Press releases
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308 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "TN" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commends-mayor-wharton-city-memphis-completion-restoration-airways-boulevard | Cohen Commends Mayor Wharton, City of Memphis on Completion of Restoration of Airways Boulevard Bridge | 2015-12-30 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) commended Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. and the City of Memphis today on the completion of the restoration of the Airways Boulevard Bridge over Noncannah Creek, bringing to a close the $5.5 million project that will grant Memphians safer and more expedient access to the Memphis International Airport, and that will keep the surrounding area active and accessible. The project to replace the Airways Boulevard Bridge was a collaborative effort between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Memphis, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). The Airways Boulevard Bridge is an important fixture in our Memphis economy, said Congressman Cohen. The airport is the gateway to Memphis, and the Airways Boulevard Bridge is the pathway many travelers rely on to transport them safely to and from that gateway. I am pleased that the City of Memphis was able to secure such robust federal funding through FEMA in order to restore the bridge to safe, working order, and that the citizens of Memphis will be able to utilize the restored bridge having used only a small portion of city funds. The City of Memphis must continue to work to receive its fair portion of federal dollars. I was pleased on December 18th to have voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus federal spending bill, which included the $4 million increase I requested for funding to end the rape kit backlog, made permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the education tax credit for college students and teachers, and included funding to federal agencies such as FEMA so that they can continue to provide much-needed federal dollars to cities like Memphis for vital restoration projects such as the Airways Boulevard Bridge. Completion of the bridge will help Memphians and visitors travel to and from the Memphis International Airport, and I am pleased that the City of Memphis was able to work with state and federal agencies to complete this important restoration project. The $5.5 millio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-cleveland-chicago-police-shootings-are-more-evidence-we-need-independent | Cohen: Cleveland, Chicago Police Shootings Are More Evidence That We Need Independent Prosecutors | 2015-12-29 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Civil Justice, today said that recent police shootings in Cleveland and Chicago are further evidence that Congress needs to push states to require independent prosecutors by passing H.R. 2302, the Police Training and Independent Review Act a bill recently endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, following investigative coverage on ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV). People arent marching in the streets because they think the system is fair, said Congressman Cohen. We need reform. Asking local prosecutors to investigate the same local police with whom they work so closely is a conflict of interest. Even if they handle such investigations appropriately, there will continue to be a perception of bias. These kind of cases need independent prosecutors, and thats why we are seeing growing support for our bill. Earlier this year, Congressman Cohen along with Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO)(whose district includes Ferguson, MO) introduced H.R. 2302, the Police Training and Independent Review Act. The bill would withhold full federal funding for law enforcement if independent prosecutors are not used for cases in which police use of deadly force results in death or injury. The bill would also withhold full federal funding if police are not trained on a variety of issues including mental health. The bill currently had 53 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo began requiring the use of an independent prosecutor for police killings. See NY Times: Cuomo to Appoint Special Prosecutor for Killings by Police H.R. 2302 addresses a key recommendation included in President Obamas Taskforce on 21st Century Policings final report: (See Action Item 2.2.3in https://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/TaskForce_FinalReport.pdf -- on p. 21 of the final report): 2.2.3 Action Item: The task force encourages policies that mandate the use of external and independent prosecutors in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-commends-president-obama-commuting-95-sentences-individuals-serving | Congressman Cohen Commends President Obama for Commuting 95 Sentences of Individuals Serving Unjustly Long Sentences | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today commended President Obamas commutation of the sentences of 95 individuals serving lengthy federal prison sentences for non-violent crimes. Under current federal law, many of these prisoners would have already completed their sentences and been freed. Their continued incarceration costs taxpayers an estimated $30,000 per year, per prisoner. "These commutations for non-violent drug convictions are an encouraging development and a significant step by the President toward a more rational and just clemency system for Americans who are incarceratedsomething I have long encouraged, said Congressman Cohen.But there still remain thousands of Americans languishing in prisons serving sentences that have been repudiated by both Congress and the President. I hope the President continues his efforts to commute unjust sentences during his remaining time in office. For years, Congressman Cohen has repeatedly called on the President to make broader use of his pardon and commutation powers to address these injustices, including repeatedly urging then-Attorney General Holder to address the issue, in a letter sent to the President in June 2013, in an August 2013 speech on Capitol Hill and in an August 2013 column that appeared in The Nation, and a November 2014 column that appeared in The Hill. The Fair Sentencing Act, which was passed by Congress with Congressman Cohens co-sponsorship and signed into law by the President in 2010, marked a turning point in our nations approach to drug policy and was a crucial step toward eliminating the dramatic and unfair disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences. But, as the President has noted, it came too late for thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed who are still serving sentences imposed under outdated laws. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House Judiciary Committe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/president-obama-signs-cohen%E2%80%99s-bipartisan-national-guard-reservist-debt-relief | President Obama Signs Cohens Bipartisan National Guard & Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act into Law | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] President Obama signed into law today Congressman Steve Cohens (TN-09) bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2015, H.R. 4246, to ensure that certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who fall on hard economic times after their military service will continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the so-called "means test" under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The law extends the existing means test exception until 2019. The bill, now law, was cosponsored by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA) and was supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. I am pleased Congress and the President moved so swiftly to pass my bill and get it sign it into law, said Congressman Cohen. This law is a way for our nation to recognize the tremendous sacrifice made by National Guard and Reserve members who have served on active duty or homeland defense since September 11 and may be suffering financial hardship. These veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan disrupted their civilian lives to serve our country in war zones and homeland defense activities, and could face a risk of financial distress. It is only fair that we help them during the bankruptcy process. In 2005, President Bush signed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act into law (Public Law 1098, 119 Stat. 23). Among the many changes it made was the establishment of a means test to determine a debtors ability to repay debts. Under this test, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is presumed to be an abuse of the bankruptcy process if it appears that the debtor has income in excess of certain thresholds. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, Public Law No. 110-438, created an exception to the means tests presumption of abuse for members of the National Guard and Reserve who, after Sept… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/securing-money-end-rape-kits-backlog-and-passing-my-bill-servicemembers | Securing Money to End the Rape Kits Backlog and Passing My Bill For Servicemembers | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I voted for the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus federal spending bill which included my extra $4 million for ending the rape kit backlog; voted to permanently extend the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, education tax credit for college students and teachers, and sales tax deduction for Tennessee; Congress passed my bill to provide bankruptcy relief for National Guardsmen and Reservists into law; and commended President Obama for commuting more prison sentences for non-violent drug offenders. Keep reading to learn more or follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Investing in Americas Future Helping Our Servicemen and Women Fighting for Justice Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Meeting with Memphis Students Recognizing the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Honor Roll Honoring Kirk Douglas Helping Memphians Get Covered 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Investing in Americas Future This morning, the Housepassed a $1.1 trillion Omnibus federal spending bill for 2016 to invest in the future of America and help working families. The Omnibus includes, among other things,an extra $4 million I secured to help reduce the backlog of untested rape kits, a $2 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including a 60% increase for Alzheimers research, funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and investments in Head Start and early childhood development. The House also voted yesterday to protect lower and middle class Americans from potentially painful tax increases, such as permanently extending the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, a $2,500 per student tax credit for college students, and tax credits for teachers and small businesses. The bill also permanently extends the itemized deductions for state and local sale taxes in lieu of itemized deductions for state and local income taxes. This provision specifically benefits Tennessee since we do not have a st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-and-maloney-secure-additional-4-million-help-eliminate-rape-kit-backlog-omnibus | Cohen and Maloney Secure Additional $4 million to Help Eliminate Rape Kit Backlog in Omnibus Spending Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) today hailed the inclusion of an additional $4 million in the final Omnibus Fiscal Year 2016 spending bill for local law enforcement agencies working to reduce their backlogs of untested rape kits. The additional $4 million was added earlier this year via an amendment offered by Congressman Cohen and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. This years increase builds upon a $5 million increase Congressman Cohen secured last year, increasing the overall funding level to $45 million a 25% increase over the past 2 years. DNA analysis has been revolutionary in helping catch criminals and prevent further crimes from occurring. But when evidence is sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting to be tested, that means assailants are still at large and could be assaulting more victims, said Congressman Cohen. The backlog of untested rape kits across this country is shameful, and we need to commit the resources necessary to get them tested. This increased funding will help make that happen, and I am grateful that it has been included. Video of the Congressman speaking on the floor about the inclusion of the $4 million increase in the Omnibus spending bill is available here. The rape kit backlog must be eliminated and these additional federal funds will help, said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY). I authored the Debbie Smith Act, and the SAFER Act which have helped process millions of kits, but still the backlog persists. Im proud to have worked with Rep. Steve Cohen to secure $4 million more to help local law enforcement agencies put more rapists behind bars. If enacted, the $45 million will fund a grant program specifically created to help law enforcement agencies across the country cut through their sexual assault kit backlogs. At its peak, the backlog reached 12,000 untested kits in Memphis alone with an estimated 400,000 sitting in evidence rooms nationwide. Earlier this year, Memphis received nearly $2 million from this grant program to r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/houses-passes-cohen%E2%80%99s-bipartisan-national-guard-reservist-debt-relief-extension-act | Houses Passes Cohens Bipartisan National Guard & Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] The House of Representatives today, by a vote of 419-1, passed Congressman Steve Cohens (TN-09) bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2015, H.R. 4246, to ensure that certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who fall on hard economic times after their military service will continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the so-called "means test" under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The bill extends the existing means test exception until 2019. If Congress does not act, the exemption will expire later this month.This bill is cosponsored by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA) and is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. I am pleased the House moved so swiftly to pass my bill, said Congressman Cohen. This bill is a way for our nation to recognize the tremendous sacrifice made by National Guard and Reserve members who have served on active duty or homeland defense since September 11 and may be suffering financial hardship. These veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan disrupted their civilian lives to serve our country in war zones and homeland defense activities, and could face a risk of financial distress. It is only fair that we help them during the bankruptcy process. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to follow the lead of the House and pass this extension before it expires. In 2005, President Bush signed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act into law (Public Law 1098, 119 Stat. 23). Among the many changes it made was the establishment of a means test to determine a debtors ability to repay debts. Under this test, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is presumed to be an abuse of the bankruptcy process if it appears that the debtor has income in excess of certain thresholds. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 20… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-praises-funding-for-nashville-courthouse-in-omnibus-spending-bill | Cooper Praises Funding for Nashville Courthouse in Omnibus Spending Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) praised funding for a new federal courthouse in Nashville, culminating an effort that began when authorities deemed the existing courthouse inadequate more than two decades ago. Cooper applauded Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for his leadership. "Sen. Alexander was essential in our efforts, and I thank him for his leadership," Rep. Cooper said. "For safety reasons, Nashville has to have a new courthouse, and we've needed one for more than 20 years. This is a huge win for our city." Cooper also acknowledged the efforts of former Rep. Bob Clement, an early and tenacious advocate for the project. And Cooper thanked Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, a Tennessee member of the House Appropriations Committee. Congress included the funding in an omnibus spending bill. Votes are expected later this week. The existing Estes Kefauver Federal Courthouse was first judged inadequate in 1992, and Nashville tops the Judicial Conferences national list of priorities for courthouse construction. In 2002, the federal government purchased the downtown property on Church Street as the site of the new courthouse. About $25 million has been spent on the project, but additional studies and a recession have delayed construction. This year, for the first time, the project was a priority in President Obamas budget. Cooper was a founding member of the Congressional Courthouse Caucus, which was formed to address the urgent need for functional, secure courthouses that would be funded based on greatest need, rather than political influence. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-introduces-bipartisan-national-guard-reservist-debt-relief-extension | Congressman Cohen Introduces Bipartisan National Guard & Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) today introduced the bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2015 to ensure that certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who fall on hard economic times after their military service will continue to obtain bankruptcy relief without having to fill out the substantial paperwork required by the so-called "means test" under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. This bill extends the existing means test exception, which will expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to act, until December 2019. This bill is a way for our nation to recognize the tremendous sacrifice made by National Guard and Reserve members who have served on active duty or homeland defense since September 11 and may be suffering financial hardship, said Congressman Cohen. These veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan disrupted their civilian lives to serve our country in war zones and homeland defense activities, and could face a risk of financial distress. It is only fair that we help them during the bankruptcy process. I urge my colleagues to move swiftly in passing this extension before it expires at the end of the year. In 2005, President Bush signed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act into law (Public Law 1098, 119 Stat. 23). Among the many changes it made was the establishment of a means test to determine a debtors ability to repay debts. Under this test, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is presumed to be an abuse of the bankruptcy process if it appears that the debtor has income in excess of certain thresholds. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, Public Law No. 110-438, created an exception to the means tests presumption of abuse for members of the National Guard and Reserve who, after September 11, 2001, served on active duty or in a homeland defense activity for at least 90 days. The exception is also available for 540 day… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen%E2%80%99s-statement-department-justice-review-darrius-stewart-shooting | Congressman Cohens Statement on Department of Justice Review of the Darrius Stewart Shooting | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | 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, today released the following statement after the Department of Justice announced that it, in tandem with its Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorneys Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, would conduct a comprehensive review of the Darrius Stewart shooting. I am pleased that the Department of Justice and FBI are conducting a comprehensive review of the Darrius Stewart shooting, said Congressman Cohen. In July, I asked the Department of Justice to open an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights violations had occurred and have continued to urge them to do so. This case should have the full, fair and public review it deserves. Congressman Cohen initially asked the Department of Justice to investigate the Darrius Stewart case in July. A copy of Congressman Cohens July letter to the Department of Justice can be foundhere. A copy of the Department of Justices October 16, 2015 response can be foundhere. Congressman Cohen renewed his call for a federal investigation on November 2, 2015. A copy of Congressman Cohens November 3 letter to Attorney General Lynch can be found here.In November, Congressman Cohen asked U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to open a federal investigation during a House Judiciary Hearing. The full video of Congressman Cohens questions to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/addressing-police-practice-using-young-confidential-drug-informants | Addressing the Police Practice of Using Young Confidential Drug Informants | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I spoke out against the police practice of coercing young Americans into becoming confidential informants, and continued to work towards passage of my bill to require states to use independent prosecutors when civilians die at the hands of law enforcement. Congress and President Obama commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, President Obama signed into law the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, and the House passed a short-term budget bill, with more work to be done next week on a long-term agreement. Read on to learn more. Confidential Informants Short-Term Continuing Resolution Continuing My Call for Independent Prosecutors in Police Deadly Force Cases Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 13th Amendment Every Student Succeeds Act Becomes Law Helping Memphians Get Covered 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Confidential Informants This week, I spoke on the House floor to invite my colleagues to work with me on legislation to stop the disturbing practice of local enforcement putting young people at risk as confidential informants for minor, non-violent marijuana related offenses. This dangerous trend was recently featured on 60 Minutes. According to the report, informants are not advised of their right to counsel, are told they are not allowed to tell anyone about their work as confidential informants and in some cases end up getting killed. Cornered, frightened and under supreme duress, these young people are told they need to wear a wire and enter dangerous situations with no training and often inadequate protection or face criminal charges which could negatively impact them for life. Two young people, Rachel Hoffman and Andrew Sadek, have been murdered in this line of coerced service. This is wrong, it needs to end, and I am working on legislation to address this. Short-Term Continuing Resolution Today, the House voted to pass a short-term Continuing Resolution in order to prevent a government shut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-congratulates-travis-mcdonough-on-federal-judgeship | Cooper Congratulates Travis McDonough on Federal Judgeship | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Travis McDonough as a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee: Travis McDonough represents the best of East Tennessee. He will make an excellent federal judge, Rep. Cooper said. I am glad the Senate has confirmed him. His talents are needed on the bench right now. An East Tennessee native, McDonough graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School and served in leadership roles at the Miller & Martin law firm in Chattanooga, before leaving to serve as chief of staff for Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. Appointed by President Obama, McDonough will succeed Judge Curtis Collier. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/improving-our-transportation-and-infrastructure | Improving our Transportation and Infrastructure | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I voted for the first long-term federal highway funding bill in 10 years, voted to end the failed No Child Left Behind policy and reform our education system, renewed my call for independent prosecutors in cases where police use deadly force results in death or injury, and hosted a telephone town hall to answer questions and address the concerns of my constituents. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Improving our Transportation and Infrastructure Reforming Our Education System Renewing My Call for Independent Prosecutors in Police Deadly Force Cases Hosting My Telephone Town Hall Increasing Government Transparency Helping Memphians Get Covered Bringing Congress to your Corner 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Improving our Transportation and Infrastructure On Thursday, the House passed the bipartisan federal highway funding bill.This historic bill, signed into law by President Obama today, is the first long-term highway bill passed in 10 years. This legislation is a vital investment in our country. It funds highways and railroads that are important for Memphiss standing as a premier distribution center. Memphis has five Class I railroads and three interstate highways that run through the city. I was particularly pleased that my amendment to provide local transit systems, such as Memphis Area Transit Authoritys MATAplus Service, increased flexibility to enhance and improve paratransit services was included in the final bill. In addition, my bill to allow passengers to transport their pets on Amtrak trains was also incorporated, as was a provision to encourage development along public transportation corridors which benefits the environment. On a local level, the bill includes increased funding for buses that will help improve MATA services in Memphis and incentives for states to collect data to combat racial profiling at traffic stops. Furthermore, it continues the highly-successful provision tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-hails-passage-bipartisan-bicameral-federal-highway-funding-bill | Congressman Cohen Hails Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Federal Highway Funding Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House-Senate Conference Committee for the federal highway funding bill and a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today hailed the House passage of H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), a bipartisan, long-term surface transportation bill. The FAST Act provides $305 billion in guaranteed funding for Americas transportation and infrastructure programs over five years. It also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank for four years. I am pleased the House and Senate have finally agreed to a bipartisan, long-term surface transportation bill, said Congressman Cohen. This historic bill is the first long-term highway bill passed in 10 years, and it funds highways and railroads that are important for Memphiss standing as an American distribution center. Memphis has five Class I railroads and three interstate highways that run through the city. I am most pleased that my amendment to provide local transit systems, such as Memphis Area Transit Authoritys MATAplus Service, increased flexibility to enhance and improve paratransit services was included in the final bill. A bill I sponsored with Congressman Denham to allow passengers to transport their pets on Amtrak trains was also incorporated, as was a provision I championed to encourage development along public transportation corridors which benefits the environment. The FAST Act provides an estimated $41 million increase in highway funding and an estimated $2.9 million in transit funding for Tennessee next year. On a local level, the bill includes increased funding for buses and bus facilities that will help improve MATA services in Memphis and incentives for states to collect data to combat racial profiling at traffic stops, added Congressman Cohen. Furthermore, it continues the highly-successful Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program that ensures women and minority-owned businesses are able to fairly compete for U.S. Department of Transportation cont… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-cites-chicago-police-shooting-house-floor | Congressman Cohen Cites Chicago Police Shooting on House Floor | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today cited the shooting of Laquan McDonald by Chicago police on the House floor while renewing his call for a federal law to encourage states to use independent prosecutors in cases involving police use of deadly force: the Police Training and Independent Review Act (H.R. 2302). A video of Congressman Cohens full remarks can be found here. In the wake of the shocking video from Chicago showing the brutal shooting of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to pass H.R. 2302 -- The Police Training and Independent Review Act, said Congressman Cohen. Congressman Lacy Clay and I introduced this bill earlier this year to stop local prosecutors from being tasked with investigating and prosecuting the same local police with whom they work so closely. This is an inherent conflict of interest and what happened in Chicago is just the latest evidence that it needs to end. Congressman Cohenintroduced the Police Training and Independent Review Actearlier this year with Congressman Lacy Clay (MO-01, which includes Ferguson, Missouri) to encourage states to require independent investigation and, if necessary, prosecution of law enforcement officers accused of offenses involving their use of deadly force in the course of carrying out their official duties, when such force results in death or injury. To date, it has 37 cosponsors in the House, including Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield and Chicago area U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush, Danny Davis and Luis Gutierrez. The bill is also supported by the NAACP. If enacted, H.R. 2302 would condition receipt of full federal Byrne-JAG funding on states adopting laws requiring the independent investigation, and if necessary prosecution, of law enforcement officers accused of offenses involving their use of deadly force in the course of carrying out their official duties when such f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-hosts-more-12000-constituents-during-teletown-hall-meeting-evening | Congressman Cohen Hosts More Than 12,000 Constituents during TeleTown Hall Meeting this Evening | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this evening hosted a telephone town hall to answer his constituents questions about the issues facing Tennessees Ninth Congressional District and the nation. During the telephone town hall meeting, the Congressman discussed a wide variety of issues including enrolling in the Healthcare Marketplace; improving our roads, bridges, and mass transit; fighting for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health to fight deadly diseases; helping reduce our rape kit backlog; and assisting with navigating federal agencies. These town hall meetings offer Memphians and all citizens of the Ninth District yet another way to speak directly with me and share whats important to them, said Congressman Cohen. I appreciated having this opportunity to listen to the Ninth Districts perspective on the issues from veterans to prison reform as well as other issues facing our community. I also enjoyed discussing my work and legislation with more than 12,000 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 roughly one hour. 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-bill-increase-government-transparency-passes-house | Cohen Bill to Increase Government Transparency Passes House | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] The House of Representatives today passed by voice vote the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act (H.R. 3279), legislation introduced by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA), and Congressman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to increase transparency and give the public access to information about federal payments awarded under theEqual Access to Justice Act(EAJA). Transparency will enable ordinary citizens such as veterans, seniors, small business owners, and advocates for clean air and clean water to fight unfair or illegal government action without fear of court costs, said Congressman Cohen. I am glad our bipartisan Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act passed the House and I hope the Senate will follow suit. Congress enacted EAJA in 1980 to allow Americans to recover attorneys fees and costs associated with lawsuits against the federal government. In 1995, however, an important reporting requirement was removed. The Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act reinstates the laws tracking and reporting requirements of payments awarded by the federal government. Specifically, it requires every federal agency to begin tracking EAJA payments again, and tasks the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) with compiling that data. Representatives Cohen, Collins, and Lummis were joined by Representatives Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Kurt Shrader (D-OR) in introducing the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act earlier this year. Background on the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act In 1980 Congress passed the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) as a means to help individuals, retirees, veterans, and small businesses recover attorneys fees and costs associated with suing or defending against the federal government. Congress intended EAJA to remove a barrier to justice for those with limited access to the resources it takes to sue or defend against the federal government. The EAJA established two methods by which individuals or groups could re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/have-safe-and-happy-thanksgiving | Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | 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 and pause to count our blessings. As we enjoy our Thanksgiving meals, we should remember those who are not as fortunate and those who remain in need. We should also all remember those who cannot be with their families because they are protecting our country overseas, as well as those veterans who have done so in the past.I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Go Tigers! Go Grizz! Follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see updates in Congress as they happen. Join My Telephone Town Hall on Monday, November 30th Helping Memphians Get Covered Bringing Congress to your Corner 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Join My Telephone Town Hall on Monday, November 30th On Monday evening, November 30th, at 6:30PM CT I will host a telephone town hall to answer your questions and discuss a variety of topics you feel are important to Tennessees 9th District. If you would like to participate in this telephone town hall on Monday, November 30th, please fill out the formhere with your home phone number unfortunately, we are unable to call cell phones. Helping Memphians Get Covered TheHealthCare.govinsurance marketplace has opened for 2016 plan shopping and comparisons. While the current shopping period runs until January 31, 2016, December 15, 2015 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1, 2016. You can visithttps://bit.ly/hcSavingsto 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.govmarketplace, your plan will be automatically renewed for 2016, but you should still visit HealthCare.govto 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 available. If you are on Medicare or your employer offers qualified health insurance in which … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-behind-drive-to-fund-nashville-courthouse-0 | Cooper Behind Drive to Fund Nashville Courthouse | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) headed a congressional effort this month to fund a new federal courthouse in Nashville. Led by Cooper, the Congressional Courthouse Caucus and much of Tennessees congressional delegation sent separate letters to the top Members of the House Appropriations Committee, which determines how money is allocated to federal projects. We are all very sensitive to the funding challenges you face in tight budgetary times, but conditions have been deteriorating in federal courthouses for decades, Cooper wrote. Nowhere is this more apparent than Nashville, where weve reached a critical situation. For the first time, Nashvilles need for a courthouse was included in President Obamas FY 2016 budget; it also was listed in the Senates FY 2016 appropriations bill. The existing Estes Kefauver Federal Courthouse was first deemed inadequate in 1992, and Nashville tops the Judicial Conferences national list of priorities for courthouse construction. In 2002, the federal government selected the downtown property on Church Street as the site of the new building and purchased the parcels making up the site from 2002-2005. Since then, further studies and the lack of funding have delayed construction on any new federal courthouse. Cooper was a founding member of the Congressional Courthouse Caucus, which was formed to address the urgent need for functional, secure courthouses around the country. Cooper has written to President Obama and Members of the House Appropriations Committee several times asking them to prioritize courthouse funding.Cooper has also met with the General Services Administration regarding the public safety hazard that sits atop the site designated for Nashvilles new courthouse, urging its immediate demolition. The letters are attached here and here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/fighting-justice | Fighting for Justice | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I spoke with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch about the Darrius Stewart case and our nations misguided drug laws at a House Judiciary Hearing, fought to keep my paratransit amendment in the highway bill during the House-Senate Conference Committee, spoke out against the Republican bill to effectively end the U.S. refugee programs for Syrians and Iraqis, and introduced a bill to protect our veterans and service members from the for-profit college industrys predatory marketing campaigns. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Fighting for Justice Serving on the Highway Bill Conference Committee Keeping America Safe Reforming our Nations Drug Laws Fighting for NIH Funding Protecting our Veterans Honoring Willie Nelson Join My Telephone Town Hall on Monday, November 30th Helping Memphians Get Covered Bringing Congress to your Corner 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Fighting for Justice At a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, I again asked U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to open a federal investigation into the shooting death of Darrius Stewart to see if any civil rights laws were violated. Ive written to her about this before, but I appreciated the opportunity to ask her about it in person this week. I also asked her if she would work to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, a category that is otherwise reserved for only the most dangerous and highly-addictive drugs like heroin and LSD, and prioritize federal enforcement efforts based on which drugs pose the highest risk to public safety. Finally, I asked her about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) which is used to discriminate against those in the LGBT community. You can watch my questions for Attorney General Lynch here. Serving on the Highway Bill Conference Committee On Wednesday, I participated in the House-Senate Conference Committee for the federal highway funding b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-jones-durbin-congress-should-end-loophole-encourages-profit-colleges-target | Cohen, Jones, Durbin: Congress Should End Loophole that Encourages For-Profit Colleges to Target Veterans & Servicemembers | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that would help put an end to the for-profit college industrys predatory marketing campaigns and aggressive recruiting of veterans, servicemembers and their families.TheProtecting Our Students and Taxpayers (POST) Act, which U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have also introduced in the Senate, would eliminate the loophole that allows these proprietary companies to receive more than 90% of their revenue from the federal government. For-profit colleges can receive overwhelming majorities of their revenue up to 90%from federal sources such as student loans,said Congressman Cohen.Too often, these schools fail in their duty to adequately prepare graduates for jobs that will allow them to repay those loans, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Even worse, a loophole in current law allows unscrupulous colleges to receive even more federal funds by enrolling veterans and servicemembers. This loophole encourages bad behavior that weighs down our nations heroes with mountains of debt and few career prospects while lining the pockets of wealthy for-profit investors with taxpayer money. Simply put, this is unacceptable. We are entrusted with spending our monies efficiently and wisely, but too many for-profit colleges do not meet that test. I am glad to be working with Senator Durbin and Congressman Jones to close this loophole, encourage for-profit colleges to provide better educations, and protect American taxpayers. We need to make sure that colleges arent exploiting veterans and taking advantage of American taxpayers, which is why Im pleased to join Congressman Cohen in introducing the POST Act, said Congressman Jones. By law, for-profit college companies are allowed to receive no more than 90% of their revenue from federal financial aid programs. This high threshold allows far too much federal money to funnel to an industr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-statement-allowing-syrian-refugees-united-states | Congressman Cohen Statement on Allowing Syrian Refugees into the United States | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding allowing Syrian refugees into the United States. As a Member of Congress, my first responsibility is to protect the American people and do everything it takes to keep our country safe, said Congressman Cohen. We must ensure that not only refugees from Syria and Iraq, but also refugees from every country are subject to a rigorous screening process that ensures no terrorist or criminals are allowed access to the United States. We can do this while also maintaining our core humanitarian values. The House bill passed today is instead nothing more than a political attack on President Obama and does nothing to make us safer from terrorist or criminal threats. The House should work in a bipartisan fashion to appropriately address loop holes in our current visa programs, including the visa waiver program, which would be more likely to threaten our national security, as well as stop individuals on the terrorism watch list from buying guns and explosives. Congressman Cohen cosponsored a Democratic alternative bill that would have required checks and certifications for all refuges instead of just from Iraq and Syria. It would also ensure no person is admitted to the U.S. until his or her identity has been established and vetted against all security databases, such as the FBI, the Department of Defense, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department. The bill was defeated on a procedural vote 180-244. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-supports-american-safe-act | Cooper Supports American SAFE Act | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) issued the following statement on H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act: America has always welcomed refugees and should continue to do so. Todays vote wont change that tradition, Rep. Cooper said. This bill merely reinforces existing law that refugees not pose a threat to the U.S. Earlier in the week, Rep. Cooper condemned remarks made by several Tennessee state legislators. Those Republican lawmakers said Tennessee should activate the National Guard to remove refugees already in the state and use any means necessary to prevent others from entering. Panicky remarks from our state legislature do not make America safer. The Tennessee National Guard should not be used to round up recent immigrants, Rep. Cooper said. Such loose talk is not only ineffective but embarrassing. The FBI and local law enforcement have done an excellent job of policing any threats. Forty-six Democrats joined Cooper in voting for the American SAFE Act: Aguilar - CA Ashford - NE Bera - CA Bishop - GA Brownley - CA Bustos - IL Carney - DE Connolly - VA Cooper - TN Costa - CA Courtney - CT Cuellar - TX Delaney - MD Doggett - TX Gabbard - HI Garamendi - CA Graham - FL Gene Green - TX Hahn - CA Himes - CT Israel - NY Kaptur - OH Keating - MA Kind - WI Kuster - NH Langevin - RI Lipinski - IL Loebsack - IA Lynch - MA Sean Patrick Maloney - NY Murphy - FL Nolan - MN Norcross - NJ Peters - CA Peterson - MN Polis - CO Rice - NY Ruiz - CA Ryan - OH Schrader - OR Scott - GA Sewell - AL Sinema - AZ Slaughter - NY Veasey - TX Vela - TX Walz - MN | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-rejects-intolerant-rhetoric | Cooper Rejects Intolerant Rhetoric | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today spoke out against remarks made by several Tennessee state legislators regarding refugees. According to The Tennessean, a Republican lawmaker said Tennessee should activate the National Guard to remove refugees already in the state. Another GOP lawmaker said officials should use any means necessary to stop refugees from entering Tennessee if they come from countries with ties to terrorism. Panicky remarks from our state legislature do not make America safer. The Tennessee National Guard should not be used to 'round up' recent immigrants, Rep. Cooper said. Such loose talk is not only ineffective but embarrassing. The FBI and local law enforcement have done an excellent job of policing any threats. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-questions-us-attorney-general-loretta-lynch-regarding-darrius | Congressman Cohen Questions U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Regarding Darrius Stewart Case During House Judiciary Hearing | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] At a House Judiciary Committee hearing today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, asked U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to open a federal investigation into the shooting death of Darrius Stewart. The Congressman pointed out that a Shelby County grand jury declined to indict the police officer who shot Darrius Stewart even though Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich asked for a voluntary manslaughter indictment and renewed his request for the Department of Justice to look at the case for possible civil rights violations. I have asked the Department of Justice to look into it [the Darrius Stewart case] and your [departments] first response said that youd monitor the case, said Congressman Cohen. Now that the case has gone through the grand jury process and did not get the result that the DA wanted, I would like to ask, as Ive asked in writing before, for the Department of Justice to look into this case and see if civil rights violations may have occurred. The full video of Congressman Cohens questions to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch can be found here. Congressman Cohen initially asked the Department of Justice to investigate the Darrius Stewart case in July. A copy of Congressman Cohens July letter to the Department of Justice can be foundhere. A copy of the Department of Justices October 16, 2015 response can be foundhere. Congressman Cohen renewed his call for a federal investigation on November 2, 2015. A copy of Congressman Cohens November 3 letter to Attorney General Lynch can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/long-live-trolleys | Long Live the Trolleys! | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I announced a $2.64 million federal grant to bring new rail trolleys back to downtown Memphis, hosted my 7th annual Veterans Day luncheon to honor Memphis veterans, and received the Sierra Clubs 2015 Dick Mochow Environmental Justice Award for my work on protecting our environment. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Bringing Trolleys Back to Downtown Memphis Hosting My 7th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Protecting Our EnvironmentReforming Our Copyright LawsImproving Our Nations Infrastructure Helping Memphians Get CoveredBringing Congress to your Corner2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Bringing Trolleys Back to Downtown Memphis On Thursday, I announced that Memphis had been selected by the Tennessee Department of Transportationto receive $2,640,000 in federal funding from theU.S. Department of Transportations Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program to purchase three new electric rail trolleys forDowntown Memphis. These federal funds being directed to Memphis for new rail trolleys will play an important role in driving economic development downtown and along South Main. Residents and merchants enjoy our historic trolleys and having them back on Main Street will improve livability and increase tourism. I am pleased the Tennessee Department of Transportation selected Memphis for the federal grant and I thankMATACEO Ron Garrison for his leadership on the issue. Long live the trolleys! Hosting My 7th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon On Wednesday, I hosted my 7th annual Veterans Day BBQ luncheon at BRIDGES for Memphis veterans. We hosted more than 300 Memphis-area veterans to update them on veterans legislation before Congress and thank them for their dedication and their sacrifices in service to our country. Our veterans are among the bravest and hardest working men and women in our nation, and we cannot say thank you often enough to them and their families. I would like to thank Memph… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-paris-terrorist-attacks | Cohen Statement on Paris Terrorist Attacks | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement regarding the terrorist attacks in Paris, France. I am shocked and saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in Paris, said Congressman Cohen.This is the second attack in Paris this year, with todays tragedy following the Charlie Hebdo shooting in January. While the investigation into the attacks is ongoing, this has all of the markings of an ISIS or al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist attack. The individuals who perpetrated these senseless acts of violence across the city must be brought to justice. Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, who have continued their war on western civilization, must be defeated, and I support U.S. efforts to assist the French government in its investigation. I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the victims. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-announces-more-2600000-new-electric-rail-trolleys-downtown-memphis | Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $2,600,000 for New Electric Rail Trolleys for Downtown Memphis | 2015-11-12 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has selected a proposal from the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) for $2,640,000 in federal funding under the U.S. Department of Transportations Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program for the purchase of three new electric rail trolleys for downtown Memphis. These federal funds being directed to Memphis for new rail trolleys will play an important role in driving economic development downtown and along South Main, said Congressman Cohen. Residents and merchants enjoy our historic trolleys and having them back on Main Street will improve livability and make downtown more attractive to tourists. I am pleased the Tennessee Department of Transportation selected Memphis for the federal grant and I thank MATA CEO Ron Garrison for his leadership on the issue. Long live the trolleys! CMAQ funds are a perfect fit to begin restoring rail trolley service in Memphis. The funds will allow MATA to expedite the return of our iconic trolleys with the purchase new rail cars, said Ron Garrison, MATA CEO. The trolleys help people connect with jobs, shopping, attractions and restaurants, and support the continued economic vitality of downtown and midtown Memphis. New vehicles will also ease MATAs long-term operations and maintenance costs, and take us a step further in moving busses currently on the trolley routes into other bus services. In October, Congressman Cohen personally called Ms. Yvette Taylor, Regional IV Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration, to advocate for the trolleys in Memphis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/passing-my-paratransit-amendment-highway-bill | Passing My Paratransit Amendment to the Highway Bill | 2015-11-06 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I renewed my call for the Department of Justice to investigate the Darrius Stewart case, the House passed my amendment to the highway bill for paratransit services, and I was named as a member of the House-Senate Conference Committee for the highway bill. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Passing My Paratransit Amendment to the Highway BillRenewing My Call for Federal Investigation into Darrius Stewart CaseServing on the Highway Bill Conference CommitteeHelping Memphis Get Covered Meeting with Arthur CageReceiving Champion of Healthcare Innovation AwardBringing Congress to your Corner2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Passing My Paratransit Amendment to the Highway Bill On Wednesday,the House of Representatives approved my amendment to the nations highway funding bill to help improve transit services for persons with disabilities. The amendment is designed to encourage local transit agencies like MATA to ensure their systems are safely and effectively supporting the mobility of people with disabilities. With an aging population and more wounded warriors coming home, Americans are becoming increasingly dependent on paratransit services. We have a responsibility to our veterans and to all those who suffer from disabilities to facilitate their mobility. Renewing My Call for Federal Investigation into Darrius Stewart Case On Tuesday,I renewed my call for a federal investigation into the Darrius Stewart case after the Shelby County grand jury declined to indict the Memphis Police Officer involved in the case, despite Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirichs recommendation for a manslaughter charge. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, I urged the Department of Justice, as I had previously, to open a federal civil rights investigation immediately to determine if any federal civil rights laws have been violated. Serving on the Highway Bill Conference Committee On Thursday, I was named by D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-condemns-attack-camp-liberty | Congressman Cohen Condemns Attack on Camp Liberty | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement condemning the terrorist attack on Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq that killed 24 residents of the camp and injured dozens more. I strongly condemn the brutal and senseless October 29th attack on Camp Liberty in Iraq, said Congressman Cohen. At least 80 rockets were fired on the residents leaving 24 people dead. This is the seventh attack on Camp Liberty and marks a clear failure of the Iraqi government to provide for the safety and security of the residents at Camp Liberty. The Iraqi government must uphold its commitments outlined in the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding to provide security to the camp to ensure attacks like these never happen again. My condolences go out to the families of the victims, and I hope for a speedy recovery to those injured. Congressman Cohen is a Co-chair of the Iranian Human Rights and Democracy Caucus and serves as a Commissioner on the U.S. Helsinki Commission. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/november-5-2015-congressman-cohen-named-highway-bill-conference-committee | Congressman Cohen Named to Highway Bill Conference Committee | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today was named to the House-Senate Conference Committee for the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill: the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (DRIVE Act). As the Congressman for Tennessees Ninth District, our nations transportation hub, I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Conference Committee for the highway funding bill, said Congressman Cohen. I will continue to fight to bring needed funds and programs back to Memphis to invest in our roads, bridges, and mass transit. I will also push to keep my amendment to help improve local transit services for persons with disabilities in the final bill. After 35 short-term funding extensions, its time for Congress to pass a bipartisan long-term highway funding bill. I look forward to being a part of the conversation to invest in our nations infrastructure and put American families back to work. Both the House and Senate have passed different versions of the DRIVE Act. Under the Constitution, Congress has to agree on the same text of a bill in order to send it to the President for signature. Conference Committees serve as a way for the House and Senate to reach agreement on legislation which must then be passed again by both the House and Senate. As a Highway bill conferee, Congressman Cohen will collaborate with members of the House and Senate to come to a bipartisan and bicameral compromise on our nations surface transportation funding. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-cohen-paratransit-amendment-highway-bill | House Passes Cohen Paratransit Amendment to Highway Bill | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The House of Representatives today approved an amendment to H.R. 22, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (surface transportation bill) offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) to provide local transit systems increased flexibility to enhance and improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services. Under current law, local transit systems may use up to 10 percent of their federal formula funds for paratransit services to provide critical mobility options for people with disabilities. The Cohen-LoBiondo-Langevin amendment would increase the amount of federal formula funds local transit systems may use for this purpose to 20 percent if the systems are able to develop innovative practices that would improve service for persons with disabilities, such wheelchair lifts and specialized training for paratransit personnel. Additionally, the amendment will increase opportunities and independence of people with disabilities by promoting access to employment centers. Our amendment is designed to encourage local transit agencies like Memphis Area Transit Authoritys MATAplus service to ensure their systems are safely and effectively supporting the mobility of people with disabilities, said Congressman Cohen. With an aging population and more wounded warriors coming home, Americans are becoming increasingly dependent on paratransit services. We have a responsibility to our veterans and to all those who suffer from disabilities to facilitate their mobility so as to make their lives more complete. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-renews-call-federal-investigation-darrius-stewart-case | Congressman Cohen Renews Call for Federal Investigation in Darrius Stewart Case | 2015-11-03 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, this evening renewed his call for a federal investigation into the Darrius Stewart case. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the Congressman requested the Department of Justice to open a federal civil rights investigation immediately. A copy of Congressman Cohens letter to Attorney General Lynch can be found here. I respectfully urge the Department of Justice to open an investigation immediately, said Congressman Cohen. We need to know whether any federal civil rights laws have been violated, and only the federal government has the resources, expertise and independence to give this matter the full, fair and public review it deserves. Congressman Cohen initially asked the Department of Justice to investigate the Darrius Stewart case in July. A copy of Congressman Cohens July letter to the Department of Justice can be foundhere. A copy of the Department of Justices October 16, 2015 response can be foundhere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/statement-congressman-cohen-passing-former-us-senator-fred-thompson | Statement of Congressman Cohen on the passing of Former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson | 2015-11-01 | 2015 | 2015-11 | 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 U.S. Senator Fred Thompson: "I amsaddened to hear of the passing of Senator Fred Thompson," said Congressman Cohen. "Fred served the United States and the state of Tennessee with distinction for 8 years in Congress. I was present when the National Conference of State Legislatures awarded him the Restoring the Balance Award for his dedication to federalism. For Fred, it was not a political or campaign issue, it was his philosophy. He was a proud graduate of the University of Memphis and the only U of M grad to ever serve in the U.S. Senate. Despite our political differences, Fred was always encouraging to me and I valued our friendship. He led an eclectic life from his time as an outstanding congressional staffer during the Watergate hearings and as a fine attorney, actor, and public servant. His was a life very well lived. I send my condolences to his family." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/announcing-beginning-open-enrollment-healthcaregov-marketplace | Announcing the Beginning of Open Enrollment for the Healthcare.gov Marketplace | 2015-10-30 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This weekend marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for the HealthCare.gov marketplace. For more information, please see below. This week, I also voted for the budget deal to avert a fiscal crisis, voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Memphis, and honored former Tennessee Senator and U.S. Ambassador Howard Baker at the Japanese Embassy. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Announcing the Beginning of the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare.gov Marketplace Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Avoiding a Fiscal Crisis Reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank Honoring Former Senator and U.S. Ambassador Howard Baker Hosting My 7th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon Increasing Government Transparency Electing a New Speaker of the House Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Ed Stanton III Congratulating Mo Bridges Recognizing Pastor Myron Donald and First Lady Angela Donald 2015 Humane Society Scorecard Bringing Congress to your Corner 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Announcing the Beginning of the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare.gov Marketplace TheHealthCare.govinsurance marketplace opens for 2016 plan shopping and comparisons on Sunday, November 1, 2015. While the current shopping period runs until January 31, 2016, December 15, 2015 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will take effect on January 1, 2016. You can visithttps://bit.ly/hcSavingsto 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.govmarketplace, your plan will be automatically renewed for 2016 but you should still visit HealthCare.govto 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 available. If yo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-200000-university-tennessee-health-science-center | Cohen Announces More Than $200,000 for University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the University of Tennessee Health Science Center a federal grant of $228,000 for an exploratory and developmental project on taste research. This significant federal investment will help the UT Health Science Center stay at the forefront of medical research, said Congressman Cohen. UT Health Science Center has a long history of research, in addition to its educational mission, and I am proud they are here in Memphis. The $228,000, awarded as part of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Biological Research Related to Deafness and Communicative Disorders program, will go towards developing the UT Health Science Centers new project on taste responses in defined cell types in gustatory cortex. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/senate-judiciary-committee-confirms-cohen-recommended-judicial-nominee-ed-stanton-iii | Senate Judiciary Committee Confirms Cohen-Recommended Judicial Nominee Ed Stanton III | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] The nomination of U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III, Congressman Steve Cohens (TN-09) recommendation to President Obama to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, today was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by voice vote. The committees approval clears the way for a final vote on his nomination by the full Senate. Congressman Cohen recommended Stanton after convening a bipartisan, racially diverse screening committee of Memphis-area attorneys. Mr. Stanton is a lifelong Memphian and graduate of Central High School, the University of Memphis, and the University of Memphis School of Law, and has served as U.S. Attorney for nearly 5 years. In private practice, as Senior Counsel at FedEx, and as U.S. Attorney, Ed Stanton has proven himself an outstanding lawyer, said Congressman Cohen. I was proud to recommend Ed Stanton to President Obama, pleased the President nominated him for this position, and am encouraged by todays approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee. U.S. Attorney Stanton is well-respected by his peers and will serve our country and the people of Memphis in an exemplary fashion. I urge the Senate to move swiftly towards his final confirmation. Edward L. Stanton III graduated from the University of Memphis in 1994, and the University of Memphis School of Law in 1997. At the U of M School of Law, Stanton was President of the Black Law Students Association, Vice-President of the Student Bar Association, and selected by his classmates to give the commencement address. After graduating, Stanton served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Memphis, in private practice with two Memphis law firms, and as Senior Counsel with Federal Express Corporation. He was nominated for the position of United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee by President Obama on April 14, 2010, and was soon after confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Stanton is the chief federal law enforcement officer within the 22 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-votes-enact-bipartisan-budget-agreement | Congressman Cohen Votes to Enact Bipartisan Budget Agreement | 2015-10-28 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined 265 of his Democratic and Republican colleagues in voting for H.R. 1314, the bipartisan budget package, to help avert a fiscal crisis, boost spending caps, protect seniors, and raise the debt ceiling. The bipartisan budget package passed today represents significant progress to ensure economic security for hard-working American families and small businesses, said Congressman Cohen. While I do not agree with everything in the bill, the budget will alleviate some of the crippling effects of sequestration by restoring $40 billion over two years for vitally important programs like food stamps, supplemental nutritional assistance for women, infants, and children, and medical research at the National Institutes of Health that could lead to cures for debilitating and fatal diseases. I am also pleased the deal fixes an imminent 52% spike in Medicare Part B premiums for Medicare beneficiaries and fixes a 20% cut to Social Security disability benefits for 2016. I have been fighting for fixes to both of these in Congress. I was proud to vote for a bipartisan budget deal that provides the stability that the business community and the American people need and deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-supports-budget-deal | Cooper Supports Budget Deal | 2015-10-28 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, a bill that averts default and lessens the blow of across-the-board spending cuts. Congress should stop playing games of chicken like this: driving America too close to the fiscal cliff in order to scare voters, Rep. Cooper said. Nothing is more important than keeping Americas credit rating strong because that determines the financial strength of the nation. Cooper supported Wednesdays agreement, but he has long sought a bipartisan debt plan that transcends imminent deadlines and tackles Americas fiscal issues. In 2012, Cooper and former Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) offered the only bipartisan budget on the House floor. It was based on principles outlined by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, co-chaired by former Sen. Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles. TheCooper-LaTourette budgetwould trim the deficit by more than $4 trillion over 10 years, and replace the infamous, across-the-board sequestration cuts with a comprehensive, balanced plan for deficit reduction. It would put America's debt-to-GDP ratio on a downward trajectory, eventually decreasing to 67.9 percent. The effort was supported by majorbudget and fiscal watchdog groups. It was endorsed by newspapersacross the countryand hailed as "brave" byUSA Today. Earlier this month, Cooper reintroduced his Stop Pay for Members Act, which would have halted congressional pay if America had defaulted on the national debt. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-bill-increase-government-transparency-approved-house-judiciary-committee | Cohen Bill to Increase Government Transparency Approved By House Judiciary Committee | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act (H.R. 3279), legislation introduced by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA), and Congressman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to increase transparency and give the public access to information about federal payments awarded under theEqual Access to Justice Act(EAJA). The committee approved the bill by voice vote. Transparency will enable ordinary citizens such as veterans, seniors, small business owners, and advocates for clean air and clean water to fight unfair or illegal government action without fear of court costs, said Congressman Cohen. I am glad our bipartisan Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act passed the House Judiciary Committee and I appreciate all of Representatives Collins and Lummiss work to reopen the governments books and help ensure that all Americans have access to this information. Congress enacted EAJA in 1980 to allow Americans to recover attorneys fees and costs associated with lawsuits against the federal government. In 1995, however, an important reporting requirement was removed. The Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act reinstates the laws tracking and reporting requirements of payments awarded by the federal government. Specifically, it requires every federal agency to begin tracking EAJA payments again, and tasks the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) with compiling that data. Representatives Cohen, Collins, and Lummis were joined by Representatives Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Kurt Shrader (D-OR) in introducing the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act earlier this year. Background on the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act In 1980 Congress passed the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) as a means to help individuals, retirees, veterans, and small businesses recover attorneys fees and costs associated with suing or defending against the federal government. Congress intended EAJA to remove a barrier to justic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-reauthorization-export-import-bank-critical-american-economy | Congressman Cohen: Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank Critical for American Economy | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement regarding todays bipartisan House vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, whose authorization lapsed on July 1, 2015 after Congress failed to renew its charter. The American manufacturers, small businesses and workers who rely on the Export-Import Bank are the backbone of our economy, said Congressman Cohen. Reauthorization of the Export-Import bank is critical for Americas business community to create jobs and compete and trade in the global marketplace. Since 2007, the bank has supported over $100 million in export sales from Memphis businesses, including nearly $17 million last year alone. I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans finally came together in a bipartisan fashion, and I was proud to vote to reauthorize the charter to strengthen our economy and create jobs. I commend Congressman Stephen Fincher for going against the great majority of his caucus and taking the lead on this issue. The bipartisan bill, H.R. 597, to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank was brought to the floor of the House of Representatives over the objection of the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services via a rarely used discharge petition signed by a coalition of 218 Republicans and Democrats. Congressman Cohen signed the discharge petition earlier this month. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures from House members to bring a bill to the House floor for a vote. Congressman Cohen voted for H.R. 597, which passed by a vote of 313 to 118. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bipartisan-effort-wants-more-nashville-teens-voting | Bipartisan Effort Wants More Nashville Teens Voting | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | By Frank Daniels III inThe Tennessean Our elections dont suffer from over-participation, deadpanned state Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville, last week when asked why he was partnering with U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, to encourage teenagers to register to vote. While there should be no surprise that younger adults are the least likely to vote, the totals from the most recent Metro election were eye-opening. Only 2 percent of the voters were under age 25, and less than 10 percent were under age 35. Almost 30 percent of the adults living in Nashville are between 18 and 34. People over 50 years old cast more than 70 percent of the votes in the election. Dickerson and Cooper are working with the Davidson County Election Commission to raise awareness of a Tennessee program that allows high school students to register for the vote when they are 17 (they cant vote until they are 18 years old, of course). State law requires local election commissions to conduct voter registration in every high school public and private in the county. Last year, about 15 percent of eligible high school students registered to vote. In 2016, a presidential election year, Dickerson and Cooper hope to double the registrations. The Davidson election commission has targeted Jan.25-28, 2016, to register high school students, and is working with the Mayor's Youth Council, the Metro school boardand the Metro Council to provide volunteers at the schools to man voter registration tables and collect voter registration forms. Competitive spirit To encourage a little competitive spirit, for the first time the high schools will get to see how their cohorts are doing in registrations. In 2014-15, the top three public high schools in registrations were: Hume-Fogg with 121; Antioch with 99; Pearl-Cohn with 84. Hillsboro High School had the largest percentage increase, 825 percent, from eightto 74 voters registered. Cane Ridge had the largest decrease, going from 228 to 38 voters registered. In 2014-15, the top three private high school re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/taking-stand-civil-rights | Taking a Stand for Civil Rights | 2015-10-23 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I introduced a bill to remove former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover's name from the FBI building in Washington, DC, delivered a keynote address on criminal justice reform to the American Bar Association, joined officials from across the country at the Sexual Assault Summit for Cities in Memphis and attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Monuments Men. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Taking a Stand for Civil Rights Fighting for Criminal Justice Reform Working to Reduce the Rape Kit Backlog Remembering the Monuments Men Investing in Our Infrastructure Bringing Congress to your Corner Accepting the Stone Award for Most Outstanding Politician Honoring the Melrose Legends Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Taking a Stand for Civil Rights On Thursday, I introduced a bill to remove former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover's name from the FBI building in Washington, DC. I also had the opportunity to question current FBI Director James Comey about the need to remove Hoover's name from the building at a House Judiciary Committee Hearing. The civil rights we enjoy today are in spite of J. Edgar Hoover, not because of him. Hoovers infamous counter intelligence program (COINTELPRO) sought to silence Dr. King and other civil rights leaders as well as civil rights organizations including Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). COINTELPRO was also used by Hoover to out homosexuals working for the government, ruining careers and lives. The Hoover years are a stain on the FBI and our nations history. Yet, Hoovers name adorns one of the most prominent buildings in our nations capital and one that houses one of the agencies of our government responsible for justice. I encourage everyone to view Michael Isikoffs illuminating documenta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-benghazi-hearing-secretary-clinton-another-example-wasteful-partis-0 | Congressman Cohen: Benghazi Hearing with Secretary Clinton Another Example of Wasteful, Partisan Antics | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the House Benghazi Select Committees hearing with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Even House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has admitted the Benghazi Select Committees purpose is to damage Secretary Clintons presidential campaign. Using the deaths of four Americans as a political strategy is just wrong, said Congressman Cohen. Todays House Benghazi hearing was nothing more than political theater, and the committee has already wasted millions of taxpayer dollars gaining no new information than what was learned at the seven other committees that have investigated Benghazi. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-benghazi-hearing-secretary-clinton-another-example-wasteful-partisan | Congressman Cohen: Benghazi Hearing with Secretary Clinton Another Example of Wasteful, Partisan Antics | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement regarding the House Benghazi Select Committees hearing with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Even House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has admitted the Benghazi Select Committees purpose is to damage Secretary Clintons presidential campaign. Using the deaths of four Americans as a political strategy is just wrong, said Congressman Cohen. Todays House Benghazi hearing was nothing more than political theater, and the committee has already wasted millions of taxpayer dollars gaining no new information than what was learned at the seven other committees that have investigated Benghazi. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-hails-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony-honoring-monuments-men | Congressman Cohen Hails Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring Monuments Men | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the a group of men and women from 13 nations, known as the Monuments Men, for the work they did to protect and preserve artistically and culturally important artifacts that the Nazis planned to destroy during World War II. Congressman Cohen cosponsored the Monuments Men Recognition Act (H.R. 3658) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Monuments Men, which passed the House of Representatives on May 19, 2014, the Senate on May 20, 2014, and was signed into law by President Obama on June 9, 2014. Art is an expression of humanity and the human experience. The Monuments Men put their lives in jeopardy to save priceless art and preserve important cultural artifacts, said Congressman Cohen, Their quiet dedication ensured that generations to come will be able to enjoy and be uplifted by the great art that would have otherwise been lost forever. I was proud to cosponsor legislation to award them a Congressional Gold Medal, and it was my privilege to secure more than half of the House cosponsors on this bill. You can watch Congressman Cohens remarks on the House Floor last year urging his colleagues to support the Monuments Men Recognition Act here. A picture from todays ceremony can be found here. A 2014 feature film, The Monuments Men, starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and John Goodman previously paid honor to the brave men and womens efforts. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-introduces-bill-take-hoover%E2%80%99s-name-fbi-building-washington-dc | Congressman Cohen Introduces Bill to Take Hoovers Name Off FBI Building in Washington, DC | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Citing J. Edgar Hoovers deplorable treatment of civil rights leaders, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation to take the former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) directors name off the FBI building in Washington, DC. Congressman Cohen was joined by Reps. John Lewis (D-GA), John Conyers (D-MI), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Karen Bass (D-CA). The civil rights we enjoy today are in spite of J. Edgar Hoover, not because of him. Yet, his name adorns one of the most prominent buildings in our nations capital and one that houses one of the agencies of government responsible for justice. said Congressman Cohen. Given his well-documented abuses and prejudices towards African Americans, gays, and lesbians, I believe it is past time to remove his name from this place of honor. This morning, Congressman Cohen questioned the current FBI Director James Comey about the need to remove J. Edgar Hoovers name from the FBI building at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.His [J. Edgar Hoovers] efforts to silence Dr. King and out homosexuals working for the government were deplorable and a stain on our nations historyand on the FBI, said Congressman Cohen during the hearing. Video of Congressman Cohens remarks to FBI Director Comey at this mornings hearing is available here. Additional background on the FBIs abuses under J. Edgar Hoover can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/magazine/what-an-uncensored-letter-to-mlk-reveals.html https://news.yahoo.com/uniquely-nasty-j-edgar-hoover-fbi-war-on-gays-152550068.html According to todays FBI, J. Edgar Hoovers infamous counter intelligence program, named COINTELPRO, was rightfully criticized by Congress and the American people for abridging first amendment rights and for other reasons. See: https://vault.fbi.gov/cointel-pro | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-doj-monitoring-darrius-stewart-investigation | Congressman Cohen: DOJ Monitoring Darrius Stewart Investigation | 2015-10-19 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today announced the Department of Justice is monitoring the state investigation of the death of Darrius Stewart, a 19 year old African American Memphis man shot by a Memphis Police Officer following a routine traffic stop last summer. The Department of Justice also indicated it would take appropriate action if civil rights violations occurred. I am pleased the Department of Justice is monitoring the investigation, said Congressman Cohen. The shooting of Darrius Stewart by a Memphis police officer raised serious questions that must be answered. With the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations records regarding this incident sealed under state law, we need the Department of Justice to ensure the case is handled appropriately at the state level. The Department of Justices announcement came in response to a letter Congressman Cohen sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch in July, shortly after the shooting. In the letter, the Congressman called on the Department of Justice to open an independent investigation into the death of Darrius Stewart. A copy of Congressman Cohens letter can be found here. A copy of the Department of Justices response can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-bill-would-stop-congressional-pay-if-us-defaults | Cooper Bill Would Stop Congressional Pay if U.S. Defaults | 2015-10-19 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) has reintroduced legislation that would stop congressional pay if America defaults on the national debt. Risking default is like playing with nitroglycerin. Never a good idea, Rep. Cooper said. This is much worse than shutting down government. This would be shutting down America. If Members of Congress betray our country by forcing America to default on our debts, we do not deserve to be paid. In fact, we deserve worse punishments. Cooper is sponsoring the Stop Pay for Members Act as America again creeps toward fiscal disaster. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew recently warned that Congress must increase the debt limit by Nov. 3 or risk federal default. A longtime advocate of a bipartisan debt plan that tackles Americas toughest problems, Cooper considers his bill a remedy for persistent congressional misbehavior. In 2011, Congress came within hours of not raising the debt ceiling a parliamentary procedure allowing America to pay bills it has already incurred. Citing partisan brinksmanship in Congress, Standard & Poors downgraded Americas credit rating.This U.S. Treasury report describes what happened, as America came dangerously close to default.Cooper first introduced the Stop Pay for Members Act during this crisis. Two years later, Cooper reintroduced the bill, and House Republicans eventually used it as the basis of an amendment to a debt ceiling bill. The amendment passed overwhelmingly, receiving 340 votes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/fighting-seniors | Fighting for Seniors | 2015-10-16 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I sent a letter to Social Security Administration Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin in support of a cost-of-living adjustment for seniors in 2016, mourned the passing of my friend and Greater Memphis Chamber leader Clifford Stockton, visited the future site of the West Memphis Eco-Park, and met with members of the Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Fighting for Seniors Remembering Clifford Stockton Revitalizing Downtown Memphis Meeting with Memphis Recording Artists Helping Protect our Servicemen and Women President Obama Honors Christian Brothers University Bringing Congress to your Corner Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Fighting for Seniors On Tuesday, I joined 55 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Social Security Administration Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin asking her to support policies that would include an annual cost-of-living adjustment for seniors in 2016. This came as a result of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics announcing this week that there will not be an annual cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients next year. The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital tool to help seniors, disabled veterans and Supplemental Security Income recipients keep up with the rising prices of medical care, prescription drugs, food and housing. A full copy of the letter can be found here. Remembering Clifford Stockton On Monday, Memphis lost beloved business leader and senior advisor to the Greater Memphis Chamber Clifford Stockton. Cliff was the first African American to hold senior management position with the Greater Memphis Chamber. Cliff was a friend who offered me years of encouragement and it was impossible to be in his presence without feeling his warmth, friendship, and love. To commemorate his life and work as a catalyst for uniting a di… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-remove-conflict-interest-prosecution-officer-involved-deaths | Congressman Cohen: Remove Conflict of Interest in Prosecution of Officer-Involved Deaths | 2015-10-16 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today released the following statement regarding the announcement that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) will now handle all inquiries into officer-involved deaths for the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Sheriffs Office. This is a step in the right direction, but it doesnt solve the problem, said Congressman Cohen. Even if TBI investigates an officer-involved death, the decision about whether to prosecute the officer involved is still being left to the same local District Attorney with whom that officer works on a regular basis. This is a conflict of interest. The decision about whether to prosecute should be made by an independent prosecutor from a different jurisdiction. The Congressman added, We also need transparency, and this doesnt advance that because TBI investigations are sealed under state law. Congressman Cohenintroduced legislationin May, the Police Training and Independent Review Act, with Congressman Lacy Clay (MO-01, which includes Ferguson, Missouri) to encourage states to require independent investigation and prosecution of incidents in which police use of deadly force results in a death or injury. To date, it has 36 cosponsors in the House andis supported by the NAACP. Currently, police-related civilian death cases are rarely prosecuted. The legislation would remove an obvious conflict of interest between local police and the prosecuting District Attorney, who relies on a close working relationship with those same police officers to carry out other prosecutorial duties. In July, Congressman Cohen wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling on the Department of Justice to open an independent investigation into the shooting death of Darrius Stewart, a 19 year old African American man killed by a white Memphis Police Officer following a routine traffic stop. A copy of the letter can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-social-security-should-give-seniors-cost-living-adjustment | Congressman Cohen: Social Security Should Give Seniors a Cost of Living Adjustment | 2015-10-15 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement today regarding the Social Security Administrations anticipated announcement this week that there will be no increase in the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in 2016. I am concerned the absence of a cost-of-living increase this year will place an undue burden on Americas senior citizens, disabled veterans, Supplemental Security Income recipients, and their families, said Congressman Cohen. Lower gas prices are a major contributor to the lack of a cost of living increase, yet these groups are less likely to drive compared to younger and healthier citizens. Cost of living adjustments are vital to help seniors, disabled veterans, and Supplemental Security Income recipients keep up with the rising prices of medical care, prescription drugs, food and housing. The annual COLA is based on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics measure of inflation through the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Congress enacted automatic increases for Social Security beneficiaries in 1975 and has averaged a 4 percent increase per year since. Social Security has only not issued a cost of living adjustment twice: in 2010 and 2011. Nearly 58 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits. Earlier this week, Congressman Cohen, along with 55 of his colleagues, wrote to Social Security Administration Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin, urging her to support policies that would include an annual cost of living adjustment for seniors. The letter also encouraged use of the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) rather than the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) because it takes into account the spending patterns of the elderly, such as health care costs, prescription drug costs, food and housing that tend to rise more rapidly. A copy of the letter can be found here. Congressman Cohen and several of his col… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-welcomes-senate-passage-legislation-allow-members-armed-forces-protect | Cohen Welcomes Senate Passage of Legislation to Allow Members of the Armed Forces to Protect Themselves While at Military Facilities | 2015-10-14 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [Washington, D.C.] Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today hailed Senate passage of legislation predominantly based upon the Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act, a bill introduced by Cohen and Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) to allow members of the Armed Forces to protect themselves while on military bases and at recruitment facilities. The Congressmen introduced the bill in July following a deadly shooting at a Chattanooga, TN military recruitment facility. The bill was cosponsored by the entire Tennessee delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. In the wake of the Chattanooga tragedy, it was heartening to see our states House delegation come together and speak with one voice, said Congressman Cohen. I am pleased the Senate heard our concerns and acted upon them." The Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act would require the Department of Defense to issue a rule permitting members of the Armed Forces who have received firearms training and are authorized to use firearms to carry military-issued firearms on bases and recruitment facilities. The bill was predominately incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate last week by a vote of 70-27. It also passed the House of Representatives earlier this month. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/statement-congressman-cohen-regarding-death-memphis-police-officer-terence-olridge | Statement of Congressman Cohen Regarding Death of Memphis Police Officer Terence Olridge | 2015-10-13 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen released the following statement this morning regarding the death of Memphis Police Officer Terence Olridge. Like all Memphians, my thoughts and prayers today are with Officer Olridges family and his fellow officers, said Congressman Cohen. It is both shocking and sad to lose another Memphis Police officer. Officer Olridges death comes just over 2 months after the death of Memphis Officer Sean Bolton who was shot in the line of duty. Officer Olridge had been with the Memphis Police Department for more than a year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/honoring-my-friend-and-civil-rights-icon-julian-bond | Honoring My Friend and Civil Rights Icon Julian Bond | 2015-10-09 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I attended a memorial service for my friend and civil rights icon Julian Bond, praised the President's Administration for bringing justice to 6,000 offenders whose long sentences are not consistent with current public policy and accordingly waste federal tax dollars, defended Planned Parenthood from partisan attacks by House Republicans, met with State Rep. Johnnie Turner to discuss international diplomacy, voted to keep us energy secure by voting against a bill to open the floodgates for Big Oil to export American energy, and commemorated the anniversary of the integration of Memphis schools. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Honoring My Friend and Civil Rights Icon Julian Bond Fighting for Justice Bringing Congress to your Corner Defending Planned Parenthood Meeting with State Representative Johnnie Turner Commemorating the Anniversary of the Integration of Memphis Schools Reforming our Nations Outdated Criminal Drug Policies Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes 2016 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available Honoring My Friend and Civil Rights Icon Julian Bond On Tuesday, I attended a memorial service honoring my friend, Julian Bond. Julian was a warrior for civil and human rights, serving as Chairman of the NAACP, and a long time hero of mine who I was fortunate enough to call a friend. Julian always spoke truth to power and forged a path for many others in the ongoing fight for justice and progress. At Julians memorial service, I was honored to have gotten a shout out for being Julian's friend and enjoyed the chance to converse with President Lyndon B. Johnsons daughters, Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb. Both women were delightful and smart and it was a pleasure to spend time with them. They honored Julian and their parents with their presence. Fighting for Justice This week, the Justice Department announced it would be releasing 6,000 inmates from prison who received … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-continued-hearings-just-waste-time-and-money-if-even-republicans | Congressman Cohen: Continued Hearings Just A Waste of Time and Money If Even Republicans Admit Planned Parenthood Didnt Break the Law | 2015-10-08 | 2015 | 2015-10 | 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, today spoke out against House Republicans continued efforts to dismantle womens health services provider Planned Parenthood, which nearly 3 million women each year rely on for health care. The Congressmans remarks came after Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the Republican Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, admitted to CNNs Wolf Blitzer that there isnt evidence Planned Parenthood broke any law, undercutting a main reason to have these hearings at all. Video of the Congressmans remarks can be found here. Even Republican Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz has admitted there isnt any evidence that Planned Parenthood broke any law, but his party is still committed to this war on Americas most vulnerable women, said Congressman Cohen. They didnt break the law, but Planned Parenthood has provided critical health services97% of which have nothing to do with abortionto nearly 3 million women each year. Instead of trying to tear down an upstanding non-profit organization that helps low-income and minority women across this country, we should do everything in our power to support Planned Parenthood and protect womens health. The recent hearings on Planned Parenthood were prompted by several heavily edited and discredited videos that were released to mislead the public regarding the work done by Planned Parenthood. The claims made about the videos, including those implying violations of law by Planned Parenthood employees, are unsubstantiated and rely on significant editing that removes critical context and changes the meaning of what was actually said by the health providers staff members. During his remarks today, the Congressman showed footage that had been edited out of the released videos that directly contradicting the claims of improper or illegal actions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper | Cooper Op-Ed: Keep quarry near Old Hickory Dam from harming Nashville | 2015-10-08 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | Keep quarry near Old Hickory Dam from harming Nashville The Tennessean October 8, 2015 By Jim Cooper What would happen to Nashville if one of the dams failed up the Cumberland River? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already ranked two dams above Nashville Wolf Creek and Center Hill as two of the most dangerous dams in America. Emergency repairs are costing $1.1 billion. The Corps claims to have fixed Wolf Creek Dam after many years of work, but Center Hill Dam remains a threat. Now I am worried that a dam much closer to Nashville, Old Hickory, is in trouble. The 60-year-old dam looks solid today, but it was designed for a 50-year economic life. It will soon be shaken because a company wants to dynamite a new rock quarry on adjacent property. Having already spent $1.1 billion on dam repairs, why risk damaging a dam even closer to Nashville? All of our dams are fragile due to our geology. Karst limestone is brittle and easily eroded by water. The new fissures around Wolf Creek and Center Hill dams have already cost us a fortune; we dont need trouble with Old Hickory Dam. Its lake rises 60 feet above the Cumberland River and is only 25 river miles from downtown. The massive concrete of Old Hickory Dam is about half a mile from the planned quarry. But the long, narrow earthen part of the dam a dike comes within a few feet of the quarry site. The Corps has been worried about its stability for years, installing underground sensors to monitor problems. These sensors are the little Dutch boys that are protecting Nashville. But guess what? Tennessee law allows quarry operators to use as much dynamite as they want. How will these explosions affect our aging concrete/earthen dam? The quarry company is racing to dig with an impressive line of bulldozers even before it gets the required permits. The quarry company has not talked to the Corps about its plans. Even if Old Hickory Dam survives the explosions, will the quarry itself be safe with a quarry wall so close to Old Hickory Lake? Sometimes quarry walls c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-release-6000-drug-offenders-brings-justice-americans-serving-needlessly-long | Cohen: Release of 6,000 Drug Offenders Brings Justice to Americans Serving Needlessly Long Sentences | 2015-10-06 | 2015 | 2015-10 | 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, welcomed todays breaking news that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will soon release roughly 6,000 federal prisoners serving sentences that would have already ended if handed down today. This is the first group of an estimated 46,000 offenders eligible for release under new guidelines for federal drug sentences, many of whom were originally sentenced under guidelines that unfairly targeted African Americans, and is a significant move toward justice and away from needlessly lengthy sentences that add to the federal deficit and contribute to the nations prison overcrowding problem. Throughout my career, Ive fought for fairer sentencing laws and worked to eliminate racially-biased sentencing disparities, said Congressman Cohen. After years of advocating on behalf of Americans who are unfairly incarcerated, I am pleased that our nations policies are beginning to bend further towards justice. These offenders would have already completed their sentences and been freed if convicted under todays guidelines, and I am pleased the Presidents Administration is acting bring these inmates the justice they deserve, reunite them with their families, and save American taxpayers money. While the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which Congressman Cohen cosponsored and the President signed into law, reduced the racially-biased disparity between crack and powder cocaine mandatory minimum sentences from 100:1 to a bipartisan compromise of 18:1, it did not apply retroactively to thousands of people who were sentenced before the law was passed who are still serving sentences that have been repudiated by Congress and President Barack Obama. Last year, a week after Congressman Cohen wrote to the U.S. Sentencing Commissions chairwoman, the Commission unanimously voted to make the new sentencing guidelines retroactive to those serving already-issued sentences, shaving off an average of 25 months from t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/30-million-future-memphis | $30 Million for the Future of Memphis | 2015-10-02 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I announced $30 million in federal funding to help revitalize the South City Neighborhood and build a better future for Memphis, the Senate held a confirmation for Ed Stantonmy recommendation to President Obamato be our new federal judge, Middle College High School was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary high performance, and the U.S. Secretary of Education spoke out about the need to end the school-to-prison pipeline, mirroring legislation of mine the House recently passed. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. $30 Million for the Future of Memphis Bringing Congress to your Corner Confirming U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III as our New Federal Judge Meeting with Memphis Clergy Honoring Gunnery Sergeant Mike East from Memphis Cutting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Short Supporting Memphis Businesses Grants to Keep Memphis Healthy Congratulations to Middle College High School Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes $30 Million for the Future of Memphis On Monday, I was extremely pleased to announce that our city was selected as one of the President Obamas Choice Neighborhoods and will receive a $29.75 million federal grant to help revitalize the South City Neighborhood. Our selection as a Choice Neighborhood is the result of several years of working closely with Mayor AC Wharton to present our citys strong application to HUD Secretary Julian Castro. This infusion of government funds will stimulate additional private investment, a synergy which will prove even more beneficial for Memphis and position us for success. Thanks to Streets Ministries and their staff, including Ken Bennett, for offering their space so we could make this important announcement about the future of Memphis. Bringing Congress to your Corner On Friday, October 9th, from 10am to 1pm, my office will hold Congress on your Corner office hours at the Benjamin L. Hooks Library. If you have questions or problems with Social Securit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-15-million-christ-community-health-services | Cohen Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for Christ Community Health Services | 2015-10-01 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced $1,450,732 in federal funding for Chris Community Health Services and an additional $283,932 for the Memphis Health Center. Todays funding comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Center Cluster and Health Infrastructure Investment Program grant programs, which aim to support primary health care services in underserved areas and allow health centers to better meet community needs, respectively. Christ Community Health Services and the Memphis Health Center provide vital services to the Memphis community, said Congressman Cohen. These new federal funds will help continue to provide the citizens of Memphis with the health care they need, regardless of where they live or how much they make. The Memphis Health Center was founded in 1970 to improve community health and well-being for the citizens of Shelby and Fayette counties. 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. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-joins-colleagues-to-call-for-commonsense-gun-violence-legislation | Cooper Joins Colleagues to Call for Commonsense Gun Violence Legislation | 2015-10-01 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper and over 140 colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to House Speaker John Boehner calling for a vote on commonsense legislation to address gun violence. A reaction to the tragedies that have hit all corners of our nation, this letter represents the greatest support in Congress to fight this national epidemic. Cooper is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan King-Thompson proposalto expand background checks. The full text of the letter may be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/senate-holds-confirmation-hearing-cohen-recommended-judicial-nominee-ed-stanton-iii | Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for Cohen-Recommended Judicial Nominee Ed Stanton III | 2015-09-30 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III, Congressman Steve Cohens (TN-09) recommendation to President Obama to serve as District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, today appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is tasked with reviewing nominations to the federal bench. The Congressman recommended Stanton after convening a bipartisan, racially diverse screening committee of Memphis-area attorneys. Mr. Stanton is a lifelong Memphian and graduate of Central High School who has served as U.S. Attorney for nearly 5 years. In private practice at FedEx, working for the city of Memphis, and as U.S. Attorney, Ed Stanton has proven himself an outstanding lawyer, said Congressman Cohen. I was proud to recommend Ed Stanton to President Obama, pleased the President nominated him for this position, and am encouraged by todays confirmation hearing in the Senate. U.S. Attorney Stanton is well-respected by his peers and will serve our country and the people of Memphis in an outstanding fashion when he is confirmed. Edward L. Stanton III graduated from the University of Memphis in 1994 as well as the University of Memphis School of Law in 1997. At the U of M School of Law, Stanton was President of the Black Law Students Association, Vice-President of the Student Bar Association, and selected by his classmates to give the commencement address. After graduating, Stanton served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Memphis, in private practice with two Memphis law firms, and as Senior Counsel with Federal Express Corporation. He was nominated for the position of United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee by President Obama on April 14, 2010, and was soon after confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Stanton is the chief federal law enforcement officer within the 22 counties that comprise the Western District of Tennessee. Stanton has a long record of community service. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations including the National … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-memphis-wins-30-million-choice-neighborhood-grant-hud | Congressman Cohen: Memphis Wins $30 Million Choice Neighborhood Grant from HUD | 2015-09-28 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | After being selected as one of nine finalists in July, Memphis was awarded a Choice Neighborhood Grant which will help revitalize Memphis [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was joinedby Mayor A C Wharton, Housing and Urban Development Director Ed Jennings, and Rosalyn Willis from McCormack Baron Salazar in announcing that Memphis will receive $30 million in federal funding to redevelop Foote Homes and revitalize Memphis after winning President Obamas Choice Neighborhood competition. Earlier this year, the City of Memphis was selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as one of nine finalists for this grant after a multi-year effort by Congressman Cohen, Mayor Wharton and others in the city, to encourage the Obama administration to designate Memphis as a Choice Neighborhood. I am extremely pleased to announce this $30 million federal grant from President Obamas Choice Neighborhoods program that will help revitalize our city and position us for success,said Congressman Cohen.Our selection as a Choice Neighborhood is the result of several years of working closely with Mayor Wharton to present our citys strong application to HUD Secretary Julian Castro and the outstanding work of McCormack Baron Salazar. This infusion of government funds will stimulate additional private investment, a synergy which will prove even more beneficial for Memphis. To win this Choice Neighborhood grant, Memphis completed a comprehensive local planning process and developed a Transformation Plan to redevelop its target neighborhood. After being selected as a finalist in July, HUD evaluation teams visited the citys targeted housing and neighborhoods to meet with the applicants and partners to get a clear understanding of their individual Transformation Plans. The city received a $250,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant in 2011. We are excited and grateful for the strong commitment from and collaboration with Congressman Cohen and Secretary Castros office that led to our successful application for th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-presents-flag-flown-over-capitol-gunnery-sgt-mike-east | Congressman Cohen Presents Flag Flown Over Capitol to Gunnery Sgt. Mike East | 2015-09-27 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) presented Gunnery Sergeant Francis Mike East with the flag flown over the United States Capitol on August 14, 2015, the day the flag was raised over the United States Embassy in Cuba, in a brief ceremony at St. Joseph Catholic Church (see attached photos). Then-Cpl. East, along with then-Sgt. Jim Tracy and then-Cpl. Larry C. Morris, are the three Marines that lowered the flag over the United States Embassy in Havana in January 1961 when diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba were severed. All three were invited guests of the State Department as they watched the flag being raised again 54 years later. It is appropriate that we are here to present this flag to Gunnery Sgt. East just days after Pope Francis spoke to Congress, said Congressman Cohen. Pope Francis helped facilitate the dialog between President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro that led to diplomatic ties being re-established. It is an honor to recognize Gunnery Sgt. East for his service to his country. He and I both had the opportunity to watch history being made as guests of Secretary of State John Kerry, and I am proud to join him here today in his own church. Congressman Cohen also presented Father Tony Romo with a copy of an invitation to see Pope Francis and a ticket for a Viewing Party on the West Lawn. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-speaker-boehners-retirement | Cooper Statement on Speaker Boehner's Retirement | 2015-09-25 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued a statement on Speaker John Boehners impending retirement. Speaker Boehner is a very honorable man who always tries to do the right thing. He understands that compromise is in our job description, Cooper said. Unfortunately, he had a nearly impossible job leading an increasingly unreasonable and right-wing party that refuses to work with Democrats for the good of the nation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-welcomes-memphis-winners-lottery-tickets-see-pope-francis-capitol-hill | Cohen Welcomes Memphis Winners of Lottery for Tickets to See Pope Francis to Capitol Hill | 2015-09-24 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Following his lottery to select winners to watch todays address by His Holiness Pope Francis to a Joint Session of Congress on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today welcomed dozens of Memphis winners to Capitol Hill for this historic event. Todays speech was the first-ever such address to Congress by a Pope and provided the Memphians attending the opportunity to see the Pope in person as he appeared on the Capitols west balcony. Pope Francis is an inspiring and uniting figure whose work has helped countless people around the world, said Congressman Cohen. I was pleased to provide these Memphians with the chance to see His Holiness in person as he became the first Pope in history to address the U.S. Congress. I hope everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this historic day in our nations history. Each Member of Congress was allocated a small number of standing room only tickets to watch the Pope's speech to a Joint Session of Congress from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Cohen earlier this month decided to offer his tickets to the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District via a lottery. Lottery winners paid their own way to Washington and found their own accommodations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/working-senator-elizabeth-warren-protect-workers | Working with Senator Elizabeth Warren to Protect Workers | 2015-09-18 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, Senator Elizabeth Warren and I fought to protect workers from unfair hiring discrimination, I defended Planned Parenthood and womens health from unfounded attacks from the right, and I helped announce new funding for pediatric cancer research at St. Jude. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Working with Senator Elizabeth Warren to Protect Workers Defending Planned Parenthood from Deceitful Attacks Supporting St. Jude and Fighting Childhood Cancer Recognizing Memphis Workers Your Chance to See the Pope in Washington Preventing Veteran Suicide Grants for Memphis Working with Senator Elizabeth Warren to Protect Workers Using a job applicants credit history to deny employment is not just unfair because its nearly impossible to raise your credit score without a jobit also makes no sense because credit scores are not accurate predictors of job performance. But American employers are using credit checks to screen potential employees anyway. We should be doing everything in our power to help increase the chances of people finding jobs not hinder them. Thats why this week I introduced the Equal Employment for All Act, which would ensure that job hunters cant be forced to disclose their credit scores during the hiring process, and co-wrote an op-ed with Senator Elizabeth Warren about why the bill should become law. I am pleased that a consumer champion like Senator Warren has joined this fight, and I look forward to working with her to pass our common-sense legislation. Defending Planned Parenthood from Deceitful Attacks After last weeks Republican-led Planned Parenthood show trial in the House Judiciary Committee that didnt even include a representative from the womens health organization the Republicans were attacking, today the House votedwithout my supportto defund Planned Parenthood. I spoke out against these efforts this morning, and you can watch my speech here. Not only are these recent attacks unfounded and based on mislea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-nearly-14-million-memphis-international-airport-improvements | Cohen Announces Nearly $1.4 Million for Memphis International Airport Improvements | 2015-09-17 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis International Airport will receive $1,383,415 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This funding comes through DOTs Voluntary Airport Low-Emissions (VALE) program, which is designed to reduce airport emissions and improve the air quality in and around the airport, and will be used to install newer, more efficient air conditioning units in three jet bridges. This funding will help ensure the Memphis Airport can continue serving travelers comfortably and efficiently while protecting our environment for Memphians who live nearby, said Congressman Cohen. Memphis International Airport is a world-class facility serving more than 6 million passengers each year. Dedicated in 1929 as the Memphis Municipal Airport with just two major carriers, the airport now hosts several national carriers as well as the FedEx Super Hub. Memphis International has grown into the busiest cargo airport in the country, and is the second-busiest in the worldbehind only Hong Kong. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-warren-bill-protect-job-seekers-credit-based-discrimination-introduced-house | Cohen-Warren Bill to Protect Job Seekers from Credit-Based Discrimination Introduced in the House | 2015-09-16 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced his Equal Employment for All Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to protect job seekers from unfair discrimination from employers based on credit ratings that are often inaccurate and bear little to no correlation to job performance or ability to succeed in the workplace. The legislation, which is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and cosponsored by 17 of her Senate colleagues, would protect prospective employees from being forced to disclose their credit history as part of an employers application process. This week, Senator Warren and Congressman Cohen co-authored an op-ed to underscore the need for this legislation that also appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and on TIME, Fox Business and Yahoo. Using a job applicants credit history to deny employment is not just unfair, it also makes no sense because credit scores are not accurate predictors of job performance, said Congressman Cohen. We should be doing everything in our power to help people find jobs not hinder them. I am pleased that a consumer champion like Senator Warren has joined this fight and I look forward to working with her to pass our Equal Employment for All Act. A bad credit rating is far more often the result of unexpected medical costs, unemployment, economic downturns, or other bad breaks than it is a reflection on an individual's character or abilities, Senator Warren said. Families have not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, and too many Americans are still searching for jobs. This is about basic fairness -- let people compete on the merits, not on whether they already have enough money to pay all their bills. Extensive research has shown that a familys poor credit is more often the result of medical bills or unemployment than a mark of someones character or ability to perform in the workplace. Following the 2008 financial crisis, millions of people confronted job loss, shrinking home prices, and depreciated savings. For too m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-625000-memphis-zoo | Cohen Announces More Than $625,000 for the Memphis Zoo | 2015-09-14 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced more than $650,000 in federal funding for Memphis through several Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grants for the Memphis Zoo and the Metal Museum. The Memphis Zoo was awarded two grants totaling $627,160 for facility upgrades and research projects, and the Metal Museum was awarded $26,000 to help digitize its archives. This infusion of federal funding will support and improve our citys world-class zoo for all Memphians and help attract tourists, said Congressman Cohen. An independent federal agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. The IMLS is engaged in grant making, policy development and research help libraries and museums advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. The Memphis Zoo was founded in 1906 and today houses more than 500 different animal species and the Metal Museum is the nations only institution dedicated solely to art and craft of fine metalwork. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/helping-young-memphians-succeed-good-paying-jobs | Helping Young Memphians Succeed in Good Paying Jobs | 2015-09-11 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Today marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and is a day that we should reflect on the heroism of our first responders and remember the innocent lives lost. This week, I also announced $42 million in federal funding to help the Ben Hooks Job Corps Center in Memphis prepare hundreds more young people for successful careers, Vice President Biden announced that a federal grant program I helped create will send $1.9 million to help Memphis eliminate its untested rape kit backlog, and I defended Planned Parenthood from deceitful attacks about the important services they provide to low-income and minority women. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on TwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Helping Young Memphians Succeed in Good Paying Jobs Eliminating the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog Commemorating the 14th anniversary of September 11th Defending Planned Parenthood from Deceitful Attacks Welcoming the 2015 National Baptist Convention to Memphis Stopping Iran from Building Nuclear Weapons Your Chance to See the Pope in Washington Bringing Congress to your Corner Helping Young Memphians Succeed in Good Paying Jobs The Job Corps is an important training program for our nations youth, and the Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center in Memphis has successfully helped prepare thousands of Memphians for successful careers in good-paying jobs. On Tuesday, I was pleased to announce a new $42 million federal contract to help the center train almost 300 students each term. This multi-million dollar infusion of federal funds will help the Memphis Job Corps Center keep its doors open for hundreds more young people who didn't complete high school and prepare them for the workforce. Eliminating the Memphis Rape Kit Backlog Last year, I led the fight in Congress to increase funding to eliminate the untested rape kit backlog that plagues Memphis and other cities around the country. My amendment made sure that an additional $5 million would be made available through a new, competitive grant program… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-14th-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist-attacks | Cohen Commemorates 14th Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attacks | 2015-09-11 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement commemorating the 14th anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001: Today 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. As we remember the tragedy of 9/11 and the horrific act of war against our country by Al Qaeda, we must realize the importance of remaining ever vigilant against extremism and terrorism in all their forms. We must keep each of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died that day, including Memphian Gary Lasko, in our thoughts. And we must remember our successes in the war on terror, including President Obamas success in finding and eliminating Osama bin Laden as well as the triumph of the indomitable American spirit evident in the rebuilding of One World Trade Center and creation of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/memphis-awarded-19-million-federal-funds-cohen-championed-rape-kit-backlog-reduction | Memphis Awarded $1.9 Million in Federal Funds from Cohen-Championed Rape Kit Backlog Reduction Program | 2015-09-10 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Memphis will receive $1,909,124 in federal funding to address the citys backlog of untested rape kits following a successful grant application filed by Mayor A C Whartons administration. These funds come through the U.S. Department of Justices (DOJ) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), a program created after Congressman Cohen successfully led the fight to increase federal rape kit funding by an additional $5 million during last years budget negotiations. Untested sexual assault 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. The New York County District Attorneys (NYDA) office, which has created a $38 million fund to fight the nationwide backlog, may award additional rape kit reduction funding to the City of Memphis later today as well. No one should be a victim of sexual assault, but it is a further travesty when communities are terrorized simply because evidence that could be used to prevent these crimes sits untested on a shelf. said Congressman Cohen. We know that these rape kits can help catch perpetrators and prevent additional attacks, so we should do everything we can to cut through this backlog and give victims the justice they deserve. It is a critical component of keeping our communities safe from predators. Thats why I was proud to champion this new grant program specifically aimed at cutting through the backlog and why I am pleased to announce that Mayor Whartons strong grant application has helped win our city almost $2 million in new federal funding to provide justice to victims. I am pleased that both the DOJ and DANY recognize the work that the Sexual Assault Kit Taskforce is doing to test every kit in our inventory and to seek justice for every survivor these kits represent, said Mayor Wharton. These grants will allow us to continue the work that began two years ago using no a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-750000-shelby-county-judicial-programs | Cohen Announces More Than $750,000 for Shelby County Judicial Programs | 2015-09-09 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a $759,476 federal grant for Drug Court, Juvenile Court, and Veterans Court projects in Shelby County. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Justices (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) grant program and is aimed at reducing recidivism, improving court security, addressing substance abuse, and improving other reintegration-related issues. This funding will help fight recidivism, substance abuse, and mental health issues in Shelby County, said Congressman Cohen. The JAG program awards grants to fund a wide of range of programs by state and local justice departments. The seven categories for which a JAG can be used are law enforcement programs, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections programs, drug treatment and enforcement programs, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs, and crime victims and witness programs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-cohen-planned-parenthood-critical-women%E2%80%99s-health-especially-low-income | Ranking Member Cohen: Planned Parenthood Critical to Womens Health, Especially Low-Income and Minority Women | 2015-09-09 | 2015 | 2015-09 | 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, today spoke out against recent efforts to defund womens health services provider Planned Parenthood at a hearing of the full House Judiciary Committee. Video of the Congressmans remarks can be found here. Todays hearing isnt about these videos that have been widely discredited. Todays hearing is another effort in a long-running and sustained campaign to restrict womens constitutional rights its showboating for a political base that wont be happy until Planned Parenthood is shut down, said Congressman Cohen. The truth is that it is already prohibited for federal funds to be used for abortion services, and this effort to defund Planned Parenthood would only deny women especially low-income and minority women access to the vast majority of Planned Parenthoods other health services health services like wellness exams, cancer screenings, contraception, and STD prevention and treatment. Nearly three million women each year get their healthcare services from Planned Parenthood, and 97% of those services have nothing to do with abortion. Instead of these theatrical end-runs around Roe v. Wade, our focus should be on ensuring poor women can receive the care they need. Todays hearing was called in response to several heavily edited and discredited videos that were released to mislead the public regarding the work done by Planned Parenthood. The claims made about the videos, including those implying violations of law by Planned Parenthood employees, are unsubstantiated and rely on significant editing that removes critical context and changes the meaning of what was actually said by the health providers staff members. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-42-million-federal-contract-awarded-ben-hooks-job-corps-center | Cohen: $42 Million Federal Contract Awarded for Ben Hooks Job Corps Center | 2015-09-08 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded a five-year $42,167,173 contract to help the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center in Memphis provide no-cost career technical and academic training to nearly 300 students each term. The federal funding will be used to support 232 students aged 16-24 living at the Memphis Job Corps Center, which is one of the nations best-performing Job Corps Centers, and 55 non-residential students. The Job Corps is an incredibly important training program for our nations youth, and the Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center in Memphis has successfully helped prepare thousands of Memphians for successful careers in good-paying jobs, said Congressman Cohen. This multi-million dollar infusion of federal funds will help the Memphis Job Corps Center keep its doors open for hundreds more young people who have dropped out of school. The Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center first opened in 1998 as the Memphis Job Corps Center, and was renamed in honor of the civil rights leader in 2006. 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. Last year, 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. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/your-chance-see-pope-washington | Your Chance to See the Pope in Washington | 2015-09-04 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, Im offering Memphians a chance to see the Pope during his visit to Washington later this month, I met with a Cordova cancer survivor working to increase federal cancer research funding, announced Memphis was selected as Tennessees only winner of the Small Business Administrations Startup in a Day competition, and I helped break ground on a new expansion of Methodist South Hospitals Emergency Department. Keep reading to learn more or follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see these updates as they happen. Your Chance to See the Pope in Washington Fighting to End Cancer and Fund Research Bringing Congress to your Corner Getting Memphis Startups off the Ground Breaking Ground on Methodist South Hospitals Expansion Helping Citizens Afford Utility Bills Discussing Education Policy with the New SWCC President Grants for Memphis Your Chance to See the Pope in Washington Dont miss out on the chance to see Pope Francis speech to Congress in Washington, DC! Sign upherebefore 5pm today to enter my lottery for tickets to watch the speech on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Fighting to End Cancer and Fund Research This afternoon, Cordova cancer survivor Lori Kuhuski visited my Memphis office with and Bert Fayne from the American Cancer Societys Mid-South Division to discuss federal research initiatives and deliver a petition with the signatures of 300 Memphians urging increased cancer research funding. The petition is part of the One Degree initiative aimed at building a nationwide movement supporting cancer research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by highlighting that every American is just one degree away from someone with cancer. The likelihood of any one of us dying from a terrorist attack or weapon fired by a rogue nation is very slim, but the odds of suffering from disease are much more likely. One in two men and one in three women in this country will suffer from cancer at some point in their lives and there is a wide racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes in Memphis. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/memphis-cancer-survivor-lori-kuhuski-delivers-petition-hundreds-memphians-urging | Memphis Cancer Survivor Lori Kuhuski Delivers Petition from Hundreds of Memphians Urging Increased Research Funding to Congressman Cohen | 2015-09-03 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] In his Memphis office this afternoon, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) met with Cordova cancer survivor Lori Kuhuski and Bert Fayne from the American Cancer Societys Mid-South Division to discuss federal research initiatives and accept their petition urging increased cancer research funding. The petition, which includes the signatures of 300 Memphians, is part of the One Degree initiative aimed at building a nationwide movement supporting cancer research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by highlighting that every American is just one degree away from someone with cancer. A photo of the meeting is available here. The likelihood of any one of us dying from a terrorist attack or weapon fired by a rogue nation is very slim, but the odds of suffering from disease are much more likely, said Congressman Cohen. One in two men and one in three women in this country will suffer from cancer at some point in their lives and there is a wide racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes in Memphis. While we more than adequately fund the Department of Defense, Congress has significantly cut funding for the NIH and for biomedical research, preventing critically important research for cures and treatments for cancer and other diseases like Alzheimers, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, heart disease, and Parkinsons. I was pleased to see Lori today, was happy to accept the One Degree petition, and will continue to work in Congress to increase funding for critical medical research. Everyone has a connection to cancer -- were all just One Degree away from a family member or friend who has fought the disease, and many of us have battled it ourselves, said Ms. Kuhuski, a 27-year colon cancer survivor. Today, Im sharing One Degree cancer stories with Rep. Cohen, calling on Congress to make federal funding for cancer research a national priority. Despite progress against the disease, one person in this country still dies every minute from cancer. We must continue to stand together and fight back. Congressman Cohen,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-offers-memphians-chance-see-his-holiness-pope-francis-washington | Cohen Offers Memphians Chance to See His Holiness Pope Francis in Washington | 2015-09-02 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that he is accepting entries from Ninth District constituents into a lottery for tickets to watch His Holiness Pope Francis upcoming address to Congressthe first such address by a Pope in historyand have a chance to see the Pope in person when he is in Washington, D.C., on September 24. Interested citizens of the Ninth District can enter the lottery and request up to four tickets by visiting https://cohen.house.gov/pope or calling (901) 544-4131 before 5PM CT Friday, September 4th. Lottery winners will be selected randomly and notified by September 9th. Pope Francis visit to Washington will mark the first time in our nations history a Pope has addressed Congress, and I am pleased to be able to offer Memphians the chance to be part of this historic event. said Congressman Cohen. Each Member of Congress has been allocated a small number of standing room only tickets to watch the Pope's speech to a Joint Session of Congress from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Ticketholders will be able to watch the Pope's address and, if time permits, the Pope may also make an appearance on the Capitol's west balcony to greet the people on the West Lawn after his speech. Lottery winners, who must reside in the Ninth District, will be able to pick their ticket(s) up in Congressman Cohens Capitol Hill office on September 23. Tickets cannot be transferred, sold, or given away and do not include transportation or lodging. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-780000-university-tennessee-health-science-center | Cohen Announces More Than $780,000 for University Of Tennessee Health Science Center | 2015-09-01 | 2015 | 2015-09 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the University of Tennessee Health Science Center three federal grants totaling $780,393 for a variety of programs and research projects. This significant federal investment will help the UT Health Science Center continue its pioneering research on the human brain, said Congressman Cohen. Todays announcement includes funding for the following UT Health Science Center programs: $324,393 in funding from HHS National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for the universitys project Finding Equitable and Effective MTM Eligibility Criteria. $228,000 in funding from HHS National Institute on Aging for research into the effects of traumatic brain injury on temporal dynamics of brain activity and learning. $228,000 in funding from HHS National Institute on Aging for the universitys project Mapping AD Memory Failure: Molecules to Connectivity of Brain Network. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/ending-police-shootings-unarmed-civilians | Ending Police Shootings of Unarmed Civilians | 2015-08-28 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Today marks the 60thanniversary of the murder of Emmett Till and the 52ndanniversary of the historic March on Washington that together propelled a generation to fight for justice and helped lead to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. This week also marked the 95thanniversary of American women winning the right to vote, the Commercial Appeal released an investigation into the 24 police-involved shootings that have taken place in Memphis over the last five years,I met with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy during a visit to Japan sponsored and paid for by their government, and I was disappointed by new evidence of animal abuse among Tennessee Walking Horse trainers. Keep reading to learn more, and be sure to follow me onTwitterandFacebookif youd like to receive these and other updates as they happen. Ending Police Shootings of Unarmed Civilians Continuing the Fight for Civil Rights Strengthening the U.S. Relationship with Japan Protecting Horses from Abuse Celebrating Womens Equality Day Ending Police Shootings of Unarmed Civilians TheCommercial Appeals investigation into fatal police shootings of civiliansin Memphis brings to light numbers that we dont have any other way of knowing. Of the 24 fatal shootings in the last five years, 72 percent of the officers involved were white and 75 percent of the victims were black men. Thats a striking and disappointing fact. I am proud to have introduced legislation in Congress to make sure that nationwide data on police shootings is public information and cant be swept under the rug, and I am also proud to team up with my colleague Congressman Lacy Clay, whose district includes Ferguson, Missouri, on legislation to ensure police receive racial bias training thathas been shown to workin reducing an officers tendency to shoot suspects. Continuing the Fight for Civil Rights Sixty years ago today,Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippiand the images helped propel a civil rights movement that eight years to the day later held the historic March on Washington, l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-condemns-new-reports-animal-abuse-tennessee-walking-horse-trainers | Congressman Cohen Condemns New Reports of Animal Abuse by Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers | 2015-08-25 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] After an investigation was released today finding evidence of Tennessee Walking Horse trainers using inhumane and illegal soring techniques to artificially exaggerate the gait of their horses, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) called on Congress to pass the bipartisan Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 3268, to end the tactics once and for all. Congressman Cohen is a lifelong supporter of animal rights and welfare issues and has received several Humane Champion awards from the Humane Society of the United States. I am disappointedbut not surprisedthat evidence of Big Lick trainers abusing horses and disregarding state and federal animal welfare laws has once again come to light, said Congressman Cohen. Our societys treatment of animals is a reflection on all of us. Causing pain to animals to win a prize is unacceptable. Its inhumane and unsportsmanlike. It is cheating to win by physically abusing horses. There is no ribbon, no prize nor championship worth ones humanity. The Congressman continued: Soring horses is both illegal and morally unacceptable, but trainers are clearly taking advantage of lax oversight and wide loopholes to do it anyway. We need to modernize our laws by passing the bipartisan PAST Act to finally put an end to these terrible practices and unequivocally say that Americans treat animals humanely. Horses in these walking horse shows are known for possessing a smooth, natural gait, but in order to be successful in some competitions their natural gait is often artificially exaggerated through the soring process to ensure an extreme, high-stepping gait known as the Big Lick or performance gait, while showing. Soring is the irritating or blistering of a horses forelegs through the application of caustic chemicals such as mustard oil, cutting the horses hoof painfully short, or the use of mechanical devices to inflict pain, so that it hurts the horse to step down. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-541000-new-memphis-health-center-access-point-whitehaven | Cohen Announces $541,000 for New Memphis Health Center Access Point in Whitehaven | 2015-08-20 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced $541,667 in federal funding to help the Memphis Health Center open a new access point in the Whitehaven community. The new access point will provide the same health care services that Shelby County citizens have come to expect of the Memphis Health Centers other locations. This grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. Im pleased to announce this investment of federal funds to help the Memphis Health Center reduce health inequalities and disparities by opening a new access point for their health care services in the Whitehaven community, said Congressman Cohen. The Memphis Health Center, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 community health center, provides a comprehensive array of primary and preventive health and dental services to the uninsured/underinsured and medically underserved populations of Memphis, Shelby and Fayette Counties. It was founded more than 45 years ago to address concerns over health care access disparities for underserved populations in the Mid-South area. Today, the Memphis Health Center aims to improve community health and well-being for the citizens of Shelby and Fayette counties through an integrated program of comprehensive, culturally sensitive, quality health care services under a primary care delivery model emphasizing preventive care across the entire life cycle (i.e. prenatal, perinatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-support-multilateral-agreement-prevent-iran-acquiring-nuclear | Congressman Cohen to Support Multilateral Agreement to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons | 2015-08-19 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement announcing that he will support the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to prevent a nuclear weapons-equipped Iran: I know that, by supporting this agreement in Congress, many longtimeeven lifelongfriends will be disappointed but I hope they will understand that it is the result of careful consideration and countless classified briefings as well as meetings with officials at the Vienna headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the agency responsible for enforcing the agreements historically robust inspections regime. Ive also spoken personally with President Obama and Secretary Kerry about the agreement, met with U.S Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Dan Baer and numerous European as well as Asian officials and diplomats, listened closely to hundreds of constituents who oppose and support it, and have seriously weighed all the information I have obtained. The ultimate goal of any agreement, and any vote supporting or opposing it, must be to ensure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon and that the United States and its allies, indeed the world, are safe from such a potentially disastrous outcome. But we must also recognize that, by definition, any negotiated agreement will not be perfectit is the result of compromise on both sides and perfection simply isnt an option. This agreement will verifiably reduce Iranian stockpiles of enriched uranium by 98% and convert their nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes while dismantling excess centrifuges used to enrich nuclear material. Many of the worlds leading physicists recently declared it an innovative agreement, and that its much more stringent constraints than any previously negotiated non-proliferation frameworkcan serve as a guidepost for future non-proliferation agreements. Through my intense study of this agreement, I am convinced that it is the most effective way to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. The agree… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-11-million-help-memphis-area-infants-and-toddlers | Cohen Announces $1.1 Million to Help Memphis-area Infants and Toddlers | 2015-08-18 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a $1,126,300 federal grant for Early Head Start programs at Porter-Leath. Early Head Start provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers as well as pregnant women and their families. This funding is an investment in Memphis children, an investment in Memphis families, and a down payment on our citys future, said Congressman Cohen. It will pay dividends as todays children grow into tomorrows entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, and productive members of our society. This is an important program that I am proud to support. Porter-Leath has been a primary resource for Memphis' at-risk children and families for more than 160 years. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, Porter-Leath not only gives children access to the tools they need to succeed, but also provides a sense of hope that helps build stronger children, stronger families and a stronger Memphis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-gop-education-plan-slashes-millions-shelby-county-preschoolers-takes-hope-and | Cohen: GOP Education Plan Slashes Millions for Shelby County Preschoolers, Takes Hope and Opportunity from Our Children | 2015-08-18 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today blasted Congressional Republican efforts to eliminate a program Shelby County Schools expects to receive a reported $7 million from for preschool services. The elimination of the Preschool Development Grant program, as proposed in the Republican education plan awaiting a vote in the House and Senate, could prevent nearly 7,500 low- and moderate-income Tennessee children from attending pre-school, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Republican education plan would be disastrous for Memphis children and families, said Congressman Cohen. We know that children who receive support from programs like preschool and Head Start have a better shot at successful lives, but the Republican plan would take away their hope and opportunity by slashing millions from those same programs. We should be expanding preschools like the President has called for, not closing their doors on our children. President Obamas 2016 budget proposal would have expanded the Preschool Development Grant program, a 4-year program that helps communities provide high-quality preschool services they would otherwise not provide. This expansion would have helped provide preschool to an estimated 350,000 additional children nationwide, but the Republican plan would simply end the program before it can complete its final two years, jeopardizing plans to serve nearly 60,000 additional students across the nation, leaving more than 40,000 current students in preschools that require improvements, and putting more than $640 million in pledged local, state, and public-private partnership funding at risk. The Republican education plan would have far reaching consequences outside of preschool as well. Either more than 570,000 children in Head Start would not receive the full-day, full-year services they need to succeed, the program would serve 140,000 fewer children as compared to the President's Budget, or some combination of both. In contrast, the Presidents Budget is guided by compelling evidence… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-mourns-loss-civil-rights-icon-julian-bond | Congressman Cohen Mourns the Loss of Civil Rights Icon Julian Bond | 2015-08-16 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement paying tribute to former NAACP Chairman and civil rights icon Julian Bond, who passed away this weekend: Julian Bond was a hero, an advisor, and a dear friend of mine who always spoke the truth and forged a path for many in the ongoing fight for justice and progress. I was lucky to meet him as a Vanderbilt student and even luckier that he and his wife Pam accepted me as their friend in the 1980s when I was a State Senator. I was fortunate to have him as a friend, and I extend my condolences to Pam and his children. Julian led a phenomenal life and the world is diminished by his passing. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/secretary-kerry-congressman-cohen-helps-re-open-us-embassy-cuba | With Secretary Kerry, Congressman Cohen Helps Re-open US Embassy in Cuba | 2015-08-14 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [HAVANA, CUBA] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Senators and Representatives today at the official re-opening of the United States Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Todays re-opening is a significant step as the United States works to lift the trade embargo that has been in effect since 1960 and normalize diplomatic relations with the neighboring nation that sits just 90 miles from American soil, actions Congressman Cohen has encouraged for years. Late last year, President Obama announced his intention to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. The re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba and our Embassy in Havana re-opening will help promote human rights and freedom in a country where we have had little influence for too long, said Congressman Cohen. I was proud to be therewith my Minnie Minoso hat, in honor of the late Cuban Cometwith Secretary Kerry when the American flag was raised once again over our Embassy in Havana and I appreciate President Obamas bold steps forward to normalize relations with Cuba. Our relationship with Cuba has long been a thorn in the side of our relations with other Caribbean nations. The normalization of relations with Cuba will help us become closer to all our Caribbean neighbors and help eventually open new trade avenues for Memphis entrepreneurs and businesses, including AutoZone for Cubas aging American cars, FedEx, medical device companies and health-industry professionals. It will also improve Americans freedom to traveland it is the right thing to do. Along with Congressman Cohen and Secretary Kerry, the United States delegation to Cuba included several federal officials, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer, Jeff Flake, Amy Klobuchar, and Pat Leahy as well as U.S. Representatives Karen Bass, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Jim McGovern. Todays visit included the re-opening of the United States Embassy in Havana, a flag-raising ceremony at the residence of Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Chief of Mission at the U.S. Emba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/raising-american-flag-over-our-cuban-embassy-once-again | Raising the American Flag Over our Cuban Embassy Once Again | 2015-08-14 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, I am writing this today from Cuba where I am helping Secretary of State John Kerry re-open the U.S. Embassy in Havana. This week, we marked the 80th anniversary of Social Security, I helped open the new Memphis and Shelby County Office of Re-Entry to help non-violent ex-offenders get back on their feet, and I joined Priscilla Presley at Graceland for the unveiling of a new Forever Stamp in the Kings honor. Keep reading to learn more. Raising the American Flag over our Cuban Embassy Once Again Giving Non-Violent Ex-Offenders a Fresh Start Protecting Voting Rights Helping End Excessive Police Force Elvis, Forever the King Bringing Congress to your Corner Insuring Tennessee by Expanding Medicaid Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Social Security Bringing World-Class Athletes to Memphis Raising the American Flag over our Cuban Embassy Once Again The re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba and the re-opening of our Embassy in Havana will help promote human rights and freedom in a country where we have had little influence for too long. I was proud to be there this morningwith my Minnie Minoso hat, in honor of the late Cuban Cometwith Secretary Kerry when the American flag was raised once again over our Embassy in Havana and I appreciate President Obamas bold steps forward to normalize relations with Cuba. One of the three Marines who lowered the flag when the US Embassy in Havana closed in 1961 is Gunnery Sergeant Mike Easta Memphian I met this morning. I am pleased he was able to help finally raise the American flag over our Embassy in Cuba today. It may have taken more than 50 years, but today he kept a promise made on that 1961 day: that they would return and raise the flag again. Our relationship with Cuba has long been a thorn in the side of our relations with other Caribbean nations. The normalization of relations with Cuba will help us become closer to all our Caribbean neighbors and eventually help open new trade avenues for Memphis entrepreneurs and businesses, including Aut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-celebrates-80th-anniversary-social-security | Congressman Cohen Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Social Security | 2015-08-13 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement to commemorate tomorrows 80th anniversary of Social Security, which was signed into law on August 14, 1935: More than 110,000 citizens of the Ninth District rely on Social Security to help pay for basic necessities like food, healthcare and housing. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Social Security, it is as important as ever recognize the impact of this pillar of the American safety net: two out of three retirees count on Social Security for a majority of their income, the programs benefits lift one million children out of poverty each year, and it supports more than nine million of our veterans. Even as we celebrate the success of Social Security, some in Congress still insist we must slash its benefits for millions of Americans who need it. I am fighting against these unnecessary and irresponsible policies, and am proud to support legislation that would expand Social Security, increase benefits and better protect beneficiaries from rising inflation. I am also working to implement policies that would help Social Security remain solvent for future generations, and I will continue my efforts to ensure that Americans who have paid into the program receive the benefits we have promised them. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-travel-cuba-secretary-kerry-reopening-us-embassy-havana | Congressman Cohen to Travel to Cuba with Secretary Kerry for the Reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana | 2015-08-12 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will travel with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday to take part in the official re-opening of the United States Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Congressman Cohen has long been an outspoken supporter of lifting the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba which has been in effect since 1960. Congressman Cohen has communicated this priority to the President on several occasions. Late last year, President Obama announced his intention to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba. The re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba and our Embassy in Havana reopening will help promote human rights and freedom in a country where we have had little influence for too long, said Congressman Cohen. I look forward to being there with Secretary Kerry when the American flag is raised once again over our Embassy in Havana and I appreciate President Obama boldly moving forward to normalize relations with Cuba. The normalization of relations with Cuba will eventually open new trade avenues for Memphis entrepreneurs and businesses, including AutoZone for the nations aging American cars, FedEx, medical device companies and health-industry professionals. It will also improve Americans freedom to traveland it is the right thing to do. Congressman Cohen is also a cosponsor of the Free Trade with Cuba Act, which would lift the long-standing embargo on trade with Cuba to give American companies their fair share. Cuba sits 90 miles off the U.S. coast and has a GDP of $60 billion. The longer American businesses are locked out of Cuba, the longer they will lose a foothold for trade and investment in this expanding market. U.S. businesses are falling behind foreign competitors who are increasing their participation in the Cuban market. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/50th-anniversary-voting-rights-act-cohen-calls-congress-restore-its-full-protections | On 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Cohen Calls on Congress to Restore Its Full Protections | 2015-08-07 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] Congressman Steve Cohen today penned the following column, which appeared in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, commemorating the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the landmark Voting Rights Act (VRA) into law on August 6th, 1965: Key excerpts: The right to vote is the most fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy. Yet for most of our nation's history, too many of our citizens, and particularly African-Americans, were denied this most basic right, especially in the deep South. Fifty years ago today, our nation took a momentous step toward correcting that injustice when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act. I fear, however, that recent developments threaten the act's basic protections and, on this anniversary, Congress must dedicate itself to restoring those protections. The Supreme Court was wrong to undermine the Voting Rights Act and Congress needs to fix it. I am a co-sponsor of two bills that would restore the Voting Rights Act to its full effectiveness. There is no better way for Congress to commemorate the Act's 50th anniversary than to pass these bills and stay true to the Act's purpose of ensuring equal voting rights for all. COMMERCIAL APPEAL: The Voting Rights Act 50 years on and under siege Column by: Congressman Steve Cohen August 6th, 2015 The right to vote is the most fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy. Yet for most of our nation's history, too many of our citizens, and particularly African-Americans, were denied this most basic right, especially in the deep South. Fifty years ago today, our nation took a momentous step toward correcting that injustice when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act. I fear, however, that recent developments threaten the act's basic protections and, on this anniversary, Congress must dedicate itself to restoring those protections. Before the Voting Rights Act, the state of voting rights in the deep South was abysmal. In the mid-1950s more than 80 years a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/paying-our-respects-officer-sean-bolton | Paying Our Respects to Officer Sean Bolton | 2015-08-06 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Tomorrow morning from 10am to 1pm, my office will hold Congress on your Corner office hours at the Benjamin L. Hooks Library. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance. We hope you can make it. Paying Our Respects to Officer Sean Bolton Over the last several sad days, the Memphis community has united to mourn the loss of Memphis Police Officer Sean Bolton and to support his family, friends, and fellow officers. Last night, Memphians turned out in force for the Sea of Blue passing through our city honoring Officer Bolton. This morning, Officer Bolton was honored and remembered at Bellevue Baptist Church by his fellow officers, fellow Marines, and his friends for his service to our city and our nation. Sean Bolton served his country as a Marine in Iraq and he served his city as a police officer in Memphis, making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow citizens. In giving his life to protect Memphis, Officer Bolton leaves a mother, two sisters, a brother and countless other family members and friends who will always cherish his memory. He also leaves an appreciative community grateful for his dedication, his service and his bravery in the face of danger. May his courage, his devotion to duty, and the love Officer Bolton had for our community inspire us all and serve as his legacy. Protecting Voting Rights Today is also the 50thanniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the landmark Voting Rights Act into law. While the law has been incredibly effective in protecting the rights of all Americans to vote, in recent years several of its protections have been chipped away and they must be restored. I wrote an op-edthat appeared in this mornings Commercial Appealabout why Congress must restore them as soon as possible. Im including it below, and I hope youll consider sharing it with your friends and family, posting it on Facebook, or tweeting it. As always, I remain. Mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cohen-pays-his-respects-slain-mpd-officer-sean-bolton | Congressman Cohen Pays His Respects to Slain MPD Officer Sean Bolton | 2015-08-06 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), former legal advisor for the Memphis Police Department, issued the following statement to pay his respects to murdered MPD Officer Sean Bolton: Over the last several sad days, the Memphis community has united to mourn the loss of Memphis Police Officer Sean Bolton and to support his family, friends, and fellow officers. Last night, Memphians turned out in force for the Sea of Blue passing through our city, honoring Officer Bolton. This morning, Officer Bolton was honored and remembered at Bellevue Baptist Church by his fellow officers, fellow Marines, and his friends for his service to our city and our nation. Sean Bolton served his country as a Marine in Iraq and he served his city as a police officer in Memphis, making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow citizens. In giving his life to protect Memphis, Officer Bolton leaves a grieving mother, two sisters, a brother and countless other family members and friends who will always cherish his memory. He also leaves an appreciative community grateful for his dedication, his service and his bravery in the face of danger. May his courage, his devotion to duty, and the love Officer Bolton had for our community inspire us all and serve as his legacy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-statement-fatal-shooting-mpd-officer-sean-bolton | Cohen Statement on Fatal Shooting of MPD Officer Sean Bolton | 2015-08-02 | 2015 | 2015-08 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [MEMPHIS, TN] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), former legal advisor for the Memphis Police Department,issued the following statement regarding the shooting of Officer Sean Bolton: "The murder of Officer Bolton is sad for his family and the entire Memphis family. The death of any law enforcement officer in the line of duty is a sobering reminder of the very real dangers our policemen and women put themselves in each and every day to protect our community. My thoughts are with his loved ones, for whom I will fly a flag over the U.S. Capitol in his honor and deliver to them." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/acknowledging-our-nations-past-injustices | Acknowledging Our Nation's Past Injustices | 2015-07-31 | 2015 | 2015-07 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week marked the 7th anniversary of the House passing the first-ever Congressional Apology for slavery and Jim Crow, which I wrote to help begin the process of acknowledging our nations past injustices, honestly addressing them, and moving down the path toward the more perfect union that our Constitution envisions. Congressman John Conyers, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and I wrote an op-ed in the Huffington Post about what we can do to better address the lingering consequences of slavery and Jim Crow that still affect the daily lives of African-Americans throughout the country, from health and wealth disparities to unfair and unjust policing and criminal drug policies. You can read ithereor below, and I hope youll consider sharing it with your friends and family, posting it on Facebook, or tweeting it. As always, I remain. Most sincerely, Steve Cohen Member of Congress Achieving a "More Perfect Union" Requires Acknowledging Our Past Injustices By Congressmen Steve Cohen and John Conyers July 29th marks the 7th anniversary of the passage of H.Res.194, the first-ever official Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow. In Charleston, President Obama underscored the need for our nation to acknowledge past injustices and take action to rectify their consequences so we can live up to our founding ideals. Chief among those lofty goals is equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Abolition did not end government-sanctioned mistreatment of African-Americans; it continued in law and in practice for over 100 years, and its effects are still felt today. When the promise of forty acres and a mule went unfulfilled, many African-Americans were forced from slavery to other forms of servitude. Some freed slaves worked for wages, but most entered into sharecropping agreements designed to leave them penniless or in debt. Segregated public spaces ensured that African-Americans could not fully participate in society. Discrimination in housing, employment, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-hosts-more-8800-constituents-during-teletown-hall-meeting-morning | Cohen Hosts More Than 8,800 Constituents during TeleTown Hall Meeting this Morning | 2015-07-30 | 2015 | 2015-07 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) this morning 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 todays 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, his work protecting Social Security and passing a long-term transportation bill, how federal programs help the Memphis economy grow and create jobs, and the role the first-ever Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow that he authored relates to recent efforts by President Obama and in Congress to make our criminal justice system fair for all Americans and restore Voting Rights Act protections. These town hall meetings offer Memphians and all citizens of the Ninth District yet another way to speak directly with me and share whats important to them, said Congressman Cohen. I appreciated having this opportunity to listen to the Ninth Districts perspective on the issues from Social Security to jobs as well as other issues facing our community. I also enjoyed discussing my work and legislation with more than 8,800 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 10:00AM CT and lasted roughly one hour. More than 8,800 Ninth District constituents participated in the call. 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/congressman-cohen-celebrates-50th-anniversary-medicare-and-medicaid | Congressman Cohen Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid | 2015-07-30 | 2015 | 2015-07 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen, co-founder of the Congressional State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, today celebrated the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing Medicare and Medicaid, two of the most effective and efficient safety net programs in our nations history, into law. Despite accusations from some at the time that it would lead to socialized medicine, millions of Americans now rely on Medicare and Medicaid to stay out of poverty, including more than 92,000 Medicare beneficiaries and 195,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Tennessees Ninth District, though Tennessees failure to expand Medicaid as the Affordable Care Act allows leaves almost 200,000 Tennesseans without coverage and costs the state $1.77 billion each year. Over the last 50 years, Medicare and Medicaid have become unparalleled successes and pillars of American life for millions, said Congressman Cohen. These important safety net programs support more than 90,000 seniors and 195,000 low-income citizens in the Ninth District alone, providing them with peace of mind and financial security while improving beneficiaries qualityand lengthof life. I hope that on this anniversary, opponents of expanding TennCare will take a moment to reflect on the success of Medicaid and reconsider their positions. Not only will Tennesseans die due to lack of health insurance if they fail to expand Medicaid, but those with health insurance will pay more to cover the tabs of those who are forced to use emergency rooms for care while our states economy loses out on $1.77 billion in federal dollars and hospitals continue to close. Medicare provides health insurance for people age 65 and older along with individuals with certain disabilities, while Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals. Together, Medicare and Medicaid provide health care benefits to millions of the most vulnerable individuals in the nation: seniors, the poor, and the severely disabled. The two programs have helped to successful… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-bill-would-ban-earmarks-for-good | Cooper Bill Would Ban Earmarks for Good | 2015-07-30 | 2015 | 2015-07 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) and U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC-05) today introduced the Earmark Elimination Act of 2015. The bipartisan bill would ban earmarks permanently from the legislative process. Earmarks are directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits that are targeted to a specific entity. In recent years, Congress has passed brief moratoriums on earmarks, but the bans must be renewed. Meanwhile, business as usual has continued in Washington; some Members of Congress aiming to fund pet projects continue to explore ways to bypass obstacles to earmarks. Earmarks are what folks hate about politics wasteful spending for Congress pet projects, Rep. Cooper said. There is a lot of talk about bringing earmarks back, but thats just rewarding Congress for bad behavior. Its time to crack down and ban earmarks forever. Theres been talk recently about bringing back earmarks in the House, Rep. Mulvaney said. Thats a slap in the face of good governance and I am proud to help lead the effort to ban earmarks for good. This bill would codify the earmark ban by making it law, not just a rule in the House. The Earmark Elimination Act would prohibit the House from considering legislation containing earmarks, and it would strip any earmarks found in legislation being considered by the House before it may proceed. In addition to the Earmark Elimination Act, Cooper this Congress has reintroduced his No Budget, No Pay bill and the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-commemorates-7th-anniversary-first-ever-congressional-apology-slavery-and-jim | Cohen Commemorates the 7th Anniversary of First-Ever Congressional Apology for Slavery and Jim Crow | 2015-07-29 | 2015 | 2015-07 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Steve Cohen issued the following statement to commemorate tomorrows seventh anniversary of the passage of H.Res.194, the first official Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow that the Congressman authored and shepherded through the House in 2008. The text of the apology is available here. July 29th marks the seventh anniversary of the passage of H.Res.194, the first-ever official Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow. As President Obama underscored in Charleston last month, the need remains for our nation to acknowledge past injustices and take action to rectify their lingering consequences. From educational disparities to the income and employment gaps and even deaths and injuries in police custody, slavery and Jim Crow have left unfair and unequal legacies that our country must face honestly. In the past year we have seen much media coverage of deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police officers. We have seen violence based on prejudice against African-Americans and African-American churches. These tragedies are not a new phenomenon, but the heightened national awareness is, and it is long overdue. It is as clear as ever that we cannot ignore injustice and hope for it to disappear; we have to act. Only by acknowledging that many African-Americans live with the consequences of our nations past sins and addressing them can we fully live up to our founding ideals: equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Lets move our nation forward toward the more perfect union envisioned by our Constitution, that Abraham Lincoln sought, and that President Obama is working to realize. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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