outrageous effort to obstruct the democratic process. Every eligible American must be able to cast a meaningful ballot. In fact, during this pandemic, it is critical that we find additional safe ways to ensure Americans can vote without exposure to COVID-19. Efforts to suppress the vote in Harris County Texas -- which includes Houston, and is larger than the state of Rhode Island -- are a transparent attempt to limit the Black and Hispanic vote. The American people are wise to these cynical ploys and won't tolerate tampering with the bedrock principle of democracy the right to vote. These desperate, last-minute tactics, designed to suppress the vote, cannot be permitted to stand. Congressman Cohen is a champion of voting rights. He presided at hearings reviewing the Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling that struck down the Voting Rights Act's Section 5 preclearance provision, and has strongly advocated its reinstatement. He similarly presided at a hearingon Protecting the Right to Vote During the COVID-19 Pandemic earlier this year. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/voting-updated-heroes-act | Voting for the Updated Heroes Act | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I voted to address the ongoing health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic with the updated Heroes Act, which contains several provisions I pushed for that will benefit my Memphis constituents. I also expressed the hope that President Trump and the First Lady will recover from exposure to the coronavirus; condemned vote-suppression efforts in Texas and Pennsylvania; voted to advance a bill that will improve the accountability of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the safety certification of aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX; wrote again to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about my concerns about fraudulent manipulation of the Paycheck Protection Program, possibly involving companies linked to the President; introduced a bill to permit a fairer distribution of funds to cities like Memphis from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; joined my Congressional colleagues in a letter to President Trump asking him to take a leadership role in curbing plastics pollution; remembered Father Nicholas Vieron of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for his ecumenical leadership during the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike and long service to our community; announced a major job training initiative; and offered another coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Voting for the Updated Heroes Act to AddressHealth and Economic Consequences of the Pandemic Wishing President Trump and First Lady a Speedy Recovery Condemning Effort to Suppress the Vote in Texas and Pennsylvania Advancing Measure to Improve Accountability of the FAA Writing to Treasury Secretary Over Concerns about Paycheck Protection Program Introducing Measure to Provide a Fairer Allocation of Community Development Block Grants Joining Colleagues to Urge President Trump to Ensure Trade Agreements Respect Plastic Waste Mitigation Efforts Remembering Fathe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-house-passage-of-updated-heroes-act | Cooper Statement on House Passage of Updated HEROES Act | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updated version of the HEROES Act to support Americans and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic The $2.2 trillion legislation passed the House by 214-207. Not a single Republican voted for the relief package. The bill would provide another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to eligible Americans and reinstate the additional $600 per week federal unemployment benefit. It also includes an estimated $70 billion to support children and families and more than $200 billion for education. It provides an additional $75 billion for COVID-19 testing and tracing which we know is essential to combat the spread of the virus. State and local governments will also receive more than $400 billion to pay essential and vital workers while we fight this disease. It also boosts the SNAP benefit level and provides additional support to struggling small businesses and non-profits. As previously announced by Rep. Cooper, the updated HEROES Act also includes the RESTAURANTS and SOS Acts to help the food service and live music industries. Rep. Cooper asked Speaker Pelosi to include these measures in any relief package. Americans still need help. The House did its job, yet again, to provide relief to Middle Tennesseans, Rep. Jim Cooper said. It is a travesty that Senate Republicans refuse to even consider a bill to help the American people. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-labor-department-contract-benjamin-hooks-job | Congressman Cohen Announces Labor Department Contract for Benjamin Hooks Job Corps Center | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Foxmar Inc., doing business as Education and Training Resources, has received a contract to operate the Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Center provides skills training, education and career transition services for 287 students. The contract is valued at $57,486,557 over five years. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The Benjamin Hooks Job Corps Center will provide the skills and background ambitious students can use to tackle the good jobs of the 21st century. This is an important investment in the Memphis workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-denounces-tax-break-billionaires | Congressman Cohen Denounces Tax Break for Billionaires | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) went to the House floor this afternoon during the debate on the updated Heroes Act to denounce a provision slipped into the CARES Act passed in March that allowed a tax break to millionaires and billionaires for so-called pass through transactions. Congressman Cohen and several of his Congressional colleagues have condemned the measure, which would be repealed in the Heroes Act being considered on the floor today. In his floor speech, Congressman Cohen said: Republicans passed a $150 billion tax break for the richest Americans people like Donald Trump, who don't pay taxes. They get a four-year backlog to file losses in real estate deals to cut out their taxes. They won't do anything for children, and a Child Tax Credit, but they think that the policy of giving people, on average, a $1.6 million tax benefit to the richest one percent is good values. That's not good values. That's bad values. And the Republicans ought to object to that because it's making them the party of greed and tax-weaselers and the bad people of America, and not caring about the least of these.' See those remarks here. The updated Heroes Act is the latest effort to provide needed assistance in response to the ongoing pandemic and its catastrophic impact on the nation's health and economy. It is a slimmed-down version of the Heroes Act passed in May which the Senate has so far failed to consider. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-updated-heroes-act | Congressman Cohen Votes for Updated Heroes Act | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) tonight voted for the updated Heroes Act, which contains many of the provisions he has fought hard to have included in the measure addressing our ongoing health and economic catastrophe to protect lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy. The $2.2 trillion measure is a scaled down version of the Heroes Act the House passed on May 15 but which the Senate has so far failed to consider. Tonight's vote on passage was 214 to 207. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The updated Heroes Act addresses critical needs caused by the ongoing pandemic and I'm proud to support it because it directly helps my constituents. This measure restores the $600 federal supplement to state unemployment benefits, provides another $1,200 economic impact payment to individuals and $500 for their dependents, makes major investments in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, as well as hospitals, community health centers, public schools, and transit systems. I am particularly pleased that it establishes a $120 billion grant program for restaurants and includes the Save Our Stages Act, assisting entertainment venues, both of which I sought; increases SNAP payments and waives work requirements for a year; suspends TANF work requirements through January; and offers substantial rental assistance and a 12-month eviction moratorium. My Congressional colleagues and I have been pressing our leaders to repeal an obscene $135 billion pass through' tax break for millionaires and billionaires surreptitiously slipped into the CARES Act in March, and that repeal provision has been included in this Heroes bill. It also excludes publicly traded entities and foreign-owned businesses from participating in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It also extends the Payroll Support Program for airlines, including $25 billion for commercial airlines and $300 million for cargo airlines like FedEx. As the election nears, the measure also provides $3.6 billio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-improve-faa-accountability | Congressman Cohen Votes to Improve FAA Accountability | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittee on Aviation, today voted to advance the Aircraft Certification Reform and Accountability Act. The measure, informed by an 18-month committee investigation of the fatal crashes of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019 and the certification process by which the aircraft were authorized for flight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), significantly improves aviation safety regulation and oversight. Before the vote, Congressman Cohen noted that he had called for the resignation of Boeing's CEO in 2019, then added: I had some rather harsh things to say about Boeing and I think this report shows they were all well placed. It is important that government and the regulatory bodies have regulatory powers and enforcement that are independent and transparent and looking out for the public's interest. It didn't happen in this industry and it doesn't happen in other industries. We all need to be suspect when people say we don't need regulation and we don't need oversight because it's importantThis is an important bill and it's an important function of Congress to do oversight and show we act in the public's interest. I want to express my regrets again to all of the families who have lost loved ones. This is totally regrettable. Congressman Cohen also addressed initial reports that blamed the pilots of the Lion Air of Indonesia and Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max airplanes for the crashes: That's a nice way to pick on some non-American, non-Caucasian pilots and say they did it, not Boeing. They did the best they could in a death trap. See those remarks here. At an October 2019 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on the crashes, Congressman Cohen questioned then-Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg about accountability for the crashes and called for his resignation. See that exchange here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-minority-health-grant | Congressman Cohen Announces Minority Health Grant | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach will receive a $386,406 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health for its minority health community program. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to announce this important community funding, which goes to the dedicated people at Methodist Le Bonheur and their work to improve access to health care in Memphis. This is an important investment in our community. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-cdbg-equity-act | Congressman Cohen Introduces CDBG Equity Act | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Equity Act, which would update the current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG funding criteria and adopt a single formula for grants based on factors reflecting current needs. HUD's CDBG program is one of the largest and longest-standing in existence, annually allocating billions of dollars in federal assistance to state and local governments in support of local neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and community and economic development efforts, principally for low- and moderate-income people. There are currently two funding formulas which differ in the ways they allocate resources based on poverty levels and population, among other factors. The CBDG Equity Act would adopt a single formula based on four modern factors and allocate funding based on: Poverty rate per person in families and elderly households: 50% Female-headed households with children under 18: 10% Pre-1950 housing occupied by a poverty household: 30% Overcrowded housing units (more than 1.01 persons per room): 10% Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Memphis has not received its fair share of CBDG funding because of the antiquated funding formula HUD uses in allocating Community Development Block Grants. In consultation with Mayor Strickland, I have proposed a new funding formula that more fairly measures real community need, and will provide Memphis with a greater share of this critical funding.' ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-father-nicholas-vieron | Congressman Cohen Remembers Father Nicholas Vieron | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on learning of the passing of Father Nicholas Vieron, the retired pastor of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, earlier today: Father Vieron was always friendly, always had something nice to say and had lots of jokes to share. My favorite: There are three stages in life -- young, middle aged, and you're looking good.' Father Vieron was a force for good, standing up to Mayor Loeb with Rabbi James Wax, the Reverend Frank McRae, Dean William Dimmick and others, shoulder-to-shoulder with Memphis' Black ministers at the time of the assassination of Dr. King in 1968. An ecumenical leader, he always stood for fairness, justice, and tolerance. He was a marvelous man who I always enjoyed sharing time with. His was an exceptional life and he is truly irreplaceable. He will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-sos-restaurants-acts-in-next-covid-19-relief-bill | Cooper Announces SOS & RESTAURANTS Acts in Next COVID-19 Relief Bill | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Of the three bills that Rep. Jim Cooper has been pushing to help the Nashville tourist economy recover, two are included in the $2.2 trillion relief package that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is offering the White House and the U.S. Senate. The RESTAURANTS ($120 billion) and SOS Acts ($10 billion) are targeted on the food service and live music industries, and are included in the House package. Unfortunately, the RESTART Act ($450 billion on small business generally) which Cooper also asked Speaker Pelosi to include in the package, was omitted. Nothing prevents the White House or the Senate, however, from including the RESTART Act in the final compromise package that Congress passes into law. When I talked to the Speaker and other key members last week, I asked for all three bills to be included in the House package, but I am thankful that the Speaker included two, Rep. Jim Cooper said. Two out of three ain't bad. Of course, it's not too late for the Senate to include the missing piece, the RESTART Act, that both Tennessee Senators have already cosponsored. Senate cooperation is key to getting any of these bills passed into law. The House is expected to vote on its $2.2 trillion offer this week, and the Senate could vote on its package at any time. Congress should pass a relief package as soon as possible because people are hurting from the weak economy, Cooper said. Congress should not adjourn until a deal is done. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-again-seeks-answers-mnuchin | Congressman Cohen Again Seeks Answers from Mnuchin | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for the second time, asking for clarification of his plan to forgive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans despite clear evidence that some were obtained by fraud. In today's letter, Congressman Cohen also asked Mnuchin to review coronavirus-related loans to businesses associated with President Trump in light of recent revelations that several businesses with ties to the president received millions of dollars in loans. His letter reads in part: In my (September 11) letter, I requested a response within ten business days regarding automatic forgiveness for financial recovery funds without verification of compliance with the terms and conditions established for the program. I also requested justification for such forgiveness and why it is acceptable for the American taxpayer to be defrauded of billions of dollars. I am still very interested in responses to these questions and am disappointed that I have not heard word from your office, including acknowledgement of my letter Congress voted and passed relief programs as part of the CARES Act to help struggling businesses and families weather the storm and get through this unprecedented global health pandemic. To have that much-needed aid be abused and misused is unacceptable. To have that aid potentially awarded to some or potentially all of the President's businesses or tenants at the expense of struggling small business owners is troubling. The Treasury Department must make every effort to ensure the resources Congress allocated reach those for whom they were intended. The American people have the right to know whether these extraordinary measures were administered fairly or if they personally benefited the President of the United States. See the entire letter here. See Congressman Cohen's release containing the first letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-supports-updated-heroes-act | Congressman Cohen Supports Updated Heroes Act | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this evening enthusiastically endorsed an updated Heroes Act to address the ongoing health and economic catastrophe with much-needed assistance to protect lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy. The $2.2 trillion measure is a scaled down version of the Heroes Act the House passed four months ago but which the Senate has failed to consider. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: This updated Heroes bill includes needed funding for schools and small businesses, ensures worker safety, bolsters housing assistance and protects our frontline vital workers like first responders and health workers who are keeping us safe. I am particularly pleased to see that the measure includes priorities I sought, including support for restaurants and performance spaces like those on our Beale Street, and the RESTART Act, which will help many businesses, including movie theaters. It also extends the highly successful Payroll Support Program to keep airline industry workers paid. I hope we can pass this measure swiftly and get it over to the Senate and signed into law. America is hurting and the updated Heroes Act provides some needed relief. Congressman Cohen wrote House Democratic leaders on Friday asking that they prioritize support for the restaurant, hospitality and entertainment industries so critical to the Memphis economy. See his release and the letter to leaders here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-statement-successor-justice-ginsburg | Congressman Cohen Statement on Successor to Justice Ginsburg | 2020-09-26 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today released a statement after President Trump announced his nominee to succeed the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I am disappointed that the President and the Senate will apparently decline to respect the final wishes of Justice Ginsburg to hold off a decision on her successor until after the next president is decided. This is particularly offensive in light of its inconsistency with the view of the Senate Majority four years ago when a highly qualified Judge Merrick Garland was nominated to replace Justice Scalia but was not considered when there was far more time for the Senate to deliberate, advise and consent. The American people are already voting for their next president and have made clear their preference that a decision be postponed until after the election. It is my hope that the Senate will heed this reasoning and act accordingly. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-congressional-leaders-include-support-restaurants | Congressman Cohen Asks Congressional Leaders to Include Support for Restaurants and Entertainment Venues in Next Coronavirus Relief Bill | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to House Democratic Leaders asking that they include elements of three bills he has cosponsored supporting the entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries in any new coronavirus relief package. The letter reads in part: Thank you for your leadership as you negotiate the next coronavirus relief package. As a proud cosponsor of H.R. 7806, the Save Our Stages (SOS) Act, H.R. 7197, the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed To Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act, and H.R. 7481, the Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards A Recovery in Twenty-twenty (RESTART) Act, I respectfully request their inclusion in the next coronavirus relief package. I strongly believe these bills are critical in supporting our vulnerable and precious music, restaurant and hospitality industries. As we continue to provide relief to struggling Americas amid the coronavirus pandemic, it's imperative that we look out for the little guy and provide necessary support to keep small businesses afloat. As the Representative of Memphis, the Home of the Blues and birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, I am deeply concerned about the vitality of our local, independent music venues. These establishments are vibrant pieces of the fabric that makes up our city and state, bringing visitors from all around the world. The SOS Act would preserve these venues by providing grant support to meet payroll, pay for overhead costs and pay for essential personal protection equipment. Considering these venues were the first close and will likely be the last to open, this support is critical in preserving these venues' future. See the entire letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/remembering-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg | Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I mourned the loss to our country of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion of women's rights and fairness on the Supreme Court whose views will be studied and celebrated for generations. I also presided at a hearing on the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, calling attention to its failures to protect voting rights and its efforts to undermine them. I also commended John P. Freeman Optional School second grade teacher Melissa Collins, who was inducted last week into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. I also wrote the House Leaders about including priorities in the next coronavirus relief bill; announcedtwo huge Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to Memphis International Airport; wrote to the IRS Commissioner asking for the deadline for economic impact payments for non-filers of federal tax returns to be extended; clarified the rules for participating in the upcoming national election; reminded constituents of the looming deadline for filling out 2020 Census forms; questioned experts at a hearing on threats to the independence of our federal courts; announced significant grants to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; co-sponsored the Protecting Our Democracy Act to protect our elections; offered 2021 Congressional calendars; and offered a coronavirus-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Presiding at a Judiciary Hearing on the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice Commending John P. Freeman Optional School Teacher Melissa Collins for Another National Recognition Writing to Leadership about Priorities for Next Coronavirus Relief Bill Announcing FAA Grants Totaling More Than $31 Million to Memphis International Airport Writing IRS Commissioner about Economic Impact Payments for Non-Filers Clarifying Rules for Voting in Upcoming … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-presides-hearing-oversight-department-justice-civil | Congressman Cohen Presides at Hearing on Oversight of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division | 2020-09-24 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today presided over a hearing on Oversight of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. In his opening statement, Chairman Cohen spoke of the division's failure to defend and, on some occasions, active efforts to erode Americans' voting rights. He said in part: These efforts are not without precedent in our country. In the past, literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes had been used to silence the voices of Black Americans and other minorities that those in power did not want to hear. Today, we see different methods intended to achieve the same end, such as voter roll purges -- which include the removal of voters we know for a fact are qualified -- or the requirement of particular forms of voter identification that we know some segments of the population are less likely to possess. Yet where is the Civil Rights Division? Where is the guardian of our civil rights? It pains to me to say it, but despite its righteous history and traditional role, the Civil Rights Division appears under the Trump Administration to have abandoned its historical mandate to protect voting rights The Civil Rights Division has become a twisted shadow of its former self in Bill Barr's Justice Department and under this Administration. The Division must answer for its inaction, or, in some cases, its active opposition to civil rights enforcement. See Chairman Cohen's entire opening statement here and his questions to expert witnesses here and here. Chairman Cohen also was critical of Attorney General William Barr for not permitting the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Eric Dreiband, who had been scheduled to testify, to appear at the oversight hearing. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-291-million-de-icing-pads-memphis | Congressman Cohen Announces $31.1 Million for De-Icing Pads for Memphis International Airport | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN09), a senior member of the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced two grants totaling $29,103,280 to Memphis International Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration for ongoing construction of de-icing pads and associated facilities. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: Continued funding of this important project will improve the experience and safety of the flying public transiting Memphis, particularly in wintry conditions. It will also help FedEx continue to deliver on time, absolutely and positively. I'm pleased to see this ongoing funding and look forward to the completion of the project. Scott A. Brockman, President and CEO of the Memphis International Airport, made the following statement: The Consolidated Deice Facility Project will support MEM's airfield operational capacity as well as our environmental compliance as we strive to not only be a good neighbor but remain one of the major economic engines of the Mid-South. We appreciate the support of the FAA in providing this critical funding, which will help ensure the project's success. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-neurological-research-grant-st-jude | Congressman Cohen Announces Neurological Research Grant for St. Jude | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive a grant of $448,750 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for research on neurological disorders. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: This is important funding for our premier, Memphis-based children's medical research institution and will go a long way in advancing its ongoing work on neurological disorders. This investment in our community will ultimately improve health outcomes. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-leads-letter-irs-commissioner-seeking-extend-deadline | Congressman Cohen Leads Letter to IRS Commissioner Seeking to Extend Deadline for Economic Impact Payments for Non-Filers | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a letter with his Congressional colleagues asking Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles P. Rettig to extend the deadline and expand outreach efforts for an estimated 9 million people eligible for economic impact payments but whose incomes do not require that they file annual federal tax returns. The current deadline is October 15. The letter reads in part: We are writing to express our concern that almost nine million Americans who are eligible for economic impact payments (EIPs) the majority of whom have incomes that are too low to require a tax filing obligation are set to be excluded from this much-needed aid. Therefore, we request that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extend its deadline of October 15 for non-tax filers to submit their information on the IRS website. We also urge the IRS to broaden its outreach efforts beyond notification letters to ensure each eligible American receives their payment. The IRS should be making every possible effort to ensure these individuals receive this payment, and the upcoming October 15, 2020 deadline will prohibit millions of Americans from doing so. See the entire letter here. The letter was signed by Members Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Tony Crdenas, Ed Case, Jim Cooper, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jahana Hayes, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jamie Raskin, Tim Ryan and Peter Welch. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-leo-bearman | Congressman Cohen Remembers Leo Bearman | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on learning of the passing of the distinguished Memphis attorney Leo Bearman Jr.: Leo Bearman was a lawyer's lawyer. He was a learned gentleman and a devoted community leader, and will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-department-justice-grant-shelby-county | Congressman Cohen Announces Department of Justice Grant for Shelby County | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced Shelby County will receive a $783,368 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Department of Justice to support local law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I'm pleased to announce this funding, which will go toward local law enforcement priorities and support programs to prevent crime. The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, named for New York City police officer Edward Byrne, who was killed in the line of duty in 1988, supports state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-questions-experts-judicial-independence | Congressman Cohen Questions Experts on Judicial Independence | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today questioned expert witnesses at a Subcommittee on the Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet hearing on Maintaining Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law: Examining the Causes and Consequences of Court Capture. During his opportunity to question witnesses, Congressman Cohen said: Ever since Bush v. Gore, when the Supreme Court decided to kill the vote count in Florida and elect the Republican candidate for president, the court has lost, and continues to lose, the respect that it once had as an independent body that determined cases by the law instead of by politics. Noting that few of the judicial nominations by Trump have been African Americans, and no African Americans have been nominated to the Courts of Appeals, Congressman Cohen said: That is despicable because diversity is an important part of what America's about giving people opportunity. Congressman Cohen also noted that nine Trump nominees have been rated unqualified by the American Bar Association, seven of whom have been confirmed by the Senate. See Congressman Cohen's entire questioning of witnesses here. Today's hearing witnesses were Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Former U.S. District Judge Nancy Gertner of Massachusetts Professor Tom Ginsburg, University of Chicago Professor Amanda Hollis-Brusky, Pomona College Ilya Shapiro, Director, Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-announces-down-syndrome-research-grant-st-jude | Congressmen Cohen Announces Down Syndrome Research Grant to St. Jude | 2020-09-21 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a grant of $374,456 to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for research on the genetics of Down Syndrome. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: This important work by St. Jude will help us better understand Down Syndrome. I'm pleased to announce this significant support that will keep researchers in their labs advancing scientific discovery. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-remembers-justice-ginsburg | Congressmen Cohen Remembers Justice Ginsburg | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed profound sadness for her family and for the nation on the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He made the following statement: I'm very sad to learn of the passing of Justice Ginsburg. She was a marvelous lady who valued justice and nurtured justice and loved life to the fullest. She made a major difference in the lives of all Americans, but particularly in the lives of the young women who just want a chance to compete on a level playing field and pursue their dreams. Hers was a life well-lived. Thank you, RBG. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/calling-impeachment-attorney-general-william-barr | Calling for the Impeachment of Attorney General William Barr | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I reiterated my call for the impeachment of Attorney General William Barr after his unacceptable comments comparing pandemic stay-at-home orders to slavery, and calling protesters seditious, and the continued politicization of the Department of Justice to benefit President Trump and his friends. I also voted for legislation to help end pregnancy discrimination the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act an issue that Memphis workers have helped bring to light; voted to strengthen educational diversity programs; in light of a scathing new Congressional investigation, resolved to end the lax oversight of airlines by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the misplaced priorities of airlines; applauded Memphians who made national news this week; voted to advance a measure prohibiting discrimination based on racial hair identity; wrote to President Trump about the troubling case of a poisoned Russian opposition leader; reminded constituents of the approaching deadline for filling out 2020 U.S. Census forms; announced significant grants to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; offered 2021 Congressional calendars; and provided a pandemic-related health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram tosee what I'm doing as it happens. Calling for the Impeachment of Attorney General William Barr Voting for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Voting to Strengthen Educational Diversity Programs Resolving to Improve FAA Oversight of Airlines Seeing Memphians in the National Spotlight Advancing the CROWN Act Writing to Trump about Poisoning of Putin Critic Reminding Constituents of Approaching Census Deadline Announcing Grants to St. Jude and UTHSC Offering 2021 Congressional Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Calling for the Impeachment of Attorney General William Barr I have called for an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General William Barr for his assault on the rule of law, due process… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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