Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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141 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "TN" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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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://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-secures-critical-funding-east-tennessee | Fleischmann Secures Critical Funding for East Tennessee | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Chuck Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) released the following statement applauding the House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021: I am proud to have secured critical funding for East Tennessee in my role on the House Appropriations Committee. From the Chickamauga Lock, to the Oak Ridge Reservation, and the Chattanooga Federal courthouse I will never cease fighting for East Tennessee's priorities, Fleischmann continued. I am also glad to see funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic included in this package of legislation. This funding will help the students, families, front-line medical workers, and small businesses who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: East Tennessee: Full funding for Chickamauga Lock Full funding ($750M) for the Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12 Strong overall support for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including HFIR and SNS, supercomputing, and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility Strong funding to continue nuclear cleanup at the Oak Ridge Reservation (over $440M total) Secures funding for multiple public-private partnerships in the energy space $25 million and report language in Fish and Wildlife Service to control Asian carp, including $3 million for contract fishing Funding for the Federal courthouse in Chattanooga, TN Combating COVID-19: Supporting our Working Families and Students $600 stimulus checks per individual/child ($1200 per married couple) Capped at $75,000 gross adjusted income per individual ($150,000 for married couples) Providing Relief to our Small Businesses Provides over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program Creates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 dollars Allows employers to deduct PPP related businesses expenses Repeals CARES Act provision that requires PPP borrowers to deduct their EIDL advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount Extends the repayment period of deferred payroll taxes thr… | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DABE269F-3222-4B2D-B613-999D8D07FE6D | Alexander: There is No More Widely Respected and Experienced Federal Prosecutor in East Tennessee Than Chuck Atchley | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 17, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement afterhe voted for andthe Senate confirmedby a vote of 54 to 41ChuckAtchley to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee: Chuck Atchley's roots in East Tennessee go back to 1785 when Thomas Atchley settled in what is now Sevier County, and he has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee. He has tried more than 100 cases andhas served asthe First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. I have spoken to all of the judges in the Eastern District, and they all gave him high recommendations. Mr. Atchley is ready to be a federal judge, and I am glad the Senate voted to confirm him today. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CD04806-79AC-4223-A1B5-8C000928AFDE | Alexander: Katherine Crytzer is Second Woman to Be U.S. District Court Judge for Eastern District of Tennessee | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 16, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement afterhe voted for andthe Senateconfirmed by a vote of 48-47 Katherine Crytzerto serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee: I am glad the Senate voted to confirm Katherine Crytzer today to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge. Ms. Crytzer is an East Tennessee native and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, summa cum laude. She has served for the last six years at the Justice Department and is currently the Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy. Before that, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Ms. Crytzeris nowthe second woman to be a federal district judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee,and I know she will serve all Tennesseans well. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CAF3CBBB-E299-4189-96D5-B75EA3540790 | Alexander: FDA Approval of Reliable, Low-Cost, At Home Diagnostic Test is A Genuine Breakthrough in COVID-19 Testing | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 15, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Ellume's new over-the-counter, at-home diagnostic COVID-19 test: This is a genuine breakthrough in COVID-19 testing. A low-cost, reliable test that can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription and taken at home in 15 minutes. This is the result of the extraordinary efforts of the National Institutes of Health's Shark Tank,' or RADx initiative, which has produced 22 new ways to create tens of millions of diagnostic tests in the last 8 months. Alexander and Senate health appropriations committee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) led an effort in April to pass funding for the competitive Shark Tank at NIH so it could workin coordination with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the private sector to fast track new technologies designed to produce tens of millions of tests. More about Ellume's test,accordingto NIH: Two unique test cartridges contain a single-use, digital fluorescent immunoassay antigen test that returns accurate results in 15 minutes or less. One cartridge testing nasal swabs can be read out on two platforms by healthcare professionals, at the point of care or in laboratory settings for higher throughput. A second cartridge is being developed for home use with a self-administered nasal swab. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E76550CF-E892-4F91-BAB7-8F80B53476FB | Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 14, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the presidential election: The presidential election is over. States have certified the votes. Courts have resolved disputes. The electors have voted. I hope that President Trump will put the country first, take pride in his considerable accomplishments, and help president-elect Biden get off to a good start. Especially during this pandemic, an orderly transition of power is crucially important. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AD39D739-2D02-401B-863C-3FD77C172759 | Alexander Statement on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-12 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 11, 2020 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration's authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech: Producing a 95 percent effective vaccine in 8 months instead of the 8 years it often takes is truly a medical miracle. Each of us should be grateful to the scientists in pharmaceutical companies and the federal government who produced this result,boththe Trump Administration for leading it and Congress for funding it. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=322E9872-8799-497F-A665-E0A733623A23 | Alexander: Senate Approves Pay Raises, Better Training, More Equipment for Troops | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 11, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after he voted for and the Senate passed by an overwhelming vote of 84-13, the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which establishes the nation's military spending priorities for troops, including those at Fort Campbell, and supportsimportantU.S.Department of Energy national security programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. For the last 60 years, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which prioritizes the men and women who serve in our armed forces, Alexander said. This year's defense bill authorizes pay raises for troops at Fort Campbell and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington and makes important investments in research and development of new technology that will help discourage Russian and Chinese aggression, and allow our military to deal with new and emerging threats. This bill will also authorize funding for advanced equipment to help ensure the men and women of the armed forces have the tools they need to protect American interests at home and abroad. Alexander continued, This legislation will also strengthen our national security by supporting important programs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge to help modernize and maintain our nuclear weapons arsenal. TheHouse of Representatives passed the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act on Tuesday by a vote of 335 to 78. The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes$740.5billionto fundtheU.S.Department of Defense andtheDepartment of Energy, which includes the following priorities: A3.0percent pay increase for members of the military, including troops at Ft. Campbell. $26.6 billionforU.S.Department of Energy national security programs, which support critical work at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. Strengthens our national security by authorizing funds for nuclear weapons modernizati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=977077A7-C4B2-41DC-A03F-4305672ABEB6 | Congressional Committee Leaders Announce Surprise Billing Agreement | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, key House and Senate Committee leaders announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills and establish a fair framework to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and health insurance companies. The deal was agreed to by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA). We have reached a bipartisan, bicameral deal in principleto protect patients from surprise medical bills and promote fairness in payment disputes between insurers and providers, without increasing premiums for patients or interfering with strong, state-level solutions already on the books, the bipartisan, bicameral Committee leaders said. Under this agreement, the days of patients receiving devastating surprise out-of-network medical bills will be over. Patients should not be penalized with these outrageous bills simply because they were rushed to an out-of-network hospital or unknowingly treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility. This is a win for patients and their families that will improve America's health care system. We are pleased to share this language for stakeholder feedback and look forward to continuing to work together to finalize and attach this important new patient protection to the end-of-year funding package. We're hopeful this legislation will be signed into law in the coming days so we can give Americans confidence they will no longer receive financially ruinous surprise out-of-network medical bills. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process… | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=15DF514A-B5D9-4FCC-8889-561CB338597E | Alexander: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Nominations of Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer to Serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 10, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of ChuckAtchleyand Katherine Crytzer to serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee: ChuckAtchley has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee. I am confident he will serve the Eastern District well. If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Crytzer will be the second woman to be a federal district judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. She also will serve Tennessee and the country well. There are currently two vacancies in the Eastern District of Tennessee and caseloads are rising quickly. The Senate should confirm judicial nominees with good character, good temperament, high intelligence, and a high respect for the law. Mr.Atchleyand Ms. Crytzer possess these qualities, and I urge the Senate to promptly confirm them both. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=401ADB89-957F-40F8-9625-FF8CC93BF2E3 | Alexander Delivers Salute to Staff, Suggests New Senate Tradition | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Clickherefor video of the senator's remarks. I'm here today to make a Salute to the Staff' speech. And I know that my colleagues agree that their own accomplishments are the result of working with a superior staff so perhaps a Salute to the Staff' speech might become a new Senate tradition. In a farewell address yesterday I said that I wake up every day thinking I may be able to do something good for our country and that I go to bed most nights thinking that I have. It is has been a great privilege to be a United States Senator and it has been a great privilege over these 18 years to work with such an exceptional staff. Senator Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 3, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said on the Senate floor that a Salute to the Staff speech should be a new Senate tradition, while praising the work of his superior staff over the 18 years of his Senate service. We have some important traditions here in the Senate including the maiden speech, which I made 17 years ago, and the farewell speech which I delivered yesterday, but for me, something is missing. So I'm here today to make a Salute to the Staff' speech. And I know that my colleagues agree that their own accomplishments are the result of working with a superior staff so perhaps a Salute to the Staff' speech might become a new Senate tradition,Alexander said. When I say superior staffhere's what I mean: Superior in being what Senator Howard Baker called an eloquent listener' that the constituent on the phone line might be right or that other staffer in the other office might be right,he continued.Superior in courtesy to the Tennesseans for whom we work. Superior in insight. Superior in resolving complex issues and wrapping up the result in a nice package ready for passage, which usually will be at some unexpected moment. And superior in writing and speaking plain English that persuades at least half the people we're right. Also superior in working well together so that we have a good time while we're work… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0362BF38-1386-4A21-B88C-164BB7CA23EE | Alexander Farewell Address: More Than Ever, Our Country Needs the United States Senate to Turn Pluribus Into Unum | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | It doesn't take a genius to figure out how to gum up the works of a body of one hundred that operates mainly by unanimous consent. Here's my view: it's hard to get here, hard to stay here, and while you're here, you might as well try to accomplish something good for the country. But it's hard to accomplish something if you don't vote on amendments. Lately, the Senate has become like joining the Grand Ole Opry and not being allowed to sing. Sen. Lamar Alexander Clickherefor the video of Sen. Alexander's farewell address. Clickhereto read Sen. Alexander's farewell address. WASHINGTON,December 2, 2020 In his farewell address on the Senate floor, United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today warned that ending the filibuster would destroy the impetus in the United States Senate to force broad agreements on hard issues and unleash the tyranny of the majority to steam roll the minority. Presidents would like it. They would get their way more easily if we ended the requirement that 60 senators vote to cut off debate before we vote on a legislative issue,Alexander said.The passions of the people would roar through the Senate like a freight train, like they do in the House of Representatives. But the main purpose of the Senate is to work across party lines to force broad agreements on hard issues creating laws that most of us can vote for and that a diverse country will accept,he said. That's why the motto above the presiding officer's desk is not just one word, pluribus.' It is E pluribus unum, out of many, one.' More than ever, our country needs a United States Senate to turnpluribusintounum, to lead the American struggle to forge unity from diversity. In the 1930s, the country needed the Senate to create Social Security. After World War II, to create the United Nations. In the 1960s, Medicare. In 1978, to ratify the Panama Canal Treaty. In 2013, more recently, to tie interest rates for student loans to the market rates, saving student borrowers hundreds of billions of dollars in the last s… | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=45BB711C-33C0-4C6B-8ADA-68289439406D | Alexander: $6 Million for 50-75 Miles of Mountain Bike Trails in Cocke County | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Alexander joined Governor Bill Lee, Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-chair Tim Thomas, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe in Cocke County for today's announcement by the ARC. HARTFORD, Tenn., November 30, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said a $6 million federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to construct 50-75 miles of mountain bike trails in Cocke County will help encourage more people that visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to come through Cocke County. This is a huge investment from ARC. Cocke County is one of the most economically distressed counties in Tennessee and this investment will help increase the tourism industry in Cocke County by bringing more of the 12 million visitors who come to Smokies each year and the 3 million visitors who come to the Cherokee National Forest each year to the area,Alexander said.This is a result of a three year effort to make better use of the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier and Cocke counties. The focus was about mountain bikes, and the best land for that in Cocke County turned out to be in the Cherokee National Forest instead of the Foothills Parkway. So, I'm thrilled about the 50-75 miles of new mountain bike trails in Cocke County in the Cherokee National Forest. I'm also glad we're also moving ahead with mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County. These new bike trails will help even more Tennesseans enjoy the outdoors. This investment will benefit the people of Cocke County, TN, and all Americans who hope to experience the beauty and majesty of East Tennessee's rugged mountain landscapes for themselves,Tim Thomas, ARC Federal Co-Chairman, said.This project is a result of strong support from Senator Alexander, and is an example of his productive advocacy for Appalachian Tennessee throughout… | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=71C1B49B-685E-491B-908A-2764FBBD1B7F | Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 23, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: The presidential election is rapidly coming to a formal end.Recounts are being completed.Courts are resolving disputes.Most states will certify their votesbyDecember8. Since it seems apparent that Joe Biden will be the president-elect, myhope isthat President Trump will take pride in his considerable accomplishments, put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed.When you are in public life,people remember the last thing you do. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=07082581-0B93-4A0A-B34F-DC73E9B76BA6 | Alexander Statement on the Presidential Election | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: If there is any chance whatsoever that Joe Biden will be the next president, and it looks like he has a very good chance, the Trump Administration should provide the Biden team with all transition materials, resources, and meetings necessary to ensure a smooth transition so that both sides are ready on day one.That especially should be true, for example, on vaccine distribution. Recounting votes and resolving disputes after a close election is not unprecedented and should reassure Americans that election results are valid. Al Gore finally conceded 37 days after the 2000 election, and then made the best speech of his life accepting the result. My hope is that the loser of this presidential election will follow Al Gore's example, put the country first, congratulate the winner and help him to a good beginning of the new term. The prompt and orderly transfer or reaffirmation of immense power after a presidential election is the most enduring symbol of our democracy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6A9655D7-F351-468F-8290-7DBB5E4034C1 | Alexander: Tennessee to Receive Significant Funding This Year from Great American Outdoors Act | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | I'm thrilled that Tennessee will receive a significant amount of funding from the Great American Outdoors Act. This funding will help ensure even more Tennesseans and Americans across the country enjoy the outdoors. Sen. Lamar Alexander NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said Tennessee will receive significant funding this year from the Great American Outdoors Act legislation the senator sponsored and the president signed into law that will cut in half maintenance backlog in our national parks, national forests and other public lands. The new law also fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanently, a goal of Congress since 1964. The Great American Outdoors Act is the most important and significant conservation and outdoor recreation legislation in 50 years. It is the largest federal investment in national parks since the Eisenhower years, Alexander said. This law will cut in half the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and national forests and other public lands, fixing pot holes, leaky roofs, trails, roads, visitor centers and campgrounds. For the Smokies that means substantially reducing a $224 million backlog, which is ten times the Smokies' annual budget. The new law also fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), an unrealized goal of Congress and the conservation community since 1964. Fully funding the LWCF was also a recommendation of President Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors, which I chaired in 1985. Alexander continued, I'm thrilled that Tennessee will receive a significant amount of funding this year from the Great American Outdoors Act this year. The Department of the Interior announced today the Smokies will receive funding from the new law to replace the Sugarlands maintenance buildings and rehabilitate 17 miles of the Foothills Parkway in Blount County. Additionally, the new law will provide up to $1.36 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects in three … | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BB750739-CE14-4506-81C2-2724F6CAA418 | Alexander Recommends U.S. District Court Judge Nominees Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer to Senate Judiciary Committee | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | The Senate should confirm judicial nominees with good character, good temperament, high intelligence, and a high respect for the law. Mr. Atchley and Ms. Crytzer possess these qualities, and I hope they will be quickly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmed by the Senate. Sen. Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 18, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced the president's two nominees, Chuck Atchley and Katherine Crytzer, at their confirmation hearing to serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Eastern District of Tennessee before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate's constitutional power to advice and consent on presidential nominations is one of the Senate's best known and most important responsibilities,Alexander said.Lately, the Senate has been taking one week to confirm five nominations, but it wasn't so long ago that most federal district judges and most presidential nominees were promptly approved by voice vote. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, several of us worked together in a bipartisan way and changed the Senate rules to speed up confirmations. Our agreement soon fell apart. What we needed was not a change of rules, but a change of behavior. Now would be a good time to change that behavior and get the confirmation process back on track. On Chuck Atchley:Chuck Atchley's roots in East Tennessee go back to 1785 when Thomas Atchley settled in what is now Sevier County, and he has spent nearly 20 years working on behalf of East Tennesseans in the federal court system. There is no more widely respected and experienced federal prosecutor in East Tennessee,Alexander said. He has tried more than 100 cases and is now the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. I have spoken to all of the judges in the Eastern District, and they all gave him high recommendations. I have found that Mr. Atchley's nomination is supported by his colleagues, his superiors and even his opposing counsel. On Katherine Crytzer:I would also like to… | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4BAF160D-96C4-4764-811F-54C564CF1C22 | Alexander: Senate Appropriations Committee Includes Complete Funding to Construct a New Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Construction of a new courthouse is the only solution to address the significant operation, space, and security deficiencies that exist at the current federal courthouse in Chattanooga the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse which was constructed 87 years ago. Senator Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 16, 2020 U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on the Senate's Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill that would provide $189.1 million for the construction of a new federal courthouse in Chattanooga. This bill, at my request, provides $189.1 million to build a badly needed new courthouse in the largest and busiest judicial district in Tennessee. Construction for this new courthouse has been through a rigorous justification and prioritization process for 21 years, and is the only solution to addressing the significant operation, space, and security deficiencies that exist at the current federal courthouse in Chattanooga the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse which was constructed 87 years ago,Alexander said.The Judicial Conference of the United States has designated Chattanooga as a Courthouse Construction Priority, and I am glad that the need for this new facility has been recognized by the committee. The $189.1 million will be appropriated in one lump sum to pay for the entire project,Alexander said.Speeding up construction and saving taxpayers money. The Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill is consistent with the spending limits included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 approved by Congress, and signed by President Trump, in August 2019. The funding must now be considered and approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to become law. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C5750981-7F9E-45F1-ABCA-16FA2E95F4B9 | Alexander Statement on Judy Shelton Nomination | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 16, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement about the President's nomination of Judy Shelton to be a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board: I oppose the nomination of Judy Shelton because I am not convinced that she supports the independence of the Federal Reserve Board as much as I believe the Board of Governors should. I don't want to turn over management of the money supply to a Congress and a President who can't balance the federal budget. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3A50DA20-F7C2-43CB-942C-A9CDC45CA1ED | Alexander: Senate Proposes Sixth Year of Record Funding for 17 National Laboratories and Seventh Year of Record Funding for Locks, Dams and Harbors | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, November 10, 2020The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee today unveiled legislation sponsored by subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that includes the sixth consecutive year of record funding for the Office of Science the most important U.S. Department of Energy program that supports work at our 17 national laboratories, includingOak Ridge National Laboratory.The Senate bill also prioritizes funding for supercomputing and advanced nuclear programs and provides the seventh consecutive year of record funding for the Corps of Engineers. I proposed aNew Manhattan Project for Clean Energylast March afive year project with Ten Grand Challenges that will use American research and technology to put our country and the world firmly on a path toward cleaner, cheaper energy. To provide the tools to create these breakthroughs, the federal government should double its funding for energy research and reinstate the United States as number one in the world in advanced computing. That is why setting a new record funding level for the Office of Science the nation's largest supporter of research in the physical sciences is one of my top priorities,Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said. This sixth consecutive year of record level funding for the Office of Science allows us to take advantage of the United States' secret weapon, our extraordinary capacity for basic research at our 17 national laboratories and will help build and develop the next generation of supercomputers. Thisbill also includes $7.722 billion a new record funding level in a regular appropriations bill for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and rebuild our nation's waterways, including up to $69 million to fully fund construction at Chickamauga Lock for the seventh consecutiveyear,Alexander said.This is great news for East Tennessee since the new lock will help keep up to 150,000 trucks off I-75 and keep the cost of shipping goods low for manufacturers across the state… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5FF90A06-C202-4909-895E-BA426ED0D43D | Alexander Statement on Veterans Day | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, November 10, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: I am deeply grateful for the men and women of the Armed Services whose dedication has protected our way of life andourfreedoms. Thank you for your great sacrifice, and thank you to your families who sacrifice with you. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=07C72BC1-9DCD-4A16-B4A6-DB562295457D | Alexander: Governor Cuomo Should Focus His Time and Resources on Planning to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines in New York | 2020-11-09 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tennessee, November 9, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D)should focus his time and resources on planning to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in New York once they are approved by the career scientists at the Food and Drug Administration,regardless of who is president. Alexander's statement came after Gov. Cuomo said today that it is bad news that Pfizer announced preliminary 90% efficacy results in their COVID-19 vaccine trials before the next president assumes office. The Trump Administration is rolling out the vaccination plan and I believe it's flawed They're basically going to have the private providers do it and that's going to leave out all sorts of communities that were left out the first time when COVID ravaged them, Cuomo continued. Some people incorrectly believe warp speed' means cutting corners, Alexander said. But it actually refers to the extraordinary investment in research, development, and manufacturing scale-up for a COVID-19 vaccine and the unprecedented step to help speed manufacturing for hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines early in the process by buying these doses in advance so they can be ready to distribute as soon as the new vaccines are approved by the FDA." The Trump Administration has provided guidance to states, who are ultimately responsible for developing and implementing their specific plans for vaccine distribution for their specific populations. The guidance includes specific information on how states can ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach at-risk communities. Many states, including my home state of Tennessee, have demonstrated that they are focusing on the needs of these communities in their planning. I urge Governor Cuomo to instead focus his time and resources on planning to distribute the vaccine in his state rather than undermining public confidence in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Gov. Cuomo and some other governors have also recently announced they are setting up their own state … | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=40D8BB22-0485-4F09-80C8-5CEC549C16A8 | Alexander Statement on the Counting of Votes in the Presidential Election | 2020-11-07 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 7, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the counting of votes in the presidential election: After counting every valid vote and allowing courts to resolve disputes, it is important torespect and promptly accept the result. The orderly transfer or reaffirming of immense power after a presidential election is the most enduring symbol of our democracy. ### | 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://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-america-needs-confidence-fair-and-transparent-system | Fleischmann: America Needs Confidence in a Fair and Transparent System | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Chuck Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | legacy | CHATTANOOGA, TN Congressman ChuckFleischmann(TN-03)released the following statementurging for transparency to preserve the integrity of our elections: America needs confidence in a fair and transparent system. Every legal vote should be counted; illegal votes should not. All credible allegations of fraud should be investigated and handled by the courts. Ensuring confidence and transparency in our institutions should not be a partisan issue. ### | 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://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/englishespa-ol-fleischmann-statement-matthew-heath-s-unjust-imprisonment | English/Espaol: Fleischmann Statement on Matthew Heaths Unjust Imprisonment in Venezuela | 2020-10-31 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Chuck Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | legacy | CHATTANOOGA, TN U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) released the following statement on the unjust imprisonment of Matthew Heath by the Maduro regime in Venezuela: On September 10th, 2020 Matthew Heath was taken into custody under false charges by the Maduro regime. We remain concerned about the conditions in which Mr. Heath is being unjustly held and his ability to receive due process. My office has been in continued contact with the Heath family, as well as the Department of State, and the United States Embassy in Bogot, Colombia. We will continue to do all we can to secure the release of Matthew Heath so that he can safely return home and be reunited with his family here in East Tennessee. ### Fleischmann sobre el injusto encarcelamiento de Matthew Heath en Venezuela CHATTANOOGA, TN El Congresista Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre el injusto encarcelamiento de Matthew Heath por parte del rgimen de Maduro en Venezuela: El 10 de Septiembre del 2020, Matthew Heath fue detenido bajo cargos falsos por parte del rgimen de Maduro. Seguimos preocupados por las condiciones en las que Heath se encuentra cautivo y su capacidad de recibir un juicio justo. Mi oficina ha estado en constante comunicacin tanto con la familia Heath, como con el Departamento de Estado y con la Embajada de Estados Unidos en Colombia. Continuaremos haciendo todo lo posible para asegurar la liberacin de Matthew Heath para que pueda volver a casa y reunirse con su familia aqu en el estado de Tennessee. ### | 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=376B4091-C116-41F6-B603-82F3ECD5A1A7 | Alexander: Trump Administration Doing the Right Thing By Providing Free COVID-19 Vaccines for Tens of Millions of Americans Including Seniors and Low-Income Families | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tennessee, October 29, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration is doing the right thing by providing free COVID-19 vaccines for tens of millions of Americans including seniors and low-income families, after the Trump Administration released a plan that makes COVID-19 vaccines free for seniors through Medicare, low-income populations through Medicaid, and those with private insurance. The plan also bans providers from sending surprise bills to recipients of a vaccine, clarifies how doctors and hospitals get paid for treating seniors with novel treatments and providing a vaccine for COVID-19, and increases price transparency for COVID-19 diagnostic tests. I commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to making sure that patientsparticularly seniors and low-income patientswill be able to get COVID-19 vaccines administered at no cost and without the threat of receiving a surprise medical bill months later, Alexander continued. By making vaccines free and protecting patients from surprise bills, the Trump Administration is helping to ensure that once a COVID-19 vaccine is available, cost will not be a barrier for Americans. The rules also remove red tape so hospitals and doctors can get paid more easily for novel COVID-19 treatments, and requires the cash prices for diagnostic tests for COVID-19 to be made public which will help protect patients and control costs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BB8276F2-1FEE-4055-A5A2-9A31887F9536 | Chairman Alexander: Trump Administration Price Transparency Rule Will Protect Patients and Contain Costs | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tennessee, October 29, 2020 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration's final rule requiring health insurers to disclose price and out-of-pocket costs information will protect patients and contain costs, adding that Congress should do its part by passing the bipartisan, bicameral Lower Health Care Costs Act. You can't lower your health care costs until you know what your health care costs, Alexander said. The Senate health committee and two House committees agree on provisions to increase transparency, consistent with today's action by the Trump Administration which will help patients have a clearer understanding of what their health care costs by requiring health insurers to disclose greater pricing information. Alexander continued: Congress should now do its part to help patients make more informed health care decisions by passing the Lower Health Care Costs Act which includes further transparency provisions that would let patients know in advance of a doctor's visit how much they will owe out of their own pocket, ban gag clauses between payers and providers which keep patients from knowing the lowest possible price, and help states establish All Payer Claims Databases which make data available for providers to improve quality and insurers to contain costs. Background: The Lower Health Care Cost Act is a bipartisan, bicameral proposal supported by three congressional committees. The legislation ends surprise medical billing by protecting patients from billing disputes, providing timely payments to health care providers based on where the patient lives and where they receive care, and creating a system of Independent Dispute Resolution, more commonly referred to as baseball-style arbitration. Additionally, the legislation increases transparency, improves public health, lowers drug costs, and enhances the exchange of health information. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would offer enough savings to provide f… | 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://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-judge-amy-coney-barrett-will-be-excellent-addition-us-supreme-court | Fleischmann: Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be an Excellent Addition to the U.S. Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Chuck Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | legacy | CHATTANOOGA, TNU.S. Representative ChuckFleischmann(R-TN-03)released the followingstatementapplauding the Senate confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court: Today is a tremendous day for the United States judicial system. I am proud of my colleagues in the Senate who voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett. She is a fantastic legal mind and will be an excellent addition to the United States Supreme Court. I have faith Judge Barrett will uphold the rule of law, as she said in her opening remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee, It was the content of Justice Scalia's reasoning that shaped me. His judicial philosophy was straightforward: A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were.' I wish soon to be Justice Amy Coney Barrett the best as she takes on this historic role. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E60F9FB-BD70-45F8-A62F-2A76EA381615 | Alexander Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, October 26, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on his vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States: I voted to confirm Judge Barrett because she demonstrates all the characteristics I look for in a judge -- respect for the law, intelligence, scholarship, integrity, and steady temperament. She is well-qualified and has said she will decide cases based upon the law, not her personal views. I have no doubt she will make an excellent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. After meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett on October 21, Alexander said, Having attended college in Tennessee and law school in Indiana, her background will strengthen the Supreme Court by diversifying it. Judge Barrett was confirmed today by a vote of 52 to 48. She previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Alexander supported Judge Barrett's nomination to the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett is a mother of seven and is now the youngest member currently serving on the Supreme Court. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=946BD910-7DAA-4923-B3AC-20F27D905CC5 | Alexander: New York and California Governors Should Stop Second Guessing FDA on Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines | 2020-10-24 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, October 24, 2020 The Chairman of the U.S. Senate health committee said today that the governors of New York and California should respect career scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and stop second guessing the scientists' decisions on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. The governors have announced they are setting up their own state COVID-19 vaccine review panels. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) said, Frankly, I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion, and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) said, Of course we won't take anyone's word for it. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) urged the governors not to interfere with the decisions of career scientists. Every day Americans take the word of these scientists' approval of safety and efficacy when we purchase 3.8 billion prescriptions each year, he said. The senator said that he had telephoned White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in October to urge the White House not to interfere with the standards set by career scientists at FDA. The White House did exactly what I had urged. They respected those decisions and did not change a word. The governors of New York and California should show the same respect to the FDA career scientists that the White House did. Undermining the FDA's gold standard of safety and efficacy by setting up state vaccine review panels could delay approval, discourage Americans from taking the vaccine, and cost lives, Alexander said. Alexander concluded his remarks on the Senate floor today: I would hope that these Democratic Governors would instead focus their time and resources on planning to distribute the vaccine, and improving testing and contact tracing with the resources Congress has provided, rather than second guessing the efforts of FDA scientists. Watch Chairman Alexander's full remarks 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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8A0AAB53-3D99-4E4B-9B6A-50736F390288 | Alexander Statement on Judge Amy Coney Barrett | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | *Click here for a high-resolution photo of Senator Alexander meeting with Judge Barrett in the U.S. Capitol* WASHINGTON, October 21, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett: During her confirmation hearings, Judge Barrett demonstrated respect for the law, intelligence, good character and steady temperament. Having attended college in Tennessee and law school in Indiana, her background will strengthen the Supreme Court by making it more diverse. She is well-qualified and has said she will decide cases based upon the law, not her personal views. Judge Barrett will be an excellent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and I will vote to confirm her nomination. Judge Amy Coney Barrett currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett was confirmed by the Senate on October 31, 2017, by a vote of 55 to 43. Senator Alexander supported Judge Barrett's nomination to the Seventh Circuit. Judge Barrett is a mother of seven, and if confirmed would become the youngest member currently serving on the Supreme Court. Click here for video of Alexander's remarks and here for b-roll. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C3233328-4330-4963-A6B0-A333958EF4B7 | Alexander Votes for COVID-19 Legislation to Help Businesses and Schools, Fund Testing and Vaccines, and Prepare for Future Pandemics | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, October 21, 2020United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today voted for COVID-19 relief legislation that was blocked by Senate Democrats. For the second time in two months, Senate Democrats have blocked legislation that would provide an additional $500 billion in COVID-19 relief for many things that have bipartisan supportadditional unemployment benefits, more Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, more federal funding to help schools and child care reopen safely, and more money for testing and vaccine development, Alexander said. Since March, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed nearly $3 trillion in relief for families, workers and businesses, and to contain the disease, but there is still more work to be done. Democrats and Republicans should be able to work together and focus on these areas where we have bipartisan agreement so that Congress can provide much needed assistance to the country. While we are in the midst of dealing with this pandemic it would also be wise to remember any legislation Congress passes this year should prepare for the next pandemic by making sure that support for onshore manufacturing is sustained, stockpiles are full, and states have the right tools and resources to respond. The reason to do that now, while our eye is on the ball, is because the next pandemic could be as soon as next year. Background on the Delivering Immediate Relief to America's Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act: Provides an additional $300 per week in federally funded unemployment benefits Provides an additional round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses Provides an additional $105 billion to help schools and colleges re-open safely Provides an additional $15 billion to help parents get the child care they need so they can get back to work Provides an additional $16 billion for states to conduct more testing and contact tracing Provides an additional $31 billion to develop and procure tests, treatments, and vaccin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A32A2DB7-C96F-4F5D-BC95-DB5659755EA9 | Alexander Statement on Dr. Fauci | 2020-10-19 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn., October 19, 2020 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: Dr. Fauci is one of our country's most distinguished public servants. He has served six presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan. If more Americans paid attention to his advice, we'd have fewer cases of COVID-19, and it would be safer to go back to school and back to work and out to eat. ### | 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://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/fleischmann-applauds-completion-east-tennessee-technology-park-cleanup | Fleischmann Applauds Completion of East Tennessee Technology Park Cleanup | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Chuck Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | legacy | OAK RIDGE, TN Today, Congressman ChuckFleischmann(TN-03)spoke at the Vision 2020 event in Oak Ridge, Tennessee celebrating the completion of cleanup operations at the East Tennessee Technology Park. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Governor Bill Lee (R-TN), and Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette also spoke at the event. I am honored and excited to be a part of today's celebration with Senator Lamar Alexander, Governor Bill Lee, and Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. I applaud the DOE's Environmental Management program and the thousands of East Tennesseans that have worked for years to make today a reality, Rep. Fleischmann said. The realization of Vision 2020 the completion of cleanup operations at the East Tennessee Technology Park, now the Heritage Center is a tremendous milestone for nuclear cleanup in the state, as well as in the country. I will continue to work tirelessly in Congress to make sure that the cleanup progress that we are celebrating today continues until we have successfully fulfilled our obligation to cleanup legacy nuclear sites. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3FB0CDDD-EB3B-4637-A093-11BFCBAC43C7 | Alexander: Oak Ridge Corridor Supporting New Advanced Nuclear Reactors | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Nuclear power must be part of our energy future if we want clean, cheap, and reliable energy that can create good jobs. Government-sponsored research has helped make America the greatest country in the world, and, in fact, much of that is happening right here in the Oak Ridge Corridor. Senator Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Tenn., October 13, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Oak Ridge National Laboratory will support the development of new advanced nuclear reactors after the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $160 million to two projects as part of the Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program (ARDP). The new program, which was created last year, is a cost-shared partnership between the federal government and private industry. The funding announced today will support the construction of two reactors that are intended to be operational in five to seven years. Nuclear power must be part of our energy future if we want clean, cheap, and reliable energy that can create good jobs. To make sure nuclear power has a future in this country, and keep America competitive in a global economy, we need to develop advanced reactors that have the potential to be smaller, cost less, and produce less waste than today's reactors. We need to stop talking about advanced reactors and actually build something, Alexander said. The grants the U.S. Department of Energy announced today will help build two new advanced nuclear reactors to demonstrate the capabilities they may bring, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the capabilities in the Oak Ridge Corridor have an important role to play. Alexander serves as the chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. The senator sponsored legislation the Senate passed last year that included $300 million in grant funding as a part of the new Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program. Today's announcement is good news for East Tennessee because X-Energy is using fuel being developed in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Laborator… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FB51A6A4-C1F7-4F4C-B908-4542B28FD9A6 | Alexander: Oak Ridge First in History to Clean Up an Entire Uranium Enrichment Site | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | After years of demolition, the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management has cleaned up the East Tennessee Technology Park safely removing hundreds of old, contaminated buildings and making 2,200 acres available for economic development and recreation. Senator Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, October 13, 2020 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that Oak Ridge has again made history by being the first to clean up an entire uranium enrichment site and by doing it four years early and under budget. After years of demolition, the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management has cleaned up the East Tennessee Technology Park safely removing hundreds of old, contaminated buildings and making 2,200 acres available for economic development and recreation. This is the first time in the world an entire uranium enrichment complex has been taken down, Alexander said. I'm so proud of these Tennessee workers, the contractors and the entire community, who have gone above and beyond to complete Vision 2020. Alexander continued, I'm pleased not only at the magnitude of what was achieved at the East Tennessee Technology Park, but also the manner in which it was achieved. The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management and its contractor UCOR completed this work four years ahead of schedule, saving taxpayers $80 million in estimated cleanup costs and $500 million in environmental liabilities. This is truly a model of how to successfully clean up Department of Energy sites." Alexander serves as chairman of the Senate appropriations subcommittee that has provided billions in fundingand oversight for cleanup at Oak Ridge and other Department of Energy sites across the country. This environmental cleanup effort has also provided good jobs to everyone from engineers to craft and from large industries to local small businesses. Alexander concluded, It is clearing away hazards, while creating new opportunities for the community, economy and for the Department of Energy's important current and future missio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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