Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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282 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "TN" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://cohen.house.gov/commutations-health-care-and-cuba | Commutations, Health Care and Cuba | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | While Congress has adjourned for the holidays I supported President Obama’s actions this week to restore liberty to individuals unjustly imprisoned, including a Memphian, and to reopen diplomatic relations with Cuba. I was also relieved that Governor Haslam finally announced a plan to cover additional low income people in Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Keep reading to learn more about these important issues. Presidential Commutations On Wednesday, President Obama issued commutations to eight federal prisoners, including Memphian Larry Nailor who was sentenced to life in prison for a non-violent drug conviction. These commutations are an encouraging sign that the President and Attorney General are taking positive steps, as I have long uged them to do, to implement a more rational, humane clemency system for Americans who are unfairly incarcerated. But these few commutations and pardons do not solve our nation's incarceration problem, as there remain thousands of Americans languishing in prisons serving sentences that have been repudiated by both Congress and the President. The laws that continue to create racially biased and unjust sentences must be reformed. In the meantime, President Obama can and should use his Constitutional power to help bring these people the justice they deserve, and I hope he does so as soon as possible. Health Insurance for More Tennesseans On Monday, Governor Haslam unveiled his Insure Tennessee plan, a two-year pilot program to provide health coverage to Tennesseeans who currently do not have access to health insurance. While I am dismayed by the amount of time that it took Governor Haslam to reach this agreement, I am relieved that he has completed his negotiations with the Obama Administration to begin expanding health coverage to more Tennesseans. I am glad the governor is following Arkansas’ lead and expanding coverage as our neighbor did 2 years ago. I am cautiously optimistic that the General Assembly will pass and implement the governor’s plan. As a fou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-reacts-presidential-commutation-non-violent-memphians-unjustly-long-prison | Cohen Reacts to Presidential Commutation of Non-Violent Memphian's Unjustly Long Prison Sentence | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama's grant of clemency to 20 individuals, including Memphian Larry Nailor, whose life prison sentence for a non-violent drug conviction was commuted: "This commutation of a Memphian's life prison sentence for a non-violent drug conviction is an encouraging sign that the President and Attorney General are taking positive steps, as I have long encouraged them to do, to implement a more rational, humane clemency system for Americans who are unfairly incarcerated. But these few commutations and pardons do not solve our nation's incarceration problem, as there remain thousands of Americans languishing in prisons serving sentences that have been repudiated by both Congress and the President. The laws that continue to create racially biased and unjust sentences must be reformed. In the meantime, President Obama can and should use his Constitutional power to help bring all of these inmates the justice they deserve, and I hope he does so as soon as possible.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-reestablishment-diplomatic-relations-cuba | Cohen Statement on the Reestablishment of Diplomatic Relations with Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the Administration’s announcement that it would seek to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba: “I support the President’s move to chart a new course in our relationship with Cuba. Our current policy has done little to help the Cuban people, and the Castros still rule the nation as they did when we instituted these policies more than 50 years ago. The reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba is a humane and logical path forward that will enable the United States to more effectively promote change in the country and support the Cuban people, and it may one day open more trade opportunities for Memphis and the Mid-South.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/hill-bill-would-require-data-police-killings | The Hill - Bill Would Require Data on Police Killings | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) has introduced legislation requiring the Justice Department to collect data on how many people are killed by police officers. Reliable data on police shootings due to "excessive force" is not available because the Justice Department doesn't maintain a comprehensive record. The lack of such information has come to light after the high-profile deaths of African-American men by white police officers in Ferguson, Mo., Staten Island, N.Y. and other cities in recent months. Cohen, a top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, argued that access to more information about police shootings is necessary before Congress and local law enforcement can make adequate policy changes. "Before we can truly address the problem of excessive force used by law enforcement we have to understand the nature of the problem and that begins with accurate data," Cohen said in a statement. Under Cohen's measure, local law enforcement agencies would have to provide the Justice Department with detailed data on police shootings. The data would be available to the public without identifying the people involved. The necessary information would include the date of each encounter where police used deadly force; the race, gender, ethnicity, religion and age of the officer and civilian involved in the altercation; the civilian's alleged crime; an explanation of why lethal force was necessary; and other ways the officer tried to resolve the situation before resorting to deadly force. Cohen introduced the bill on the House's last day in session for the year. He would have to re-introduce it in January for consideration in the new Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-governor-haslam%E2%80%99s-tenncare-announcement | Cohen Statement on Governor Haslams TennCare Announcement | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding Governor Haslam’s newly-announced “Insure Tennessee” Medicaid plan: “While I regret the amount of time that it took Governor Haslam to reach this agreement, I am relieved that he has completed his negotiations with the Obama Administration to begin expanding health coverage to more Tennesseans. I am glad the governor is following Arkansas’ lead and expanding coverage as our neighbor did 2 years ago. I remain cautiously optimistic that the General Assembly will pass and implement the governor’s plan,” said Congressman Cohen. “As a founding member of the Congressional State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I remain committed to ensuring that all Tennesseans are able to take advantage of the benefits and protections made available through the President’s landmark Affordable Care Act. I believe that a full expansion of TennCare as originally prescribed by the law is the best way to cover Tennesseans, I am hopeful that implementation of the Governor’s plan can put Tennessee on the road to achieving universal health coverage in the future.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-today-last-day-enroll-healthcaregov-coverage-kicking-january-1st | Cohen: Today is the Last Day to Enroll at HealthCare.gov for Coverage Kicking in On January 1st | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) reminded the residents of the Ninth District of today’s deadline to enroll through HealthCare.gov in affordable health insurance coverage that kicks in on January 1st. This year’s enrollment period runs until February 15th, but today is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1st, 2015. “Today is the last day for those without insurance coverage to enroll at HealthCare.gov in an affordable plan that will begin on the first of the year,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Affordable Care Act is clearly already working for thousands of Ninth District families, but everyone—whether or not they already have insurance—should visit HealthCare.gov today to ensure they get the best possible deal and that they receive their full tax credit in 2015.” While those who enrolled in plans through the Marketplace last year do not need to re-enroll to maintain coverage for 2015, all citizens whether or not they have previously enrolled are strongly encouraged to visit the newly-redeveloped, more stable, and easier-to-use HealthCare.gov website to ensure they receive the full tax credit to which they are entitled and to review their options as cheaper insurance plans may be available this year. Consumers are also now able to view health insurance plans available in their area without registering, logging in, or identifying themselves. A simple, one-page guide to navigating and enrolling through the HealthCare.gov marketplace is available here, and Memphis-area citizens can visit this page to determine if they qualify for lower insurance costs in the coming year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-applauds-medicaid-expansion-in-tennessee | Cooper Applauds Medicaid Expansion in Tennessee | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today issued a statement on Gov. Bill Haslam’s Insure Tennessee plan: “Gov. Haslam’s announcement is a step in the right direction,” Cooper said. “Expanding health insurance to more Tennesseans is the right thing to do for patients, hospitals and businesses.” For more information on the proposal, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-government-funding-deal | Cohen Statement on Government Funding Deal | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the 2015 government funding agreement: “While I am pleased that negotiators on both sides of the aisle agreed that funding for Tennessee’s hospitals and my $5 million provision to help fight our rape kit backlog should be included, I simply cannot support the many non-germane riders added. This agreement takes from the middle class and the poor and gives to the rich, overturns the D.C. vote on marijuana, and gives millionaires more influence in Washington while letting them take bigger risks on Wall Street. The American people do not want more money in our politics and a return to the Wall Street policies that almost brought the world economy crashing down in 2008.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/new-cohen-bill-would-close-loophole-allowing-police-abuses-be-swept-under-rug | New Cohen Bill Would Close Loophole Allowing Police Abuses to be Swept Under the Rug | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, introduced the National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2014 to close a loophole in federal law that prevents adequate collection of comprehensive national data regarding justified and unjustified fatal interactions with police. Without accurate data, racial disparities, abuses, and instances of excessive use of force are difficult to identify and unlikely to be fixed. “Before we can truly address the problem of excessive force used by law enforcement we have to understand the nature of the problem and that begins with accurate data,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am introducing this bill so that our country can begin to honestly assess racial disparities and other problems in our justice system and begin to fix them. It is a step in the right direction and a critical component of the healing process.” The 1994 Crime Bill requires the Attorney General to collect statistics on the use of excessive force, but the law does not provide any enforcement mechanism nor does it adequately define what “excessive force” is. As a result, the federal government has been unable to gather data from many local police departments and there are no reliable statistics on how often law enforcement uses deadly force. Congressman Cohen’s legislation would incentivize states to require local law enforcement agencies to provide data to the Attorney General on: The date of each instance when deadly force was used; The identifying characteristics of the victim and officer involved, including the race, gender, ethnicity, religion and approximate age of the victim; Any alleged criminal behavior by the victim; An explanation, if any, by the relevant law enforcement agency of why deadly force was used; A copy of any use of deadly force guidelines in effect at the time at the law enforcement agency; The nature of the deadly force used, including whether it involved a firearm; and A des… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/supporting-president-obama-and-attorney-general-holder-tennessee | Supporting President Obama and Attorney General Holder in Tennessee | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear friend, This week, I joined President Obama at the White House and on Air Force One during his trip to Nashville, and each time I invited him to Memphis. In addition, Congress approved $5 million that I secured to help fight our backlog of untested rape kits, and I introduced legislation to close a loophole that prevents us from effectively identifying and addressing fatal police interactions. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Supporting President Obama and Attorney General Holder in Tennessee Another Republican Handout to Wall Street Honoring Al Green at the Kennedy Center Fighting for Equal Justice And Equal Enforcement of the Law Remembering Chloe Grauer My Recommendation for TVA Board Confirmed by Senate Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act Promoting Nutrition with NBA Star Detlef Schrempf Supporting President Obama and Attorney General Holder in Tennessee After attending the White House Holiday Party on Monday evening, I was pleased to accept President Obama's invitation to join him on his recent trip to Nashville to discuss the need for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. As he always is, the President was thoughtful, knowledgeable, brilliant, and engaging as he discussed his commonsense moves to address some of the flaws of our nation's immigration system and called on Congress to fix these problems once and for all. I support the President's actions and will continue working in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. While I was in Nashville with the President, several of my District office staff members joined U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder as he visited our city. While he was in Memphis, the Attorney General visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, spoke at Mayor Wharton's "My Brother's Keeper" Communities Challenge Summit, and hosted a roundtable discussion with law enforcement, local officials, community leaders, students, and faith leaders. Another Republican Handout to Wall Street La… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-cromnibus-spending-bill-vote | Cooper Statement on Cromnibus Spending Bill Vote | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today issued a statement following his vote against a $1.1 trillion spending bill. “Congress had all year to do its job. But it again waited until the final hours and made shady backroom deals. This bill is no way to govern," Cooper said. The House of Representatives voted 219-206 to pass the spending bill late Thursday night. The “cromnibus” includes 11 appropriations bills and a continuing resolution, which will fund most of the government through September 2015. The bill also includes changes to campaign finance and Wall Street reform laws. It is expected to quickly pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen%E2%80%99s-recommendation-tva-board-ron-walter-confirmed-us-senate | Cohens Recommendation for TVA Board, Ron Walter, Confirmed by U.S. Senate | 2014-12-09 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – The United States Senate today confirmed Congressman Steve Cohen’s (TN-09) recommendation for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors, Ronald Walter, by a vote of 86-12. Mr. Walter will now fill one of nine positions on the TVA Board. Video of Congressman Cohen introducing Ron Walter at his Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works confirmation hearing last month is available here. “I was pleased to recommend Ron Walter to President Obama, as I have known Ron for nearly 40 years and know of no finer citizen of our community. He is diligent in all things, active and well-loved in the community for his genuine, caring attitude. I am very pleased Ron was confirmed by the U.S. Senate today, and I know he will do an outstanding job and serve the TVA constituency with good judgment and rectitude.” Ronald Walter is currently the President and General Manager of WREG-TV, a position he has held since 2004. Mr. Walter has served in a variety of positions at WREG-TV since 1987. He was Executive Vice President/Station Manager from 1994 to 2004, concurrently serving as Vice President of Government and Cable Relations for the New York Times Broadcast Group, WREG-TV’s former parent company from 2001 to 2004. He served as Vice President and Station Manager from 1991 to 1994, Vice President of Government and Public Relations from 1989 to 1990, and Director of Marketing, Production and Client Services from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Walter was Vice President of Customer Relations for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division from 1982 to 1987. From 1980 to 1982, he served as Assistant to the President at Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Mr. Walter received a B.A. from Clark University and an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University. The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-visit-nashville | Congressman Cohen Statement on President Obamas Visit to Nashville | 2014-12-09 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [NASHVILLE, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s visit to Nashville today: “I was proud to accept President Obama's invitation to join him as he travelled to Tennessee on Air Force One today. As always, the President was thoughtful, knowledgeable, brilliant, and engaging as he discussed his commonsense moves to address some of the flaws of our nation's immigration system and called on Congress to fix these problems once and for all. I support the President's actions and will continue working in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-president-s-visit-to-nashville | Cooper Statement on Presidents Visit to Nashville | 2014-12-09 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today issued the following statement: “The U.S. Senate – including Senators Corker and Alexander – voted overwhelmingly to do what the President outlined today. House Republicans have refused to consider the Senate bill, but they have three more days to allow an up or down vote where it would pass with a large majority. Our community – including the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Lipscomb University, the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention and local charitable family foundations – supports the goal of integrating immigrants into the wider community. We are a model for the country.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-welcomes-president-obama-to-nashville-0 | Cooper Welcomes President Obama to Nashville | 2014-12-04 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today praised President Obama’s upcoming visit to Nashville on December 9. “It’s always an honor and a thrill when a sitting president visits Nashville,” Cooper said. “I welcome President Obama to our vibrant, thriving and diverse city. Nashville is the perfect setting for his remarks.” The White House has announced President Obama will deliver remarks at Casa Azafran on the executive actions he is taking to fix America’s broken immigration system. Tuesday’s visit is President Obama’s second trip to Nashville in less than a year. In January, he spoke at McGavock High School. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-grijalva-takano-call-scrutiny-deal-sell-profit-college-campuses-ruthless-student | Cohen, Grijalva, Takano Call for Scrutiny of Deal to Sell For-Profit College Campuses to Ruthless Student Debt Collector | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), and Mark Takano (CA-41) today called on U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to closely scrutinize a proposal by Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to purchase a total of 56 campuses owned by defunct for-profit Corinthian Colleges Inc., which agreed to sell or close all of its campuses after failing to address concerns about its educational outcomes and recruiting practices. ECMC has no prior experience operating institutions of higher learning, but it does have a checkered history that includes using ruthless collection tactics against student loan debtors who should have reasonably qualified for bankruptcy relief. “Any sale of Corinthian’s campuses should be approved by the Department of Education only if it, unlike Corinthian’s practices, puts students first,” wrote the Congressman in a letter to Secretary Duncan today. “We are concerned that [ECMC has no] previous experience in operating an academic institution. Rather, the ECMC Group, as one of the largest student loan guaranty agencies in the United States, has benefited by collecting loan payments from students, sometimes using dubious tactics. Serious consideration should be given before transitioning management of Corinthian’s campuses from one company that profited off deceptive lending practices to an umbrella company that also has a checkered history in student loans.” Congressman Cohen is also the lead sponsor of the Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2013 with Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07), which aims to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans the same as other types of private debt in bankruptcy. In 2005, the law was unjustifiably changed to give private student loans the same privileged bankruptcy treatment as government loans, even though private student loans have vastly different terms and fewer consumer protections. The Congressman’s bill would amend the Bankruptcy Code to restore the dischargeabili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-congratulates-degrafinreid-on-new-job | Cooper Congratulates Degrafinreid on New Job | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) announced today that his Counsel, Alfred Degrafinreid II, has departed to become Chief Deputy Criminal Court Clerk of Davidson County. “I’m sorry to lose Alfred,” Cooper said. “He has been a tremendous asset to my office and to Nashville, but this is a good, big step for a rising star.” As Cooper's Nashville-based Counsel, Degrafinreid coordinated community outreach and advised on housing matters, the music industry and other policy issues. In his new role, Degrafinreid will assume the top staff position for Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry. A native Tennessean holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee State University, Degrafinreid also is a graduate of Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-recommended-tva-board-nominee-ron-walter-approved-senate-committee-final | Cohen-recommended TVA Board Nominee Ron Walter Approved by Senate Committee, Final Confirmation to Follow | 2014-12-02 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – The nomination of Ronald Walter to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors, recommended to President Obama by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), was unanimously approved today by the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works. The United States Senate is now set to consider Walter’s nomination and, if confirmed, he will fill one of the nine positions on the TVA Board. Video of Congressman Cohen introducing Ron Walter to the Senate Committee last month is available here. “I was pleased to recommend Ron Walter to President Obama, as I have known Ron for nearly 40 years and know of no finer citizen of our community. He is diligent in all things and active and loved in the community for his genuine, caring attitude. I know Ron will do an outstanding job and serve the TVA constituency with good judgment and rectitude if confirmed, and I am pleased the full Senate will consider his nomination.” Ronald Walter is currently the President and General Manager of WREG-TV, a position he has held since 2004. Mr. Walter has served in a variety of positions at WREG-TV since 1987. He was Executive Vice President/Station Manager from 1994 to 2004, concurrently serving as Vice President of Government and Cable Relations for the New York Times Broadcast Group, WREG-TV’s former parent company from 2001 to 2004. He served as Vice President and Station Manager from 1991 to 1994, Vice President of Government and Public Relations from 1989 to 1990, and Director of Marketing, Production and Client Services from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Walter was Vice President of Customer Relations for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division from 1982 to 1987. From 1980 to 1982, he served as Assistant to the President at Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Mr. Walter received a B.A. from Clark University and an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University. The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at price… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/have-happy-and-safe-thanksgiving | Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving | 2014-11-26 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear friend, Thanksgiving is a time for us to gather with our families and loved ones, enjoy each other's company, and pause to count our blessings. As we enjoy a well-cooked turkey feast, we should also remember those who are not as fortunate and those that remain in need. And we should all remember those who cannot be with their families because they are protecting our country and our freedom overseas, as well as those who have done so in the past. But we cannot forget one more group who are also unable to be with their families: those serving unfairly long prison sentences that Congress and the President believe no longer fit the non-violent crimes they committed. I wrote about what the President can do to help fix this injustice in The Hill this week. I hope you'll read my column here. Working for the Ninth District I also want to update you on my work in Congress for the Ninth District. This week, I urged Congressional appropriators to ensure that as they negotiate a budget for next year they include an additional $5 million to fight the rape kit backlog. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed an amendment I authored to add this funding to cut through the backlog. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended the full Senate pass it as well. With time running out for us to pass next year's budget, it is very important that Congress include as much of this vital funding as possible to help achieve the goal of eliminating the untested rape kit backlog in Memphis and around the country. And because one of the wealthiest nations in the world should not send its children to bed hungry, I have also asked appropriators to include $3 million to help prevent youth hunger that I secured in the House-passed Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The amendment I authored that added this funding cut through partisan gridlock to help prevent hunger and make sure that children in Memphis and throughout the United States get the nutritious meals they need to live happy and healthy lives, and it should be include… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-budget-negotiators-include-5-million-fight-rape-kit-backlog-gov%E2%80%99t | Congressman Cohen to Budget Negotiators: Include $5 Million to Fight Rape Kit Backlog in Govt Funding Bill | 2014-11-25 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – With time running out for this Congress to pass a budget for next year, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a coalition of 18 Members of Congress in urging appropriators to include in their forthcoming budget compromise bill $5 million aimed at cutting through the backlog of untested rape kits that he secured in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. In May, an amendment authored by Congressman Cohen to add this important funding passed the House on a voice vote. The same funding level was approved just a week later by the Senate Appropriations Committee and now awaits action in the full Senate. “Absolutely no one should be a victim of sexual assault, but it is a travesty when communities are terrorized simply because evidence that could be used to prevent these crimes sits untested on a shelf somewhere,” said Congressman Cohen. “We know that, if tested, these rape kits could have helped catch perpetrators and prevent additional attacks. We must do more to cut through this backlog—it’s the least we can do to give victims the justice they deserve and it is an imperative if we want to keep our communities safe from predators. My provision to provide additional funding to reduce the rape kit backlog is a step in the right direction, and it should be included in next year’s budget.” Untested rape kits are a significant public safety hazard that prevents law enforcement from apprehending violent criminals, increases the risk of additional crimes, and robs victims of the justice they deserve. Congressman Cohen authored a deficit-neutral provision to transfer $5 million in federal funds to a new grant program focused specifically on helping law enforcement agencies cut through their sexual assault kit backlogs. The additional funding would increase the grant program’s budget by nearly 15%, from $36 million to $41 million, and increase Memphis’ chance of receiving the funding necessary to significantly reduce its current backlog, which has been des… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-shelby-county-agreement-csx-extend-shelby-farms-greenway | Cohen Statement on Shelby County Agreement with CSX to Extend Shelby Farms Greenway | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding Shelby County’s agreement with CSX Railroad to extend the Shelby Farms Greenway: “The Shelby Farms Greenway, which has been paid for almost entirely with federal funding, will be an important recreational asset for Shelby County. It is a visible reminder of how the federal government can help make our communities more livable and more beautiful, and I am pleased with this agreement.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-passing-marion-barry | Cohen Statement on the Passing of Marion Barry | 2014-11-23 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the passing of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry: "Marion Barry was always gracious and full of information when we talked, and I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a son of Memphis, a graduate of what is now LeMoyne-Own College and the President of the NAACP there, as well as the first national chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. A strong civil rights leader, he rose to serve 4 terms as the popular, indefatigable Mayor of Washington, DC. As Maya Angelou once said, he 'changed America with his unmitigated gall to stand up in the ashes of where he had fallen and come back to win.' He was beloved by many in our nation's capital and around the country, and he will be missed." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/helping-memphians-get-covered-affordable-care-act | Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act | 2014-11-21 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, the HealthCare.gov marketplace opened for 2015 plan selections, I spoke with nearly 7,300 Ninth District citizens during a telephone town hall meeting, and the President laid out his plan to help alleviate some of the problems with our broken immigration system. Keep reading to learn what else happened this week. Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act Fixing our Nation's Broken Immigration System Listening to the Ninth District Secretary Hillary Clinton Visits St. Jude Fully Protecting the President Emerging from the Shadows of Slavery and Jim Crow Giving Non-Violent Offenders a Fresh Start Saving the HOPE Scholarship and Fighting for Tennessee Students Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act All Memphians deserve quality health insurance and thanks to the landmark Affordable Care Act, the uninsured rate for the Ninth District has plummeted by 10%, 15,000 citizens who did not have insurance coverage now do, more than 200,000 Memphis-area residents have insurance that covers preventive care, and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition anymore. The Affordable Care Act is already working for Memphis and for the whole country. The HealthCare.gov insurance marketplace is now open for 2015 plan shopping and comparisons. While the current shopping period runs into February of next year, December 15th is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1st, 2015. You can visit https://bit.ly/hcSavings to see if you qualify for tax credits that will be applied as discounts on your monthly insurance premium. If you already have insurance coverage through the HealthCare.gov marketplace, your plan will be automatically renewed for 2015 but you should still visit the newly-redeveloped, more stable, and easier-to-use HealthCare.gov to update your information, ensure you receive the full tax credit to which you are entitled, and review new options as cheaper insurance plans that better fit your needs may now be ava… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-reacts-republicans-suing-president-obama | Cohen Reacts to Republicans Suing President Obama | 2014-11-21 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement today after learning that House Republicans filed suit against the President for his implementation of the Affordable Care Act: “After doing everything they can—including 50 repeal votes that went nowhere—to strip the American people of the Affordable Care Act’s benefits and consumer protections, turning around and suing the President of the United States for not implementing the law effectively enough doesn’t even pass the laugh test. It is even more bizarre for a party whose main approach has been attacking lawyers for trying to keep our air and water clean and for protecting consumers from substandard medical care and negligent businesses. Suddenly this is the party that believes lawyers are the answer?” “The appropriate avenue for Congress to address its concerns with the President is—as it has always been—legislating. Congress should be working to raise the minimum wage for low-income workers, pass a transportation bill that will create good-paying jobs rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, help keep college affordable for all students, and reform our broken immigration system. This meritless lawsuit will do nothing to help fix our country’s problems.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141124070507/http://cohen.house.gov:80/press-release/congressman-cohen-calls-president-george-hw-bush-support-president-obama%E2%80%99s-immigration | Congressman Cohen Calls on President George H.W. Bush to Support President Obamas Immigration Executive Action | 2014-11-21 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | web.archive.org | legacy | Congressman Cohen Calls on President George H.W. Bush to Support President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action President Obama’s executive actions follow similar moves by Republican Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Bush [MEMPHIS, TN] – After President Barack Obama announced a series of executive actions—similar to moves by several former Republican Presidents and similar in scale to those of President George H.W. Bush—to alleviate some of the most dysfunctional aspects of the country’s immigration system, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement: “When Congress refused to act to address immigration system flaws during the George H.W. Bush Administration, President Bush he took executive action to fix the most glaring problems and to keep families together, similar to moves by several other Republican Presidents including Eisenhower and Reagan and similar in scale to President Obama’s recently-announced immigration actions. President Bush recognized at the time that he had the undisputed authority to use prosecutorial discretion to set enforcement policies for immigration agents. And he did so in a humane and reasonable manner. President Obama’s announcement last night falls within well-established precedents set by several former Presidents, and I hope President Bush will come out forcefully in support of these moves and in defense of the office of the President. Based on his own decisions during his Presidency, that is the only reasonable expectation.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-move-fix-nation%E2%80%99s-broken-immigration-system | Cohen Statement on President Obamas Move to Fix Nations Broken Immigration System | 2014-11-20 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after President Barack Obama announced a series of executive actions to alleviate several dysfunctional aspects of the United States’ immigration system: “As the leader of the least productive Congress in recent history, Speaker Boehner has obstructed, deflected responsibility, and outright refused to allow the House of Representatives to vote on the bipartisan comprehensive immigration and border security bill that passed the Senate a year-and-a-half ago. As one of the bill’s 200 cosponsors, I have repeatedly called upon the Speaker to give the bill a fair hearing to no avail.” “Our nation’s immigration system remains broken as a result of the Speaker’s politically-motivated delays. Immigration is one of America’s most pressing challenges. We can’t afford to wait any longer to fix it. In light of the Majority leadership’s abdication of its duty, I fully support the President’s commonsense, legally-sound move that follows well-established precedents to address our nation’s immigration problems as best he can. I once again urge Speaker Boehner to let Congress work its will, allow for a vote which would surely pass with wide bipartisan support, and finally fix our broken immigration system.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-discusses-ninth-district-priorities-more-7250-constituents-during-teletown-hall | Cohen Discusses Ninth District Priorities with More Than 7,250 Constituents During TeleTown Hall Meeting | 2014-11-19 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last night hosted a telephone town hall to answer his constituents’ questions about the issues facing the Ninth District and the nation. During the telephone town hall meeting, the Congressman discussed a wide variety of issues including the recently-opened shopping period for affordable 2015 health insurance plans at HealthCare.gov, the start of construction at Harahan Bridge, his efforts to end efforts by Deep South state legislatures to dilute the voting rights and political power of African Americans, and the recent push by some in Congress to force President Obama to approve the environmentally-damaging Keystone XL pipeline. “These town hall meetings offer Memphians and all citizens of the Ninth District yet another way to speak directly with me and share what’s important to them,” said Congressman Cohen. “I appreciated having this opportunity to listen to the Ninth District’s perspective on the issues facing our city and enjoyed discussing my work and legislation with more than 7,250 Memphians. Hearing the perspective, opinions and ideas of my constituents helps me best represent the Ninth District in Congress.” The Telephone Town Hall meeting began at 6:30PM CT and lasted approximately one hour. More than 7,250 Ninth District constituents participated in the call and many asked questions about raising the minimum wage and the Congressman’s efforts to reduce recidivism rates by helping rehabilitated ex-offenders find jobs. 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-earns-perfect-score-national-food-policy-scorecard-113th-congress | Cohen Earns Perfect Score on National Food Policy Scorecard for 113th Congress | 2014-11-18 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) has received a perfect score from Food Policy Action on their 113th Congress National Food Policy Scorecard. The group aims to highlight the importance of policies that promote healthy diets, reduce hunger at home, ensure healthy food is affordable and accessible, and examine the environmental impact of farming and food production. “It is an honor to be recognized for my voting record by Food Policy Action,” said Congressman Cohen. “I will continue to support policies that reduce hunger and promote healthy living in the United States.” The National Food Policy Scorecard for the 113th Congress rates 18 specific bills regarding food policy issues like hunger, food access and subsidies, nutrition, food additives, food transparency, the effects of food production on the environment, and a multitude of other measures. Congressman Cohen was the only member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to receive a 100% score from Food Policy Action. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/honoring-our-veterans-and-building-healthier-memphis | Honoring our Veterans and Building a Healthier Memphis | 2014-11-14 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I hosted my best-attended annual Veterans Day luncheon for more than 300 Memphis-area veterans, I introduced Ron Walter—who I recommended the President nominate for the TVA Board—at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, Congress came back into session and the HealthCare.gov health insurance marketplace opens for 2015 plan shopping tomorrow. Keep reading to learn what else I did this week. Honoring our Veterans Construction Begins on Main to Main at Harahan Bridge Welcoming TVA Board Nominee and Memphian Ron Walter to Washington Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act Protecting our Environment and Stopping Keystone XL Stopping Efforts to Rob African-Americans of Their Voting Rights Memphis New Ballet and Memphian Briana Brown Honored at the White House Winning an Excellence in Public Service Award Saving the HOPE Scholarship and Fighting for Tennessee Students Honoring our Veterans Tuesday was Veterans Day, which we set aside each year to honor those men and women who have served our country in uniform. This year, I was proud to host my 6th annual Veterans Day luncheon for more than 300 Memphis-area veterans, breaking attendance records for previous years. I spoke to the veterans about what we are doing in Congress to address recent concerns at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Memphis VA Medical Center (VAMC) Director Dr. C. Diane Knight, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer—Naval Support Captain Doug Walker, and Alpha Omega Veterans Services Director Cordell Walker addressed the attendees. After reports of substandard care arose last year, I am pleased that follow-up reports show that the Memphis VA has implemented almost all of the VA Inspector General’s recommendations and is moving in the right direction. I was proud to support the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act which was signed into law by President Obama and will help VAMCs around the country hire more doctors, reduce wait times, and all… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-sends-open-letter-highlighting-savings-available-healthcaregov-eve-insurance | Cohen Sends Open Letter Highlighting Savings Available at HealthCare.gov on Eve of Insurance Marketplace Opening | 2014-11-14 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) has written an open letter to the citizens of the Ninth District about tomorrow’s HealthCare.gov insurance shopping period grand opening. The Congressman’s letter, available here, outlines several tips to help consumers enroll in the 2015 health insurance plan that best fits them while keeping the most money in their pockets. “Thanks to President Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, our uninsured rate has plummeted by 10%, almost 15,000 Memphians who did not have insurance coverage before health care reform now do, more than 200,000 now have insurance that covers preventive care, and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition anymore,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Affordable Care Act is clearly already working for thousands of Ninth District families, but everyone—whether or not they already have insurance—should visit HealthCare.gov today to ensure they get the best possible deal and that they receive their full tax credit in 2015.” This year’s enrollment period runs for three months from November 15th to February 15th, but December 15th, 2014 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1st, 2015. While those who enrolled in plans through the Marketplace last year do not need to re-enroll to maintain coverage for 2015, all citizens whether or not they have previously enrolled are strongly encouraged to visit the newly-redeveloped, more stable, and easier-to-use HealthCare.gov website to ensure they receive the full tax credit to which they are entitled and to review their options as cheaper insurance plans may be available this year. Consumers are also now able to view health insurance plans available in their area without registering, logging in, or identifying themselves. A simple, one-page guide to navigating and enrolling through the HealthCare.gov marketplace is available here, and Memphis-area citizens can visit this page to determine if they qualify for lower insurance costs in the coming year. The full te… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-introduces-tva-board-nominee-ron-walter-senate-confirmation-hearing | Cohen Introduces TVA Board Nominee Ron Walter at Senate Confirmation Hearing | 2014-11-13 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced Ronald Walter, President Obama’s nominee to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors, to a full hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works. If confirmed by the Senate, Walter will fill one of the nine positions on the TVA Board. Video of the Congressman’s remarks is available here (beginning at 38:00). “I was pleased to recommend Ron Walter to President Obama, as I have known Ron for nearly 40 years and know of no finer citizen of our community. He is diligent in all things and active and loved in the community for his genuine, caring attitude. I know Ron will do an outstanding job and serve the TVA constituency with good judgment and rectitude if confirmed, and I am proud to introduce him to the U.S. Senate today.” Ronald Walter is currently the President and General Manager of WREG-TV, a position he has held since 2004. Mr. Walter has served in a variety of positions at WREG-TV since 1987. He was Executive Vice President/Station Manager from 1994 to 2004, concurrently serving as Vice President of Government and Cable Relations for the New York Times Broadcast Group, WREG-TV’s former parent company from 2001 to 2004. He served as Vice President and Station Manager from 1991 to 1994, Vice President of Government and Public Relations from 1989 to 1990, and Director of Marketing, Production and Client Services from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Walter was Vice President of Customer Relations for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division from 1982 to 1987. From 1980 to 1982, he served as Assistant to the President at Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Mr. Walter received a B.A. from Clark University and an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University. The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides fl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-memphians-can-now-review-affordable-insurance-options-healthcaregov | Cohen: Memphians Can Now Review Affordable Insurance Options at HealthCare.gov | 2014-11-12 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Memphians can now visit the HealthCare.gov insurance marketplace to review plan options, premiums, and deductibles, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today. Using the newly-streamlined window-shopping feature at HealthCare.gov, Ninth District consumers can answer three simple questions—income, household member age(s), and ZIP code—to view all of the affordable health insurance plans available to them, as well as each plan’s out-of-pocket costs after any applicable tax credits are taken into account. This new feature will enable the citizens of Memphis to get a head start on their plan selection so that they are ready to enroll in the plan that is best for them when the HealthCare.gov open enrollment period begins on Saturday. “Thanks to President Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, our uninsured rate has plummeted by 10%, almost 15,000 Memphians who did not have insurance coverage before health care reform now do, more than 200,000 now have insurance that covers preventive care, and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition anymore,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Affordable Care Act is already working for thousands of Ninth District families, and HealthCare.gov’s new window-shopping feature will help Memphians see if there is an even better deal available. Whether they already have insurance or not, everyone should visit HealthCare.gov to make sure their plan keeps the most money in their pockets and to ensure they receive their full tax credit in 2015.” This year’s enrollment period runs for three months from November 15th to February 15th, but December 15th, 2014 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1st, 2015. While those who enrolled in plans through the Marketplace last year do not need to re-enroll to maintain coverage for 2015, all citizens whether or not they have previously enrolled are strongly encouraged to visit the newly-redeveloped, more stable, and easier-to-use HealthCare.gov website to ensure they receive the full… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-supreme-court-should-end-%E2%80%9Cpacking%E2%80%9D-efforts-rob-african-americans | Congressman Cohen: Supreme Court Should End Packing Efforts That Rob African-Americans of Voting Power | 2014-11-12 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Top 5 congressional districts with the most African-Americans have been gerrymandered by conservative Deep South state legislatures [WASHINGTON, DC] – As the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case regarding the legality of legislative maps drawn to minimize the political power of African-Americans, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today condemned the increasing use of this racially-biased redistricting practice, known as “packing,” across the Deep South. Congressman Cohen, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, also urged U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to do what he can to protect the voting rights of all Americans from district packing in a letter sent last month. “While it may be done under the pretext of protecting minorities or ensuring they are represented, recent ‘packing’ efforts actually have the opposite result, materially reducing the impact and influence of African-Americans in our democracy,” said Congressman Cohen. “It is no coincidence that the five congressional districts with the most African-Americans are all in the Deep South—and it demonstrates that there is much work to be done to truly emerge from the shadows of slavery and Jim Crow. The Supreme Court should put a stop to this shameful tactic and fully protect the constitutional rights of every American, regardless of skin color.” As The Nation magazine’s Ari Berman pointed out in his February 2012 report entitled “How the GOP Is Resegregating the South,” packing districts is a crucial part of Republican efforts to enhance Republican power throughout the South at the expense of minority voters and their voting rights. Prominent Republican election lawyer Ben Ginsburg even dubbed this strategy with the vulgar term, “Project Ratf***”. In October, a federal court actually declared a district drawn using packing methods unconstitutional, holding that race was a primary factor in the redrawing of Virginia’s Third Congressional District. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-veterans-day-2 | Cohen Commemorates Veterans Day | 2014-11-11 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day: “Every November, we set aside a special day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. On Veterans Day, we gather to remember the sacrifice and courage of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and reservists who have fought to safeguard the many freedoms that Americans hold dear. As we honor our nation’s heroes, we must also redouble our efforts to ensure that we keep our promises to them. We should do all we can to help them find good-paying jobs, to provide them with an education and affordable housing, and to ensure that they receive the timely, high-quality health care they deserve. That is the best way to thank our veterans and honor their sacrifices, and I will continue to work on their behalf. I was proud to host VA Secretary McDonald during his visit to Memphis and I support his aggressive reforms based on proven private sector methods.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/honoring-our-veterans-and-working-progress-next-congress | Honoring our Veterans and Working for Progress in the Next Congress | 2014-11-07 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week saw low voter turnout for the midterm elections. Those who exercised their right to vote sent a message to Washington that they are frustrated by gridlock. I am pleased to continue representing the Ninth District in my 5th term in Congress and I look forward to continuing my work to find common ground and help hardworking Memphians get a fair shot at the American Dream. Keep reading to learn more about what I did this week. Honoring Our Veterans and Hosting My 6th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Working for Progress in the Next Congress Building a Healthier Memphis with the Affordable Care Act Supporting Whitehaven High School and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology 2015 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Saving the HOPE Scholarship and Fighting for Tennessee Students Honoring Our Veterans and Hosting My 6th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Veterans Day is a special day set aside to honor those men and women who have served our country in uniform. On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, I will host my sixth annual Veterans Day Luncheon from 11AM to 1PM at BRIDGES, located at 477 North 5th Street. If you are a Ninth District veteran, I would like to invite you to attend my luncheon so that you can hear from me about what Congress is doing to address recent concerns at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Special guests, including Memphis VA Medical Center (VAMC) Director Dr. C. Diane Knight and others, will also be in attendance to discuss improvements at the Memphis VAMC. Additionally, caseworkers from my office will be available to help answer questions on specific concerns with your benefits or services. You can RSVP to attend this year’s Veterans Day Luncheon here or by calling my Memphis office at 901.544.4131. I hope to see you there. After reports of substandard care arose last year, I am pleased that follow-up reports show that the Memphis VA has implemented almost all of the VA Inspector General’s recommendations and is moving in the right direction. This… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-memphians-should-review-healthcaregov-plan-options-ensure-they-don%E2%80%99t-miss-out | Cohen: Memphians Should Review HealthCare.gov Plan Options to Ensure They Dont Miss Out on Savings | 2014-11-07 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – With just days before the open enrollment period for health insurance through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace opens, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reminded Memphians not to miss out on potential savings and additional insurance options available to them this year. While those who enrolled in plans through President Obama’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace last year do not need to re-enroll to maintain coverage for 2015, all citizens whether or not they have previously enrolled are strongly encouraged to visit the newly-redeveloped, more stable, and easier-to-use HealthCare.gov website to ensure they receive the full tax credit to which they are entitled and to review their options as cheaper insurance plans may be available this year. “The Affordable Care Act is already working for thousands of Ninth District families, but everyone should visit HealthCare.gov to make sure they are enrolled in the plan that keeps the most money in their pockets and to ensure they receive their full tax credit in 2015,” said Congressman Cohen. “Thanks to President Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, our uninsured rate has plummeted by 10%, almost 15,000 Memphians who did not have insurance coverage before health care reform now do, more than 200,000 now have insurance that covers preventive care, and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition anymore.” A new one-page guide to navigating and enrolling through the HealthCare.gov marketplace is available here. Memphis area citizens can visit this page to determine if they qualify for lower insurance costs in the coming year and can sign up to receive email updates or text messages regarding plan availability, pricing, and enrollment deadlines here. Consumers are also now able to view health insurance plans available in their area without registering, logging in, or identifying themselves. An estimated 70% of first-time applicants—those with uncomplicated household scenarios—will be able to use a simpler, 3-page form to enroll in coverag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-15-million-christ-community-health-services | Cohen Announces $1.5 Million for Christ Community Health Services | 2014-11-06 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced a new federal grant worth $1,575,000 for Christ Community Health Services to help train more primary care doctors and increase access to healthcare services in the Memphis area. This funding comes through the Health Resource and Services Administration’s (HRSA) $230 million nationwide Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education grant program, which was created as part of President Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, the Affordable Care Act. “Christ Community Health Services provides a vital service to the Memphis community,” said Congressman Cohen. “This Affordable Care Act funding will help Christ Community Health Services train more doctors and continue to provide the poor, the homeless, and the uninsured with the health care services they need.” To help achieve the program’s goal of increasing the number of primary care residents and improving access to health care services, HRSA’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education initiative provides assistance and funding for medical education expenses for training residents in new or expanding community-based primary care residency programs. Seventy-five percent of Teaching Health Centers are in underserved communities. Christ Community Health Services has focused on fulfilling the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the poor, the uninsured and the homeless in Memphis since 1995. Through strategically placed health care centers and outreach programs, the group provides high-quality health care and other services to thousands of patients, caregivers, students and families each year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-named-%E2%80%9Cchampion-reform%E2%80%9D-commitment-fixing-nation%E2%80%99s-draconian-marijuana-laws | Cohen Named Champion of Reform for Commitment to Fixing Nations Draconian Marijuana Laws | 2014-11-05 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, has been named a 2014 Champion of Reform by the Drug Policy Alliance for his “major contributions” to bringing our federal drug policies into the 21st century and reducing the racial disparities they cause in our criminal justice system. Congressman Cohen is one of only 10 Members of Congress to receive this distinction from the Drug Policy Alliance. “I have spent my career trying to bring sanity to our nation’s outdated and draconian criminal drug laws that unfairly hurt minority communities, said Congressman Cohen. “It is an honor to be recognized as a Champion of Reform in Congress, and I will continue to support policies that are based on sound science and reduce racial disparities.” Among Congressman Cohen’s contributions to drug policy reform are two bills that he has introduced in Congress. The first, his Unmuzzle the Drug Czar Act, would remove restrictions that require the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, commonly known as the “Drug Czar,” to oppose changing the legal status of marijuana and prevent it from even studying whether there could be any medical benefits. More information about Congressman Cohen’s Unmuzzle the Drug Czar Act is available here. Congressman Cohen’s second bill would 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. More information about this legislation can be found here. Drug Policy Action is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, 501(c)(4) organization that aims to promote drug laws and policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-fights-22-million-owed-memphis-police-department-justice-mistakenly-directed | Cohen Fights For $2.2 Million Owed to Memphis Police that Department of Justice Mistakenly Directed to DeKalb County, Georgia | 2014-10-31 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) is calling on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to ensure that the City of Memphis receives more than $2.2 million in police department funding it is owed that was mistakenly awarded to DeKalb County, Georgia in 2009. A new DOJ Inspector General report found that had it not been for inflated, inaccurate crime statistics reported by DeKalb County, the Memphis Police Department would have received those funds, allowing the city to hire the 50 officers it needed, rather than reduced funding that only allowed the city to hire 37 officers. “I was disturbed to learn that the City of Memphis Police Department was deprived of more than $2.2 million that it rightfully should have been awarded in 2009 to hire needed officers and keep our community safe,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Memphis economy has been particularly hard hit in recent years, and losing out on this funding likely forced the redirection of resources away from other important priorities in an already strained budget. Attorney General Eric Holder should rectify this mistake as soon as possible and ensure that Memphis receives all of the money it is owed.” The DOJ’s report found that the inaccurate statistics reported by DeKalb County placed it “in a better position to receive… funding because it appeared to have a greater need for funding to address fiscal and economic conditions and high rates of crime.” Following an audit of the statistics provided, the Inspector General learned that DeKalb County would not have been awarded the grant it received, and that the “City of Memphis Police Department, which received… funding for 37 of the maximum 50 allowed officers it requested, would have been fully funded for 50 officers using $2,229,357 of the funds awarded to DeKalb County.” Finally, the report recommends that DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) “remedy” the mistakenly directed funds. A signed copy of Congressman Cohen’s letter is available here and its text is copied below: Dear Atto… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/revitalizing-downtown-memphis | Revitalizing Downtown Memphis | 2014-10-31 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I joined the Memphis Downtown Commission to help our efforts to revitalize the city center, I discussed our nation's response to recent Ebola diagnoses on CNN, and I visited a LeMoyne-Owen College class to have a conversation about our federal government with local students. Keep reading to learn more about what I did this week. Revitalizing Downtown Memphis Increasing Funding for Medical Research and Ebola Response Protecting Memphians and Supporting the Memphis Police Department Meeting with LeMoyne-Owen College Students Saving the HOPE Scholarship and Fighting for Tennessee Students 6th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon 2015 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Supporting Memphis Area Legal Services Grants for Memphis Research Building a Healthier Memphis and Fighting Breast Cancer Memphis Accepting the President's My Brother's Keeper Community Challenge Revitalizing Downtown Memphis Here in Memphis, we are lucky that it's easy to take in much of our city's rich history on a walking tour of Downtown to visit attractions like Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Mudd Island, or any of the other many interesting sights in the area. A healthy downtown neighborhood is a key component of ensuring a strong Memphis community, and I believe that the continued revitalization of this area will make our city more attractive to visitors and new residents alike. Earlier this week, I spoke at a meeting of the Downtown Memphis Commission about the efforts to reenergize the area. I was proud to secure nearly $15 million in federal funding through the TIGER grant program for the Main Street to Main Street Multi-Modal Connector Project, which will help improve livability, increase tourism, drive economic development and create jobs. The $15 million grant is being used to develop the 12 mile regional, multimodal corridor that strengthens and connects the Main Streets of Memphis and West Memphis' downtowns using the historic Harahan Bridge as… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-24-million-uthsc | Cohen Announces More Than $2.4 Million for UTHSC | 2014-10-28 | 2014 | 2014-10 | 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 was awarded a total of $2,408,361 in federal grant funding for four different research projects. “These significant federal investments will help keep Memphis and the UT Health Science Center at the forefront of the medical research community,” said Congressman Cohen. The following grants were awarded to UTHSC under today’s announcement: $1,597,704 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for the “Defining Islet Heterogeneity Using Single Islet Transcriptomics” project. $387,657 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for the “Genetics of Chronic Mild Stress and Alcohol Consumption” project. $225,000 from the National Institute of Mental Health for the “Neural Mechanisms of Inflexible Learning Caused by BDNF Deficiency” project. $198,000 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for the “Mechanism of action of 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 in dermal fibroblasts” project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-azerbaijani-president-pardoning-4-civil-society-activists | Cohen Statement on Azerbaijani President Pardoning 4 Civil Society Activists | 2014-10-24 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, today applauded Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to pardon and release four civil society activists in Azerbaijan along with 80 other prisoners. “The pardon and release of these civil society activists is an important step forward by Azerbaijan and underscores its commitment to making progress on human rights issues,” Congressman Cohen said. “Azerbaijan is a valued ally of the United States, and I look forward to continuing my work with the Azerbaijanis to promote our common interests.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/seeking-increase-funding-medical-research | Seeking to Increase Funding for Medical Research | 2014-10-24 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I led almost 50 Members of Congress in demanding needed support for medical research to help find a vaccine for Ebola and prevent its spread, I asked Governor Haslam to work with Attorney General Eric Holder to do more to ease the suffering of a 3-year-old Memphian, and I fought to stop conservative-led state legislatures from diluting the voting power of African-Americans. Keep reading to learn more about what I did this week. Seeking to Increase Funding for Medical Research Working to Ease the Suffering of 3-Year-Old Memphian Chloe Grauer Stopping Efforts to Rob African-Americans of Their Voting Rights Helping Memphis Workers Earn a Living Wage 6th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon 2015 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Touring Four Memphis Public Schools Building a Healthier Memphis and Fighting Breast Cancer Improving Outlooks for American Workers Receiving an Award from Nurses & a High Ranking from Vanderbilt Fighting for Tennessee's Students and Protecting the HOPE Scholarship Service Academy Nominations Memphis Accepting the President's My Brother's Keeper Community Challenge Seeking to Increase Funding for Medical Research Our nation's citizens are understandably alarmed by recent diagnoses of Ebola in our country, but we can do more to stop the spread of this disease and other threats to public health as well as do more to cure these illnesses. In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicated that the last decade of stagnating or reduced federal investments in medical research has had a detrimental effect on the development of treatments and vaccines for some of the worst infectious diseases known to man, including Ebola. That is one reason why yesterday I led a coalition of nearly 50 Members of Congress in calling for increased support for the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Had agencies like the NIH and the CDC received adequate support over the last decade, America … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/after-ebola-enterovirus-scares-congressman-cohen-leads-48-representatives-demanding | After Ebola & Enterovirus Scares, Congressman Cohen Leads 48 Representatives in Demanding Needed NIH & CDC Funding | 2014-10-23 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – With Ebola and Entrovirus diagnoses in the United States gripping the nation, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today led a coalition of nearly 50 U.S. Representatives in calling on Congressional appropriators to reverse the decade-long slide in support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that has left our nation less prepared to stop the spread of viral diseases and without cures or vaccines for some of the most deadly illnesses on earth. In a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee and its Labor-HHS Subcommittee, Congressman Cohen and 47 House Democrats also highlighted the potential budgetary savings of proactively controlling and preventing public health concerns rather than reacting to emergencies and outbreaks, which has proven costly in recent weeks. “Recent Ebola and Enterovirus diagnoses have understandably alarmed the American public, but we can do more to both stop their spread and cure these illnesses,” said Congressman Cohen. “Had agencies like the CDC and NIH received adequate support over the last decade, America could very well have already developed a vaccine for Ebola—or any number of other diseases including Alzheimer’s diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cancer, and Parkinson’s—and been better prepared to prevent their spread. While it is disappointing that these critically important agencies—our nation’s other Department of Defense despite not being funded with equal necessity—have been systemically starved of needed support, it is not too late to fix past mistakes, fully fund both the NIH and the CDC, and effectively protect the American people from Ebola, Enterovirus, and other potential public health nightmares.” In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins indicated that the last 10 years of stagnating or reduced federal investments in medical research has had a detrimental effect on the development of treatments and vaccines for some of the worst infectious diseases known to man, i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-community-leaders-highlight-new-report-on-tennessee-voter-id-law | Cooper, Community Leaders Highlight New Report on Tennessee Voter ID Law | 2014-10-23 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE—U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) and several community leaders on Wednesday, October 15, discussed a new government report that focuses attention on voter ID laws in Tennessee. The report, newly issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), concluded that voter ID laws caused Tennessee turnout to drop 2.2 percentage points from 2008 to 2012. That translates to 88,000 lost votes, according to an estimate by The Washington Post. Young people, African Americans and newly registered voters “were the groups that were more likely to see bigger drops in turnout,” the Post wrote. “Expanding voting rights has always been on the right side of history, while efforts to deny those rights embarrass the children and grandchildren of the opposition,” Cooper said at a Wednesday morning press conference. “Whatever you do, make sure you vote. Don’t let bad laws keep you from making your voice heard.” Also at the press conference, Cooper suggested several ways to boost turnout and depoliticize the voting process. He said the state should ensure that all high schools – public and private – hold yearly voter registration drives. Such drives already are required by state law. Cooper also implored the Legislature to change the law to allow college students to use their state-issued IDs to vote; he closed by asking Secretary of State Tre Hargett to remove his name from Tennessee’s traditional “I Voted” stickers. The voting stickers were changed this month, removing the American flag. Other community leaders who spoke Wednesday morning: Debby Gould, League of Women Voters Patricia Stokes, Urban League of Middle Tennessee Matt Mullen, Tennessee Citizen Action Hedy Weinberg, American Civil Liberties Union Nicholas Alexiou, American Constitution Society Doug Johnston, Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison, LLC Jeff Teague, Planned Parenthood Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings, Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship The nonpartisan report has resulted in national press, including the lead editorial in Monday’s New York Ti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-joins-effort-to-boost-funding-to-public-health-agencies | Cooper Joins Effort to Boost Funding to Public Health Agencies | 2014-10-23 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – In light of the Ebola outbreak, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today signed a letter raising concerns about insufficient funding levels for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Joined by nearly 50 House Democrats, Cooper added his signature to a letter addressed to the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for setting funding levels for federal agencies. The letter implores the House panel to prioritize programs related to investment in medical research and response to public health emergencies. “While we understand that adequately funding the NIH and CDC is a serious financial undertaking for our nation,” the letter says, “the fact remains that increased funding could likely result in vaccines, treatments and cures that would otherwise not be discovered.” The letter cites recent remarks from NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins: “If we had not gone through our 10-year slide in research support, we probably would have had a vaccine in time for this [Ebola crisis] that would have gone through clinical trials and would have been ready.” Lawmakers also note that NIH funding has not kept up with inflation. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to address funding measures before this session of Congress adjourns in December. The full letter is HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-blasts-gop%E2%80%99s-district-%E2%80%9Cpacking%E2%80%9D-efforts-rob-african-americans-voting | Congressman Cohen Blasts GOPs District Packing Efforts That Rob African-Americans of Voting Power | 2014-10-22 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Top 5 congressional districts with the most African-Americans have been gerrymandered by conservative Deep South state legislatures [MEMPHIS, TN] – In a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sought to shed light on the redistricting practice known as “packing” that is increasingly used by many conservative-led state legislatures in the South to minimize the influence held by minority communities, specifically African-American communities. Earlier this month, a federal court actually declared one of these district’s newly-drawn boundaries unconstitutional, holding that race was a primary factor in the redrawing of Virginia’s Third Congressional District. “All Americans hold dear the sacred, constitutionally-protected right to vote and we too often take for granted the principle of ‘one person, one vote,’” said Congressman Cohen. “While it may be done under the pretext of protecting minorities or ensuring they are represented, recent ‘packing’ efforts actually have the opposite result, materially reducing the impact and influence of African-Americans in our democracy. It is no coincidence that the five congressional districts with the most African-Americans are all in the Deep South—and it demonstrates that there is much work to be done to truly emerge from the shadows of slavery and Jim Crow.” Congressman Cohen is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, which has jurisdiction over issues relating to voting rights. Today’s letter from Congressman Cohen to Attorney General Holder asked that the Department of Justice examine district packing efforts as part of its work to cement the voting rights of all Americans. As The Nation magazine’s Ari Berman pointed out in his February 2012 report entitled “How the GOP Is Resegregating the South,” packing districts is a crucial part of Republican efforts to enhance Republican power throughout the South at the expense of minority voters and their voting rights. Prominent R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-u-m-seeking-raise-its-minimum-wage-1010-hour | Cohen Statement on U of M Seeking to Raise Its Minimum Wage to $10.10 Per Hour | 2014-10-21 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement in response to University of Memphis President M. David Rudd’s announcement that he will seek approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents to raise U of M workers’ minimum wage to $10.10 per hour: “I commend U of M President David Rudd for taking this step to improve the lives of his employees by raising the school’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour—it is a great start that shows his concern for the University's workers. Throughout my career, I have always fought to ensure that those who work hard and play by the rules can earn a living wage and don’t have to struggle to provide for themselves and their families. I was proud to vote for the last increase in the federal minimum wage in 2007, and am honored to co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 across the nation.” “I urge the Tennessee Board of Regents to approve this increase and hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives follow U of M’s lead. Raising the federal 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/murfreesboro-post-cohen-criticizes-haslam-tennessee-promise | Murfreesboro Post - Cohen criticizes Haslam on Tennessee Promise | 2014-10-20 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen is criticizing Gov. Bill Haslam's campaign on the Tennessee Promise and use of lottery money for free junior college tuition, saying it "siphons" money from the Hope Scholarship and helps only affluent and low-achieving students. Some 35,000 students already have applied for the funds to attend community colleges across the state free of charge, nearly doubling the state's application goal of 20,000. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1. "The governor's counting that toward his re-election campaign. It galls me because he just took lottery money that I helped secure with the passage of the referendum in 2002 and the efforts I put in in 18 years to pass a lottery amendment and the people who voted with me," Cohen, a Memphis congressman who previously served in the Tennessee Senate, said in an interview this week. Cohen pointed out that in 2001 he secured the minimum number of votes, 22 in the Senate, for the two-thirds needed to put the lottery for education measure on the 2002 ballot. It also needed two-thirds of the House after getting majority votes in the previous session. "He didn't pick up a penny. It's all lottery money," Cohen said. "It's really disingenuous for him to go around and say he's letting people go to college for free when (A) it's not his money. He didn't raise any money or give any money, and (B) made it more difficult for people at four-year colleges than junior colleges." Cohen contends that students who qualify for the Pell Grant - their families must have incomes less than $42,000 - won't benefit much from the plan, nor will students who excel in high school and attend four-year institutions. "The people who mostly benefit from his plan are people who didn't make the grades in high school and are higher than the average income," Cohen said. "That's not exactly who you should be looking to benefit in society, the low-achievers and the affluent. I think it's just a total sham." Gov. Haslam, who was in Murfreesboro Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting at MTSU's science building, de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-governor-ag-holder-should-work-together-help-ease-suffering-3-year-old-memphian | Cohen: Governor & AG Holder Should Work Together to Help Ease the Suffering of 3-Year-Old Memphian Chloe Grauer | 2014-10-20 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – In two letters, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) urged Governor Bill Haslam and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to work together to ease the suffering of 3-year-old Memphian Chloe Grauer, who suffers from hundreds of seizures each day due to a rare neurological disease. Her parents have tried numerous available medical treatments, but Chloe is unable to obtain Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive form of cannabis shown to alleviate seizures, due to excessive federal restrictions on the medicine’s importation into Tennessee. Last week, Congressman Cohen joined the Grauer family on News Channel 3’s Live at 9 to draw attention to their daughter’s urgent medical needs and the bureaucratic red-tape preventing her from accessing this potentially life-saving treatment. The interview can be viewed here. “Chloe suffers from debilitating seizures, but is being denied CBD—which has the potential to alleviate her pain—because of overzealous federal drug laws,” said Congressman Cohen. “CBD does not contain enough THC to produce a high, and it has been shown to work for similar medical conditions. Governor Haslam and Attorney General Holder should work together and do all they can to ensure those suffering like Chloe have access to this potentially life-saving treatment.” Despite Governor Haslam signing legislation this May allowing for clinical research into the low-THC form of cannabis known as CBD, federal restrictions have prevented the law from taking effect, and they also prohibit this important medication from being shipped across state lines. As Congressman Cohen outlined in his letters to both Governor Haslam (viewable here) and Attorney General Holder (viewable here), the Governor could request a waiver from the Attorney General to allow importation of CBD into the state until the situation is resolved. The Attorney General could then direct the Drug Enforcement Administration to issue such a waiver, which would finally allow for Chloe Grauer to use this critically important, non-psychoactive medica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/commercial-appeal-bioworks-aims-turn-jobless-tech-workers | Commercial Appeal - Bioworks aims to turn jobless into tech workers | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Early next year, the first batch of long-term unemployed people could land jobs with Memphis tech companies under Bioworks’ new training program. Memphis Bioworks Foundation was awarded $8.1 million to steer 960 jobless people into local tech companies that often have hired immigrants with work visas. The program will include aspects such as on-the-job training, with wages partially paid by Bioworks, as well as more traditional training. “It’s quite frankly a win for Memphis because it will put them directly into the economy,” said Pauline Vernon, Bioworks workforce development director. “We expect a good many of them to have college degrees.” After the award was announced Wednesday, Vernon outlined details of the program Thursday, noting the training won’t ramp up until 2015. In a region burdened with an 8.5-percent jobless rate, the program aims to retrain skilled people for open slots at a time when business executives often have relied on immigrants to fill technical jobs. Businesses contend skilled Americans are in short supply. The U.S. Department of Labor granted Bioworks the money through its $169 million Ready to Work Partnership, a federal initiative meant to fill vacant high-skill and middle-skill jobs long taken by foreign nationals working under H-1B visas. The money comes from fees collected by the government on those visas. In metropolitan Memphis, about 50,000 residents draw unemployment insurance. Among them, about 13,000 have been out of work more than 27 weeks, a condition considered long term. National surveys show 12 percent of the long-term unemployed have completed college and another 36 percent are high school graduates. Bioworks, an agency created in 2001 to spur the Memphis bioscience industry, applied for the grant in June and surveyed local tech companies. Half the jobs filled by H-1B visa holders are in information technology positions, and 42 percent are in bioscience, a ratio that Vernon said shows the size of the local bioscience industry. About 77 percent of the H-1B visas issued … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/helping-unemployed-memphians-find-good-jobs | Helping Unemployed Memphians Find Good Jobs | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I announced $8 million in federal funding to help almost 1,000 unemployed Memphians find good-paying jobs, helped open Old Dominion's brand new Memphis Service Center which will create almost 200 jobs in our city, and met with minority business leaders in my office. Keep reading to learn more about what I did in Memphis this week. Helping Unemployed Memphians Find Good Jobs Creating New Jobs at Old Dominion in Memphis Supporting Local Minority-owned Businesses 2015 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Impressive Memphis Family Keeping America Safe from Ebola Welcoming Memphians to My Capitol Hill Office Grants for the University of Memphis Supporting the Alzheimer's Association of the Mid-South CBHS Electronics Recycling Event Tomorrow Building a Healthier Memphis and Fighting Breast Cancer Service Academy Nominations Memphis Accepting the President's My Brother's Keeper Community Challenge Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Helping Unemployed Memphians Find Good Jobs While recent indicators show signs of recovery in our nation's economy, too many Memphians are still struggling to find decent jobs. That is why I was so happy to announce a more than $8 million federal grant earlier this week that will help almost 1,000 long-term unemployed citizens in the Memphis metropolitan find good-paying jobs in high skills industries. This new grant will help the Memphis Bioworks Foundation lead the Southern Education and Training Consortium's new Bio/IT program, a multi-state partnership that will offer advanced job training, coaching, and other services leading to direct job placement in bioscience and information technology (IT) positions. This week's influx of federal funding will help provide an estimated 960 Memphians with the skills and training they need to fill modern, 21st century jobs in the Mid-South, and it will go an extra step to help identify and place them in those jobs. With Memphis Bioworks' proven track record of success, I am confide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/news-channel-3-8-million-coming-memphis-job-training | News Channel 3 - $8 million coming to Memphis for job training | 2014-10-15 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A multi-million dollar federal grant will be used to help people in Memphis get the training they need to hopefully land some good paying jobs. The $8,083,138 federal grant will help up to, “960 long-term unemployed citizens in the Memphis metropolitan area find good paying jobs in high-skills industries.” According to Congressman Steve Cohen the money will help the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, “lead the Southern Education and Training Consortium’s new Bio/IT program, a multi-state partnership which will offer advanced job training, coaching, and other services leading to direct job placement in bioscience and information technology (IT) positions that otherwise would likely be filled by high-skilled immigrants.” The Southern Education Training Consortium Bio/IT program is a partnership between Memphis Bioworks, SeedCo, Southwest Tennessee Community College, the University of Memphis’ Bioinformatics Graduate Program, and other non-profits and educational facilities in the Tri-State area. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-new-8-million-job-training-placement-partnership-will-help-nearly-1000 | Cohen: New $8 Million Job Training & Placement Partnership Will Help Nearly 1,000 Unemployed Memphians Find Jobs | 2014-10-15 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a new $8,083,138 federal grant to help 960 long-term unemployed citizens in the Memphis metropolitan area find good paying jobs in high-skills industries. This funding will help the Memphis Bioworks Foundation lead the Southern Education and Training Consortium’s new Bio/IT program, a multi-state partnership that will offer advanced job training, coaching, and other services leading to direct job placement in bioscience and information technology (IT) positions that otherwise would likely be filled by high-skilled immigrants. “While recent indicators show signs of recovery in our nation’s economy, too many Memphians are still struggling to find decent jobs,” said Congressman Cohen. “This influx of federal funding will help provide almost 1,000 Memphians with the skills and training they need to fill good-paying, 21st century jobs in the Mid-South, and it will go an extra step to help identify and place them in those jobs. With Memphis Bioworks’ proven track record of success, I am confident that this funding will be put to good use providing opportunities to our city’s long-term unemployed.” “We are pleased to once again play a key role in serving local workforce training and job placement needs in the areas of bioscience and information technology,” said Memphis Bioworks Foundation President and Executive Director Steven Bares, PhD. “This grant allows Memphis Bioworks to build on demonstrated successes in leading multi-partner collaborations to train and place local residents in jobs that are in demand and in emerging fields.” Since 2010, Memphis Bioworks’ workforce development efforts have resulted in more than 450 local residents being placed in jobs, 550 residents receiving degrees or credentials, and 900 residents receiving job and career training. The Southern Education Training Consortium Bio/IT program is a partnership between Memphis Bioworks, SeedCo, Southwest Tennessee Community College, the University of Memphis’ Bioinformatics Graduate P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-750000-u-m | Cohen Announces More Than $750,000 for U of M | 2014-10-14 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $766,872 for several different projects at the University of Memphis. This funding comes through both the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “This funding will help keep the University of Memphis at the cutting edge,” said the Congressman. Today’s announcement includes funding for the following projects $473,392 in Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals grant program funding from HHS to help support a social work training program with more than 100 students. $242,981 in NSF funding to develop a computational optical system for three-dimensional (3D) microscopy imaging. $49,999 in NSF funding to support the National Workshop on Computational Challenges in Future Mobile Health (mHealth) Systems and Applications. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/launching-new-multimillion-dollar-u-m-research-initiative | Launching a New Multimillion Dollar U of M Research Initiative | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I helped launch a brand new multimillion dollar research initiative led by the University of Memphis, I spoke out about the need to reform our criminal justice system, and the federal government took steps to prevent former Mo' Money employees from taking advantage of consumers. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Launching a New Multimillion Dollar Research Initiative at U of M Speaking Out About Reforming Our Justice System Protecting Consumers from Mo' Money and Unscrupulous Tax Preparers Developing the Memphis Workforce Recovering from September's Floods Keeping America Safe from Ebola Working to Protect the Right to Choose Matchup between NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf& Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera New American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington Building a Healthier Memphis and Fighting Breast Cancer Service Academy Nominations Helping Keep College Affordable Memphis Accepting the President's My Brother's Keeper Community Challenge Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Launching a New Multimillion Dollar Research Initiative at U of M Yesterday, I joined several University of Memphis officials to help announce a brand new, multimillion dollar research partnership that will be headquartered in Memphis and spearheaded by U of M researchers. Being selected to lead a new National Center of Excellence for mobile health data by the National Institutes of Health, the NIH, shows the respect that the University of Memphis is gaining for its research endeavors on the national level. I have never seen and didn't think I'd ever see Memphis with this class of universities, leading a coalition of schools including Northwestern, Cornell Tech, UCLA, UMass Amherst, Ohio State, UC San Francisco, and the University of Michigan. You can read more about the research partnership here. This significant infusion of federal funds will help to solidify our city and our University at the forefront of this rapidly growing, increasingly important sector of the bio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-awarded-perfect-voting-record-civil-and-human-rights-legislation-113th-congress | Cohen Awarded With Perfect Voting Record on Civil and Human Rights Legislation in 113th Congress | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was awarded this week with a 100 percent score for his votes on civil rights and human rights issues in the 113th Congress by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR). The LCCHR’s 113th Congress Voting Record grades Members of Congress on the votes they cast on 20 bills considered by the House of Representatives during the 113th Congress. “I have consistently fought throughout my entire career to further the cause of justice and ensure everyone is treated fairly,” said Congressman Cohen. “Human rights and civil rights should not be partisan issues, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to advance these critically important issues at home and abroad. I have great respect for and enjoy working with Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights President Wade Henderson as well as the entire coalition, and it is an honor to be recognized by it for my record defending and advancing civil and human rights.” The LCCHR is a coalition charged by its diverse membership to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. The LCCHR works to build a more fair and just America. The 20 votes selected for inclusion in the group’s 113th Congress report ranged from supporting fair labor and housing standards to protecting vulnerable Americans from hunger and ensuring that consumers across the country are adequately protected. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-responds-federal-report-showing-tennessee-voter-id-law-suppresses-african | Cohen Responds to Federal Report Showing Tennessee Voter ID Law Suppresses African American Votes | 2014-10-09 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement in response to a new U.S. Government Accountability Office report finding that Tennessee’s restrictive voter ID law led to reductions in voter turnout that were larger “among African-American registrants than among White, Asian-American, and Hispanic registrants.” The report further found that in-person voter fraud—which is often cited by supporters as the reason why restrictive voter ID laws are needed in the first place—is virtually non-existent. “I have said from the beginning that the goal of restrictive state voter ID policies like Tennessee’s isn’t to prevent fraud, it’s to make it harder for African Americans to exercise the fundamental right to vote that Americans of all stripes hold sacred,” said Congressman Cohen. “And today’s authoritative report from the federal government shows exactly that: our state’s law disenfranchises African Americans but the fraud it is supposed to prevent doesn’t even exist. Despite the claims of its supporters, the Tennessee Voter ID law is a travesty of justice masquerading as a cure to a disease that we all know is imaginary.” To help alleviate the harmful and disenfranchising effects of unfair and burdensome voter ID laws like Tennessee’s, Congressman Cohen has introduced his Voter ID Accessibility Act. The bill would amend 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. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-launches-social-media-campaign-one-one-matchup-between-grizzlies-owner-robert | Cohen Launches Social Media Campaign for One-on-One Matchup Between Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera & NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf | 2014-10-08 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera challenged both Michael Jordan and Tony Allen to charity one-on-one matches that have not yet materialized, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today suggested that the Grizzlies owner to put his skills to the test against three-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf by launching the #DetlefVsPera social media campaign urging a matchup between the two. “In the past, Robert Pera has challenged both Michael Jordan and Tony Allen to matchups that have not happened—but if he asked Detlef I’m sure they could set up a one-on-one. I know I would want to see that.” said Congressman Cohen, who also tweeted “Hey @RobertPera, 1-on-1s w @aa000G9 and MJ might not happen, maybe you could ask @Dschrempf to play—I want to see #DetlefVsPera!” Congressman Cohen met with Schrempf in his Capitol Hill office in July while the NBA star was visiting Washington to highlight the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, which today in Memphis launched a three-city interactive pilot program to help educate Americans about the health benefits of fish, and discussed with him a potential Schrempf vs. Pera matchup. A photo of the July meeting is available here. Congressman Cohen spoke at this morning’s kickoff event for the program, which will operate in Memphis, Boston, and Indianapolis. The Congressman also mentioned the potential matchup to Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-opening-new-sba-disaster-recovery-loan-outreach-center-memphis | Cohen Announces Opening of New SBA Disaster Recovery Loan Outreach Center in Memphis | 2014-10-07 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a new Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Memphis tomorrow to assist citizens who were affected by the flooding that took place in the region on September 11, 2014. The Shelby County outreach center will provide one-on-one assistance to citizens applying for disaster damaged real estate recovery loans of up to $200,000 and disaster damaged personal property loans of up to $40,000. “Every Ninth District citizen who was negatively affected by last month’s floods should take advantage of this opportunity and ensure they don’t miss out on recovery assistance they are eligible for,” said Congressman Cohen. Businesses and non-profit organizations may also be eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace damage or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The new Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be located in Building C, Room 133 of the Shelby County EOC at 1075 Mullins Station Road. The outreach center’s hours of operation are as follows: Opens: Wednesday Oct. 8, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hours: Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closes: Tuesday, Oct. 14, at close of business ***The outreach center will be closed on Sunday, October 12 and Monday, October 13 in honor of Columbus Day. The following information is provided by the SBA: Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, to make improvements that help prevent the risk of future property damage caused by a similar disaster. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL’s) to help meet working capital needs caus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-u-m-wins-1-million-grant-new-regional-surface-transportation-workforce-center | Cohen: U of M Wins $1 Million Grant for New Regional Surface Transportation Workforce Center to Help Create Jobs | 2014-10-07 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – While speaking at today’s 8th annual University of Memphis Freight Conference, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the University has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as the Southeast Regional Surface Transportation Workforce Center, along with nearly $1 million in federal funding to help launch the new Center. Congressman Cohen, who supported the University’s application for this prestigious selection that will help create jobs, is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I was proud to support the University of Memphis’s efforts to be selected as the Department of Transportation’s Regional Surface Transportation Workforce Center, and I am pleased that it has been selected as one of only five such centers in the United States,” said Congressman Cohen. “The nearly $1 million in federal funding attached to this selection will help Memphis lead the way in transportation workforce development, create good-paying jobs here at home, and further cement our status as the Mid-South’s transportation leader for years to come.” The $990,000 in federal funding attached to the University of Memphis’ selection today will fund the University’s new center, which aims to promote and expand successful workforce development activities and create jobs within the transportation industry, for 4 years. The DOT will select only 5 Regional Surface Transportation Workforce Development Centers throughout the nation, and the center at the University of Memphis will be the only such center in the entire Southwest region, which includes 12 states and Puerto Rico. Congressman Cohen has long fought to help Memphis maintain its status as a leader in the transportation and infrastructure industries. He has helped bring current Secretary on Transportation Anthony Foxx and then-Secretary Ray LaHood to the city and he worked for years to secure the $15 million TIGER grant that funds the Main to Main project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/addressing-and-preventing-youth-violence | Addressing and Preventing Youth Violence | 2014-10-03 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I announced funding to address and prevent youth violence in Memphis, I welcomed the Deputy Agriculture Secretary to our city, and I also announced more than $7 million for new job training programs that will help improve the Memphis economy. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Addressing and Preventing Youth Violence Shedding Light on Food Insecurity and Memphis Food Deserts Cutting Through the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog Developing Our Workforce Building a Healthier Memphis and Fighting Breast Cancer and Infant Mortality Helping Reduce Veteran Homelessness in Memphis Welcoming Memphians to My Capitol Hill Office Reducing Racial Disparities in the Justice System Fighting Domestic Violence Protecting Horses from Abuse Helping Keep College Affordable Memphis Accepting the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Addressing and Preventing Youth Violence As we have recently witnessed, more must be done to address and prevent youth violence in Memphis and to keep our community safe. That’s why on Wednesday morning I announced a total of $834,460 in two grants to fight this scourge on our community. This funding is in addition to $850,000 to fight youth violence in schools that I announced last month, and I hope it will be a valuable asset as we work to address the underlying causes of youth violence and prevent bad behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Shedding Light on Food Insecurity and Memphis Food Deserts On Tuesday, I welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to Memphis and toured South Memphis Farmers Market, an outgrowth of St. Andrews A.M.E. and its Pastor, Dr. Ken Robinson, with her. Deputy Secretary Harden visited our city to highlight the opening of the application period for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive grant program—a program that encourages SNAP participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-new-funding-will-help-memphis-address-and-prevent-youth-violence | Cohen: New Funding Will Help Memphis Address and Prevent Youth Violence | 2014-10-01 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $834,460 in federal funds to fight and prevent youth violence in the Ninth District. The funding, which comes just days after Congressman Cohen announced $850,000 to fight youth violence in schools, was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) through two individual grants to the City of Memphis as well as to Shelby County. “As we have recently witnessed, more must be done to address and prevent youth violence in Memphis and to keep our community safe,” said Congressman Cohen. “This funding will be a valuable asset as we work to address the underlying causes of youth violence and prevent bad behavior before it becomes a bigger problem.” Shelby County will use its $612,260 grant from OJJDP for the Network for Overcoming Violence and Abuse (NOVA) initiative, which is focused on reaching families early to enable them to take full advantage of services and opportunities that will help improve their lives. Specifically, this funding will help expand trauma-informed education, continue to offer family and youth violence prevention assistance, and engage at-risk individuals in violence prevention strategies. The City of Memphis will use its $222,200 grant from OJJDP to strengthen the Memphis Forum on Youth Violence Prevention program in three high-need schools in Southeast Memphis and enhance the city’s youth violence prevention plan. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-additional-325-million-memphis-workforce-development-programs | Cohen Announces Additional $3.25 Million for Memphis Workforce Development Programs | 2014-09-30 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – After announcing more than $4 million for job training program expansion and development yesterday, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced an additional $3,271,358 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for job training programs at two Memphis institutions of higher learning. The funding will be used by William R. Moore College of Technology and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Memphis to develop a regional training program for the manufacturing, transportation, and logistics industries in partnership with both Southwest Tennessee Community College, which received $1,654,192 for this partnership under yesterday’s announcement, and Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Arkansas. “This additional federal investment will help prepare Memphians with the skills they need to gain good-paying jobs in our modern economy,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am pleased to announce another important step towards improving the Memphis economy and creating jobs in our city.” Today’s funding comes through the DOL’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, a 4-year, $2 billion initiative signed into law by President Barack Obama. The funding will allow the four schools in the partnership to: deepen systemic integration among community colleges, workforce agencies and local employers; expand and enhance industry responsive career pathways by integrating evidence-based approaches; and integrate evidence-based practices in economic development and career pathways and sector partnerships. The TAACCCT Grant Program is a DOL partnership with the U.S. Department of Education that provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in 2 years or less and prepare participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-welcomes-deputy-us-agriculture-secretary-memphis | Cohen Welcomes Deputy U.S. Agriculture Secretary to Memphis | 2014-09-30 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Congressman also announces nearly $750,000 in federal funding for community development [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to Memphis, discussed his efforts to eliminate food deserts and increase Memphians’ access to healthy foods with her, and joined the Deputy Secretary on a tour of the South Memphis Farmers Market (photo). The South Memphis Farmers Market is a collaborative effort between neighborhood residents, the University of Memphis, and The Works, Inc., an organization dedicated to developing the South Memphis community for which the Congressman also announced a $741,000 federal investment today. “Deputy Secretary Harden’s visit to Memphis sheds light on the important issues of food insecurity and inadequate access to fresh, healthy foods,” said Congressman Cohen. “Unfortunately, these are issues that too many Memphians—and too many Americans—face. We should do all that we can to keep children and families healthy, and I will continue to work closely with the Deputy Secretary and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase access to fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables and reduce food insecurity.” Deputy Secretary Harden was in Memphis today to highlight the opening of the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant application period. The FINI grant program helps encourages Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables by providing additional support to food pantries, farmers markets, and other retailers that offer certain benefits shown to increase participants’ access to healthy foods. During this session of Congress, Congressman Cohen introduced H.R. 3015, the Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act, to help reduce the prevalence of “food deserts” and help ensure that healthy, fresh food is available throughout the nation, including in urban areas. The legislation would provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-4-million-job-training-programs-southwest-tennessee-community | Cohen Announces More Than $4 Million for Job Training Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College | 2014-09-29 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Southwest Tennessee Community College has won $4,041,439 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to develop, expand, and enhance innovative career training programs in the healthcare, transportation, and logistics industries. Today’s funding comes through the DOL’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, a 4-year, $2 billion initiative signed into law by President Barack Obama. “This significant infusion of federal funding will help Southwest Tennessee Community College prepare Memphians with the skills they need to gain good-paying jobs in our modern economy,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am pleased to announce this important step towards improving the Memphis economy and creating jobs in our city.” This funding is part of more than $7.3 million awarded to three Tennessee institutions today. Awardees will use this funding for a variety of activities including: hiring and/or training instructors to expand their capacity to offer in-demand courses or certifications, leveraging online learning to accelerate skills attainments, developing new curricula and training models to add additional classes and certifications, purchasing new equipment to ensure students train on what employers actually use, designing new programs based on the needs of local employers, and helping participants gain the expertise needed to attain higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs. The TAACCCT Grant Program is a DOL partnership with the U.S. Department of Education that provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in 2 years or less and prepare participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/bringing-new-small-businesses-development-initiatives-memphis | Bringing New Small Business Development Initiatives to Memphis | 2014-09-26 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, Congress is not in session—and won’t be back until November 12th—because House Republican leadership and their Do Nothing Caucus chose to recess earlier than the House has recessed before an election since the 1960s. We should be working to pass the Democrats’ Jumpstart agenda to create transportation and infrastructure jobs, raise the minimum wage, provide equal pay for equal work, restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act, help our students afford college, and renew unemployment insurance, but Republicans just wanted to go home instead of getting real work done for our country. Keep reading for more information about what I did in Memphis this week. Remembering Bishop G.E. Patterson Bringing New Small Business Development Initiatives to Memphis Helping Build a Healthier Memphis Thanking Attorney General Eric Holder Winning $1M Powerball Ticket Sold in Memphis Recognizing St. Jude’s Support for our Country Protecting our Natural Resources Helping Keep College Affordable Facebook Photo Contest Winner President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Remembering Bishop G.E. Patterson On Monday, I spoke at a commemoration banquet in honor of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson’s 75th birthday. Bishop Patterson was a renaissance man, a great preacher, a civil rights leader, a businessman and a musician. He was a golden-throated warrior of the gospel who was respected nationally by ministers and others, including by a noted national radio host who trumpeted him as an example of a great preacher. The birthday banquet was emceed by Mearl Purvis and was worthy of Bishop Patterson’s status. There were hundreds of the Bishop’s friends in attendance, and Sister Louise was radiant while Mother Frances Kelley was beautiful as always. Bringing New Small Business Development Initiatives to Memphis Memphis is home to many well-qualified, high-potential minority entrepreneurs who do great work, which is why throughout my career I have pursued legislat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-50000-help-reduce-veteran-homelessness-memphis | Cohen Announces Nearly $50,000 to Help Reduce Veteran Homelessness In Memphis | 2014-09-26 | 2014 | 2014-09 | 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 $48,322 in federal funding to provide tenant-based vouchers that will enable homeless veterans and their families to access affordable existing housing of their choice. This funding, which will also allow veterans to receive an array of supporting services, comes through the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. “It is a tragedy that any of our veterans in Memphis and throughout the country are homeless,” said Congressman Cohen. “These vouchers are just one way we can give back to the veterans who gave so much for us and a step toward the goal of having no homeless veterans in America.” 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-highlights-lottery%E2%80%99s-benefits-students-1-million-powerball-ticket-sold-memphis | Cohen Highlights Lotterys Benefits for Students as $1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Memphis | 2014-09-25 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Following today’s reports of a $1 million winning Powerball ticket being sold in Memphis, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a strong advocate for making college affordable and the father of the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program, emphasized the benefits provided by the Lottery for Tennessee’s students. The Congressman fought for many years as a Tennessee State Senator to overcome stiff opposition for a referendum on the Lottery and, subsequently, to pass legislation to create the Lottery Scholarship program, which has provided more than $3 billion in scholarships to the state’s students since 2004. “I am very happy for the prize winner and even happier to know that this is also good news for students across Tennessee,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am proud of my decades of work as a State Senator to create the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program, which has provided more than $3 billion to help Tennessee’s young adults attend college over the last decade. As college costs skyrocket and college degrees become more important, it is critical that we do everything we can to keep college affordable for hard-working students and families. Every dollar spent on lottery tickets in our state directly helps students attend high-quality colleges, and that can only be good for Tennessee and for the Tennessee economy.” Making higher education more affordable for hard-working students and families is something that Congressman Cohen cares deeply about and has a decades-long record working to accomplish. In addition to leading the fight to the create the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program, the Congressman is also working closely with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren and several Congressmen to help provide struggling students and borrowers with more fairness in their student loans, both through administrative changes and legislation. In June, Congressman Cohen also met with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA, photo available here) to discuss their efforts to make college… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-attorney-general-holder%E2%80%99s-resignation | Cohen Statement on Attorney General Holders Resignation | 2014-09-25 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, released the following statement regarding the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder: “Eric Holder served our nation well as the United States Attorney General. I enjoyed working closely with him on several issues of justice, and I commend him for his herculean efforts to strengthen and protect voting rights and civil rights, as well as for his work on many other important justice issues including reforming our nation’s outdated drug laws.” “One of the issues that I spoke with Attorney General Holder about, both in Committee and in person, was commutations for those who are serving prison sentences that are in excess of the current sentencing guidelines. In his remaining time at the Justice Department, I hope the Attorney General encourages President Obama to expand the use of commutations which are just based on the Fair Sentencing Act, which brought racially-biased federal sentences for certain drug offenses closer to where they should be.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-new-financial-literacy-and-small-business-development-initiatives-coming-memphis | Cohen: New Financial Literacy and Small Business Development Initiatives Coming to Memphis | 2014-09-24 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Operation HOPE, a non-profit focused on improving the lives of the working poor and struggling middle class families through “financial dignity” programs, will use a new $835,910 federal investment to launch financial literacy and small business development “HOPE Inside” initiatives in Memphis and 4 other cities. The HOPE Inside initiatives consist of partnerships with financial institutions, retail stores, supermarkets, local municipalities, community-based organizations and shopping centers to provide financial literacy and credit counseling services, homeownership and foreclosure prevention programs, and small business development workshops and assistance to local citizens and entrepreneurs. “Memphis is home to many well-qualified, high-potential minority entrepreneurs who do great work,” said Congressman Cohen. “This federal investment will help new small businesses get off the ground and create jobs, and it will also make available the tools Memphis families need to thrive and succeed in today’s economy.” Congressman Cohen has a strong record of working to boost the Memphis economy and help minority-owned small businesses grow. His efforts have included working for years to secure funding for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center in Memphis. In 2012, Congressman Cohen’s hard work and persistence led to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to start the MBDA Business Center in Memphis. The MBDA, part of the DOC, is the only federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. In June, Congressman Cohen hosted his annual Procurement Fair to help Memphis-area businesses better compete, and the Congressman also announced that the MBDA Business Center in Memphis had won an additional $250,000 of federal funding in April. More information about that funding can be found here. A HOPE Inside location is currently open at the SunTrust Ban… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-welcomes-new-hires-says-goodbye-to-longtime-staffer | Cooper Welcomes New Hires, Says Goodbye to Longtime Staffer | 2014-09-24 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) recently announced several changes to his staff, including the retirement of a top employee in his Nashville office, Don Majors. A former district councilman, Majors worked almost 12 years for Cooper, rising to the position of director of special projects. “Don Majors is one of the best people in Nashville,” Cooper said. “Retired from DuPont, he spends every day helping others. He knows our city from top to bottom and everyone likes him. We will miss him but know he will find other ways to serve the public.” Cooper in recent weeks also has welcomed two new fellows to his staff. Daniel Gilliam has joined as Cooper’s new fellow on veterans issues. A United States Navy veteran with combat experience in Iraq, Gilliam most recently served as a counselor at Operation Stand Down in Nashville, where he assisted in finding employment for honorably discharged veterans. Based in Cooper’s Nashville office, Gilliam is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and Cumberland University. Justin Tooley has accepted the position of education fellow. A former Teach for America staffer, Tooley most recently held the position of Chief of Staff to the Assistant Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education. Tooley has valuable experience as a teacher and administrator in high schools in Atlanta and Memphis. He is based in Cooper’s Washington office. “I’m grateful to have Daniel and Justin on my staff,” Cooper said. “Both are extremely knowledgeable in their fields, and they’re deeply committed to helping Tennessee’s Fifth District.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-praises-funding-to-fight-gender-bias-in-medicine | Cooper Praises Funding to Fight Gender Bias in Medicine | 2014-09-23 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today applauded the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for awarding more than $10 million in grants to fight gender bias in medicine. Vanderbilt University will be one of the research centers chosen to study gender differences. According to The New York Times, approximately 80 scientists will receive funding to include more women in clinical trials and “to ensure that … laboratory animals, even cell lines, are representative of both genders.” Scientists also will use the money to investigate gender discrepancies in their data, the newspaper said. “This is a great first step to ensuring equality in medical research,” Cooper said. “Better science leads to better outcomes.” Current law does not require researchers to study female animals when conducting basic medical research. In June, Cooper introduced the Research for All Act, which would require the inclusion and separate analysis of both male and female animals, tissues and cells in basic research conducted and funded by NIH. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/supporting-president-and-preventing-another-government-shutdown | Supporting the President and Preventing another Government Shutdown | 2014-09-19 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week we celebrated Constitution Day, Congress voted to prevent another government shutdown and support President Obama’s strategy to confront and degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (a.k.a. ISIS), I met with the new President of the University of Memphis as well as the incoming Director of the National Civil Rights Museum, and First Lady Michelle Obama visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Supporting the President and Preventing another Government Shutdown First Lady Michelle Obama Visits St. Jude Preventing Youth Violence in Shelby County Welcoming Memphians to My Capitol Hill Office Fighting for Tennessee’s Students Helping Keep Memphis at the Forefront of Medical Research Celebrating Constitution Day Protecting Consumers Online Facebook Photo Contest President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Supporting the President and Preventing another Government Shutdown Congress has a responsibility to both keep our government running and keep the American people safe. I am pleased that many on both sides of the aisle came together this week to pass H.J.Res.124, which prevents yet another government shutdown and shows our support for President Obama’s plan to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS. While I do not agree with everything in this bill—including across-the-board cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the LIHEAP program millions of Americans need to keep their homes from freezing in the winter, and the Head Start program that helps prepare Memphis children for school—countless vital programs would be harmed far more if our government were to shut down once again. If ISIS succeeds in creating its extremist caliphate, it will pose a threat to freedom, democracy, tolerance, diversity, and the United States of America. After many briefings with senior officials from the Department of Defense as well as the State Department, listening to my constituents and m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-850000-fight-youth-violence | Cohen Announces $850,000 to Fight Youth Violence | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced an $856,363 federal grant to help the Shelby County Board of Education address and reduce youth violence and violence in schools. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Education’s Project Prevent grant program, which is focused on expanding the capacity of local education agencies to address youth violence and violence in schools. “As we have recently witnessed, we must do more to address and prevent youth violence in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. “This funding will go a long way towards helping our schools better respond to violence on school grounds, prevent additional instances, and keep our communities safe.” Today’s announcement is part of more than $2 million in Project Prevent funding announced statewide today. The Project Prevent program funds projects that offer students: access to school-based counseling services (or referrals to community-based counseling services) for assistance in coping with trauma or anxiety, school-based social and emotional supports for students to help address the effects of violence, conflict resolution and other school-based strategies to prevent future violence, and a safer and improved school environment including activities to decrease the incidence of harassment, bullying, violence, gang involvement, and substance abuse. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-statement-house-passage-bill-prevent-government-shutdown-authorize | Congressman Cohen Statement on House Passage of Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown, Authorize Training of ISIS Opposition | 2014-09-17 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed H.J.Res.124, which will prevent another government shutdown this year and includes language authorizing the United States to train and equip appropriately vetted Syrian opposition groups, as President Obama requested: “Congress has a responsibility to both keep our government running and keep the American people safe. I am pleased that today, many on both sides of the aisle came together to prevent yet another government shutdown and support President Obama’s plan to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS.” “While I do not agree with everything in this bill—including across-the-board cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the LIHEAP program millions of Americans need to keep their homes from freezing in the winter, and the Head Start program that helps prepare Memphis children for school—those programs and countless more would be harmed far more if our government were to shut down once again.” “If ISIS succeeds in creating its extremist caliphate, it will pose a threat to freedom, democracy, tolerance, diversity, and the United States of America. After many briefings with senior officials from the Department of Defense as well as the State Department, listening to my constituents and much thought, I believe it is in America’s best interests to support the President’s strategy which includes building an international coalition to confront ISIS, training and equipping moderate Syrians who can bring the fight to these terrorists’ doorstep, and providing humanitarian assistance to avert the genocide of religious minorities in the region.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-opposes-syria-amendment | Cooper Opposes Syria Amendment | 2014-09-17 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper today voted against legislation that would extend resources to forces in Syria. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Cooper entered a statement into the Congressional Record. In the statement, Cooper outlined seven reasons for his vote. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Amendment to H.J. Res. 124, the Continuing Resolution, that supports training and equipping the so-called Syrian Opposition. After attending briefings on the President’s proposal, I do not believe that this Amendment has a reasonable chance of achieving his goals. Worse, it could embroil America in another endless war. I hate ISIL and the other terrorist organizations that are plaguing Syria, Iraq and eventually the U.S.; the question is whether this Amendment will “degrade and destroy” them, to use the President’s words. I do not fault President Obama’s intent; I doubt this particular Amendment will work. Most obviously, it expires in 90 days, according to the very terms of the CR. And even if, under authority granted outside of this Amendment, an air strike killed ISIL’s leader, it would not stop ISIL. First, remember the budgetary context of this train-and-equip mission. Remember that military spending cuts called “sequestration” will last another seven years under current law. The readiness of our military is already threatened by these cuts. Necessary long-term investments in future weapons systems are being shortchanged. Until advocates of this train-and-equip mission are willing to fully fund the U.S. military and stop sequestration, they have no business adding extra responsibilities. America’s credit-card hawks must not continue to hollow out our military while pursuing questionable foreign ventures. Second, the Syrian Opposition is not like the Peshmerga. It is a number of disorganized, unreliable and shifting groups that face three hostile armies at once within Syria itself: Assad’s army, ISIL, and the Al-Nusra Front. Each of these hostile armi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-18-million-university-tennessee-health-science-center | Cohen Announces More Than $1.8 Million for University Of Tennessee Health Science Center | 2014-09-16 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the University of Tennessee Health Science Center four federal grants totaling $1,806,838 for a variety of programs and research projects. “This significant investment of federal funds will help the UT Health Science Center stay at the forefront of medical research,” said Congressman Cohen. Today’s announcement includes funding for the following UT Health Science Center projects: $765,347 in funding from HHS’ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for the “Enhancing the Efficacy of a Smoking Quit Line in the Military” project. $381,491 in funding from HHS’ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for the “Characterization of an inhibitory protein complex for cystic fibrosis therapy” project. $330,000 in funding from HHS’ National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for the “Determining the mechanism of how GATA4 directs ERalpha binding in osteoblasts” project. $330,000 in funding from HHS’ National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for the “TLR/IL-1R signaling intermediaries and a target-specific therapeutic for arthritis” project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-11-million-federal-funds-memphis-international-airport-improvements | Cohen Announces $1.1 Million in Federal Funds for Memphis International Airport Improvements | 2014-09-12 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis International Airport will receive $1,125,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This funding will support electrical system rehabilitation that will help extend the useful lives of runway lights and taxiways. “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, securely and efficiently for many years to come.” Memphis International Airport is a world-class facility. 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/press-release/rep-cohen-commemorates-20th-anniversary-violence-against-women-act | Rep. Cohen Commemorates 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act | 2014-09-12 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today commemorated the 20th anniversary of President Bill Clinton signing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law on September 13th, 1994. The landmark legislation created critical protections for victims of domestic violence and dramatically strengthened our nation’s criminal justice response to violence against women. Congressman Cohen also announced $900,000 in VAWA funding for the City of Memphis to improve victim services, investigations and prosecutions resulting from the processing of backlogged rape kits. “The Violence Against Women Act represents a firm promise: no woman should ever feel unsafe or insecure in her own home and no woman should ever suffer in silence in the face of domestic violence,” said Congressman Cohen, a cosponsor of last year’s VAWA reauthorization legislation. “The law has improved countless lives by helping take domestic abuse out of the shadows and it has protected millions of women and saved lives. I was happy to cosponsor and support legislation to reauthorize VAWA last year, and will continue to fight violence against women in all of its forms and work to support survivors of abuse.” The federal VAWA funding announced by Congressman Cohen today comes through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, which encourages jurisdictions to implement effective intervention policies as part of a coordinated community response to domestic violence. In collaboration with the Shelby County Rape Crisis Center, the City of Memphis will use this funding to enhance requirements for victim notifications, investigations, and prosecution of increased sexual assault cases resulting from the processing of the backlog of rape kits in Memphis. “Absolutely no one should be a victim of sexual assault, and it is a travesty when communities are terrorized simply because evidence that could be used to prevent these crimes sits untested on a shelf somewhere,” said Congressman Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/remembering-911-and-supporting-president | Remembering 9/11 and Supporting the President | 2014-09-12 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week we reflected on the 13th anniversary of September 11th, President Obama clearly outlined his strategy to degrade and dismantle the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (a.k.a. ISIS), and I announced more than $1 million to help Memphians get health insurance coverage. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Commemorating the 13th anniversary of September 11th Supporting the President’s ISIS Strategy Fighting Violence Against Women and Cutting Through the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog Bringing Justice to Deserving Non-Violent Offenders Ensuring Veterans Receive High-Quality Care Helping Memphians Get Health Insurance Coverage Strengthening Memphis Families Improving Memphis International Airport Getting Money Out of Politics Facebook Photo Contest President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Commemorating the 13th anniversary of September 11th This week as we commemorated the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the United States Congress honored the fallen heroes with a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the United States Capitol (which I attended). Three gold medals were awarded: one to the individuals who died in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, one to those who died at the Pentagon, and another to those who died at the World Trade Center. Nearly 3,000 innocent victims in all. Recently, I visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York City and reflected upon the heroes who ran towards the devastation and into danger. They are all, along with Memphian Gary Lasko and each of innocent victims who died that day, in my thoughts. The anniversary of 9/11 is a day to reflect on the heroism of firefighters, policemen, and first responders from across the nation, thank those who continue to serve and keep us safe, and honor those who died on September 11, 2001. I spoke about this sad anniversary and the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on the floor of the United States House of Representa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-celebrates-20th-anniversary-of-the-violence-against-women-act | Cooper Celebrates 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act | 2014-09-12 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) will celebrate two decades since the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) became law on Sept. 13, 1994. VAWA significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement and service providers to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. “I’m a husband and father; I’m sickened that sexual assault and domestic violence exist in 2014,” Rep. Cooper said. “As the NFL has shown, so much work remains. We are failing, and we simply must do better.” In 2012, the Senate passed a VAWA reauthorization bill by a bipartisan vote of 68 to 31. But House Republicans blocked it because it granted protections to immigrant women, LGBT Americans and Native Americans. The Senate passed its strong bipartisan bill again last year. Rep. Cooper co-sponsored VAWA and proudly voted for it when House Republican leadership finally allowed it to pass and be signed by President Obama. Rep. Cooper will continue to work to champion and strengthen this vital, life-saving law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-13th-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist-attacks | Cohen Commemorates 13th Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attacks | 2014-09-11 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement on the 13th anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001: “Recently, I visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York City and reflected upon the heroes who ran towards the devastation and into danger. They are all, along with Memphian Gary Lasko and each of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died that day, in my thoughts. Today’s 13th anniversary of 9/11 is a day to reflect on the heroism of firefighters, policemen, and first responders from across the nation, thank those who continue to serve and keep us safe, and honor those who died on September 11, 2001.” “Today, as we continue to face and respond to terrorist threats on our soil and around the world, let us remember that the indomitable American spirit lives on—and let us remember that the United States of America and the rest of the civilized world can never be defeated or diminished by extremists seeking to eliminate freedom, democracy, tolerance, and diversity.” Congressman Cohen also commemorated the 13th 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/rep-cohen-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-isis-strategy | Rep. Cohen Statement on President Obamas ISIS Strategy | 2014-09-11 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on President Barack Obama’s comprehensive strategy for dealing with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (a.k.a. ISIS) and keeping America safe from terrorism: “As we approach the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, President Obama clearly outlined his comprehensive strategy for dismantling, disabling and destroying the ISIS terrorist group, protecting our homeland, and ensuring the safety of Americans at home and abroad,” said Congressman Cohen. “The recent beheading of two American journalists by ISIS shocked the global conscience, and they are unacceptable. These and many other deplorable and inhumane acts deserve a swift response. If ISIS succeeds in creating its envisioned caliphate, it will pose a threat to freedom, democracy, tolerance, diversity, and the United States of America. I stand with the President in the fight against global terrorism, and I plan on supporting him as he works with a broad international coalition to eliminate ISIS through military, economic, and other means.” Congressman Cohen also spoke on the House Floor earlier today regarding the President’s strategy and commemorating the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His speech can be viewed here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-over-14-million-help-memphians-get-health-insurance-coverage | Cohen Announces Over $1.4 Million to Help Memphians Get Health Insurance Coverage | 2014-09-10 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Seedco has been awarded $1,407,172 in new federal funding to continue efforts to provide in-person assistance to Memphis-area residents shopping for and enrolling in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace this fall. This funding comes through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Navigator grant program. “Seedco’s Navigators are an important resource to help Memphis consumers understand their coverage options in the Marketplace,” said Congressman Cohen. “This funding will help them get more Memphians enrolled in high-quality, affordable health insurance plans and help us achieve the goals of President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act.” Seedco received similar funding last year, also through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to launch its Navigator program which provides 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. The funding being announced today will help Seedco expand the capacity of its extensive network of more than 400 affiliates, add new organizations and referral sources, and ensure both broad and deep coverage of target communities. Seedco’s Navigators 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. Seedco is a national organization with its Mid-South office based in Memphis that helps low-income households and communities move toward economic prosperity. Citizens interested in learning more about Seedco can visit www.seedco.org/tennesseenavigator or call 901.528.8341. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/congress-has-big-do-list | Congress Has a Big To-Do List | 2014-09-05 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I hope you and your family had a safe, fun, and relaxing Labor Day weekend. I enjoyed introducing the Stax Music Academy Set at Tom Lee Park on Saturday. Keep reading to learn more about what else happened this week. Congress Has a Big To-Do List Helping Eliminate the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog Promoting Memphis Exports Reducing Gang Violence and Gun Crime in Memphis Remembering Steven Sotloff and Fighting Terrorism Facebook Photo Contest President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Congress Has a Big To-Do List Congress will return to Washington next week with a long to-do list, possibly including a request from the President concerning ISIS, and not a lot of time to get everything done. Despite crises around the world and significant issues to address here at home, House Republican Leadership has indicated that they will use the remaining time to bring up several politically-charged bills that are aimed more at shoring up the extreme right-wing base than at actually solving problems. I hope House Republicans change their tune and come back to Washington to actually address the pressing issues before us. Helping Eliminate the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog On Wednesday, the Commercial Appeal reported that 77% of all the untested rape kits in the state of Tennessee were collected by the Memphis Police department. Something must be done, and that is why I have been working to help police departments cut through their backlog. Untested rape kits prevent law enforcement from apprehending violent criminals, increase the risk of additional crimes, and rob victims of the justice they deserve. I am pleased that earlier this year the House of Representatives passed an amendment that I introduced to provide more federal resources to local law enforcement agencies specifically to address their rape kit backlogs. The Senate Appropriations Committee has also included my $5 million rape kit backlog reduction provision, and I hope the full Senate passes it soon. Absolutel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-gang-and-gun-crime-reduction-funding | Cohen Announces Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Funding | 2014-09-05 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced $148,885 in federal funding for violent gang and gun violence reduction efforts in Memphis. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which facilitates collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and other community members to implement initiatives aimed at gang violence and gun crime reduction, prevention and intervention. “I am pleased to announce this funding which will help make Memphis safer, reduce gun crime, and prevent gang violence,” said Congressman Cohen. In recent weeks, the DOJ has also awarded more than $1 million in funding to Memphis area organizations and municipal governments, including $352,416 for transitional housing programs at Agape Child & Family Services and $838,332 in funding Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funding for Shelby County, which will support a broad range of activities and law enforcement initiatives. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-responds-latest-isis-video | Cohen Responds to Latest ISIS Video | 2014-09-02 | 2014 | 2014-09 | 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 video released by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claiming to show an execution of journalist Steven Sotloff: “I was saddened to learn of the latest video purporting to show the execution by ISIS of journalist Steven Sotloff. If it proves true, the beheading of a second American journalist is further proof that ISIS, with a desire to create a caliphate, is a threat to America and to democracy everywhere.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/president-nomiates-memphian-ron-walter | President nominates Memphian Ron Walter | 2014-08-29 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I appeared on CNN and MSNBC, attended the ribbon cutting for the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, and am looking forward to attending WLOK’s Stone Soul Picnic on Saturday. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. WREG President Ron Walter Nominated to Serve on TVA Board Discussing Ferguson, Review of Police Tactics, Race in America and Attacks by the Islamic State on CNN, MSNBC Maxine Smith STEAM Academy Opens Memphis Minority Business Council Economic Development Forum Stone Soul Picnic Facebook Photo ContestPresident Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property WREG President Ron Walter Nominated to Serve on TVA Board Yesterday, President Obama nominated WREG President Ron Walter to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). I was pleased to recommend Ron Walter to President Obama, as I have known Ron for nearly 40 years and know of no finer citizen of our community. He is diligent in all things and active and loved in the community for his genuine, caring attitude. I know Ron will do an outstanding job and serve the TVA constituency with good judgment and rectitude. If confirmed by the Senate, Walter will fill one of the nine positions on the TVA Board. Ms. V. Lynn Evans, who I previously recommended to President Obama, is currently serving on the TVA Board. Once Walter is confirmed, I believe it will be the first time that the TVA Board includes two citizens from Shelby County, and it will be the first time that the Board includes two African-Americans. Discussing Ferguson, Review of Police Tactics, Race in America and attacks by the Islamic State on CNN, MSNBC On Tuesday, I joined John Berman on CNN’s New Day to discuss several issues ranging from my call for a congressional hearing on excessive force by police to the attacks by the group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Police have a dangerous job, but there are too many deaths of unarmed civilians who have came into co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/president-obama-nominates-wreg-president-ron-walter-tva-board | President Obama nominates WREG President Ron Walter for TVA Board | 2014-08-29 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Upon learning of President Obama’s nomination of Memphian Ronald Walter to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors, Congressman Cohen said: “I was pleased to recommend Ron Walter to President Obama, as I have known Ron for nearly 40 years and know of no finer citizen of our community. He is diligent in all things and active and loved in the community for his genuine, caring attitude. I know Ron will do an outstanding job and serve the TVA constituency with good judgment and rectitude.” If confirmed by the Senate, Walter will fill one of the nine positions on the TVA Board. Ronald Walter is currently the President and General Manager of WREG-TV, a position he has held since 2004. Mr. Walter has served in a variety of positions at WREG-TV since 1987. He was Executive Vice President/Station Manager from 1994 to 2004, concurrently serving as Vice President of Government and Cable Relations for the New York Times Broadcast Group, WREG-TV’s former parent company from 2001 to 2004. He served as Vice President and Station Manager from 1991 to 1994, Vice President of Government and Public Relations from 1989 to 1990, and Director of Marketing, Production and Client Services from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Walter was Vice President of Customer Relations for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division from 1982 to 1987. From 1980 to 1982, he served as Assistant to the President at Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Mr. Walter received a B.A. from Clark University and an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University. The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-passing-of-george-barrett | Cooper Statement on Passing of George Barrett | 2014-08-27 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) made the following statement on the passing of attorney George “Citizen” Barrett: “Citizen Barrett was more than a legal giant in our community; he was a compassionate soul. George cared deeply for the poor and downtrodden, and championed their rights in court, in the media, and in his every conversation. He had the Irish zest for life, for the latest news, for persuasive argument, and for justice. No one can replace George Barrett in our community, but we should all try, because he made Nashville and Tennessee a better place to live.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/stopping-excessive-use-police-force | Stopping the Excessive Use of Police Force | 2014-08-22 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez came to Memphis and visited the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center, I announced more than $2 million in federal funds to help support research at the University of Memphis and St. Jude, and I continued my work to stop the excessive use of force by local police departments around the nation. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez Visits Memphis Stopping Excessive and Deadly Use of Police Force $2.3 Million in Grants for Memphis Congratulating Some of the “World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” Facebook Photo Contest President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez Visits Memphis On Wednesday, United States Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Job Corps by visiting the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center in Memphis, which is one of the top performers out of all 125 Job Corps centers in the nation. The Job Corps program helps students around the nation learn the skills they need to win and keep good jobs in several sectors of our economy. The Job Corps is an incredibly important job-training program that also can help young people who have dropped out of school earn their diplomas and succeed in the workforce. As Secretary Perez wrote in a Commercial Appeal column this week, “since the [Benjamin Hooks Job Corps] center opened in 1997, nearly 8,000 students have walked through its doors and come out better prepared for a successful career. Their outcomes reflect their determination. In 2013, more than 80 percent of these students were placed in jobs, entered the military or continued their education… We must continue to invest in the education and empowerment of young people to secure a brighter future.” I am pleased that the Secretary visited our city and I agree that we must continue to support this important program. Stopping Excessive and Deadly Use of Police Force As the Ranking Memb… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-11-million-university-memphis | Cohen Announces More Than $1.1 Million for the University of Memphis | 2014-08-21 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced 4 federal grants totaling $1,125,168 in funding for several projects at the University of Memphis. This funding comes through the National Science Foundation (NSF). “I am pleased with this federal investment in the University of Memphis and their talented scholars,” said Congressman Cohen. Today’s announcement includes funding for the following University of Memphis projects: $586,608 in funding for the “Career: Catalytic Production of H2 from Water by Molecular Metal Complexes with Pentadentate Ligands” project $364,864 in funding for the “Collaborative Project: Puzzle-Based Cybersecurity Learning to Enhance Defensive Skills of Front-Line Technicians” project $108,725 in funding for the “Measuring and modeling postseismic deformation processes of Andaman Islands” project $64,971 in funding for the “GOALI: Application of Wave Gradiometry to Exploration Seismology” project | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-12-million-st-jude | Cohen Announces Nearly $1.2 Million for St. Jude | 2014-08-20 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced 3 federal grants totaling $1,187,971 in funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used for a variety of programs and research projects. “This funding will be used to continue important work at St. Jude, one of the world’s finest health care institutions,” said Congressman Cohen. Today’s announcement includes funding for the following St. Jude projects: $445,000 in funding for the “Innate Gut Epithelial Mechanisms of Immunity” project, which aims to identify interacting genetic pathways in humans and their resident bacteria that work to regulate bacterial colonization and its downstream effects on human physiology. $379,851 in funding for the “Kir-Favorable Haploidentical Transplantation In Children” project, which is focused on developing novel bone marrow transplantation for leukemia patients without a matched donor. $363,120 in funding for the “E3-mediated Ubiquitin-like Protein Ligation” project, which aims to gain fundamental understandings of a pathway called the ubiquitin cascade that regulates thousands of human proteins by changing their functions as needed. Defects in the ubiquitin pathway have been associated with numerous human diseases, including developmental disorders, cancers, neurodegeneration and infections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-congratulates-uthsc-researchers-being-named-among-%E2%80%9Cworld%E2%80%99s-most-influential | Cohen Congratulates UTHSC Researchers on Being Named Among Worlds Most Influential Scientific Minds | 2014-08-18 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today congratulated two researchers from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Dr. Karen Johnson and Dr. David Nelson, on being named in Thomson Reuters’ new “World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds of 2014” report. The report, which distinguishes scientists and researchers who have written the greatest number of articles ranking among the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication, is available here. “This report reaffirms what we have long known: that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is home to some of the best researchers and scientists in the world,” said Congressman Cohen. “Doctors Karen Johnson and David Nelson should be proud of their impressive work, and I congratulate them both on this significant distinction.” Karen C. Johnson, MD, MPH, is a professor in the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Medicine in the College of Medicine at UTHSC. Her research focuses on women’s health, obesity, smoking cessation and preventive medicine. David Nelson, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry in the College of Medicine at UTHSC. His research focuses on the evolutionary genomics of the enzyme Cytochrome P450. A photo of Dr. Karen Johnson is available here, and a photo of Dr. David Nelson is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/abc-news-lawmakers-rip-ferguson-police-response-protesters | ABC News - Lawmakers Rip Ferguson Police Response to Protesters | 2014-08-15 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Since protests erupted over the death of Michael Brown, the 18-year-old African American man shot to death by a Caucasian police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, police clad in riot gear have unleashed tear gas and smoke bombs to try to control demonstrators. The law enforcement response to the protest has been labeled overly combative, even militaristic – and lawmakers are now concerned that the situation is emblematic of a more pervasive problem. Reps. John Conyers, D-Mich, Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., have officially called for Congressional hearings to examine “the extensive militarization of state and local police.” In a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlate, R-Va., they noted: “Mr. Brown’s killing highlights what appears to be a continuing pattern of the use of deadly force by police against unarmed African Americans in cities around the nation.” Hearings could address what the congressmen described as “long-simmering racial tensions between an overwhelmingly white police force and a majority African-American population.” “Why do local police dress in military-style uniforms and body armor…?” they wrote. “At best, confronting demonstrators with this show of force is a sign of poor judgment. In all likelihood, the decision to adopt a military posture only served to aggravate an already tense situation…” Meanwhile, Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia., announced plans to introduce a bill restricting the transfer of surplus equipment from the military to police offices through a controversial Defense Department program. He reportedly calls the bill the “Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act.” Some lawmakers have even suggested that police in Ferguson resembled soldiers in war-torn regions abroad, rather than officers tasked with keeping peace. “Instead of being respected as citizens of this nation who have the right to vocally oppose what they believe is mistreatment [protesters] were met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and police equipped as though they are militia in a war zone,” said C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/fighting-our-veterans-and-stopping-excessive-use-police-force | Fighting for our Veterans and Stopping Excessive Use of Police Force | 2014-08-15 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, Congressmen John Conyers, Bobby Scott and I demanded a Congressional hearing into the recent uptick in excessive—even deadly—use of force and civil rights violations by local police departments, I welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald to Memphis, and the world lost a comedic and dramatic genius who was also a great friend of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Robin Williams. Keep reading to learn more about what I did this week. Fighting for Our Veterans Reducing Veteran Homelessness Stopping Excessive and Deadly Use of Police Force Supporting the Memphis Health Center and All Community Health Centers Promoting Memphis Exports A New Federal Judge for Western Tennessee The Loss of Robin Williams Facebook Photo Contest President Obama Seeking Mentors for Young People Make Sure to Claim Unclaimed Property Fighting for Our Veterans Any delay in providing care to the brave men and women who risked their lives for our safety is unacceptable and they deserve to receive the highest quality of care available. That is why since reports of substandard and delayed care at VA Medical Centers here at home and around the nation arose, one of my top priorities has been to ensure that senior VA leadership visit our city and see firsthand the issues we face here in Memphis. I was glad that Acting Deputy Under Secretary Jan Murphy accepted my invitation in June, and I was very pleased to welcome our new VA Secretary, Robert McDonald, to Memphis during his visit for the AMVETS Convention and to meet with officials and stakeholders at the Memphis VA Medical Center. Secretary McDonald is the right man at the right time, and I hope that his visit to our city signals his department’s improved focus on swiftly and fully addressing the concerns of our veteran community. I am also pleased that President Barack Obama recently signed into law a bipartisan bill to build new VA facilities, hire more doctors, and reduce wait times. The new law will also allow veterans who can’t get timely appointment… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/memphis-flyer-cohen-demands-hearing-use-force-ferguson-law-enforcement | Memphis Flyer - Cohen Demands Hearing on Use of Force by Ferguson Law Enforcement | 2014-08-15 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Memphis Rep. Steve Cohen has signed on to a letter issued Thursday demanding a hearing on the use of force by local law enforcement officials during the protests in Ferguson, Mo. Cohen, and Reps. John Conyers and Robert Scott issued the letter to Rep. Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, after Ferguson police broke up a protest Wednesday night with "brutal force: confronting demonstrators in riot gear and armored vehicles, arresting journalists, and firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd." Riots have calmed in Ferguson since Wednesday's show of force. Security of the protest has been handed over to state police who shed the riot gear and walked with protestors. Still, Cohen and the others want an investigation into the previous events "as soon as possible." "These incidents raise concerns that local law enforcement is out of control and, instead of protecting the safety and civil liberties of the residents of Ferguson, is employing tactics that violate the rights of the citizens and hinder the ability to of the press to report on their actions," the letter reads. "This situation requires immediate congressional scrutiny." The Congressmen also want to discuss "what appears to be a pattern of the use of deadly force by police against unarmed African Americans in cities around the nation." Also, the Congressmen want to look at the arrest of two journalists - Wesley Lowery of The Washington Post and Ryan J. Reilly of The Huffington Post. Finally, Cohen and the others said they want address the "extensive militarization of state and local police." "In Ferguson, why do local police dress in military-style uniforms and body armor, carry short-barreled 5.56-mm rifles based on the M4 carbine, and patrol neighborhoods in massive armored vehicles?" the letter reads. "In all likelihood, the decision to adopt a military posture only served to aggravate an already tense situation and to commit the police to a military response." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/commercial-appeal-cohen-calls-house-hearing-police-use-force-missouri | Commercial Appeal - Cohen calls for House hearing into police use of force in Missouri | 2014-08-14 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and two other Congress members called Thursday for a congressional hearing into reports of police misuse of force in Ferguson, Mo. Cohen and the other lawmakers sent a letter to Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asking for the panel to hold hearings into the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in the St. Louis suburb and the response to the protests in the aftermath of the killing. The letter cited reports that police have confronted demonstrators in riot gear and armored vehicles, arrested journalists covering the protests, and fired tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd. “These incidents raise concerns that local law enforcement is out of control and, instead of protecting the safety and civil liberties of the residents of Ferguson, is employing tactics that violate the rights of citizens and hinder the ability of the press to report on their actions,” the letter said. Besides Cohen, the letter was signed by Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, the top-ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Robert Scott, D-Va. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-speak-investiture-newly-confirmed-federal-judge-sheryl-lipman | Cohen to Speak at Investiture of Newly-Confirmed Federal Judge Sheryl Lipman | 2014-08-14 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will give remarks tomorrow afternoon at the investiture ceremony of new U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, where Judge Lipman’s status as federal judge will be formally conferred. Congressman Cohen recommended Judge Lipman, who was serving as Chief of Staff to University of Memphis Interim President R. Brad Martin at the time, to President Obama to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee after the Congressman convened a diverse and bipartisan screening committee to conduct interviews of nine potential candidates for the position. Judge Lipman was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate with an overwhelming 95-0 vote. “I am extremely pleased that President Obama accepted my recommendation and nominated Sheryl Lipman to be our new U.S. Federal District Judge,” said Congressman Cohen. “She has a wealth of life and professional experience, which attracted diverse, bipartisan, and biracial support. She was the overwhelming choice of the panel which helped me make my recommendation. I know she will make an outstanding judge who puts fairness and justice into every ounce of her work.” Prior to Judge Lipman’s Senate confirmation, Congressman Cohen spoke on the floor of the United States House of Representatives in support of her confirmation. Footage of the Congressman’s speech is available here. Before recommending Judge 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. Judge L… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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