Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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166 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "TN" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-13-million-help-prepare-shelby-county-children-school | Cohen Announces More Than $13 Million to Help Prepare Shelby County Children for School | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County has been awarded a $13,161,380 grant from the Department of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start projects that help promote school readiness of children from birth until the age of 5 by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. “Today’s funding is an investment in our children, an investment in our families, and an investment in our future,” said Congressman Cohen. “Because of this important funding, children from low-income families throughout Shelby County’s will be healthier and better prepared to learn when they enter school. We will see countless benefits down the line as today’s children grow into tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, and productive members of our society. This is an important program that I am proud to support.” Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Shelby County Head Start provides these services to over 3,000 children in Memphis and Shelby County. Today’s funding will complete the funding needed for the school year that ends in May 2014. An announcement about who will administer the Head Start grant for the 2014-1015 school year is expected within the next few months, along with additional funding for this vital program. The Head Start program was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965 as an eight-week demonstration project. Since its founding, Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in every corner of the nation and has grown to include full day as well as year services and numerous program options. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-putin-made-right-decision-free-imprisoned-musicians-and-other-political | Cohen: Putin Made Right Decision To Free Imprisoned Musicians and Other Political Prisoners | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reiterated that the imprisoned members of Russian punk music group “Pussy Riot” should never have been incarcerated for an artistic performance and expressed approval of news that Russian President Vladimir Putin would—at long last—grant them their freedom. Congressman Cohen had written to President Vladimir Putin multiple times since the sentencing of Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina last year urging a pardon for their so-called crimes of “hooliganism.” “Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina are not criminals, but artists who received neither fair trials nor humane sentences,” said Congressman Cohen. “Two years in prison for a performance that—at worst—would be described as ‘disorderly conduct’ here in America is outrageous and inappropriate. And while they are among the best known political prisoners in Russia, there are thousands more incarcerated for things such as political speech, ‘hooliganism,’ and other so-called ‘crimes.’ In granting amnesty to thousands of political prisoners, Russia and President Putin made the right decision. It is an important step towards correcting these injustices and furthering the cause of human rights—but it must not be the last. I sincerely hope these actions are not simply window-dressing in advance of the 2014 Olympics, but reflect a shift in Russian policy regarding free expression. I look forward to seeing Ms. Tolokonnikova and Ms. Alyokhina perform with their band soon in the United States.” President Putin yesterday announced that he would pardon both Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, several environmental activists, and Mikhail Khodorovsky—who many feel was imprisoned because of political opposition to Putin—as part of a mass amnesty that could affect more than 20,000 prisoners in Russia. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-send-guest-book-memphis-nelson-mandela-memorial-late-south-african-presidents | Cohen to Send Guest Book From Memphis Nelson Mandela Memorial to the Late South African President's Family | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After attending last weekend’s memorial service for the late Nelson Mandela at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that he will send the service’s guest book to the late President’s family in South Africa. A photo of the guest book from the R.S. Lewis Funeral Home, the same funeral home where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s body was taken for public viewing in April of 1968, is available here. “At the memorial service over the weekend, I reflected on the late Nelson Mandela’s enduring spirit and his many honorable accomplishments,” said Congressman Cohen. “I will make sure that his family in South Africa receives this guest book from the same funeral home where Dr. King was taken for public viewing, the R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-president-obama-right-track-can-and-should-do-more-bring-fairness-our-justice | Cohen: President Obama on the Right Track, But Can and Should Do More to Bring Fairness to Our Justice System | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After President Obama commuted the sentences of 8 Americans serving unfair crack cocaine sentences and pardoned 13 others, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) positively acknowledged the use of executive clemency but noted that thousands more like these Americans remain incarcerated, serving sentences that would not be ordered today and that have been repudiated by Congress and by the United States. For years, the Congressman has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address these injustices, including repeatedly urging Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in a letter sent to the President in June, in an August speech on Capitol Hill and in a column that appeared in The Nation. “President Obama took a step in the right direction with the commutation of a small number of Americans that he acknowledged were ‘sentenced under an unfair system,’” said Congressman Cohen. “But he also acknowledged that there are ‘thousands’ more still serving unfair sentences, and that this ‘must not be the last’ step towards restoring justice and fairness in our judicial system—I could not agree more. President Obama can and should use his Constitutional power to help bring all of these inmates the justice they deserve, not just 8 of them.” The Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nation’s approach to drug policy and took a critical step towards eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President mentioned today, it “came too late” for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed are still serving sentences that have been repudiated by Congress and the President. Now that the United States government has declared these sentences to be void against public policy, the President can and should use his commutation power to remedy this injustice for all of those still incarcerated under … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/remember-get-covered-december-23rd | Remember to Get Covered by December 23rd | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I’m glad to be home in Memphis for the holidays after a long and frustrating year in Congress. I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season. Keep reading to learn what else happened this week. Honoring the Late Nelson Mandela Helping Memphians Get Covered by December 23rd Extending Coverage to Those Most in Need Opposing Telephone Calls on Airplanes Senator Elizabeth Warren Joins My Effort to Ensure All Job Seekers Are Treated Fairly Reining In the FISA Court and NSA Surveillance 2014 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available White House Internships Grant Announcements Honoring the Late Nelson Mandela In the last week, I attended a memorial service for the late Nelson Mandela at the R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home—the same funeral home where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s body was taken for public viewing in April of 1968. At the memorial service this week, I signed the guest book and reflected on his great spirit and accomplishments. I will make sure that the guest book gets to the Mandela family in South Africa. Helping Memphians Get Covered by December 23rd All Memphians should have quality health coverage and the President’s landmark Affordable Care Act—also known as Obamacare—is making affordable, higher-quality coverage available to people who have not had access to it in the past. Luckily, many who have been unable to afford quality coverage in the past are now eligible to enroll in Tennessee’s Health Insurance Marketplace, though the deadline to enroll for coverage that starts on January 1st is just 4 days away. If you do not have health insurance coverage, you may also be eligible to save money on your health care premiums in the Marketplace. If you are on Medicare or your employer is going to offer qualified health insurance next year that you will enroll in, you’re already covered and won’t need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren’t sure whether or not you will need to use the Marketplace to get insurance, call the Mark… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/gaining-momentum-cohen-bill-prevent-employers-using-credit-checks-hiring-process | Gaining Momentum, Cohen Bill to Prevent Employers from Using Credit Checks in Hiring Process Introduced in the Senate | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Greater Memphis residents have among the lowest average credit ratings in America [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today commended U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA) on introducing his legislation, the Equal Employment for All Act, in the United States Senate. The legislation, which is cosponsored by 6 other Senators and 31 U.S. Representatives in the House, would help protect job applicants from unfair discrimination from employers based on less-than-stellar or inaccurate credit ratings. “Using a job applicant’s credit history to deny employment is not fair because personal credit history is not an accurate predictor of job performance,” said Congressman Cohen. “We should be doing everything in our power to help people find jobs during these tough economic times – not hinder them. Having Senator Warren and other consumer champions on our side is great news and I look forward to working with her to pass our Equal Employment for All Act.” Congressman Cohen originally introduced the Equal Employment for All Act in 2009 to prohibit employers from using credit checks and bankruptcy filings in the hiring process unless the position sought involves national security, FDIC clearance or tremendous financial responsibility. “A bad credit rating is far more often the result of unexpected medical costs, unemployment, economic downturns, or other bad breaks than it is a reflection on an individual's character or abilities,” Senator Warren said. “Families have not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, and too many Americans are still searching for jobs. This is about basic fairness -- let people compete on the merits, not on whether they already have enough money to pay all their bills.” According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the number of U.S. employers conducting pre-employment credit checks is on the rise, up from 36 percent to 43 percent. It was previously thought that credit history may provide insight into an individual's character, but research has shown that an individua… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-leads-bipartisan-congressional-letter-urging-faa-not-allow-cell-phone-calls | Cohen Leads Bipartisan Congressional Letter Urging FAA to Not Allow Cell Phone Calls In Flight | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened the door to a proposal that would allow for voice calls from cell phones during domestic air travel, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sent a bipartisan Congressional letter to Michael Huerta, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), strongly urging him to maintain the ban on cell phone calls in flight. The letter, which is cosigned by 14 Members of Congress and available here, also expresses concerns about disruptions to passengers’ flight experience as well as for consumer safety. “We share the concerns of the flying public and the many professionals in the aviation industry that such a change to the current rules disallowing the use of cell phone voice networks could result in not only a markedly less pleasant flying experience, but a less safe one as well,” wrote the Representatives. “Allowing passengers to make phone calls while in flight would disrupt the right of consumers to enjoy the quiet comfort of their flight. In addition, we have strong concerns about the effect such a change may have on safety. Simply put, the flying experience in the United States would be forever changed for the worse if voice calls are allowed on flights. We hope that you will consider our concerns and those of the industry’s experienced professionals as you consider how to proceed.” Should the FCC change its current rules, the FAA would have to approve changes to in-flight policies made by individual airlines. Last month, the Association of Flight Attendants released a statement explaining: “Any situation that is loud, divisive, and possibly disruptive is not only unwelcome but also unsafe.” Representatives Michael Capuano (MA-07), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), Sam Farr, (CA-20), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Michael Honda (CA-17), Walter Jones (NC-03), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Thomas Petri (WI-06), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), and Eric Swalwell (CA-15) joined Congre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/honoring-nelson-mandelas-memory | Honoring Nelson Mandela's Memory | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, the late Nelson Mandela was on my mind quite a bit. The life he led and his steadfast dedication to the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation stand alone in their impact on the world as we know it today. The importance and priority that he placed on those principles played a role in my introducing the first Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow laws to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives five years ago. Apologizing for past wrongs is the first step towards forgiveness and reconciliation, and it was an important step for Congress to take that helped bring people with different backgrounds and historical experiences together. I spoke with Joie Chen on “America Tonight” about what Mandela’s death means for us and how we can move closer to the goal of true reconciliation. My interview will air in the coming days on "America Tonight," which airs at 8PM CT. While the channel depends on your television provider, you can click here to learn where it airs for you. Keep reading to learn more about what went on in Washington this week. Passing a Bipartisan Budget Compromise Helping Memphians Get Covered Fully Funding the National Institutes of Health Hope Scholarships 2014 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Grants to Memphis White House Internships Grant Announcements Passing a Bipartisan Budget Compromise America is tired of government by crisis and of a Congress that lurches from one shutdown threat to the next. Last night, I voted for a two-year bipartisan budget compromise that will provide the stability both the business community and the American people need and deserve. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 passed the House by a 332 to 94 vote, putting us on course to pass the first budget through a divided Congress since 1986. You can watch me discussing the budget deal on “America Tonight” by clicking here. While I don’t agree with everything in the bill, I joined President Obama in supporting it because it is a significant step in the right … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-chairman-lamar-smith-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-consumers-unfair-taxes | Cohen, Chairman Lamar Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumers From Unfair Taxes on Digital Goods | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21) this week to introduce legislation that would protect consumers from unfair taxes on digital goods, like those purchased over the Internet or on a smartphone. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2013, H.R. 3724, ensures that digital goods are not taxed at a higher rate than their tangible counterparts. “Digital goods and services are quickly becoming a driving force in our national economy,” said Congressman Cohen. “We need to establish a uniform framework for the taxation of digital goods and services so consumers won’t be double-taxed. Our Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act would accomplish such a goal.” Chairman Smith said: “In our modern economy, more and more consumers are buying digital goods and services rather than tangible goods. While books are still sold in stores across the country, readers can now download hundreds of digital books, newspapers and magazines instantaneously with the click of a mouse from the comfort of their home. But as technology advances, it is important that tax policies do not unfairly penalize consumers who choose to download digital goods rather than purchase their tangible counterparts. This legislation promotes tax fairness and ensures that consumers are not discouraged from purchasing digital goods.” This legislation would prevent the taxation of mp3 and software downloads, for example, at a higher rate than the tax on music and software CDs. The bill would also make sure that consumers do not suffer tax discrimination because they choose to purchase a good in digital rather than tangible form. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2013 is also cosponsored by Representatives Spencer Bachus (AL-06), Steve Chabot (OH-01), and Howard Coble (NC-06). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and John Thune (R-SD). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-house-passage-bipartisan-budget-act-2013 | Cohen Statement on House Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – After the United States House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 to alleviate some of sequestration’s crippling effects, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement: “America is tired of government by crisis and of a Congress that lurches from one shutdown threat to the next. I voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act because this compromise will provide the stability both the business community and the American people need and deserve. While I don’t agree with everything in the bill, I joined President Obama in supporting it because it is a significant step in the right direction.” “Tonight’s vote means we are on course to pass the first budget through a divided Congress since 1986. The agreement will also alleviate some of the crippling effects of sequestration by restoring $25 billion for non-defense discretionary programs like Meals on Wheels, LIHEAP, and research at the National Institutes of Health that could lead to cures for debilitating and fatal diseases.” “Still, I am disappointed that this agreement does nothing to help the more than one million Americans at risk of losing unemployment benefits just days after Christmas. Earlier today, I voted to ensure this agreement extended a lifeline to those Americans looking for work, but Speaker Boehner and his colleagues did not join me and the vote failed. I will continue to urge the Speaker to keep the House in session until an extension of the unemployment compensation program is passed.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-165-house-dems-call-speaker-boehner-help-nations-unemployed-taking-his-christmas | Cohen, 173 House Dems Call on Speaker Boehner to Help the Nation's Unemployed Before Taking His Christmas Vacation | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – On the heels of the announcement of a 2-year budget agreement that does nothing to prevent more than a million Americans from losing unemployment benefits while they look for work, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today joined 173 of his House Democratic colleagues in calling on Speaker Boehner to keep the House of Representatives in Washington and working until an extension of the unemployment compensation program is passed. “Without swift Congressional action, 1.3 million jobless workers will have their benefits cut off on December 28th, and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment benefits over the first half of next year,” the Representatives wrote today in a letter to the Speaker. “This would not only be a devastating blow for millions of Americans who are already struggling, but it would also hurt our economy.” The Representatives continued: “Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits… We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year.” The federal unemployment insurance program is scheduled to expire December 28, immediately cutting of all jobless aid to 1.3 million Americans. An additional 1.9 million Americans who are estimated to be eligible for federal unemployment insurance in the first half of 2014 would lose access to that coverage. The text of the letter sent by House Democrats to Speaker Boehner today follows: Dear Speaker Boehner: We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year. Without swift Congressional action, 1.3 million jobless workers will have their benefits cut off on December 28th, and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment benefits ov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-blasts-house-gop-effort-distract-cuts-medical-research-are-preventing-new-cures | Cohen Blasts House GOP Effort to Distract From Cuts to Medical Research That Are Preventing New Cures For Fatal Illnesses | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – One of the most outspoken advocates in Congress for medical research programs and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to lambast a Republican proposal meant to distract from sequestration’s very real and crippling effects on the NIH’s efforts to find cures for debilitating diseases like cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and AIDS. Video of the Congressman’s remarks on the House Floor is available here. “The NIH is our nation’s true Department of Defense—it defends us from cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, AIDS and diabetes,” said Congressman Cohen. “And their budget for research into new cures is being decimated by sequestration. The $13 million in research funding this bill proposes doesn’t replace even 1% of sequestration’s cuts. Memphis, the city I live in, is home to the world’s best pediatric cancer center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They deserve to be protected from these cuts, as do the countless kids who will be stricken with diseases and illnesses that research projects could cure if adequately funded. They need more than the window-dressing that this bill provides. I urge my colleagues to support full funding for the NIH, not just smoke and mirrors.” The Congressman was speaking out about the Kids First Research Act which was debated by the House today. Supporters of the legislation claim the bill will redirect the spending of the tax dollars that fund political conventions—which amount to a mere $13 million dollars, or less than 1% of the $1.5 billion cut from the NIH this year through sequestration—to raise funding for pediatric research, but the bill does not guarantee that funding will be used for such research. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-220000-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital | Cohen Announces Nearly $220,000 For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $218,775 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a graduate medical education payment program. “This funding will help St. Jude continue to provide the best training for the world’s first-class doctors who choose to pursue the path of children’s medicine,” said Congressman Cohen. This funding comes through HHS’ Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Payment Program, which provides federal funds to freestanding children's hospitals to help them maintain their graduate medical education (GME) programs that train resident physicians. GME follows graduation from medical school and can take between three and seven years to complete, depending on the specialty track chosen. Founded in 1962, St. Jude is one of the world’s leading children’s cancer research hospitals and is focused on finding cures for and saving children from cancer and other life-threatening diseases. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/welcoming-holiday-season | Welcoming the Holiday Season | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday season. This week, Congress returned to Washington for the last weeks of the year. This current Congress has so far been the least productive in history, but I hope that after the shutdown battles of the last few months, we can all come together to deal with the issues before us. We should pass a budget that averts yet another shutdown early next year, roll back the cuts that are hurting the middle class, and extend unemployment benefits and the food stamp program so that the least among us can live with dignity. Keep reading to learn more about what went on this week. Helping Memphians Get Covered Remembering Nelson Mandela Promoting Immigration Reform Working for a Living Wage Celebrating Hannukah Promoting American Innovation and Ingenuity Grants to Memphis White House Internships Grant Announcements Helping Memphians Get Covered All Memphians should have quality health coverage and the President’s landmark Affordable Care Act—also known as Obamacare—is making affordable, higher-quality coverage available to people who have not had access to it in the past. Luckily, many who have been unable to afford quality coverage in the past are now eligible to enroll in Tennessee’s Health Insurance Marketplace. If you do not have health insurance coverage, you may be eligible to save money on your health care premiums in the Marketplace. On Monday evening, I hosted a telephone town hall with Anton Gunn, the Director of External Affairs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to answer questions about the law and discuss the law’s benefits. During the hour-long town hall, more than 7,000 citizens of the Ninth District participated and I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with them. If you are on Medicare or your employer is going to offer qualified health insurance next year that you will enroll in, you’re already covered and won’t need to enter the Marketplace for your health coverage. If you aren’t s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-400000-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital | Cohen Announces Nearly $400,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in downtown Memphis was awarded $393,750 in grant funding for a research project regarding LC3-Associated Phagocytosis. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). “This funding will be used to continue important research at St. Jude, one of the world’s finest health care institutions,” said Congressman Cohen. The NIAID conducts research to better understand, treat, and prevent disease. For over 60 years, research funded by the NIAID has led to innovations in therapy, new vaccines, diagnostics tests, and other technologies that have improved the quality of health for millions of people in the United States and around the world. Founded in 1962, St. Jude is one of the world’s leading children’s cancer research hospitals and is focused on finding cures for and saving children from cancer and other life-threatening diseases. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-passing-nelson-mandela | Cohen Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement upon learning of the passing of civil and human rights leader His Excellency Nelson Mandela: “As a fighter for both human and civil rights, no one was greater than Nelson Mandela,” said Congressman Cohen. “Much like Martin Luther King Jr., President Mandela had a dream for his people that fundamentally changed society for the better. And much like Abraham Lincoln, President Mandela understood the virtue of reconciliation and the value of making peace with one’s enemies for the betterment of their country. This understanding helped unify a divided people and heal the wounds of apartheid.” “After hearing of his passing, I looked at the statue of President Mandela that sits on my Capitol Hill desk with great sadness, but with many fond memories of the humility, self-sacrifice, and enduring warmth shown by one of our generation’s most revered and respected statesmen. The loss that his passing represents to the world community can only be offset by his countless good deeds and the transformative example that he set for each of us.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commends-ut-raising-its-minimum-wage | Cohen commends UT for raising its minimum wage | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement in response to the announcement that the University of Tennessee will raise the minimum wage for its employees. “I commend the University of Tennessee for setting this example to raise the minimum wage for its employees to $9.50 an hour. Throughout my career, I have fought to raise the minimum wage to ensure that hard-working Americans can earn a living wage and won’t have to struggle to provide for themselves and their families. I was proud to vote for an increase in the federal minimum wage in 2007 and am honored to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 1010, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10. “I urge the Tennessee Board of Regents and my colleagues in the House of Representatives to follow the lead of the University of Tennessee and ten states across the nation that have raised the minimum wage this year. Raising the minimum wage would help thousands of Memphians and millions of Americans, reduce income inequality and strengthen American families.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-hosts-telephone-town-hall-affordable-care-act-0 | Cohen Hosts Telephone Town Hall on Affordable Care Act | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight hosted a Telephone Town Hall with U.S. Health and Human Services Director of External Affairs Anton Gunn to discuss the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “Town halls give constituents an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns about laws that have a daily impact on their lives,” said Congressman Cohen. “Today we discussed how the Affordable Care Act is already helping constituents in the Ninth District and answered many questions about the law.” The Telephone Town Hall meeting began at 6:35 p.m. CST and lasted approximately one hour. More than 7,000 District 9 constituents participated in the call and asked questions about the Affordable Care Act. Since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, Congressman Cohen has hosted dozens of town hall meetings in his Congressional district and via telephone from Washington, D.C. Additional information about the Affordable Care Act, including information about the health insurance plans made available through the health insurance marketplace, can be found online at https://HealthCare.gov (en Español: https://CuidadoDeSalud.gov). The website provides information and offers online web chats with trained specialists. A 24-hour hotline with translation services for 150 languages is available at (800) 318-2596. Additionally, the local non-profit Seedco offers trained experts to help walk Memphians and Shelby County residents through the application process and help them enroll in insurance plans. Seedco's Mid-South office is located at 22 North Front Street (Suite 900), and they can be reached by phone at (901) 528-8341. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-50th-anniversary-assassination-president-john-f-kennedy | Cohen Commemorates 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Cohen (TN-09) today commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States: “President Kennedy inspired me to pursue a legislative career and dedicate my life to public service,” said Congressman Cohen. “President Kennedy came to Memphis when I was 11 years old. He was campaigning in Memphis and turned toward me near the Methodist Church on Union and I was able to take a photo of him that hangs on my wall in Washington and is one of my most prized possessions, as well as one of my most prized memories. I was 14 years old when he was assassinated, but his death left an indelible mark on me and on millions of others. President Kennedy saw that politics could be an honorable profession and famously spurred countless Americans to serve their nation with the immortal words: ‘ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’” “President Kennedy gave his life to this country; his assassination was a great loss for our nation. As we remember the life he lived as well as the sad occasion of his death 50 years ago today, I hope my fellow Americans will take a moment to think back on the good that he did while he was with us: working for a more just society and fighting for both our civil rights as well as our human rights. He remains greatly missed.” A photo of the Congressman with the many photos and posters of the Kennedy family he has in his Capitol Hill office is available here, and video of the Congressman speaking on the House floor about President Kennedy’s assassination is available here. Congressman Cohen also visited Arlington National Cemetery this week to pay his respects to President Kennedy at the site where the President is buried. A photo of the Congressman at the Kennedy gravesite is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-passenger-experience-would-be-changed-worse-if-faa-allows-cell-phone-calls | Cohen: Passenger Experience Would Be "Changed for the Worse" If FAA Allows Cell Phone Calls In Flight | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reportedly considering a rule proposal that could allow for voice calls from cell phones during domestic air travel, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today drafted a letter to Michael Huerta, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), strongly urging the FAA to maintain the ban on cell phone calls in flight. The letter also expresses concerns about disruptions to passengers’ flight experience as well as for consumer safety. “I share the concerns of the flying public and many aviation industry professionals that the flying experience would be not only markedly less pleasant, but less safe as well, if the ban on cell phone calls during flight were lifted” said Congressman Cohen. “Allowing these calls would disrupt the right of consumers to enjoy the quiet comfort of their flight and potentially puts their safety at risk as well. Simply put, the flying experience in the United States would be forever changed for the worse if voice calls are allowed on flights. I hope the FAA considers these important safety and comfort concerns and makes the right decision.” Yesterday, the Association of Flight Attendants released a statement explaining: “Any situation that is loud, divisive, and possibly disruptive is not only unwelcome but also unsafe.” Congressman Cohen’s letter is currently being circulated among his colleagues in the House of Representatives and will then be sent to Administrator Huerta. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/remembering-president-kennedy | Remembering President Kennedy | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, 50 years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. This week, I visited President Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery to pay my respects. Keep reading to learn more about this week in Washington. Remembering President John F. Kennedy Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address Helping Families Travel with Their Pets Promoting American Innovation and Ingenuity Protecting Human Rights Abroad Helping Memphians Get Covered 2014 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available White House Internships Grant Announcements Remembering President John F. Kennedy President John F. Kennedy inspired me to pursue a legislative career and dedicate my life to public service. When I was 11, JFK campaigned in Memphis and I was on the street with my camera hoping to see him and get a photo. As the motorcade passed me near the Methodist Church on Union, John Kennedy, sitting up on the backseat of the convertible in which he rode, turned backed toward me and waved and I snapped the photo which I’ve cherished as one of my most prized possessions, as well as one of my most prized memories. The photo hangs on the wall in Washington D.C., near my desk, and I look at it often. I was 14 years old when President Kennedy was assassinated, but his death left an indelible mark on me as it did on millions of other Americans. President Kennedy was a statesman who believed that politics could be an honorable profession and famously inspired countless Americans to serve their nation with the immortal words: “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” President Kennedy gave his life to this country; his assassination was a great loss for our nation. As we remember the life he lived, as well as the sad occasion of his death 50 years ago today, I hope my fellow Americans will take a moment to think back on the good that he did while he was with us: working for a more just society and fighting for both our civil rights as well as our h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/meeting-moroccan-delegation-cohen-and-fedex-promote-international-trade-path-towards | In Meeting with Moroccan Delegation, Cohen and FedEx Promote International Trade as Path Towards Memphis Job Growth | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week joined American business leaders including David Short, Memphis-based FedEx’s International Director, in meeting a delegation of Moroccan business leaders accompanying His Majesty, the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI on his visit to the United States. At the Wednesday meeting, Congressman Cohen discussed how expanding trade with nations like Morocco can help grow jobs both in Memphis and abroad. “Great American companies like FedEx already operate throughout Africa and around the globe,” said Congressman Cohen. “I enjoyed this opportunity to discuss with Moroccan leaders how we can expand trade in North Africa and improve our standing and relations with other nations, which will help create good-paying jobs right here in America.” Representing the Moroccan business community at the meeting were Maroc Telecom CEO Abdessalam Ahizoune, Attijariwafa Bank DEO Mohamed El Kettani, Casablanca Stock Exchange CEO Karim Hajji, and Moroccan Finance Board CEO Said Ibrahimi. Among the American business leaders attending the meeting with Congressman Cohen and Mr. Short were representatives from JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Bank of America, and Chevron. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-joins-denham-and-tv-host-laura-nativo-support-bipartisan-legislation-allow | Cohen Joins Denham and TV Host Laura Nativo in Support of Bipartisan Legislation to Allow Families to Travel on Amtrak With Their Pets | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today spoke in support of H.R. 2066, the Pets on Trains Act of 2013, at a press conference held in front of Washington’s Union Station. He was joined at the press conference by Congressmen Jeff Denham (CA-10) and Michael Grimm (NY-11), as well as dog trainer and television personality Laura Nativo. The Pets on Trains Act, which Congressmen Cohen and Denham introduced together in May, would allow families and passengers to travel with domesticated cats and dogs on certain Amtrak trains. “Those of us lucky enough to have pets are greatly blessed with their companionship,” said Congressman Cohen. “When travelling on Amtrak, families should be able to bring their pets along. Our bill would establish a pet policy on Amtrak trains so pets – which are a part of the family – won’t be left at home to fend for themselves this holiday season.” “Almost half of American families own a cat or dog, and millions of them will be visiting friends and family this holiday season,” said Congressman Denham. “Pets on Trains would allow those families traveling with pets to choose Amtrak, generating much-needed revenue for the rail provider and saving time and money for pet owners. As a pet owner, I know firsthand how being able to bring our French bulldog, Lily, aboard a train would simplify our travel planning.” Current Amtrak policy does not permit pets on trains or Thruway services, in passenger areas of train stations or in checked baggage, with the exception of specially-trained service animals for the benefit of a person with a disability. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/helping-memphians-keep-their-plans-and-get-covered | Helping Memphians Keep Their Plans and Get Covered | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, President Obama announced a plan to help Americans keep their health insurance even if their insurance companies have cancelled their plans or pushed them into more expensive plans, an extremely intelligent, hard-working and dedicated Memphian who I recommended to the President moved one step closer to being confirmed as a federal judge, and I introduced a bill in the House that would help prevent unscrupulous for-profit colleges from taking advantage of veterans and taxpayers. Keep reading to learn more. Helping Memphians Keep Their Plans and Get Covered Sheryl Lipman Moves a Step Closer to the Federal Bench Honoring Our Veterans Protecting Our Students, Veterans, and Taxpayers U of M Distinguished Alumnus Award Fighting for Consumers’ and Victims’ Rights Promoting Competition Among Airlines Reducing Infant Mortality Medicare Open Enrollment White House Internships Grant Announcements Helping Memphians Keep Their Plans and Get Covered Yesterday, President Barack Obama announced a plan to help Americans who had received cancellation notices from their health insurance companies keep those plans. This will give those people who had their policies cancelled by their insurers or whose insurers had tried to push them into more expensive plans the opportunity to maintain their coverage. While this is a positive step to help those who are concerned about their coverage, the truth is that many of the plans were cancelled because they were inferior, insufficient plans. Some of them didn’t even cover hospitalization, something most of us would consider an essential part of health insurance. The President’s new plan would also require insurance companies to let their customers know that their coverage wouldn’t protect them in these kinds of situations, and it would require them to inform their customers that better, more affordable coverage is available to them in the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace. Tomorrow morning just after 7:00AM, I will be on MSNBC’s Up with Steve Kornacki and I w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-durbin-harkin-congress-should-end-loophole-encourages-profit-colleges-target | Cohen, Durbin, Harkin: Congress Should End Loophole that Encourages For-Profit Colleges To Target Veterans & Servicemembers | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would help put an end to the for-profit college industry’s predatory marketing campaigns and aggressive recruiting of veterans, servicemembers and their families. The Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers (POST) Act, which U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) have also introduced in the Senate, would eliminate the loophole that allows these proprietary companies to receive more than 90% of their revenue from the federal government. “For-profit colleges can receive overwhelming majorities of their revenue —up to 90%—from federal sources such as student loans,” said Congressman Cohen. “Too often, these schools fail in their duty to adequately prepare graduates for jobs that will allow them to repay those loans, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Even worse, a loophole in current law allows unscrupulous colleges to receive even more federal funds by enrolling veterans and servicemembers. This loophole encourages bad behavior that weighs down our nation’s heroes with mountains of debt and few career prospects while lining the pockets of wealthy for-profit investors with taxpayer money. Simply put, this is unacceptable. We are entrusted with spending our monies efficiently and wisely, but too many for-profit colleges do not meet that test. I am glad to be working with Senators Durbin and Harkin to close this loophole, encourage for-profit colleges to provide better educations, and protect American taxpayers.” “In the United States, for-profit colleges account for a disproportionate share of the students who have trouble paying back their loans (a measure of value in education),” said Senator Durbin. “They enroll only about 12% of all college students yet account for almost half of all student loan defaults. By law, for-profit college companies are allowed to receive no more than 90% of their revenue from federal financial aid programs. This high threshold allows far too much … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/senate-holds-confirmation-hearing-cohen-recommended-judicial-nominee-sheri-lipman | Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for Cohen-Recommended Judicial Nominee Sheri Lipman | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] –Sheryl Lipman, who Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) recommended to President Obama to fill a vacancy on the District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, today appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is tasked with reviewing nominations to the federal bench. Ms. Lipman currently serves as Chief of Staff to University of Memphis Interim President R. Brad Martin and formerly served as University Counsel. Congressman Cohen, who recommended her after convening a diverse and bipartisan screening committee to conduct interviews of nine potential candidates for the position, submitted a statement in support of Ms. Lipman’s nomination to the Senate committee. “Sheri Lipman has proven herself a stellar attorney and I am confident that she will be a superb judge,” said Congressman Cohen. “Her breadth of experience, strong work ethic, and unimpeachable integrity easily made her the overwhelming first choice of the screening committee of local attorneys. I commend President Obama for taking my recommendation into consideration and nominating such a skilled Memphis attorney to the federal bench, and I am glad that the Senate Judiciary Committee is moving forward with her nomination. When confirmed, she will serve the Western District of Tennessee with distinction and the people of Memphis well.” Before recommending Ms. Lipman to the President, Congressman Cohen interviewed all nine candidates for this judicial vacancy with his bipartisan committee of thirteen local attorneys. This screening panel was not only unique in its distinguished composition, but in its diversity as well. It included attorneys from the Memphis Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, the Federal Public Defender’s office in Memphis, and other prominent local attorneys. Sheri Lipman was the screening committee’s clear choice, receiving nine first place votes, and the Congressman promptly recommended her to President Obama to fill this vacancy. Sheri Lipman has been an attorney since 1987 and has a wealth of le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-urges-house-help-reduce-infant-mortality | Cohen Urges House to Help Reduce Infant Mortality | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today urged his colleagues in Congress support the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act. Along with the Congressman’s NEWBORN Act and President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act, the PREEMIE Act would help achieve the goal of improving our nation’s health outlook and reducing infant mortality rates that remain higher than rates in much of industrialized world. In Memphis, the local infant mortality rate, until recently, even rivaled some third-world countries. Video of the Congressman’s remarks on the House floor is available here. The Congressman’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow: I rise in support of the PREEMIE Act reauthorization up for consideration in the House today. I am grateful to support my fellow Tennessean, Senator Lamar Alexander, by voting in favor of this legislation and co-sponsoring the House version of the bill. I am also the sponsor of the NEWBORN Act, a bill aimed at reducing infant mortality rates that I am set to reintroduce soon. My interest in the issue of reducing infant mortality stems from my representation of Memphis, Tennessee and its local rate of infant mortality that, until recently, rivaled that of some third world countries. The PREEMIE Act’s many provisions aimed at reducing the rate of infant mortality in our country are vital to achieve our goal of bettering the health of our nation’s future. Like the PREEMIE Act, the Affordable Care Act has made great strides in advancing this agenda by requiring maternity coverage in all health plans. The United States still has a long way to go in fighting infant mortality—our current rate is 6.1 deaths per thousand while Portugal’s is 2.5 and Japan’s is 2.3 per thousand. But legislation like the PREEMIE Act, the NEWBORN Act, and the Affordable Care Act put the United States on the right track towards lowering our rates of premature births and infant mortality. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/honoring-our-veterans | Honoring Our Veterans | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Monday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, when we recognize the sacrifices made by our nation’s more than 22 million living Americans who have distinguished themselves through their service in uniform and honor all of the heroes who have served this country throughout the years. The bravery and devotion that they have shown throughout our history have helped build this great country, and each of us owes them—and their families—a debt of gratitude. Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Bringing More Competition to the Memphis Airport Recovering from 2011’s Severe Floods Helping Memphis Get Covered Remembering JFK Medicare Open Enrollment Keeping More Newborns Alive Electronics Recycling Drive Grant Announcements Annual Veterans Day Luncheon As in years past, I will be hosting my annual Veterans Day luncheon from 11AM to 1PM on Monday at BRIDGES in Memphis. BRIDGES is located at 477 N. 5th Street. If you are a Ninth District veteran, I would like to invite you to attend my luncheon and I hope to see you there for good company, good food, and to receive the respect and thanks that you deserve. Also, just before my luncheon on Monday, I will attend the Memphis VA Medical Center’s Veterans Day Parade. Bringing More Competition to the Memphis Airport This Monday, I visited Memphis International Airport to celebrate the beginning of Southwest Airlines’ new service in our city. The airline is bringing six new non-stop routes to Memphis and will offer more than 80 connecting destinations—that means more competition, better options, and hopefully lower prices for Mid-South consumers. While our city’s relationship with Delta Airlines has been a source of disappointment and frustration in recent years, things are beginning to look up for Memphis travelers. Recovering from 2011’s Severe Floods Our community sustained terrible damage in the severe storms of 2011, and many Ninth District citizens still need help rebuilding their lives. On Tuesday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development approved Shelby County… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-honored-u-m-distinguished-alumnus-award | Cohen Honored With U of M Distinguished Alumnus Award | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – This evening, Congressman Steve Cohen received the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Memphis Alumni Association as part of the “Enshrinement of 1912” celebrations taking place throughout U of M’s homecoming weekend. “The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law helped prepare me for a long and successful career in public service, and I will always be grateful for the education I received there,” said Congressman Cohen. “Being named the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus is a great honor, and I thank the U of M Alumni Association for this award. All of my life, I have supported and loved the University which gave me a profession that is an incredibly rewarding way to earn a living, and my love and support for the University will continue even after I am gone.” After tonight’s award presentation, the Congressman will be recognized in an on-court ceremony at this evening’s Memphis vs. Christian Brothers men’s basketball game, participate in tomorrow’s Homecoming Parade, and be recognized during tomorrow’s Memphis vs. UT-Martin football halftime show. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-praises-approval-nearly-75-million-disaster-recovery-funding-shelby-county | Cohen Praises Approval of Nearly $7.5 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding for Shelby County | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved a disaster recovery plan that will provide $7,464,000 to help Shelby County recover from the severe storms and flooding that wrought havoc on the region in May of 2011: “Our community sustained terrible damage in the severe storms of 2011, and many Memphians still need help rebuilding their lives,” said Congressman Cohen. “The millions of dollars in disaster relief funding approved today will go a long way towards helping our city and the rest of Shelby County recover from the natural disasters we experienced.” The recovery plan approved today is funded through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, which was passed with Congressman Cohen’s vote in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, included $16 billion in CDBG-Disaster Recovery funding. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/memphis-native-interns-congressman-cohens-washington-dc-office | Memphis Native Interns in Congressman Cohen's Washington, DC Office | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Memphis native and Christian Brothers High School graduate David Carpenter is spending 5 months this fall and winter interning for Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), working behind the scenes in the Congressman’s Capitol Hill office. In addition to several other responsibilities, interns help the Congressman with constituent requests, assist with his legislative duties, attend hearings and briefings, perform important research, and give tours of the U.S. Capitol building to Shelby County residents visiting Washington. Each year, roughly a dozen interns serve the citizens of the Ninth District in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C., office. “David has been an asset to my office and has done good work for the citizens of the Ninth District,” Congressman Cohen said. “I am glad that he has had this opportunity to get a close-up view of how Congress works, and am always impressed with the drive and passion for government shown by Memphis’ young people.” During Mr. Carpenter’s time in Washington, he has acquired firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, developed valuable research skills that have made him more competitive in the job market, and gained insight into the inner-workings of the federal government. “I’m very appreciative I had the opportunity to intern for Congressman Cohen,” said Carpenter. “Having grown up in Memphis, I can’t imagine a better Member of Congress to work for and with. Congressman Cohen is one of America’s best elected officials and I’m glad I was able to serve in his office.” Mr. Carpenter is a graduate of the American University where he majored in Political Science and History. He is a veteran of several political campaigns, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s 2010 re-election campaign, and has served as a campaign manager in state-level races during the 2012 elections. As an intern in Congressman Cohen’s Washington office, Mr. Carpenter is especially interested in assisting with legislation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/helping-memphis-get-covered | Helping Memphis Get Covered | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This afternoon, I joined Mayor A C Wharton in welcoming U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to Memphis. While she was here, we met with local partners, like Seedco Mid-South, who are helping enroll uninsured Memphians in high-quality, affordable coverage and participated in an Affordable Care Act outreach and education session at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library with area residents who are interested in enrolling in the Tennessee Marketplace. Helping Memphis Get Covered Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Harassment Working to Prevent Hunger and Poverty Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline Improving Downtown Memphis Grants to Memphis Medicare Open Enrollment Grant Announcements The fight to reform our nation's health care system is in many ways similar to my 18 year struggle to create the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program. Many of the people who fought most vehemently against me then are now some of the first in line for the benefits the program provides their children. At the time when the lottery launched, there were even some computer issues that caused problems. But today, there aren't many left who would say the lottery is anything but a success. Just as the opponents of the lottery were wrong during the long fight to help improve our education system, the opponents trying to delay and prevent improvements to our health care system today are wrong. And just as the lottery's opponents failed, the opponents of health care reform will fail as well. Keep reading to learn what else happened this week. Helping Memphis Get Covered I’m glad that Secretary Sebelius was able to visit our city today and help Memphians get covered. Whether or not you were able to make it to the library today, I think we can all agree that everyone should have quality health coverage. Luckily, many who have been unable to afford quality coverage in the past are now eligible to enroll in Tennessee’s Health Insurance Marketplace thanks to the President’s landmark Afforda… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-introduces-legislation-prevent-unreasonable-harassment-debt-collectors | Cohen Introduces Legislation to Prevent Unreasonable Harassment from Debt Collectors | 2013-10-31 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week introduced legislation, the Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act, to protect Americans from the predatory and abusive tactics of debt collectors. The Congressman’s proposal would prevent debt collectors from threatening legal repercussions when none are available or tricking consumers into paying more than they would otherwise be legally obligated to pay. “Just like the United States government, consumers should pay the debts they owe, but they still deserve protection from harassment and the abusive and predatory tactics used by some debt collectors,” said Congressman Cohen. The Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act would clarify the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977 to explicitly bar debt collectors from bringing legal action against consumers on a debt for which the statute of limitations has expired. While this predatory practice is not currently illegal, most courts hold that creditors may not sue to collect such debts. Because many creditors sell time-barred debts to secondary debt collection agencies with unsavory collection practices, Congressman Cohen’s legislation would also prevent those agencies from hiding or obscuring the legal rights of consumers when seeking to collect the debt. His bill would require collectors who have purchased time-barred debt on the secondary market to inform debtors that: the debt collector (not the original creditor) now holds the debt, the debt collector cannot sue for the debt, and that—if applicable under state law—any payment made towards the debt by the consumer could restart the statute of limitations on the entire debt. The Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act is cosponsored by Representatives John Conyers (MI-13), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-introduces-bill-help-end-school-prison-pipeline | Cohen Introduces Bill to Help End School-to-Prison Pipeline | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation, the Restorative Justice in Schools Act, to reduce youth incarceration in America by helping train school personnel such as teachers and counselors in innovative conflict resolution methods that are less likely to result in non-violent juveniles entering the penal system. Currently, many school systems involve the police in non-violent incidents on school property, which helps feed the “school-to-prison” pipeline that is both expensive and harmful to America’s youth. “Unless dealt with early and effectively, young perpetrators of minor, non-violent offenses can unnecessarily fall into a pattern of violent conduct later in life,” said Congressman Cohen. “Instead of focusing on conflict resolution methods that could cut short this cycle, too often our schools rely on overly harsh punishments like incarceration that simply continue it and feed the ‘school-to-prison’ pipeline. By training educators in alternative conflict resolution methods that yield better results for everyone, we can keep our young people out of jail, provide better outcomes and improved healing for victims, and save the country money.” Congressman Cohen’s legislation allows local education agencies and school districts to use their current federal funding to provide training in “restorative justice” methods. Restorative justice can serve as cost-effective and useful alternatives to the more punitive conflict resolution methods used by many schools to resolve minor student conflicts, such as involving the police. The victim-centered restorative justice process holds offenders accountable to their victims and their communities, helps offenders understand the impact of their actions, and gives the wronged party an opportunity to have a voice in resolving the conflict—which can assist in the healing process and prevent victims from becoming aggressors. The Restorative Justice in Schools Act is cosponsored by Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Keith Ellison (MN-05), B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-100000-med | Cohen Announces Nearly $100,000 for The MED | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that The MED will receive $98,000 in funding through a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) grant to the Shelby County Health Care Corporation. “This funding will help The MED keep Memphis healthy,” said Congressman Cohen. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/delta-continues-breaking-its-promises | Delta Continues Breaking Its Promises | 2013-10-25 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, the House passed the Water Resources and Reform Development Act, a major piece of legislation to help boost our economy and grow jobs, Delta continued its long string of broken promises to Memphis, and I introduced legislation to protect your right to vote. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Delta Lets Us Down Again Protecting the Right of All Tennesseans to Vote Who Is Unwilling to Compromise? Keeping Memphians Healthy Medicare Open Enrollment Improving Human Rights on the Helsinki Commission Tribute to Late Congressman Bill Young Grants to Memphis Congratulating One of the Nation’s Best Educators Grant Announcements Delta Lets Us Down Again Despite Delta's promises, this week they let Memphis down once again by ending our city’s status as a base for flight attendants, cutting as many as 126 jobs in the city, and further reducing the number of their departing Memphis International Airport flights from 64 to 40. As a member of both the Antitrust Task Force of the House Judiciary Committee and the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have worked to exercise available Congressional oversight authorities over the 2008 merger of Delta and Northwest. When I spoke with representatives from Northwest and Delta, they assured me that Memphis would lose neither jobs nor flights as a result of the merger, two promises that have now been repeatedly broken. I have also reached out to Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss the growing evidence that Delta is violating the assurances made to the Department when seeking antitrust immunity for their merger. Since they have basically left the Delta region, the airline should change its name to FIDA ("Formerly Interested in the Delta" Airlines) or Forked Tongue Air or Wings over Atlanta. While I am both disheartened and disappointed by Delta’s poor decisions, I will continue doing everything I can to bring more flights, routes, and airlines to Memphis International Airport. Protecting … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-reappointed-helsinki-commission | Cohen Reappointed to Helsinki Commission | 2013-10-25 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week was reappointed by the Speaker of the House to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. The Commission is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) commitments in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia and North America. When Congressman Cohen was first appointed to the Helsinki Commission in 2011, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said: “Congressman Steve Cohen is a leader in promoting civil rights and opportunity of all Americans, and he brings this same passion to the promotion of human rights and democracy around the world. The Helsinki Commission is a focal point for security and cooperation among nations and leaders, and Congressman Cohen’s voice is sure to strengthen and advance the commission’s work.” “It is a privilege and an honor to serve on the Helsinki Commission,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Commission has a long influential history when it comes to international affairs, human rights and promoting democracy. I look forward to continuing my work of helping the Commission improve relations among countries across the world.” The Commission consists of nine members from the United States Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. The positions of Chair and Co-Chair are shared by the House and Senate and rotate every two years, when a new Congress convenes. A professional staff assists the Commissioners in their work. The Commission convenes public hearings and briefings with expert witnesses on OSCE-related issues including democratization and human rights developments as well as energy, economic and security objectives in OSCE States. The Commission issues public reports concerning implementation of OSCE commitments in OSCE States and organi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-introduces-legislation-protect-voting-rights-tennesseans | Cohen Introduces Legislation to Protect Voting Rights of Tennesseans | 2013-10-23 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Voter ID Accessibility Act to mitigate the harmful and potentially disenfranchising effects of the unfair, burdensome and restrictive Tennessee voter ID law. Late last week, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld the law, which requires Tennesseans to present selected photographic identification—including gun permits and hunting licenses but excluding photographic library cards—in order to cast a ballot. The state’s list of acceptable IDs has been called “unfair and deliberately unequal” by civil rights leaders. “The goal of restrictive state voter ID policies, like our Tennessee law, is—plain and simple—to make it harder for minorities, the elderly, and young people to exercise a Constitutional right that we in this country hold sacred: the right to participate in the democratic process by casting a ballot,” said Congressman Cohen. “Supporters of laws like these claim they are necessary to prevent fraud, though little evidence of voter fraud exists and the few cases that do pale in comparison to the thousands of voters at risk of being disenfranchised because of the new laws. This ‘cure’ is worse than the imagined disease.” The Voter ID Accessibility Act would mitigate some of the unfair effects of restrictive state voter ID laws by amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, commonly referred to as the “Motor Voter Law,” to expand access to photo identification in states that require it for voting. Congressman Cohen’s legislation would ensure that state and federal offices that provide public assistance—which already offer visitors the opportunity to register to vote—also notify individuals of their state’s voter ID mandate and offer them the opportunity to obtain suitable identification free of charge. “The history of our nation is one of expanding access to voting, not restricting it—and voter ID laws are steps in the wrong direction,” the Congressman continued. “My Voter ID Accessibility Act will put our country back on the right p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-500000-ut-health-science-center-memphis | Cohen Announces More Than $500,000 for UT Health Science Center in Memphis | 2013-10-22 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis has been awarded a total of $519,911 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for two projects. “These funds will help continue the important work being done by the skilled researchers at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: HHS’ National Institute on Aging awarded $219,911 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Effect of Dementia Caregiver Interventions on Healthcare Cost” project. HHS’ National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases awarded $300,000 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Novel Biosynthetic Pathway for Secosteroids and the Skin” project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-delta-lets-down-memphis-once-again | Cohen: Delta Lets Down Memphis Once Again | 2013-10-22 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Just months after Delta cut a third of its Memphis departures in June, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today made the following statement after learning that the airline was continuing its string of broken promises by ending Memphis’ status as a base for flight attendants, cutting as many as 126 cargo and ticketing jobs in the city, and further reducing the number of their departing Memphis International Airport flights from 64 to 40. “Delta has once again let Memphis down with their decision to eliminate jobs as well as even more flights from our city,” said Congressman Cohen. “Since they have basically left the Delta they should change the name of the airline to FIDA (Formerly Interested in the Delta Airlines) or Forked Tongue Air or Wings over Atlanta.” As a member of both the Antitrust Task Force of the House Judiciary Committee and the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Cohen has worked to exercise available Congressional oversight authorities over the 2008 merger of Delta and Northwest. When Congressman Cohen spoke with representatives from Northwest and Delta, they assured him that Memphis would lose neither jobs nor flights as a result of the merger, two promises that have now been repeatedly broken. “In 2008, Delta CEO Richard Anderson said in a Congressional hearing that the Delta/Northwest merger would not impact flights in and out of Memphis and even hinted at the addition of a possible Paris flight,” the Congressman continued. “We now know that wasn’t true.” Congressman Cohen also reached out to Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss the growing evidence that Delta is violating the assurances made to the Department when seeking antitrust immunity for their merger. He spoke to Holder during a House Judiciary Committee about possible anti-competitive practices by Delta Air Lines in Memphis. The Congressman encouraged the Attorney General to examine Delta’s inflated ticket prices in Memphis and possible monopolistic practices. Cong… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/end-shutdown-madness | An End to the Shutdown Madness | 2013-10-18 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, our nation turned the page on a sad chapter in its history when President Obama signed a consensus agreement to re-open the federal government and prevent our nation from defaulting on our debts for the first time in history. An End to the Shutdown Madness Repaying Our Debts to Our Veterans Protecting Your Right to Vote Delta Grassroots Caucus LeMoyne-Owen Residence Hall Dedication Keeping Memphians Healthy White House Tours Available Once Again Grant Announcements An End to the Shutdown Madness Just after the House voted to pass the agreement late Wednesday evening, I discussed the last two weeks and how this shutdown has affected our country on Bloomberg Television. After 16 days of the Tea Party’s unnecessary, reckless, and irresponsible shutdown, Speaker Boehner finally allowed the House to vote to re-open all of the government—something Democrats and even many Republicans had been calling for since the shutdown began. I was not pleased with everything that was in the agreement passed by Congress this week, but our nation could not afford another day of the shutdown—a new report shows that the 16 days it lasted cost our country $24 billion dollars. That’s billion—with a “B.” It was too important to put our government back to work for the American people. I remain concerned about the damage that has been done to America’s reputation as well as the shaken confidence in the dollar, but I hope that this agreement pushes both parties to work together to repair our economy. We have too many important issues facing us to not have a government working for us. Congress must refocus on those issues—everything from immigration to jobs to transportation and infrastructure. It’s time we get back to work. I stopped by Channel 3 this morning and talked with Alex Coleman and Marybeth Conley about how we should move forward, and will be on MSNBC’s Up with Steve Kornacki tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM as well. I hope you’ll tune in! Repaying Our Debts to Our Veterans Now that the shutdown has ended… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-bipartisan-agreement-end-government-shutdown-and-avert-economic | Cohen Statement on Bipartisan Agreement to End Government Shutdown and Avert Economic Shutdown | 2013-10-16 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement as Congress appeared to have reached an agreement to re-open the federal government and prevent the United States from defaulting on its debts. The Congressman also recorded a video statement regarding the agreement, which is available here. “This agreement is good news for our country because it will re-open the government and prevent an economic catastrophe,” said Congressman Cohen. “For 17 days, I’ve eagerly awaited the opportunity to vote on consensus legislation to fund our government and I’m glad that opportunity has finally arrived. While I’m not pleased with everything in the agreement, it’s a relief that we will put our government back to work for the American people. I’m concerned about the damage that has been done to America’s reputation, as well as the shaken confidence in the dollar, but it is my hope that with today’s agreement both political parties can work together to repair our economy. Congress must refocus on a myriad of issues, from immigration to jobs to transportation and infrastructure and it’s time we get back to work on those important issues. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/still-no-shutdown-breakthrough | Still No Shutdown Breakthrough | 2013-10-11 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Today is the 11th day of this unnecessary government shutdown and, while there have been some hopeful signs, there has been no breakthrough yet. In less than a week, we face an even bigger crisis: the global economy could unravel if Congress fails to allow the nation to pay its bills. If the Tea Party refuses to drop their irresponsible and reckless demands and forces our nation to default on its debts—debts that Congress had already voted to incur—the world’s economy could pay a heavier price than it did during the 2008 financial crisis. Every reputable economist agrees: the effects of not extending the debt limit would be catastrophic. America Pays Its Debts Ready to Negotiate to Get our Government Back to Work Keeping Memphians Healthy Bringing More Service to the Memphis Airport Grant Announcements America Pays Its Debts In recent days, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have claimed that allowing the country to pay its bills would increase our debt—but they are trying to mislead the public with inaccurate claims. When they say that Congress should not extend the debt limit because it increases our nation’s debt, it is no truer than a family refusing to pay a credit card bill because it costs the family money. It’s the spending that costs the family, not paying the bill. It is not an example of fiscal restraint to miss a payment that is owed; it just hurts the family’s credit rating and makes it harder for them to buy a car or a house in the future. If the U.S. fails to pay its bills, the Tea Party won’t be saving our nation any money—but they will guarantee that those who trusted America think long and hard about doing it again. A surprising number of Tea Party extremists have also tried their best in recent weeks to downplay the catastrophic impact of not paying our bills and not extending the debt limit. Those doing that could not be more wrong. Merely the threat of not paying our bills is already damaging our economy and jobs in America. If creditors stop trusting the Un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-democrats-president-ready-negotiate-not-while-economy-jobs-are-held-hostage | Cohen: Democrats, President Ready to Negotiate, But Not While Economy & Jobs Are Held Hostage | 2013-10-10 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) spoke on the floor of the United States House of Representatives this morning about how the federal government shutdown started and how we can cooperate to help the middle class, pay our country’s bills, stabilize our economy, and create jobs. Video of the Congressman’s remarks is available here. “If the Tea Party refuses to reopen the government unless they can take away health benefits from millions of Americans, where does it stop?” asked Congressman Cohen, before continuing: “Will they threaten government or economic shutdown unless the President repeals fair labor standards? Or unless the President and the Vice President resign? These tactics are wrong and they must stop.” “Our nation, our economy, and the middle-class should not be held for ransom by an extreme faction of one party. The President and Democrats are ready to negotiate as soon as Republicans put the government back to work and pay the bills that they helped rack up. All we are asking for is a simple vote to end the government shutdown and to pay our bills so that we can avert an economic shutdown. We are ready to negotiate, but real negotiations cannot occur while the threat of default is hurting our economy and killing jobs.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-frontier-airlines-will-help-memphis-grow | Cohen: Frontier Airlines Will Help Memphis Grow | 2013-10-09 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding Frontier Airlines offering new service at Memphis International Airport: “The Memphis airport is a critically important transportation link in the Mid-South,” said Congressman Cohen. “This reasonably-priced Frontier Airlines service—as well as the recently announced new Southwest Airlines routes and UPS expansion—will help our city and our economy grow. I will continue doing everything I can to bring more flights, routes, and airlines to Memphis International Airport.” Memphis International Airport is a world-class facility that today serves more than 6 million passengers a year. Dedicated in 1929 as the Memphis Municipal Airport with just two major carriers, the airport now hosts several national carriers as well as the FedEx “Super Hub.” Memphis International has grown into the busiest cargo airport in the country, and is the second-busiest in the world —behind only Hong Kong. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/republican-shutdown-continues | The Republican Shutdown Continues | 2013-10-06 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, In his 1996 State of the Union Address, President Bill Clinton drew the attention of the nation to a man sitting in the House gallery watching that night. Richard Dean was a Vietnam veteran who had worked at the Social Security Administration for more than two decades. Mr. Dean was at work in the Federal Building in Oklahoma City when a car-bomb that ultimately killed 169 people exploded just outside. He ran back into the building not once, not twice, but four times and saved the lives of three women. Republicans and Democrats sitting in the House Chamber that night alike rose to applaud the American hero. They continued applauding for almost a full minute. President Clinton, speaking just days after Republicans forced the federal government to shut down, continued: “But Richard Dean's story doesn't end there. This last November, he was forced out of his office when the government shut down. And the second time the government shut down he continued helping Social Security recipients, but he was working without pay.” After providing a clear and powerful example of how the 1995 and 1996 Republican shutdowns hurt our nation’s heroes and countless others, the President urged Congress to “never, ever shut the federal government down again.” Lessons Not Learned Republican Shutdown Problems Fighting for Critically Important Programs Standing with Federal Employees Preventing Future Shutdowns Affordable Health Care for Uninsured Memphians Grant Announcements Lessons Not Learned Sadly, on Monday night, it became all too obvious that Congressional Republicans did not learn their lesson then. That night, Republicans in the House of Representatives—along with Texas Senator Ted Cruz—pushed our economy and our government over the edge of the cliff and forced the government to shut down yet again. And they did it even after Democrats in Congress agreed to their budget numbers. They couldn’t take “yes” for an answer—they had another eleventh-hour demand: now they would only keep the government open if they c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-answers-memphis-pastors-questions-about-affordable-care-act-marketplace | Cohen Answers Memphis Pastors' Questions About Affordable Care Act Marketplace | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – In a live video teleconference this afternoon, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined more than 40 Memphis-area pastors who had gathered in his Memphis office to discuss implementation of the President’s landmark Affordable Care Act and answer questions on enrollment in the new health insurance marketplace that opened to uninsured Ninth District residents on Tuesday. Video of the Congressman discussing his meeting with the pastors on the floor of the United States House of Representatives is available here. “Today’s meeting was very beneficial for our community,” said Congressman Cohen. “I’m glad that I was able to engage with our community leaders in this important conversation, and I look forward to continuing my work of helping citizens get the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.” Congressman Cohen had been scheduled to meet with the group of pastors in person, but the shutdown of the federal government required him to remain in Washington. Seedco Senior Vice President Lisa Pote, whose organization offers trained experts to help walk Memphians through the process and help them enroll in insurance plans through the new marketplace, was on hand in Memphis to share her expertise as well. Seedco's Mid-South office is located at 22 North Front Street (Suite 900), and they can be reached by phone at (901) 528-8341. Memphians and Ninth District residents interested in finding more information about the health insurance plans made available through the marketplace and those with questions or seeking help choosing the right plan have a number of options available to them. The https://HealthCare.gov website (en Español: https://CuidadoDeSalud.gov) provides information and offers online web chats with trained specialists, a 24-hour hotline with translation services for 150 languages is available at (800) 318-2596. Ninth District residents should also feel free to call Congressman Cohen’s Memphis office at (901) 544-4131. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-asks-not-be-paid-during-federal-government-shutdown | Cohen Asks Not To Be Paid During Federal Government Shutdown | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – A spokesman for Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today made the following statement regarding the status of the Congressman’s salary: “Congressman Cohen remains focused on reopening the federal government and is steadfastly working to make that happen as quickly as possible, but he will not accept his pay until this shutdown is resolved,” said the spokesman. “The Congressman has asked the official responsible for paying Members of Congress to withhold his salary as long as this shutdown of the federal government continues.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cooper.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=757:cooper-endorses-solution-to-end-shutdown&catid=38&Itemid=177 | Cooper Endorses Solution to End Shutdown | 2013-10-03 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | www.cooper.house.gov | legacy | Please note: Due to security screening measures, all paper mail will experience a significant delay. We recommend fax or email for faster service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-republicans-crying-crocodile-tears-over-nih-funding | Cohen: Republicans Crying "Crocodile Tears" Over NIH Funding | 2013-10-02 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today lambasted a politically-motivated effort by House Republicans to save face after forcing the federal government to shut down by selectively restoring partial funding to their favored agencies—including agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that they have historically ignored. Footage of the Congressman criticizing the House Republicans’ most recent effort on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives is available here. “In 1954, I came down with polio—and it affects me to this day,” said Congressman Cohen. “It wasn’t until 6 months later that the polio vaccine was made available, and it might never have been without the National Institutes of Health.” “Over the last 6 months, I have asked my Republican colleagues, I have spoken on this floor, I have written editorials—all to get this Congress to adequately fund the NIH so that it can find cures for diseases like cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and AIDS. Not once have Republicans said that they will fund it at the level it should be. Not once.” “But today, they are crying crocodile tears, they are playing politics. They aren’t trying to cure people, they aren’t trying to stop illness, they’re just trying to save face. I object to them using the NIH to score political points, it’s too important for that. I know that first-hand.” Over the last year, Congressman Cohen has repeatedly called on House Republicans to save the NIH from the crippling effects of sequestration—but his calls have consistently fallen on deaf ears. In July, the Congressman even introduced the Research First Act to prevent and reverse the disastrous effects of sequestration cuts on critically important NIH research projects that could one day lead to cures for diseases that plague people around the globe. Even today, with House Republicans claiming that the government shutdown is harming the NIH, not a single one has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-celebrates-launch-new-affordable-health-insurance-marketplace | Cohen Celebrates Launch of New, Affordable Health Insurance Marketplace | 2013-10-01 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that uninsured Memphians now have access to high-quality, affordable health insurance through the marketplace created in the President’s landmark Affordable Care Act—also known as Obamacare. The Congressman also encouraged all uninsured Memphians to visit https://www.HealthCare.gov to apply for coverage, compare plans, learn whether they qualify for lower costs, and enroll. “The Affordable Care Act is already working for families in the Ninth District and the government shutdown doesn’t change that,” said Congressman Cohen. “147,000 Ninth District residents now have insurance that covers preventive care, Memphis consumers can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition and, starting today, uninsured individuals across the nation have access to high-quality, affordable coverage options for the first time. I hope that every uninsured Memphian visits www.HealthCare.gov to compare plans, learn if they qualify for lower rates, and enroll in the health insurance plan that is right for them.” In the new online Marketplace, residents of Tennessee’s Ninth District looking for coverage will be able to shop among affordable choices, explained in easy-to-understand language. It is estimated that substantially more than half of those shopping in the new Marketplace will qualify for discounts on their monthly premium, based on their income, which will make the premiums even more affordable. In this new online Marketplace, there is no denial for pre-existing conditions, no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, and no higher rates for women compared to men. The open enrollment period for the first year of the Marketplaces runs from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. Enrollment is a six-month process and will build over time. If residents have questions about the Marketplace, they can call 1-800-318-2596, a toll-free hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit local non-profit Seedco, which offers trained experts to help wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-speaks-out-against-republican-government-shutdown | Cohen Speaks Out Against Republican Government Shutdown | 2013-10-01 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – After House Republican leaders made good on their threat to shut down the federal government if their reckless, unreasonable, and irresponsible demands were not met, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) spoke out against the Republican’s manufactured, harmful, and unnecessary shutdown of our nation’s government. Video of the Congressman’s remarks is available here. “Shutting down the government is wrong, it is bad for our economy, and it should not happen in America,” said Congressman Cohen. “More than ever, people need SNAP payments, they need Meals on Wheels, and they need the countless other services that our government provides. Republicans have said they care about the debt—but a government shutdown costs our country millions of dollars each day, all while citizens experience reduced government services. Instead of being willing to compromise, Republicans have shut down this government with their irresponsible, reckless, and purely ideological demands. I hope they come to their senses quickly and work in a bipartisan manner to get this country back up and running.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-720000-federal-funds-memphis-housing-authority | Cohen Announces $720,000 in Federal Funds for Memphis Housing Authority | 2013-09-30 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis Housing Authority has been awarded $720,000 in grant funding to coordinate supportive services designed to help residents achieve economic and housing self-sufficiency. “This funding will help improve the lives of Memphians,” said Congressman Cohen. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-applauds-doj-lawsuit-prevent-voter-suppression-and-racial-discrimination-north | Cohen Applauds DOJ Lawsuit to Prevent Voter Suppression and Racial Discrimination in North Carolina | 2013-09-30 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today applauded a new U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit seeking to prevent racial discrimination in North Carolina’s new voting rules. In addition to other restrictions that will make it harder for North Carolina residents to exercise their Constitutionally-protected right to vote, the state’s new law imposes tough voter identification requirements that are expected to adversely affect minority groups more than others. “Make no mistake, the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that gutted an essential provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act was an affront to civil rights in this country,” said Congressman Cohen. “While Congress works to address the Supreme Court’s decision, I am glad that Attorney General Holder is not waiting for even more discrimination against minorities before using every tool at his disposal to aggressively fight for the civil and human rights that we fought for decades to obtain.” Advocates of North Carolina’s new voting restrictions argue that the measures are necessary to combat voting fraud, though the Associated Press reports that “such crimes are infrequent.” Additionally, while voter fraud remains a rare occurrence, a North Carolinian without the identification required under the law is much more common: a recent state survey found that hundreds of thousands of registered voters in the state, including many poor, elderly, or African American voters, did not possess the necessary state-issued identification. The DOJ’s lawsuit challenges provisions of the North Carolina law that limit the number of early voting days, end same-day voter registration, prevent the counting of certain provisional ballots, and require voters to present identification at the polls before being allowed to cast their ballot. This move by the DOJ carries additional weight in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that left important provisions of the Voting Rights Act in limbo and raised questions about whether the civil rights of millions of Americans—inc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/government-hostage-taking | Government by Hostage-Taking? | 2013-09-28 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Unless Congress acts, funding for the federal government will expire at midnight on Monday night. If the Republican Conference continues to be held captive by Tea Party extremists and refuses to work with Democrats on a common-sense compromise, the government could shut down completely. The effects of a shutdown would be disastrous: Social Security checks could be delayed, veterans who risked their lives to keep us safe would have a harder time getting the care they need, and a number of other important services would shut down. And that doesn’t even begin to cover what a shutdown would mean for our economy or the jobs that would be lost. Republicans should not hold the federal government, America’s credit rating, social security checks, or veterans’ benefits hostage to unrealistic demands like defunding the President’s health care reform law. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, it has been upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court, and next week Americans will be able to enroll in the law’s signature benefit. Those in Congress who would rather see the government shut down than let more than 800,000 uninsured Tennesseans enjoy better access to affordable care will fail—just as they have in their 42 previous attempts. These continued efforts by Republicans to make things harder for the middle class simply waste time and put our economy at risk. I hope that common-sense and sanity prevail, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to avert a shutdown. Health Care For Uninsured Memphians U of M Intermodal Conference Honeywell Tour Getting the Delta Queen Back in Operation Helping Minority-Owned Small Businesses Thrive Grants to Memphis Healthy Memphis Common Table Grant Announcements Health Care for Uninsured Memphians Try as Republicans might to prevent the signature benefit of Obamacare from reaching consumers, open enrollment in the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace begins on Tuesday. When that happens, thousands of Ninth District residents will have the opportunity to e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-750000-federal-funding-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital | Cohen Announces Nearly $750,000 in Federal Funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | 2013-09-27 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been awarded a total of $748,125 in grant funding for two different projects. The funding announced today is from the Department of Health & Human Services. “This funding shows our commitment to the medical research community and the health of health of our citizens,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: Alessandra D’Azzo, PhD, was awarded $332,500 in grant funding a research project examining the relationship between excessive lysosomal exocytosis and the triggering of pathogenic mechanisms in sialidosis mice. Philip M. Potter, PhD, was awarded $415,625 in grant funding for research project examining the modulation of drug metabolism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-36-million-spur-job-creation-and-small-business-shelby-county | Cohen Announces More Than $3.6 Million to Spur Job Creation and Small Business in Shelby County | 2013-09-26 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County—commonly known as EDGE—was awarded $3,655,504 in federal funding to help create jobs, support economic diversification, and encourage entrepreneurship. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). “The American economy is built on small business,” said Congressman Cohen. “Thanks to this funding, small businesses throughout Memphis and Shelby County will benefit from better access to the capital they need to grow and create jobs.” This investment from the EDA, along with EDGE-contributed funding, will help create a multi-million dollar loan fund to provide Memphis-area small- and medium-sized businesses flexible financing and low cost capital to spur entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in Shelby County. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-proposes-bill-help-woman-and-minority-owned-businesses-thrive | Cohen Proposes Bill to Help Woman- and Minority-owned Businesses Thrive | 2013-09-26 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation to help woman- and minority-owned small businesses get off the ground and thrive in our modern economy. The Expanding Opportunities to Underserved Businesses Act would increase the resources available to underserved small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s microloan program and help ensure they have the capital necessary for inventory, supplies, and other necessities. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy—but those owned by women, minorities, and veterans often have more difficulty accessing the capital that they need to get off the ground and expand,” said Congressman Cohen. “This common-sense legislation would help those businesses succeed and help create good-paying, private-sector jobs in our communities.” The Small Business Administration’s Microloan program currently provides marketing, management, and technical assistance in addition to small loans of up to $50,000 to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and non-profit child care centers. The Expanding Opportunities to Underserved Businesses Act increases the maximum loan amount from $50,000 to $75,000. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-over-18-million-federal-funding-university-memphis | Cohen Announces Over $1.8 Million in Federal Funding for the University of Memphis | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Memphis and its faculty have been awarded a total of $1,838,172 in grant funding for four different projects. The funding announced today is from the National Science Foundation (NSF). “This funding underscores the important role that University of Memphis scholars play in areas of national importance including science and education,” said Congressman Cohen. “It will also help the University of Memphis prepare 100 more young people each year for good-paying, 21st century jobs in the high-paying STEM fields that will keep our economy moving in the right direction.” The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: U of M’s Alfred Hall was awarded $1,342,970 in grant funding from the NSF’s Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings to establish the Memphis Virtual STEM Academy at East High School. The Academy aims to help 100 Memphis high school students each year understand pre-engineering concepts and principles as well as develop an interest in and motivation to pursue advanced careers in the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. U of M’s Robert Kozma was awarded $428,744 in grant funding from the NSF’s Division of Mathematical Sciences to help improve mankind’s understanding of cognitive strategic change, or the ability of the brain to modify actions and action planning while maintaining an overarching goal. For more information, please contact Dr. Robert Kozma at rkozma@memphis.edu. U of M’s Judith Simon was awarded $34,200 in grant funding from the NSF’s Division of Undergraduate Education to help diversify and increase the number of women in the cybersecurity workforce. U of M’s Bob Smalley was awarded $32,258 in grant funding from the NSF’s Division of Polar Programs for a research project involving the Antarctic currents. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-highlights-expanded-choice-low-cost-health-insurance-new-obamacare-marketplace | Cohen Highlights Expanded Choice, Low Cost of Health Insurance in New Obamacare Marketplace | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today touted a new report showing that uninsured Memphians will pay even less than expected for quality health insurance when Tennessee’s health insurance marketplace begins a six-month open enrollment period on October 1st. The insurance marketplace, a signature benefit of President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act, will also give consumers throughout Tennessee significantly more choice in selecting the health insurance plan that is right for them, allow Memphians to compare plan benefits, costs and quality side by side, as well as inform residents of the tax rebates and premium assistance that they qualify for in real-time. “Today’s report is yet more evidence that the landmark Affordable Care Act will help give those in our society who need it most as well as the middle class a better chance at the American Dream,” said Congressman Cohen. “As the wealth gap continues to widen, we must remember that what we do to ‘the least of these’ demonstrates who we are as human beings and as a nation. Republicans continue to let the extremists in their party dominate their legislative agenda. Their efforts will not succeed.” Today’s report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that, taking into account tax credits that will be made available when an insurance plan is selected, a 27-year old living in Tennessee and making $25,000 per year will pay only $103 each month for the lowest cost insurance plan, and that a Tennessee family of four with an income of $50,000 could pay as little as $128 per month for their insurance. Nationally, the report also found that the average mid-level plan available through the health insurance marketplaces will cost 16% less than earlier projections. “Every American deserves adequate health care and these continued efforts to repeal, defund or delay the Affordable Care Act are folly. Obamacare as enacted is very close to health care legislation proposed throughout the years by many Republicans from President … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-22-million-funding-improvements-matas-main-street-trolley-line | Cohen Announces $2.2 Million in Funding for Improvements to MATA's Main Street Trolley Line | 2013-09-24 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) will receive $2.2 million in federal funds to help refurbish and enhance the Main Street Trolley Line. Today’s funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). “These new federal funds will help improve livability in downtown Memphis, increase tourism, drive economic development and create good-paying jobs right here in our city,” said Congressman Cohen. The funds awarded today will support improvements in conjunction with the Memphis Main2Main Project, which Congressman Cohen helped secure a nearly $15 million TIGER grant for last year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-polis-blumenauer-farr-pocan-call-president-obama-bring-sanity-drug-policy-new | Cohen, Polis, Blumenauer, Farr & Pocan Call on President Obama to Bring Sanity to Drug Policy with New Drug Czar Nomination | 2013-09-24 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Following recent announcements that President Obama’s Administration will respect state marijuana laws and seek smarter sentences when prosecuting low-level drug offenses, U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Sam Farr (CA-20), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Jared Polis (CO-02) urged the President to take another step towards common-sense drug policy by nominating a new “Drug Czar” who will bring reason, science, and facts to the soon-to-be-vacant position. “We commend you and your Administration on the recent steps you have taken to pursue smarter sentencing and policies that respect state laws regarding marijuana,” wrote the Congressmen. “We urge you to nominate a new Director of ONDCP who will develop policies based on science rather than ideology and move away from the failed policy of criminalizing marijuana. The new Director should promote fact-based education and use medical science and behavioral research to end the questionable practice of equating marijuana with dangerous drugs like heroin, crack, and methamphetamine.” The position of Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), commonly referred to as the “Drug Czar,” has historically been filled by individuals with law enforcement backgrounds who have viewed drug policy as a matter of criminal enforcement rather than as a matter of public health—regardless of the medical science and public research available. The current Director, Gil Kerlikowke, was recently nominated to be Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection by President Obama. If Kerlikowke is confirmed for that position, the ONDCP will need a new Director. The text of Congressmen’s letter to the President follows: The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: We applaud the recent announcements by Attorney General Holder that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek smarter sentences when prosecuting low level drug o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/keeping-country-running-and-helping-middle-class | Keeping the Country Running and Helping the Middle Class | 2013-09-20 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I know we are all shocked, stunned, and saddened by the tragic events that unfolded on Monday morning at the Navy Yard in Washington. I have spent much of this week thinking of the victims and all those affected by the horrors—but I simply cannot imagine the horror they must have experienced and the grief felt by their families. I hope we keep them all in our thoughts and prayers as they begin the recovery process. Fighting for Children and Middle Class Families Preventing Another Government Shutdown Protecting Memphis Consumers Holding the NSA Accountable Raising Awareness Of Tourette Syndrome Fighting Human Trafficking and Organ Harvesting Grants for Memphis Saving Americans Money on Health Insurance Grant Announcements After the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the NRA’s CEO said that “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” On Monday, there were a lot of good guys with guns that weren’t able to stop this madman from ending 12 innocent lives. But less than a month ago, a good woman with a heart was able to prevent another school shooting in Georgia—she was able to save countless young lives that day. I don’t agree with the NRA that the only way to protect people is by making more guns available. I think there’s more we can do. I support the 2ndAmendment—I even wrote Tennessee’s concealed carry legislation—but we clearly need to pass some reasonable reforms. Some have said that it is too soon after Monday’s tragedy to begin talking about gun violence and how to fix it. When isn’t it “too soon” though? Next week? Next month? Next year? Senseless mass shootings like Monday’s are happening more and more frequently—each day we wait to talk about this is one day closer to the next one, unless we do something about it. That starts with talking about it. We simply cannot wait for shootings to stop before we are allowed to talk about how to stop them—that’s obviously backwards. I spoke with Alex Wagner on MSNBC about some reasonable reforms I hope that Congress c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-25-million-job-training-programs-southwest-tennessee-community | Cohen Announces More Than $2.5 Million for Job Training Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Southwest Tennessee Community College was awarded a $2.66 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for the development and expansion of innovative training programs. Southwest Tennessee Community College is also a member of two different multi-college partnerships that were additionally awarded just over $5.76 million in funding for training programs under today’s announcement. “These funds will help Southwest Tennessee Community College prepare Memphians for jobs in the high-paying, advanced fields that will drive our economy into the future,” said Congressman Cohen. The funding announced today is part of the DOL’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program, which awards funding to promote skills development and employment opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, health care, as well as the so called “STEM” fields: science, technology, engineering, and math. The DOL coordinates this grant program with the U.S. Department of Education. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-calls-republicans-drop-plans-push-millions-americans-hunger | Cohen Calls on Republicans to Drop Plans to Push Millions of Americans into Hunger | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – As House Republican leaders rushed through a bill that cuts $40 billion from a critical part of our nation’s safety net, the SNAP food-stamp program, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) took to the floor of the House of Representatives and called on his colleagues to reject the draconian cuts and not push millions of Americans into hunger. Video of his remarks is available here. “These cuts will devastate the 68,000 Ninth District residents and millions of Americans who see SNAP as a lifeline during a difficult time,” said Congressman Cohen. “$40 billion in draconian cuts to this critical program would take food right out of their mouths, all in the name of so-called ‘fraud.’ Where is the Republican outrage over the billions in fraud at the Pentagon and with defense contractors? Instead of focusing on helping people get out of poverty, Republicans are again choosing to make things harder for our middle class families.” SNAP is a vital tool to fight hunger and help struggling Americans feed their families as they seek new employment, send their children to school, and get themselves back on their feet. As 1 in 5 children in this country struggles with hunger, the $40 billion in cuts included in today’s bill would take the food out of the mouths of nearly 4 million Americans next year, particularly harming children, seniors, veterans, and Americans living in urban and suburban communities with chronically high unemployment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-court-order-against-mo%E2%80%99-money | Cohen Statement on Court Order Against Mo’ Money | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After a federal court permanently barred the owners and a former manager of Mo’ Money Taxes from preparing tax returns for others and owning or operating a tax return preparation business, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement: “This court order against Mo’ Money sends a striking message that businesses cannot take advantage of Memphians or victimize America through tax fraud,” said Congressman Cohen. “Those perpetrating tax preparation scams that prey on the poor and the middle class should be punished as severely as possible under the law, and I’m glad the Department of Justice responded to the concerns of my constituents and took action against these individuals. This is good news for consumers and taxpayers in Memphis.” Mo’ Money had been the subject of a U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division lawsuit seeking to shut the business down. The suit also accused its owners of creating and maintaining a business environment that encourages the preparation of fraudulent federal income tax returns. The civil injunction order announced today against Mo’ Money owners Markey Granberry and Derrick Robinson, as well as former manager Eumora Reese, was signed by Judge S. Thomas Anderson of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. In March 2012, Congressman Cohen met with Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and a senior Justice Department official to follow up on their February 7, 2012 letter to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., requesting his office’s assistance in addressing the problems their constituents were having with the Mo’ Money tax preparation firm. They also called on the House Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on Mo’ Money, which shed light on the company’s business practices when the Committee met on June 28, 2012. In January 2012, both members’ Congressional offices began receiving complaints from constituents regarding Mo’ Money. In addition to other problems, the complaints alleged: bounced checks issued by Mo’ Money for tax refu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-1-million-crime-prevention-and-safety-shelby-county | Cohen Announces Nearly $1 Million for Crime Prevention and Safety in Shelby County | 2013-09-16 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Shelby County has been awarded two grants totaling $997,334 for crime prevention and safety programs. This funding comes through the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). “These funds will help ensure Shelby County law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to keep us safe and bring offenders to justice,” said Congressman Cohen. Shelby County will receive a $797,334 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants support a broad range of activities and law enforcement initiatives. Shelby County will also receive $200,000 in funding for its Blueprint for Safety Demonstration project from the DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women to help ensure swift consequences for domestic abuse, send a message of help and accountability, and reduce unintended consequences. The funding, which comes through the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, will be used for the planning, implementation, and compliance evaluation phases of the project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-15-million-university-tennessee-health-science-center-memphis | Cohen Announces More Than $1.5 Million for University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis | 2013-09-13 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis has been awarded a total of $1,535,129 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for four different projects. “These funds will help continue the important work being done by the skilled researchers at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: HHS’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases awarded $652,004 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Pathobiology and Reversibility of Prediabetes in a Biracial Cohort” project. HHS’ National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded $270,000 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Mechanisms of transcription coregulator usage by the target of rapamycin pathway” project. HHS’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded $328,125 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Genetics and Biology of CIZ1 in Cervical Dystonia” project. HHS’ National Institute on Drug Abuse awarded $285,000 in grant funding to UTHSC for the “Cocaine addiction: neuropharmacological mechanisms of compulsive cocaine use” project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-passing-evie-horton | Cohen Statement on the Passing of Evie Horton | 2013-09-13 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement upon learning of the passing of community activist and wife of the late Judge Odell Horton, Evie R. Horton: “Evie Horton was a beautiful and thoughtful lady who exuded goodness and grace,” said Congressman Cohen. “She loved her husband deeply and, after 50 years of marriage, honored his memory each day following his passing in 2006. Memphis has truly lost one of its most beautiful citizens. Evie Horton will be sorely missed by all.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/remembering-911-0 | Remembering 9/11 | 2013-09-13 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Wednesday marked the 12th anniversary of the unspeakable acts of evil perpetrated against innocent civilians on 9/11. It was a day for each and every one of us to take time to reflect on the heroism of firefighters, policemen, and other first responders from across the nation, thank those who continue the fight to keep us safe, and honor the victims of the awful terrorist attacks of September 11th. As each year passes, I remember the thousands of innocent lives lost, but I also look back on the stunning selflessness shown by our nation’s first responders and the countless other heroes that were forged that day. I spoke about them on the floor of the House this week—you can watch my remarks here. Keeping 9/11 Victims in our Hearts Pumping the Brakes on Syria Honoring Those Lost in the Fight for Civil Rights Preventing Another Government Shutdown Holding the NSA Accountable Affordable Care Act Update Grants for Memphis Remembering Evie Horton Grant Announcements Keeping 9/11 Victims in our Hearts If you have a moment to spare, I hope you will watch one of the most moving tributes to the victims of 9/11 that I have seen, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City singing my friend Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart” at Ground Zero on September 11th, 2010. I know the terrible events of that day deeply affected Warren, as it did each and every one of us, and I will continue to keep those we lost in my heart. While the cowardice of the 9/11 bombers fades further and further into our collective memory, the shared sense of national unity and purpose that flourished in the aftermath continues to shine. We must not forget that the indomitable American spirit continues to live on as well. Pumping the Brakes on Syria As we stand this week with the families and loved ones of the victims of 9/11, we also honor and remember victims of terrorism around the globe in all its forms—whether perpetrated by al Qaeda or by despotic regimes with little regard for their citizens. This historically significant … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-protect-americans-regressive-internet-taxes | Cohen Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans from Regressive Internet Taxes | 2013-09-12 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), today joined Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-14), Subcommittee Chairman Spencer Bachus (AL-06) and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01) in introducing H.R. 3086, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act. The legislation makes permanent a moratorium on the imposition of new taxes to internet access by state and local governments, which was originally enacted in 1998. A Senate companion was introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and John Thune (R-SD) earlier this year. “The internet has become a driving force in our economy, but regressive taxes on internet access could have a chilling effect that ripples throughout the nation,” said Congressman Cohen. “During these tough economic times, state and local governments are understandably looking to raise revenue needed to provide critical services, but unfair and unnecessary taxes on internet access—a cornerstone of our 21st century lives—are not the right way to do it. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act will help prevent unreasonable price increases for consumers that ultimately harm our businesses and stunt our economic growth.” Chairman Goodlatte said: “The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act ensures that Americans can continue to access the Internet tax-free. In this increasingly digital age, Americans rely on access to the Internet to apply for employment, to seek and share innovative ideas, to keep governments accountable, to run small businesses, and to communicate with their families and friends. This legislation will help ensure more Americans have access to this tremendous medium by reducing cost barriers.” Congresswoman Eshoo said: “Access to the Internet has transformed the lives of millions of Americans, businesses and schools. It has driven us to new heights of innovation and led to billions of dollars in economic growth. Unfortunately, consumers will be fa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-12th-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist-attacks | Cohen Commemorates 12th Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attacks | 2013-09-11 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] –Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement on the 12th anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001: “September 11th is a day for each and every one of us to take time to reflect on the heroism of firefighters, policemen, and first responders from across the nation, thank those who continue the fight to keep us safe, and honor the victims of the awful terrorist attacks of 9/11. Memphians in particular should remember and honor Gary Lasko and keep his family in their thoughts. Gary Lasko was a Memphis native who died in the collapse of the first World Trade Center building—along with the nearly 3,000 other innocent people who perished that day.” “Today, as we stand with the families and loved ones of those lost on 9/11, we also honor and remember victims of terrorism around the globe in all its forms, whether perpetrated by al Qaeda or despotic regimes with little regard for their citizens.” “On the anniversary of the deadliest attack on domestic soil in our nation’s history, all Americans should come together and remember the thousands of innocent lives lost—but we should also look back on the stunning selflessness shown by our nation’s first responders and the countless other heroes forged that day. While the cowardice shown by the 9/11 bombers fades with each passing year, the shared sense of national unity and purpose that flourished in the aftermath continues to shine. As we live on, let us remember that the indomitable American spirit lives on as well.” Congressman Cohen also commemorated the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Video of the Congressman’s remarks is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-reacts-president-obamas-syria-address | Cohen Reacts to President Obama's Syria Address | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Following President Obama’s address to the nation regarding the situation in Syria, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) tonight made the following statement: “Following numerous briefings with senior Administration officials and today’s nearly three-hour meeting with Vice President Biden at the White House, I paid close attention to President Obama’s address this evening.” “While I am convinced that the Assad regime used chemical weapons in an attack on Syrian civilians that violated international law in addition to basic human decency, the American people must have a voice in how the U.S. responds to these violations.” “I will continue to listen to the concerns of the people of the Ninth District, weigh the classified intelligence made available by the President and his Administration, and consider the vast geopolitical consequences of military action—or inaction—before deciding on the best path forward. I am hopeful that a diplomatic resolution to this humanitarian crisis can be achieved.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-10-million-memphis-international-airport | Cohen Announces $10 Million for Memphis International Airport | 2013-09-06 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Memphis International Airport will receive $10 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for improvements. This funding will support the third phase of the Memphis airport’s passenger terminal apron reconstruction. “The Memphis airport is a critically important transportation link in the Mid-South region,” said Congressman Cohen. “This funding will help ensure our airport can continue serving travelers safely and efficiently for many years to come.” Memphis International Airport is a world-class facility that today serves more than 6 million passengers a year. Dedicated in 1929 as the Memphis Municipal Airport with just two major carriers, the airport now hosts several national carriers as well as the FedEx “Super Hub.” Memphis International has grown into the busiest cargo airport in the country, and is the second-busiest in the world —behind only Hong Kong. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/weighing-action-syria | Weighing Action in Syria | 2013-09-06 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear friend, As you likely know, much attention this week has been focused on the growing turmoil in Syria—and whether or not the United States should use its military power in an effort to lessen the Syrian regime’s ability to use chemical weapons against its own people. I will continue listening to the people of the Ninth District and make sure that we know all the facts before deciding on this important issue. Keep reading for more information on Syria and to learn about what else has been happening this week. More About Syria Holding Delta Accountable Celebrating Labor Day Keeping Health Care Affordable Celebrating Bishop Brandon B. Porter Improving the Memphis Airport More Grants for Memphis Grant Announcements More About Syria Last week, I joined with Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California and 52 of my Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the President urging that the U.N. be allowed time to finish its job and that Congress be allowed to weigh in before any further action on Syria is taken. You can read the full letter here. I was glad that the President decided to seek Congressional approval before involving our military in Syria. Over the weekend, I attended a classified briefing with top officials from the Obama Administration and asked that the resolution authorizing the use of military force be curtailed to ensure that the President cannot put boots on the ground. Throughout this week, I have also paid close attention as House and Senate Committees have questioned both Secretary of State John Kerry as well as Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. I also appeared on Fox 13 earlier this week to talk about our options at this point. And just minutes ago, I spoke again with the White House to receive more information and an update on the situation. Next Tuesday evening, President Obama will address the American people from the White House—I look forward to hearing what he has to say. I am very concerned about going into Syria, but I am also very concerned about the message it sends if we do not… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-14-million-university-tennessee-health-science-center-memphis | Cohen Announces More Than $1.4 Million for University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis | 2013-09-05 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis has been awarded a total of $1,411,317 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for three different projects. “These funds will help continue the important work being done by the skilled researchers at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: HHS’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease awarded $941,115 in grant funding to UTHSC for the Action for Health in Diabetes Continuation (Look Ahead) project. HHS’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases awarded $395,202 in grant funding to UTHSC for the Preclinical Diagnostic Imaging of Amyloid project. HHS’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded $75,000 in grant funding to UTHSC for the supersensitive dopamine D2 receptor inhibition of striatopallidal projection project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/50th-anniversary-march-washington | The 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington | 2013-08-30 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week marked the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington that inspired a generation of Americans to act for justice and helped lead to both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. I came to Washington last Friday and have been honored to be able to attend a number of events surrounding the 50th anniversary over the last few days. This week, I also signed on to a letter urging the President to allow the U.N. the time it needs to do its job and give Congress the chance to weigh in before acting on Syria. Keep reading to learn what else happened this week. Welcoming Memphians to Washington Continuing the Fight for Civil Rights Reigniting the Fierce Urgency of Now Weighing in on Syria Listening to Memphis Fighting for Immigration Reform Working to Protect Law-Abiding Citizens Providing a Second Chance to Ex-Offenders Reigning in For-Profit Colleges Grants for Memphis Labor Day Grant Announcements Welcoming Memphians to Washington Last Friday, I was glad to welcome a large group of Memphians, including legendary civic activist and leader Velma Lois Jones, who had driven through the night from Tennessee. They were in Washington to attend a weekend march that retraced the route taken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. down the National Mall some 50 years ago. When they arrived, I gave the group a private tour of the Capitol building. I attended Saturday’s march as well, where my friend and civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis—who spoke at the march in 1963—gave a moving speech about the continuing fight for justice. Continuing the Fight for Civil Rights August 28th was the actual 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, and that afternoon I watched as our first African American President, Barack Obama, spoke on the same steps of the Lincoln Memorial that Dr. King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech five decades ago. On the same day five years ago, then-Senator Obama accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for our nation’s highest office. The President was joined on We… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-900000-funding-university-memphis | Cohen Announces Nearly $900,000 in Funding for the University of Memphis | 2013-08-29 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Memphis and its faculty have been awarded a total of $895,398 in grant funding for three different projects. The funding announced today is from the National Science Foundation (NSF). “This funding underscores the important role that University of Memphis scholars play in areas of national importance including science and education,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grant awards are included under today’s announcement: The University of Memphis was awarded $464,800 in grant funding for the acquisition of a new high resolution (HR) field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The microscope, which is expected to be installed next spring, will be housed in the University’s shared research facility, alongside a recently opened materials fabrication and characterization lab and class 1000 clean room. In addition to supporting U of M researchers working in materials science, cell biology, geosciences, and civil engineering, the instrument will be accessible to other academic and industry researchers. Professor Andrew Olney was awarded $163,830 in grant to develop and evaluate a conversational computer program that learns from students while teaching them to read more effectively. The program is designed to work with any e-book and over time will learn enough to be able to tutor future students on the e-book topics. More information is available at the following link: https://www.memphis.edu/iis Earth Scientist Bob Smalley was awarded $266,768 in grant funding to study the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Using GPS and other technologies, Smalley’s team is working to understand how the Antarctic continent and its glaciers interact, how they are impacted by climate change, and the potential effects of that impact. More information is available at the following link: www.ceri.memphis.edu | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-joins-congresswoman-lee-and-52-democrats-calling-president-allow-congress-weigh | Cohen Joins Congresswoman Lee and 52 Democrats in Calling on President to Allow Congress to Weigh in Before Acting on Syria | 2013-08-29 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and 52 Members of the House Democratic Caucus today in sending a letter to the President urging that the U.N. be allowed time to finish its job and that Congress be allowed to weigh in before any further action on Syria is taken. “While we understand that as Commander in Chief you have a constitutional obligation to protect our national interests from direct attack, Congress has the constitutional obligation and power to approve military force, even if the United States or its direct interests (such as its embassies) have not been attacked or threatened with an attack,” the 54 Members of Congress wrote in the letter. “As such, we strongly urge you to seek an affirmative decision of Congress prior to committing any U.S. military engagement to this complex crisis.” The letter continues: “While the ongoing human rights violations and continued loss of life are horrific, they should not draw us into an unwise war—especially without adhering to our own constitutional requirements. We strongly support the work within the United Nations Security Council to build international consensus condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons and preparing an appropriate response; we should also allow the U.N. inspectors the space and time necessary to do their jobs, which are so crucial to ensuring accountability.” A copy of the letter along with a full list of cosigners is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-new-doj-guidelines-better-protect-businesses-and-individuals-comply | Cohen Statement on New DOJ Guidelines that Better Protect Businesses and Individuals that Comply with State and Local Marijuana Laws | 2013-08-29 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After Congressman Cohen urged Attorney General Holder to allow states to determine their own marijuana laws and to respect those determinations, the Department of Justice today announced new guidelines for federal prosecutors that—while not fully protecting businesses and individuals that comply with state and local laws—appear to reduce risk of federal prosecution for those individuals and businesses. The Congressman made the following statement: “Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously said that states are the laboratories of democracy,” said Congressman Cohen. “He was right—but if those laboratories are to make any sort of breakthrough, the federal government must give them that chance. Today’s move by Attorney General Holder that means those who comply with relevant state and local laws are less at risk of overzealous federal prosecution is a step in the right direction, and it continues this Administration’s recent strides towards a smarter, more just approach to federal drug policy.” “President Obama’s Administration is making incremental progress to address the basic unfairness of our federal drug policy and law enforcement policy, and I appreciate that it has started to work on these important issues. I look forward to working with the President and the Attorney General to finish the work that has been started, to make sure our sentencing laws are equally applied and reflect American ideals, and that law-abiding citizens of states like Colorado and Washington do not live in fear of their federal government.” Earlier this year, Congressman Cohen also introduced legislation to create a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy. The Commission would undertake a comprehensive review of the federal government’s current policies toward marijuana, particularly in light of the growing number of states where marijuana is already legal for medicinal or personal use. The Congressman has also called on the Attorney General to help reduce unfairness and injustice in our criminal justice sys… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-talks-over-6000-ninth-district-constituents-during-tonights-telephone-town-hall | Cohen Talks to Over 6,000 Ninth District Constituents During Tonight's Telephone Town Hall | 2013-08-29 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) hosted a telephone town hall this evening to answer his constituents’ questions about the issues facing the Ninth District and the nation. On the telephone town hall, the Congressman discussed a variety of issues including today’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the urgent need to bring justice to those serving outdated deferral sentences, his work bringing jobs to Memphis, the upcoming agenda in Congress, and how sequestration is hurting families across the country. “Town halls give us the opportunity to discuss the issues and concerns that matter most to Memphians,” said Congressman Cohen. “This evening, we discussed the importance of bringing jobs to Memphis, the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and the continuing fight to ensure all Americans enjoy the same civil and human rights, as well as the many benefits of the Affordable Care Act, which I was proud to support. Whether working to grow our economy and create jobs or fighting to protect the voting rights of all Americans and ensure each of us has access to affordable health care, the opinions and ideas of Ninth District constituents help us move forward with legislation in Congress.” The Telephone Town Hall meeting began at 6:05PM CT and lasted approximately one hour. More than 6,000 Ninth District constituents participated in the call and asked questions about the Affordable Care Act. Since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, Congressman Cohen has hosted dozens of town hall meetings in his Congressional district and via telephone from Washington, D.C. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-mlks-fierce-urgency-now-demands-president-obama-act-now-reduce-racial | Cohen: MLK's "Fierce Urgency of Now" Demands President Obama Act Now to Reduce Racial Disparities in Our Justice System | 2013-08-27 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington which led to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today called on President Obama to heed the “fierce urgency of now” and take immediate steps to reduce unfair racial disparities in our judicial system, cut prison overcrowding, reduce the deficit, and further the cause of justice. “As he reminded the nation of the ‘fierce urgency of now’ from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial fifty years ago, Dr. King inspired a generation of Americans ‘to make justice ring out for all of God’s children,’” said Congressman Cohen. “The people serving unjust, cruelly lengthy, and outright wrong sentences know all too well the fierce urgency of now. I hope the President will heed Dr. King’s reminder and act on their behalf as soon as possible—right now.” While the Obama Administration has made important moves to reduce racial disparities, including a recent change to Department of Justice prosecution policies that Congressman Cohen has for years been calling for, the President has several other powers at his disposal—like pardons and commutations—that, in addition to quickly bringing needed justice to thousands of people incarcerated under outdated and unfair mandatory minimum sentences, cannot be blocked by an obstructionist Congress. Congressman Cohen’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow: The Fierce Urgency of Now: Reducing Racial Inequality in Our Justice System Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) August 27, 2013 Thank you very much for being here today. As we prepare for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington tomorrow, we would all be well served to remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28th, 1963, Dr. King inspired a generation of Americans “to make justice ring out for all of God’s children.” He told us he had come to our capital “to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.” And, at the time, America heeded his words: less than… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-265000-planned-parenthood-greater-memphis-region | Cohen Announces $265,000 for Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region | 2013-08-26 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) was awarded $265,000 by the U.S. Department of Health and Services (HHS). This funding will help PPGMR expand and enhance its existing High Impact HIV Prevention program, as well as allow PPGMR to expand its outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. “Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region has been helping Memphis and Shelby County residents get the health care they need to lead happier, healthier lives for years,” said Congressman Cohen. “These new federal funds will help PPGMR proactively prevent the spread of HIV and protect Memphians from the debilitating effects of this deadly disease.” PPGMR is one of Tennessee’s oldest and largest private, non-profit health care agencies. Since 1938, PPGMR has remained committed to providing high-quality, affordable reproductive services and education to women and men throughout the Mid-South, regardless of their ability to pay. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/celebrating-50th-anniversary-march-washington | Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington | 2013-08-23 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I am writing to you today from Washington, DC. After spending the week in Memphis, I came back to attend many events surrounding the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington taking place in our nation’s capital over the next week, including a breakfast with Dr. C.T. Vivian tomorrow. This afternoon, I was glad to be able to meet with a large group of Memphians who spent last night driving from Memphis to DC to attend tomorrow’s march that will retrace the route taken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others—including several members of this group from Memphis—down the National Mall some 50 years ago. I am looking forward to joining them tomorrow to hear my friend and civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis speak at the end of the march. Next Week in Washington, DC Protecting the Voting Rights of All Americans Preparing Children for Success in School Helping Make College More Affordable Reforming our Broken Immigration System Increasing Graduation Rates and Helping Young People in Memphis Helping Treat and Prevent HIV/AIDS Grant Announcements Next Week in Washington, DC In addition to tomorrow’s commemoration, another ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 28th. At Wednesday’s ceremony, Barack Obama—who accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for President on the same day five years ago—will address the nation from the same steps that Dr. King stood on in 1963. President Obama will be joined by President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton. If you are planning to be in Washington during Wednesday’s ceremony, my office, located in room 2404 of the Rayburn House Office Building, will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. I will be at the Lincoln Memorial during the afternoon ceremony, but please feel free to stop in—both my staff and I would be happy to welcome you. If you are having trouble finding the office, please don’t hesitate to call us at (202) 225-3265 Protecting the Voting Rights of All Americans The March on Washington spurred our nation into action and led to both the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140130001032/http://cohen.house.gov:80/event/telephone-town-hall-august-28-2013 | Telephone Town Hall - August 28, 2013 | 2013-08-23 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | web.archive.org | legacy | Start: August 28, 2013 6:05 pm End: August 28, 2013 7:05 pm | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-half-million-dollars-memphis-area-womens-services | Cohen Announces More Than Half a Million Dollars for Memphis-area Women's Services | 2013-08-22 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Serenity Recovery Centers in Memphis has been awarded $520,000 in funding to expand and enhance substance abuse and HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services for low-income African American women. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used on Serenity’s collaborative Memphis Substance-Using Women’s Action Team (SWAT) project. “This funding will help Serenity Recovery Centers and other local organizations continue providing important health services to low-income African American women throughout Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. The Memphis Substance-Using Women’s Action Team (SWAT), a collaborative effort that in addition to Serenity includes Friends for Life and CHOICES, aims to capitalize on a unique citywide coalition to expand substance abuse treatment and outreach capacity as well as enhance treatment services for low income African American women who are infected with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS but have multiple barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment and other support services. The program involves community based outreach, pretreatment, and the delivery as well as implementation of key services at times and locations where high-risk activity occurs. Serenity Recovery Centers began as “Serenity House” in 1971 when a group of recovering alcoholics founded a safe haven for alcoholics seeking treatment. For 40 years, the organization has offered counseling, education and advocacy to more than 15,000 individuals and families in the Memphis community who are struggling with addiction — regardless of their ability to pay. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-applauds-doj-lawsuit-challenging-constitutionality-texas-voter-id-law | Cohen Applauds DOJ Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Texas Voter ID Law | 2013-08-22 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced his support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) new lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of a recently-passed Texas law that threatens to disenfranchise countless voters. This move by the DOJ carries exceptional weight in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that left important provisions of the Voting Rights Act in limbo and raised questions about whether the civil rights of millions of Americans—including minority groups who have historically been oppressed—would remain protected. The Congressman made the following statement: “Make no mistake, the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that gutted important provisions of the landmark Voting Rights Act was an affront to civil rights in this country,” said Congressman Cohen. “While Congress works to fix the Supreme Court’s mistake, I am glad that Attorney General Holder is not waiting for even more discrimination against minorities before using every tool at his disposal to aggressively fight for the civil and human rights that we fought for decades to obtain.” “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Great March on Washington that led to the Voting Rights Act, protecting the right of every American to vote is especially important. Thankfully, today’s move by the Department of Justice to protect our citizens is a win for civil rights and a win for all Americans.” Earlier today, the DOJ announced that it will file a new lawsuit against the State of Texas, the Texas Secretary of State, and the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety over the State’s strict voter photo identification law (SB 14). The United States’ complaint seeks a declaration that SB 14 violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, as well as the voting guarantees of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. Separately, the Department is filing a motion to intervene as a party and a complaint in intervention against the State of Texas and the Texas Secretary of State in the ongoing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-highlights-record-making-college-more-affordable-president-obama-kicks-college | Cohen Highlights Record of Making College More Affordable As President Obama Kicks Off College Bus Tour | 2013-08-22 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After President Obama announced a new agenda to fight rising college costs and keep higher education within reach for middle class families this morning, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) highlighted his work to make college more affordable for Memphians and Tennesseans. When he served in the Tennessee Senate, Congressman Cohen led the fight to create the HOPE Scholarship program and in Washington he has fought to keep student loan rates down as well as to treat private student loan debt the same as other types of private loan debt. “I fought for nearly two decades while I was in the Tennessee State Senate to establish the Tennessee Lottery and the HOPE Scholarship program that has helped reduce college costs for hundreds of thousands of students across Tennessee,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am glad that President Obama laid out an ambitious new agenda that puts the interests of middle class families and students first to combat rising college costs. If we price our students out of a quality education, the whole country risks missing out on the contributions they could make to our economy—and that is not an acceptable risk to take.” Before he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Cohen became known throughout the state as the “Father of the Tennessee Lottery,” after leading the referendum effort that instituted arguably the most successful education initiative in Tennessee history. Since the inception of the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program in 2004, over $2.7 billion has gone to students continuing their education at the college level. Countless students have benefited from Congressman Cohen's tireless efforts to provide Tennesseans with access to affordable, quality, post-secondary education. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-82000-help-reduce-veteran-homelessness-memphis | Cohen Announces More Than $82,000 to Help Reduce Veteran Homelessness in Memphis | 2013-08-21 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis Housing Authority has been awarded $82,732 in grant funding to provide rental assistance to homeless veterans. This funding comes through the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. “It is a tragedy that so many of our veterans in Memphis and throughout the country are homeless,” said Congressman Cohen. “These grants are just one way we can give back to the veterans who gave so much for us.” As a critical part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to end veteran and long-term chronic homelessness in 2015, the HUD-VASH Program combines rental assistance from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with case management and clinical services provided by VA. Since 2008, the program has awarded more than 48,000 rental assistance and vouchers helped place more than 42,500 formerly homeless veterans in homes. HUD’s annual “point in time” estimate of the number of homeless persons and families for 2012 found that Veteran homelessness fell by 7.2 percent (or 4,876 people) since January 2011 and by 17.2 percent since January 2009. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-35-million-help-prepare-shelby-county-children-school | Cohen Announces More Than $3.5 Million to Help Prepare Shelby County Children for School | 2013-08-20 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County has been awarded a $3,629,895 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start projects that help promote school readiness of children from birth until the age of 5 by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. This announcement completes the current year’s funding for a total of $23,249,312. “Today’s funding is an investment in our children, an investment in our families, and an investment in our future,” said Congressman Cohen. “Because of this important funding, children from low-income families throughout Shelby County’s will be healthier and better prepared to learn when they enter school. We will see countless benefits down the line as today’s children grow into tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, and productive members of our society. This is an important program that I am proud to support.” Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Shelby County Head Start provides these services to over 3,000 children in Memphis and Shelby County. The Head Start program was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965 as an eight-week demonstration project. Since its founding, Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in every corner of the nation and has grown to include full day as well as year services and numerous program options. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-300000-university-memphis-research-project | Cohen Announces More than $300,000 for University of Memphis Research Project | 2013-08-16 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Memphis has been awarded a $311,662 research grant that will spur computer software research to help make software development less time-consuming and easier. The funding will be used by the University to conduct research to improve the methods with which software developers use code to obtain information. “The students and researchers at the University of Memphis are one of our city’s greatest resources,” said Congressman Cohen. “Today’s funding will help keep U of M at the forefront of computer research and spur improvements in computer software development.” Today’s grant, awarded through the National Science Foundation’s Division of Computer and Communications Foundations Program, supports a collaborative research project involving researchers at the University of Memphis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-over-12-million-help-people-take-advantage-affordable-care-act | Cohen Announces Over $1.2 Million to Help People Take Advantage of the Affordable Care Act | 2013-08-16 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the Memphis-based Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (Seedco) Mid-South has been awarded $1,216,013 in grant funding to help provide in-person assistance to area residents who want additional help in shopping for and enrolling in plans available through the health insurance Marketplaces that will open this fall. This funding comes through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Navigator grant program. “Seedco’s Navigators will be an important resource to help Memphis consumers understand their coverage options in the Marketplace,” said Congressman Cohen. “There will also be many other resources to assist with enrollment. Community health centers are preparing to help enroll consumers in coverage. In addition, HHS has also begun training other individuals who will be providing in-person assistance, such as agents and brokers and certified application counselors.” Seedco’s Navigators, in partnership with other local organizations, will be trained to provide unbiased information to consumers about the Health Insurance Marketplaces, qualified health plans, and public programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. They will also be trained on adhering to strict security and privacy standards – including how to safeguard a consumer’s personal information – and will be required to meet these standards. They will be subject to federal criminal penalties for violations of privacy and fraud statutes, on top of any relevant state law penalties. “These grants build on the progress that has already been made in outreach and education about the new Marketplaces that will open on October 1st,” Congressman Cohen continued. “Consumers can now learn about the Marketplaces through www.HealthCare.gov and a 24-hour consumer call center at 1-800-318-2596. When the Marketplaces open in just 6 weeks, millions of Americans will have better access to affordable health insurance coverage, and Seedco’s Navigato… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-highlights-need-refocus-american-priorities-instead-overseas-spending | Cohen Highlights Need to Refocus on American Priorities Instead of Overseas Spending | 2013-08-15 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – After a dozen organizations from across the political spectrum thanked him for leading a successful effort to curb wasteful and risky spending in the Fiscal Year 2014 Defense Department Appropriations bill, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today highlighted his work to rein in our overgrown defense sector and protect taxpayers as well as critically important projects, programs and agencies—from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and early childhood education to infrastructure and food stamps—from the disastrous effects of thoughtless sequestration cuts. “We need to better align our nation’s priorities with those of our nation’s people—and that means winding down our outsized overseas spending and reprioritizing projects here at home,” said Congressman Cohen. “Pentagon leaders admit they do not need as much money as Congress continues to give them—but sequestration’s impact on NIH research projects affects all Americans, cuts to the SNAP program threaten the more than 1 in 4 Shelby County residents who rely on food stamps to adequately feed their families, and bridges and roads across the country are deteriorating. Instead of funding wars, we should be focused on finding cures, feeding and educating our children, and rebuilding America.” Congressman Cohen has long been an ardent supporter of reining in our defense budget, protecting taxpayer dollars and pushing for smarter spending here at home. During the House of Representatives’ recent debate on the FY2014 Defense Department Appropriations bill, the Congressman authored an amendment to cut the deficit and help limit the risk of taxpayer dollars being wasted or stolen in Afghanistan by reducing funding to the Afghan Infrastructure Fund by $139 million. His amendment passed by a bipartisan vote of 249-173. In July, Congressman Cohen also introduced the Research First Act to prevent and reverse the disastrous effects of sequestration cuts on critically important NIH research projects that could one day lead to cures for diseases that plague … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-over-185000-university-tennessee-health-science-center-memphis | Cohen Announces Over $185,000 for University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis | 2013-08-14 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis has been awarded a total of $187,500 in funding to study emotional disorders related to traumatic brain injury. This grant funding comes through the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “These funds will help continue the important work being done by the skilled researchers at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-delauro-house-democratic-caucus-call-speaker-boehner-not-push-more-americans | Cohen, DeLauro, House Democratic Caucus Call on Speaker Boehner Not To Push More Americans Into Hunger | 2013-08-14 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and more than 200 of his House colleagues in calling on Speaker Boehner not to push more Americans into hunger. In a letter, they urged the Speaker to include funding for nutrition programs in any future Farm Bill that comes before the House of Representatives. Nearly 270,000 residents of Shelby County, Tennessee, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—more than double any other county in the state. “The Republican leadership recently forced through a Farm Bill reauthorization, H.R. 2642, which did not include the nutrition title, a major part of the Farm Bill that would reauthorize SNAP,” the Members of Congress wrote. “We voted against this bill in large part because of this intentional omission. We strongly believe in the critical importance of SNAP. Given the essential nature of this program to millions of American families, the final language of the Farm Bill or any other legislation related to SNAP must be crafted to ensure that we do not increase hunger in America.” All the representatives and delegates who wrote to the Speaker opposed the version of the Farm Bill that passed the House of Representatives last month and did not include nutrition programs, as the Farm Bill traditionally has. The full text of the letter follows: August 13, 2013 The Honorable John Boehner The Speaker H-232, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our country’s most critical anti-hunger program, helping more than 47 million Americans meet their basic food needs at a time when more than 50 million Americans face the threat of food insecurity. Nearly half of SNAP enrollees are children, and the program helps feed roughly one in three children in America. Additionally, almost 75 percent of SNAP participants are in households with children, seniors, or a disabled individual. More than half of the average household’s SNA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-applauds-new-approach-federal-drug-crime-sentencing | Cohen Applauds New Approach to Federal Drug Crime Sentencing | 2013-08-12 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a national leader in the effort to reduce prison overcrowding and reform federal mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses that unfairly and unequally affect people of color and minority communities, today applauded United States Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will overhaul its draconian prosecution policies for non-violent drug offenders. “By announcing a new approach to the prosecution of non-violent drug offenses, Attorney General Holder renewed the Obama Administration’s dedication to making sure our nation’s policies better align with our ideals, the goals of our judicial system, and our laws,” said Congressman Cohen. “We can no longer continue hoping that imprisoning the most number of people for the longest amount of time will keep our streets safe or help rehabilitate non-violent offenders—we already know that it doesn’t work, and we know that our current policies unfairly harm African American and minority communities. I am glad our government is taking this important step towards a smarter, more fair, and more just approach to addressing drugs in America.” Congressman Cohen has a long history of working to reduce prison overcrowding and unfair sentencing practices. At a recent hearing of the House Judiciary Committee, he questioned Attorney General Holder about the DOJ’s prosecution of non-violent drug offenders and the role it plays in the overcrowding of federal prisons. The Congressman has also raised these issues directly with President Barack Obama and followed up, in writing, to both the President and Attorney General Holder urging a program of compassionate release through broader use of the pardon power as a method of cutting overcrowding, saving taxpayer money, and providing justice to those serving unnecessarily long sentences. The Congressman also co-sponsored the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the 100-to-1 sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. Pri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/busy-week-memphis | A Busy Week in Memphis | 2013-08-09 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, After Republicans spent another week in Washington infighting and working as hard as possible to keep Congress stuck in reverse, they recessed last Friday for the entire month of August without adequately funding the food stamp (SNAP) program, advancing comprehensive immigration reform, or fixing the devastating cuts caused by sequestration. But, before they left town with so much left to do, they were able to fit in a 40th useless vote to repeal President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act—even though they know it will go nowhere in the Senate. While House Republicans refuse to do their jobs in Washington, I’ve been hard at work in Memphis all week. Keep reading to learn what I’ve been up to. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx in Memphis LeMoyne-Owen College Grant to Help Students 48th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary of the Great March on Washington Speech at the Memphis Rotary Club Remembering Speaker Pro Tempore Emeritus Lois DeBerry National Nights Out Helping Keep College Affordable with HOPE Scholarships Grants to Memphis Business Resources for the Affordable Care Act Morning Television Grant Announcements Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx in Memphis On Wednesday, I joined Mayor A.C. Wharton in welcoming Anthony Foxx, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to Memphis. Before the Mayor and I sat down to discuss local transportation priorities and other important projects with the Secretary, we showed him around our city—including the BNSF rail yard and the FedEx late night hub operation—and took him on a bus tour that ended at Harahan Bridge. After I worked for years to secure funding for the project, the Department of Transportation finally awarded a TIGER Grant last year that gave the project life. Having Secretary Foxx in Memphis provided a great opportunity for him to see where DOT funding has helped Memphis and to have him see firsthand how Memphis can benefit from future projects. Thanks to Mayor Wharton, his Chief of Staff … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-400000-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital | Cohen Announces More Than $400,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | 2013-08-09 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in downtown Memphis was awarded $411,250 in grant funding to investigate the role of a specific protein in autoimmunity and the immune system. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “This funding will be used to continue important research at St. Jude, one of the world’s finest health care institutions,” said Congressman Cohen. Proteins called cytokines are produced by cells of the immune system and regulate immune function. In this proposal, researchers will study a cytokine called interleukin 10 that generally limits inflammation and diseases associated with excessive inflammation, though may occasionally also promote immune responses. Founded in 1962, St. Jude is one of the world’s leading children’s cancer research hospitals and is focused on finding cures and saving children from cancer and other deadly diseases. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-over-885000-university-tennessee-health-science-center-memphis | Cohen Announces Over $885,000 for University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis | 2013-08-08 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis has been awarded a total of $885,004 in funding for two important research projects. These grants come from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “These funds will help continue the important work being done by the skilled researchers at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will receive $528,004 from HHS’ National Institute on Aging to investigate translational systems genetics of mitochondria, metabolism, and aging. The Health Science Center in Memphis was also awarded $357,000 under today’s announcement from HHS’ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for heart and vascular diseases research. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-370000-funding-help-reduce-homelessness-ninth-district | Cohen Announces More Than $370,000 in Funding to Help Reduce Homelessness in the Ninth District | 2013-08-07 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that two local organizations have been awarded a total of $373,888 in grant funding to help reduce homelessness in Memphis. The Community Alliance for the Homeless will receive $157,418 in two separate grants and the Friends for Life Corporation will receive for $216,470 from a single grant. “This funding will help local communities and organizations work to reduce—and eventually eliminate—homelessness in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. These grants are part of a larger package of more than $1 million awarded to organizations across Tennessee through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, which aims to end homelessness and provide funding for efforts to ameliorate homelessness and its effect on people's lives. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);