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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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249 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "TN" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • House 249
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-68-million-safe-streets-all-grants Congressman Cohen Announces $6.8 Million in Safe Streets for All Grants from the Department of Transportation 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Program has awarded two grants totaling $6,891,760 to the Memphis Fire Department and the MidSouth Development District. Congressmen Cohen, Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Robert Garcia (CA-42) introduced the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act in September to strengthen the SS4A program whose life-saving projects in more than 1,600 communities across the United States are reducing roadway fatalities and serious accidents. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I’ve been proud to support the SS4A Program and have recognized the life-saving funding it provides in a region unfortunately too familiar with traffic- and pedestrian-vehicle fatalities. These investments in advanced training and careful planning for the future will save lives. I was pleased to discuss the MidSouth Development District’s plans with Executive Director Anna McQuiston in my office before the holidays to review the district’s ambitious goals.” The first grant is for $5,648,960 to the City of Memphis Division of Fire Services to construct and equip an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and traffic incident management training facility to improve responder driving, on-scene safety, and to reduce secondary crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, the Memphis region experienced 936 fatalities, including some involving responders struck while managing incidents. The facility will be built at 4165 Millington Road. U.S. DOT says the effort aligns with the Federal Highway Administration’s National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training Program and National Fire Protection Association standards, and advances the Mid-South Safety Action Plan. The second is a $1.2 million grant to the MidSouth Development District to develop a Regional Safety Action Plan for the six-county Mid-South area (Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale in Tennessee, DeSoto in Mississippi and Crittenden in Arkansas) an… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-governor-lee-seek-millions-summer-food Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Seek Millions in Summer Food Assistance for Children by Thursday’s Deadline 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight wrote Governor Bill Lee a letter urging him to have the State of Tennessee apply for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) funding for a Summer U.S. Agriculture Food Assistance Program for an estimated 700,000 children and not fail to apply for it as he did last year. The U.S. Depart­ment of Agri­cul­ture’s Sum­mer EBT pro­gram provides $120 in food bene­fits to sup­port school-aged chil­dren who don’t have access to free or low-cost school meals dur­ing sum­mer months. The letter reads in part: “I concur with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar and urge you to direct the Tennessee Department of Human Services to notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture of its intent to apply to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) before the deadline of January 1, 2026. “I wrote to you last year urging you to apply for these benefits. You chose not to, and the state instead ran its own program that cost much more to feed far fewer children. The state program fed 18,000 children and only reached 15 rural counties, while Summer EBT would have fed nearly 700,000 children and reached all 95 counties. “As you know, grocery prices are up tremendously. It is concerning you would turn down nearly $84 million meant to feed hungry children at a time when affordability should be the first issue on all our agendas. “I hope you will decide to apply for these important funds. There is no good reason to turn down aid for hungry children.” See the letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-president-trump-reject-inappropriate-renaming Congressman Cohen Urges President Trump to Reject Inappropriate Renaming of Kennedy Center 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today urged President Donald Trump to reject the Kennedy Center Board’s reported decision to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” calling the move inappropriate, divisive, and disrespectful to history. “The Kennedy Center was created to honor President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and his belief that art and culture are essential to a vibrant democracy,” said Congressman Cohen. “As someone who lived through the trauma of President Kennedy’s assassination, I find this proposal deeply troubling. “Renaming the Kennedy Center to include a sitting or former president’s name, particularly one who is still a partisan political figure, undermines the purpose of the institution and shows disrespect to the memory of President Kennedy and the moment in history it represents. This is not about politics. It is about decency. “The Kennedy Center should remain what it was always meant to be: a living memorial to President Kennedy and a cultural home for all Americans, not a vehicle for personal or political branding. “The action taken by the Trump-selected Board of Directors is outrageous and must be repealed. The Kennedy Center was named for President John F. Kennedy, a martyred hero and patron of the arts. To slap Trump’s shiny name on the iconic structure is a sacrilege, an insult to his memory and an offense to the American people. What’s next, the Trump Washington Monument? The Trump Lincoln Memorial?” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-questions-witnesses-hearing-organized-retail-crime Congressman Cohen Questions Witnesses at a Hearing on Organized Retail Crime 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today questioned expert witnesses on organized retail crime at a hearing in the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. In his opening statement, Congressman Cohen described the breadth of organized retail crime and its impact on Memphis, in particular, as a transportation and logistics hub. He also discussed the importance of a carefully calibrated federal policy that respects state and local public safety efforts. “Organized Retail Crime [policies]... must be well-designed, with thoughtful allocation of roles and responsibilities. We need federal assistance, especially in tackling the interstate problems. We need federal expertise and tools to investigate sophisticated syndicates. But in doing that, we must be careful not to undermine the local policing,” Cohen said. Pointing to the ongoing complications with the Memphis Safety Task Force, Congressman Cohen noted the unnecessary and ineffective deployment of the National Guard and that “we now have U.S. Marshals in Memphis, doing traffic stops.” Cohen continued, “this is troubling and potentially dangerous. First, it’s confusing. But it also undercuts the exact type of community-based policing that we have been striving to build.” Acting as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Congressman Cohen focused his questions on thefts from railroad boxcars, a serious ongoing problem in Memphis. See his opening statement here and his questions to question to witnesses here. Witnesses at today’s hearing were: Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer, American Eagle Inc.; Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association; Shane Bennett, Principal of Cyber Defense for Theft, Fraud & Abuse, Target; and Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County, California # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-reintroduces-home-lead-safety-tax-credit-act-0 Congressman Cohen Reintroduces the Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act, legislation to help American families cover the cost of eliminating lead from their homes. The Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act would significantly broaden the national response to this threat to public health by providing refundable tax credits for homeowners, landlords, and tenants to remove lead from homes. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The safest place for a child should be his or her own home, but many homes built before 1978, including thousands in Memphis, have lead-based paint and other potential lead-related hazards. Children deserve to grow up free from the permanent harm, including neurological problems, that exposure to lead can cause. This legislation would create a tax credit to provide property owners the resources they need to address and remove hazards within their homes, and prevent long term health problems.” The legislation, which Congressman Cohen first introduced in 2020, would create tax credits worth up to $4,000 to cover half the cost of abating lead hazards in paint, pipes, or soil. The new tax credits would supplement state and local lead control programs and would be available to offset costs for removing lead from houses built before lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that can severely compromise the behavioral and cognitive development of children. Despite the widespread contamination of housing stock in the United States, funding for lead abatement programs, such as the Lead Hazard Control Grant Program, have only put a dent in the problem. The Biden-Harris Administration issued a final rule in 2024 requiring the replacement of all lead pipes associated with drinking water systems within 10 years and requiring more rigorous testing of drinking water to prevent lead exposure. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-questions-witnesses-hearing-southern-poverty-law Congressman Cohen Questions Witnesses at a Hearing on the Southern Poverty Law Center 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned expert witnesses before its Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government at a hearing entitled “Partisan and Profitable: The SPLC’s Influence on Federal Civil Rights Policy.” The Republican majority on the Subcommittee sought to characterize the longtime civil rights organization -- founded in 1971 by civil rights giants Julian Bond and Morris Dees, and which historically sued the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups into bankruptcy -- as an “anti-Christian” organization. It also suggested it had an outsized and illegitimate influence on the Biden Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. “They (SPLC) used to bring cases, and I still think they do bring cases, that are important,” Congressman Cohen said. Congressman Cohen also noted that many leaders of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), A.M.E, C.M.E., and Black Baptist congregations are supporters of the SPLC. See Congressman Cohen’s exchange with the witnesses here. Witnesses at the hearing were: Andrew Sypher, Executive Vice President of Field Operations, Turning Point USA Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council Tyler O’Neil, Senior Editor, The Daily Signal Amanda Tyler, Executive Director, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-wilson-and-senators-welch-and-curtis-welcome Congressmen Cohen and Wilson and Senators Welch and Curtis Welcome Release of Belarusian Political Prisoners 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Joe Wilson (SC-2) and Senators Peter Welch of Vermont and John Curtis of Utah today welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners held by Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenka. Congressman Cohen, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Political Prisoners, had sought the release of several opposition leaders held since a 2020 crackdown after a rigged election. Congressman Cohen joined Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Wilson and Senators Welch and Curtis in an open letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on November 17 urging him to continue working for the release of the Belarusians and use caution in future negotiations with the Putin-aligned Lukashenka regime. The letter specifically mentioned Maryia Kalesnikava, Ales Bialiatski, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Maksim Znak who were released on Saturday. Other political prisoners mentioned in the letter but still imprisoned include Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Nasta (Anastasia) Loika, Eduard Babaryka, Dzyanis Ivashyn, and Kaciaryna Andrejeva. The lawmakers released this joint statement: “While long overdue, the release of Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka and other high-profile political prisoners is a welcome development. There are still at least 1,100 political prisoners in Lukashenko’s jails, and we will continue to work for their release.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-calls-trumps-national-security-strategy-disastrous Congressman Cohen Calls Trump’s National Security Strategy “Disastrous” 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe, today went to the House floor to denounce the Trump administration’s recently published National Security Strategy. In his remarks, he said in part: “At the end of last week, President Trump published his National Security Strategy. It could have been called his National Insecurity Strategy. To say it’s bad is an understatement. It’s disastrous. “During Europe’s largest land war since World War II, the strategy saves its harshest criticisms for our allies, rather than Russia with war criminal Putin, who started the war. The document elevates a strongman leadership model over democratic values, something unheard of in America. It’s focused on spheres of influence and suggests the strongest person in the region gets to decide the rules. These are not American values. “Previous National Security Strategies upheld America’s commitment to democracy and human rights, strengthened our alliances and countered powerful adversaries like Russia and China. This strategy abandons that tradition in favor of a narrow transactional approach. “Notably, the word ‘corruption’ is absent from the entire strategy. It’s well known that global corruption fuels instability, weakens governments and its absence is extremely dangerous and allows bad actors to flourish. The National Security Strategy abandons our allies, our principles and the values that have guided American leadership for decades.” See the entire speech here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-questions-expert-hearing-foreign-intelligence Congressman Cohen Questions Expert at Hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today questioned an expert witness in an oversight hearing on reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) Section 702 program which expires in April. His questions to Liza Goitein, the senior director for Liberty and National Security at the Brennan Center for Justice, focused on the impact of artificial intelligence in information gathering and the consistency of FISA court rulings. He finished his questions to Goitein by asking about the eight Republican Senators, including both Tennessee Senators, and one member of the House of Representatives whose phone metadata was subpoenaed by Special Counsel Jack Smith as he investigated the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. A provision in a massive spending bill that passed last month authorizes payment to the lawmakers of $500,000 to $1 million if they sue over their subpoenaed records, an issue that the Congressman has sought to repeal. See the entire exchange with Goitein here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-reintroduces-cdbg-equity-act Congressman Cohen Reintroduces the CDBG Equity Act 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reintroduced the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Equity Act, which would update the current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG funding criteria and adopt a single formula for grants based on factors reflecting current needs. HUD’s CDBG program is one of the largest and longest-standing in existence, annually allocating billions of dollars in federal assistance to state and local governments in support of local neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and community and economic development efforts, principally for low- and moderate-income people. There are currently two funding formulas, dating from 1974 and 1977, which differ in the ways they allocate resources based on poverty levels and population, among other factors. The CBDG Equity Act would adopt a single formula based on four modern factors and allocate funding based on: Poverty rate per person in families and elderly households: 50 percent Female-headed households with children under 18: 10 percent Pre-1950 housing occupied by a poverty household: 30 percent Overcrowded housing units (more than 1.01 persons per room): 10 percent Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Memphis has not received its fair share of CBDG funding for decades because of the antiquated funding formula HUD uses in allocating Community Development Block Grants. In consultation with the City of Memphis and other stakeholders, I have proposed a new funding formula, which I first introduced in the 116th Congress in 2020. It more fairly measures real community needs and will provide Memphis with a greater share of this critical funding.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-speaks-and-votes-against-permit-act Congressman Cohen Speaks and Votes Against the PERMIT Act 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) spoke from the House floor and later voted against the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act after three amendments he proposed to better protect the Memphis water supply were rejected by the Rules Committee. The measure passed on a 221 to 205 vote. Congressman Cohen’s proposed amendments would have: Protected Community Drinking Water Aquifers by requiring cumulative impacts assessments, groundwater contamination reviews, and a local public hearing before approving major pipeline or energy projects near a community’s primary drinking water source, such as the Memphis Sand Aquifer Restored Oversight and Public Participation for Nationwide Permits by reinstating the long-standing five-year review cycle, removing the bill’s mandate for a permanent nationwide pipeline permit, and ensuring any renewal or reissuance includes a public comment period and an opportunity for a public hearing—safeguards that would have prevented the Byhalia Pipeline from advancing with minimal scrutiny Ensured EPA Health Certification by requiring the agency to certify, using the best available science, that the PERMIT Act would not increase exposure to harmful contaminants, elevate risks to pregnant women, infants, or children, or worsen pollution burdens in communities with documented industrial exposure. In his floor remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part: “I rise in strong opposition to the PERMIT Act. For more than fifty years, the Clean Water Act has kept toxic chemicals out of our rivers, streams, and wetlands our communities rely on. This bill undermines these protections by shielding polluters from responsibility for toxic wastes like PFAS, lead, mercury, and arsenic…I filed three straight-forward amendments to the bill to protect public health. One to require cumulative impacts and groundwater reviews for projects near community drinking water aquifers, like the one that supplies Memphis. Second, to restore oversight and public participation for n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-63-million-investment-western-tennessee Congressman Cohen Applauds $6.3 Million Investment in Western Tennessee by the Delta Regional Authority 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the announcement by the Clarksdale, Mississippi-based Delta Regional Authority (DRA) that it will invest more than $6.3 million in a variety of projects in West Tennessee, including employment training in welding and coding. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “These investments in West Tennessee will improve lives and result in higher employment in skilled trades. The DRA is focusing on the economic development of our region and its efforts will transform lives.” The funding announced today includes: $635,000 for imaging equipment for an emergency facility in McNairy County; $350,000 for the Floor Covering Education Foundation to address a shortage of skilled flooring installers in the Memphis region; $375,000 for the Boilermakers and Welding Institute for workforce development in the Memphis region; $349,000 to Memphis-based CodeCrew to expand its software engineering program; $465,000 to LaunchYourCity to address the needs of small businesses in the Central Busisiness District of Memphis; and $509,000 to the Industrial Development Board of the Town of Covington for infrastructure improvements and job creation in Tipton County. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-renaming-us-institute-peace-donald-j-trump Congressman Cohen Condemns Renaming U.S. Institute of Peace for Donald J. Trump 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) spoke from the House floor this morning after learning that President Trump has had the U.S. Institute of Peace renamed in his honor. Trump dismantled the institute shortly after taking office and had its president removed forcibly by police. In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part: “The United States Peace Institute was created by the Congress of the United States. It’s in a beautiful building and has served the function of trying to bring people together. “In February, President Trump issued an executive order dismantling the United States Peace Institute. Subsequently, law enforcement removed the president of the Peace Institute forcibly from his office. And then the Trump administration fired every employee…The District Court has ruled it acted improperly…because the president didn’t have the authority to dismantle it. “Today, I’ve learned that President Trump has had his name, in massive letters, put over the Peace Institute, calling it the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute, none of which is legal. Will his ego stop staining this city?” See the entire floor speech here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-passing-steve-cropper Congressman Cohen’s Statement on the Passing of Steve Cropper 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) was saddened by the news of Steve Cropper’s passing and made the following statement: “There was no music more associated with Memphis than – not white, not yellow, not Vidalia – but ‘Green Onions.’ It became the background music of so many movies and was a standard covered by countless bands in clubs, bars and restaurants. Some say Steve Cropper was the greatest guitar player in the world, and he was a great songwriter. I was present in 2016 when he donated three Fender guitars and an amplifier to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, one guitar played on Otis Redding’s ‘(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,’ another played in a scene from the movie ‘The Blues Brothers.’ A graduate of Messick High School and a founder of Booker T and the MGs, Hall of Famer Steve Cropper will always be known for his Memphis roots and his contribution to the Stax sound.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-senate-panel-reject-lee-beaman-nomination-tva Congressman Cohen Urges Senate Panel to Reject Lee Beaman Nomination to the TVA Board 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has exercised vigorous oversight of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) policies throughout his career representing Memphis and its utility, Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW), today urged the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to reject President Trump’s nomination of Lee Beaman to the TVA Board of Directors. Beaman is going before the committee for a confirmation hearing today. Congressman Cohen noted Mr. Beaman’s lack of relevant experience, lack of sound judgment, and lack of independence, as well as his own public statements showing he is motivated by the surge in energy demand from data centers rather than by TVA’s public-power mission. The letter reads in part: “I write to express serious concerns regarding the nomination of Lee Beaman to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors and to urge the Committee to oppose his confirmation. Mr. Beaman has no background in energy, utilities, electrical generation, infrastructure management, environmental policy, or ratepayer protection. His professional career has been centered almost entirely on automotive sales, beverage distribution, real estate holdings, and political fundraising. TVA, however, is responsible for managing one of the nation’s largest nuclear fleets, maintaining a vast transmission network, overseeing major capital investments, and shaping the long-term resource strategy that determines the region’s energy mix. These duties require Directors with meaningful experience in utility governance, engineering, finance, operations, and environmental stewardship. Nothing in Mr. Beaman’s record reflects the expertise necessary to provide informed oversight of such a complex public utility. “Mr. Beaman’s own public statements further call into question the motivations behind his nomination. In recent interviews, he acknowledged that he pursued a TVA Board seat not because of any expertise or interest in energy policy, but because he was personally encouraged to do so and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-burchett-reintroduce-tva-increase-rate Congressmen Cohen and Burchett Reintroduce the TVA Increase Rate of Participation (IRP) Act 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON -- Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Tim Burchett (TN-2) today reintroduced the TVA Increase Rate of Participation (IRP) Act to require greater transparency and accountability in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP process is a comprehensive study projecting how the nation’s largest federal utility meets energy needs. The measure would increase public participation and input and make the process more transparent in an effort to ensure the most efficient, affordable, and reliable plan for meeting customers’ energy needs in all or part of its seven-state service area. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Transparency is critical in making public policy but, for too long, TVA’s decision-making has been obscure and opaque, such as its current IRP process in which organizations were hand-picked to participate in a policy working group. This bill requires the TVA to take into consideration the interests and informed views of affected stakeholders, including ratepayers and subject-matter experts, as is commonplace for other major private and public utilities. TVA needs outside guidance to meet the changing needs of utility customers as it addresses resiliency and other foreseeable disruptions to its planning.” Congressman Burchett made the following statement: “For too long, TVA has operated behind closed doors to hide from the public. The establishment of an Office of Public Participation will help restore trust in the TVA, and will give East Tennesseans an opportunity to offer input in their decisions.” “The Tennessee Valley Authority energy planning process is much less transparent than state-regulated utilities, which must allow for stakeholder input under independent oversight,” said Appalachian Voices Director of Public Power Campaigns Brianna Knisley. “Since President Trump’s actions have indefinitely delayed the most recent TVA IRP, ratepayers and impacted stakeholders are left even more in the dark about their energy future. Congressman C… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-3-million-assistance-firefighters-grants Congressman Cohen Announces $3 Million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants to Memphis 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced three Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to the City of Memphis from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding, totaling $3,022,867, is part of FEMA’s nationwide release of Fiscal Year 2024 fire program awards, and will support vehicle acquisition and operations and safety investments for the Memphis Fire Department. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I’m pleased to see this FEMA investment in fire safety in Memphis. These grants will help our firefighters secure the equipment, vehicles, and safety tools they need to do their jobs and protect our community. Federal funding like this saves lives, both for the public and for the brave men and women who respond to emergencies every day.” FEMA began issuing FY24 fire grant awards in September 2025 across its three major programs: Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S). With the award cycle now complete, Memphis is among the cities receiving AFG funds to strengthen response capabilities, upgrade safety equipment, and improve overall firefighter protection. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-hails-house-passage-count-crimes-cut-act Congressman Cohen Hails House Passage of the Count the Crimes to Cut Act 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper offenses WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today spoke from the House floor during debate on the Count the Crimes to Cut Act, which he co-led with Representatives Chip Roy, Andy Biggs, and Lucy McBath. It passed by voice vote. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “No one knows how many federal criminal offenses there are. Our founders warned us against having laws too ‘voluminous’ or ‘incoherent’ to be understood by the people. The Count the Crimes to Cut Act makes a simple request of the Department of Justice: list out the federal criminal offenses, their elements, and how often they are used. We have a lot of work to do to make criminal justice more fair and responsive to the challenges we face today. This is how we start. I am pleased to work with Congressman Roy as the first Democratic cosponsor and with others on both sides of the aisle to pass this necessary legislation.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-seeks-flags-be-lowered-half-staff-us-army-specialist Congressman Cohen Seeks Flags to be Lowered to Half Staff for U.S Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom 2025-11-28 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) was saddened by the death of 20-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Becksrtom, serving in Washington, D.C., in the West Virginia National Guard, and made the following statement: “I express my profound sadness at the death of Sarah Beckstrom. She gave much of her life to her state and public service and wanted to serve her country as an FBI agent. I am asking President Trump to have flags lowered to half staff in her honor. Being that she was on duty so close to the White House and on a mission authorized by President Trump, as a West Virginia National Guard officer, it seems appropriate that she be honored in this way in her memory.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-clean-cloud-act Congressman Cohen Introduces the Clean Cloud Act 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the Clean Cloud Act, legislation to establish emission standards for electricity used by high-demand energy users such as cryptominers and data centers. The measure has seven original cosponsors. The companion bill was introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The rapid growth of cryptominers and data centers is straining our energy grid and outpacing the growth of carbon-free electricity. Utilities are raising consumer electricity rates and relying increasingly on gas and coal generation to meet this load growth. In some instances, retired coal plants have even been brought back online to power cryptomining facilities. Even in markets with solar or wind, data centers often run 24/7 and require either long-duration storage or clean firm generation to be truly carbon neutral. “Memphis already hosts significant data-center and data-processing operations, and more companies are looking to the Mid-South because of our strategic location. But Memphis is one of the most energy-burdened cities in America where families spend a larger share of their income on utilities than almost anywhere in the country. We cannot allow high-demand industries to increase pressure on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) system or lead to higher bills for Memphis households. “The Clean Cloud Act ensures that as data-center development inevitably grows, it’s powered responsibly, supported by new zero-carbon generation, and doesn’t leave communities like ours footing the bill.” The bill also: • Requires an annual, published survey of cryptominers and data centers • Establishes an emissions intensity baseline • Incentivizes new clean power development • Supports energy affordability programs for residential consumers • Invests in zero-carbon electricity and battery storage The Clean Cloud Act is e… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-seeks-clarification-ice-recruitment-policies Congressman Cohen Seeks Clarification on ICE Recruitment Policies 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem seeking clarification of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment practices as the President seeks to deport one million people a year. Specifically, he asked whether insurrectionists pardoned by the President for their conduct during the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol are employed by the department or rightly deemed ineligible. The letter reads in part: “I am increasingly concerned that, in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) zeal to fulfill President Trump’s stated goal of deporting one million people per year, the agency may seek to recruit individuals fundamentally unsuited for professional law enforcement. I am writing to request clarification regarding ICE’s hiring policies and standards. “Despite frequent ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric, President Trump and his Administration have repeatedly excused or even encouraged political violence—including violence directed against law enforcement officers—when he believes it serves a political purpose. On his first day in office, the President pardoned nearly 1,600 individuals who were charged with or convicted of attacking the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. At Donald Trump’s urging, a mob stormed the Capitol that day to prevent Congress from counting electoral votes. The attack killed several police officers and injured approximately 140 more, including 15 who required hospitalization. It was the most serious assault on the Capitol since the British burned the building during the War of 1812. “The conduct on January 6 reflects both a profound contempt for law enforcement and a disregard for the United States Constitution. For these reasons, anyone pardoned for their participation in that attack should be categorically disqualified from serving as an ICE agent. It is impossible to see how such an individual could credibly enforce federal law or uphold the Constitution they once sought to overturn. “I recognize that ICE require… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-trump-administration-take-ice-out-memphis Congressman Cohen Asks Trump Administration to take ICE Out of Memphis 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) went to the House floor on Monday evening and said that his community is concerned about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) misconduct and is asking the Trump administration to withdraw ICE agents from Memphis. In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part: “I had a community meeting this weekend and met with some folks in Memphis and the issues they were most interested in were immigration and ICE. They were very concerned about people from ICE, with masks on their faces, mistreating people, dragging them out of cars, stomping on their heads and arresting them. We’ve seen oftentimes they’ve done that to American citizens, and they did it in error. “They were also concerned about the immigrants who were taken out of our community that do so much good in our community. So I’m writing a letter to Kristi Noem and reminding her that she said that they were going to get ‘the worst of the worst’ – the murderers, the rapists, the sexual offenders. She’s not doing that. They’ve decided they’re going to get anybody in the country improperly, and that’s wrong. They’re taking time going after working people in our community, and not concentrating on the ‘worst.’ I will write to the Trump administration to ask them to take ICE out of Memphis. It shouldn’t be part of the surge they’ve got to help us with our crime problem. Hispanics, immigrants, are not part of our crime problem.” See the congressman’s entire remarks here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-expresses-concern-over-russian-aggression-natos Congressman Cohen Expresses Concern Over Russian Aggression on NATO’s Eastern Flank 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, on Monday questioned expert witnesses at a hearing titled “Deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank.” In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part that the United States must act “boldly” in response to Russian aggression and Vladimir Putin is intent on reestablishing the kind of power it had internationally during the Soviet era. “Putin only knows power…I hope that we get bolder.” As Russia intensifies its war of aggression on Ukraine, it is simultaneously escalating its shadow war against the NATO alliance. In order to deepen defense cooperation with these allies and direct U.S. support where the threat is the highest, bipartisan members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission introduced the Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act. Congressmen Cohen and Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the measure in the House. Senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire introduced it in the Senate. This hearing sought to assess Russia’s overt and covert tactics, evaluate allied readiness to respond effectively, and determine how the United States and partners can deter and defeat Russian aggression. Witnesses at today’s hearing were: Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Estonia; Seth Jones, President, Defense and Security Department, Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Peter Rough, Director, Center on Europe and Eurasia, Hudson Institute # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-secretary-noem-and-attorney-general-bondi Congressman Cohen Urges Secretary Noem and Attorney General Bondi to Remove ICE Agents from Memphis 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi urging them to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from Memphis, stating that Memphis does not have an immigration problem. He made a floor speech on the same subject Monday night. The letter reads in part: “I urge you to eliminate the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from the Memphis Safe Task Force and remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from Memphis. “The stated purpose of the task force is ‘to end street and violent crime.’ However, I have heard numerous reports of ICE agents terrorizing innocent, hardworking community residents, who support our society and economy, and do not fit the bill of being criminals. They certainly are not ‘the worst of the worst’ like murderers, rapists and sex offenders. Data provided directly from the taskforce demonstrates that most of the arrests are for non-violent related offenses. In fact, most are traffic citations. “Memphis does not and has never had an immigration problem. The inclusion of ICE agents in Memphis is antithetical to the original purpose of the taskforce, which is supposed to be addressing violent crime. The presence of these agents is doing nothing but increasing fear and harassment. It is alarming the way these detentions are taking place with unidentified masked individuals dragging people out of cars or accosting immigrant parents after they have dropped their children off to school. “As the federal representative of Memphis, I implore you to withdraw ICE agents from ‘the city of good Abode.’ It is unnecessary and a waste of federal resources. Immigrants are not part of our crime problem.” See the letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-release-jeffrey-epstein-files Congressman Cohen Votes to Release the Jeffrey Epstein Files 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who signed a discharge petition on September 1 to require a vote on release of Department of Justice files on sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein, made that vote today. The measure passed on a 427 to 1 vote after Donald Trump authorized Republican House members to support it. Afterward, Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Today’s vote was long overdue but, in a sense, unnecessary. Donald Trump has all along had the authority to release the files without a vote in Congress. Now it appears he has come up with a strategy to have Pam Bondi go after prominent Democrats named in the files, which could and probably will delay their release. The American people, including Trump’s MAGA base, are demanding to know which powerful men thought they could remain unidentified and get away with in assaulting underage women. We’re all demanding answers: justice delayed is justice denied.” As a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, Congressman Cohen pressed both Trump Attorney General Bill Barr in July 2020 and FBI Director Christopher Wray in July 2019 about the Epstein files in oversight hearings. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-welcomes-state-court-ruling-deployment-tennessee Congressman Cohen Welcomes State Court Ruling on Deployment of Tennessee National Guard 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) welcomed Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Moskal’s ruling blocking the deployment of Tennessee National Guard troops in Memphis and made the following statement: “I have said repeatedly that I believe the coordinated surge in federal and state law enforcement to address crime in Memphis is useful and having a positive impact, but there is no need for National Guard troops. Deploying the military to the streets of our city is unnecessary, counterproductive, and expensive. National Guard troops are not trained in public safety, and it’s illegal to use them for routine domestic law enforcement. This a part-time job and they’re being taken away from their families. “I appreciate Chancellor Moskal’s well-reasoned decision. I look forward to the ruling being upheld on appeal and to returning to the proven, civilian-led public safety strategies that actually help reduce crime and strengthen trust in our communities.” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and others sued Governor Bill Lee and National Guard Major General Warner Ross III on October 17 seeking an injunction to remove the National Guard. The state now has five business days to appeal. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-celebrates-3-million-federal-investment-improve Congressman Cohen Celebrates $3 Million Federal Investment to Improve Overton Park and the Memphis Zoo 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke at the fence-cutting and dedication of the new trail through the newly re-opened 17 acres of old growth forest in Overton Park for which he secured $3 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding. The grant also solved a longstanding Memphis Zoo parking challenge by protecting the Overton Park Greensward. The improvements resulting from the federal funding will open a walking path and more access to a beautiful part of Memphis as well as provide a solution to Memphis Zoo visitors parking on the Greensward. Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Matt Thompson of the Memphis Zoo, in their remarks, thanked and praised Congressman Cohen and said the $3 million project would not have been possible without his support in Washington. More than 150 park supporters and neighbors were present for the announcement and were the first to walk the new trail. In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part: “When I grew up, Overton Park was the center of my life. We went to the zoo and we loved the zoo. We had lots of wonderful times there… “The parking controversy pained me because two of my favorite institutions were at war and some of my favorite people were, so I wanted to be able to solve that… “This is the center of Memphis and will continue to be the center of Memphis. I am most happy when I can provide things for my district that I love and for our city. Thank you very much.” See the congressman’s entire remarks here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-more-humanitarian-aid-civilians-gaza Congressman Cohen Urges More Humanitarian Aid to Civilians in Gaza 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) joined 125 Congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Gazan civilians. Nearly one month into the ceasefire agreement, there are still no details from the Trump administration on what aid is allowed into Gaza and what role the United States will play in aid delivery. Congressman Cohen also joined more than 100 lawmakers in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that he immediately halt plans to demolish the West Bank village of Umm al-Kheir. “We are gravely concerned that any further actions by settlers, vigilantes or the government to destroy the village…will traumatize this peaceful community and jeopardize the prospect of long-term peace,” the letter states. See that letter HERE. In the letter to Rubio, the lawmakers write: “Two years after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7, we are encouraged by the ceasefire announced on October 8, 2025, and urge all parties to embrace this opportunity to create lasting peace and security in the region. While we welcome the news that humanitarian aid is entering Gaza after the October 8 ceasefire agreement, we seek clarity on your plan to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza. “After over two years, there remains an insufficient supply of food, water, baby formula, medicine, and other essential humanitarian supplies needed to support life for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. People are dying of starvation, including over 100 children since the start of the war, with an additional 320,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition. “We are encouraged that more aid is being delivered following the recent ceasefire agreement, and we urge that aid distribution to be conducted by reputable international institutions. We hope that amidst the challenges of maintaining the ceasefire, there remains a robust commitment to all parties involved to continuing the flow of aid into Gaza. However… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-no-continuing-resolution Congressman Cohen Votes “No” on Continuing Resolution 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted against the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act. The measure passed the House on a 222 to 209 vote. It now goes to the president to be signed into law. Congressman Cohen explained his vote in the following statement: “I certainly want to see the federal government reopened. I want to see air traffic controllers and all other federal employees paid and SNAP benefits restored. But the Republican compromise reached this week did not include provisions for extending health care subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called health care a fundamental civil right. My father was a doctor and I was stricken with polio at the age of five, spent months in the hospital and more months on crutches. To this day, I have health problems related to polio. I understand how important health care is. As a county commissioner, I put together the coalition of votes to create the Regional Medical Center in Memphis which we used to call ‘The Med,’ now Regional One. One of my proudest votes in Congress was for passage of the ACA. Everyone should have affordable health care. Senate Democrats should have stood firm on extending ACA subsidies. By not extending the ACA subsidies, millions of Americans will not be able to afford health coverage. I will always fight for health care. That’s why I cast a ‘no’ vote on the Continuing Resolution tonight. “There are other good reasons to oppose the bill we considered tonight, including a requirement that telecommunications companies alert senators if their data has been requested for any legal process. It allows the eight Republicans whose phone records were seized as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of the January 6 attack on the Capitol to receive at least $500,000 each of taxpayer money from legal challenges stemming from the probe, even though the substance of their calls was not sought by the su… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-veterans-day-statement-0 Congressman Cohen’s Veterans Day Statement 2025-11-10 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday’s November 11 national holiday. He made the following statement: “Every Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform and to thank them for their service. On this 107th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, we honor that tradition. We must also keep our promises to our veterans by providing the best medical care at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, including at the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, so they receive the state-of-the-art treatment and services they have earned and deserve. For those transitioning from the active-duty armed services to civilian life, we need to ensure they have good-paying jobs and meaningful educational opportunities. I am always proud to support funding the VA and legislation to improve veterans’ lives. “Although we are not at war, we have thousands of sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines at home and abroad, including thousands serving in or near active conflict zones and off the coast of South America. For those who are deployed, I look forward to their safe return home to families, friends and colleagues. “On this Veterans Day, I thank all who have served for their sacrifice. I hope everyone will take the opportunity the holiday affords to express appreciation to veterans and active-duty service members for the sacrifices that they and their families have made or are making.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-expresses-concern-reduction-air-traffic Congressman Cohen Expresses Concern at Reduction in Air Traffic 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), until recently the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, responded to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s decision to reduce air traffic by 10 percent in 40 major markets, including Memphis International Airport, with the following statement: “We always put safety first, so Secretary Duffy’s decision under the current circumstances is prudent, but also political. The stress air traffic controllers normally work with is significant and adding not being paid makes it worse. I understand their frustration. This is a political move by the Trump administration to try to force Democrats to accede to their budget and priorities which cut health care and nutritional benefits from seniors, children and people with disabilities. Trump knows that taking away the premium credits from ACA plans is politically damaging to him. I introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act before the government shutdown that would have kept FAA programs funded using the Airport and Airway Trust Fund during a suspension of appropriations. Unfortunately, Speaker Mike Johnson won’t allow the House to convene for a vote. Addressing this situation as we near Thanksgiving is critical.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-statement-former-speaker-nancy-pelosi-decision-not Congressman Cohen Statement on Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi Decision Not to Seek Re-Election 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement after learning that Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election: “My first vote in Congress, in January 2007, was to elect Nancy Pelosi the first woman Speaker of the House, and it was one of the votes I’m most proud to have cast. Nancy called me the ‘conscience’ of my freshman class of lawmakers elected in 2006. She is the reason we have the Affordable Care Act, which I dubbed Pelosicare. I wish her well in retirement.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-expresses-guarded-hope-snap-benefits-will-continue Congressman Cohen Expresses Guarded Hope SNAP Benefits will Continue Flowing 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) expressed guarded optimism that rulings by federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits flowing, at least in the short term. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had planned to withhold payments for the program, arguing it could no longer fund it because of the government shutdown, despite previously pointing to the available contingency funds as a way to maintain the program. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “As I have been saying, the Trump Administration’s actions are simply a cynical and cruel attempt to withhold food from Americans in a desperate attempt to find political leverage, holding SNAP recipients as hostages in this Republican shutdown. We are here to support and empower our constituents – to make their lives better — not starve them. Both Judges immediately recognized that Congress created and funded a contingency account to cushion the impact of emergencies and financial hardship. USDA has access to those funds and has the ability to provide SNAP benefits into November. The ‘SNAP cliff’ was an arbitrary, artificial and heartless stunt, threatening to make Americans, including 690,000 in Tennessee, go hungry. “As a member of the House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force, I have been following the cases closely and we have been in touch with the plaintiffs. It should not take court orders to get this president to protect Americans, but evidently it does. I hope clear-eyed Republicans will see the legal rationale and moral imperative of these rulings, abandon their lawlessness, and focus on the well-being of our people.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-wilson-introduce-resolution-supporting Congressmen Cohen and Wilson to Introduce Resolution Supporting International Day of Political Prisoners 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Political Prisoners, and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-2), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, will introduce on Friday a House resolution supporting the designation of October 30 – today – as the International Day of Political Prisoners. The resolution reads: “Whereas there are an estimated 1,000,000 political prisoners across the world, including cases of journalists, academics, political opposition activists, dissidents, antiwar campaigners, and human rights defenders being detained, arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and otherwise punished for political motives without connection to any credible offense; “Whereas authoritarian and repressive regimes around the world, including the Republic of Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of the Union of Burma, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, have engaged in systematic imprisonment of independent voices; “Whereas, in 2024 and 2025, the United States Government, through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, secured the release of several dozen political prisoners from the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; “Whereas, on October 30, 1974, Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Gulag initiated the tradition of marking the annual Day of Political Prisoners in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to draw public attention to the plight of those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs and to express solidarity with them; and “Whereas, in subsequent years, the Day of Political Prisoners on October 30 was marked by hunger strikes by prisoners inside the Soviet Gulag and by public demonstrations of solidarity in cities across the USSR: Now, therefore, be it “Resolved, That the House of Representative… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-congressman-cohen-and-swedish-parliamentarian-rojhan-statement U.S. Congressman Cohen and Swedish Parliamentarian Rojhan Statement Recognizing International Day of Political Prisoners 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper On the occasion of the International Day of Political Prisoners, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) General Rapporteur for political prisoners, Azadeh Rojhan (Sweden, SOC) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Political Prisoners, Steve Cohen (United States), made the following statement: “In his letter from jail, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. On this International Day of Political Prisoners, these words remind us of our universal responsibility towards those who have been deprived of their liberty for defending truth, freedom, and human dignity. “Today, we honour the many individuals worldwide whose voices are silenced by prison walls. Their courage in the face of oppression embodies the principles upon which our societies are built: the fundamental rights to speak, to dissent, to inform, and to participate in public life without fear or reprisal. “The struggle for freedom is neither isolated not constrained by borders. From Minsk to Moscow, from Tbilisi to Baku, stories of repression persist. We observe with grave concern the continued detention of Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Belarus, and Alexei Gorinov in Russia. These brave individuals embody humanity and unwavering convictions, serving as beacons of light amid the darkness of authoritarian rule. We also recognise the extraordinary courage of Václav Havel Human Rights Prize nominees Mzia Amaghobeli in Georgia and Ulvi Hassanli in Azerbaijan, journalists imprisoned for their commitment to truth and justice. We also reiterate our call for the immediate release of Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. These Ukrainian nationals and former OSCE officials were convicted on politically motivated charges following farce trials by the Russian-controlled ‘supreme courts’ in the occupied territories of Ukraine. “These are just several names among thousands. Behind each name stands… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-governor-lee-extend-snap-benefits Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Extend SNAP Benefits 2025-10-24 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee urging him to use state emergency reserve funds to extend benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they would otherwise lapse because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. The letter reads: “I write to urge you to act swiftly to ensure Tennesseans do not go hungry amid the federal government shutdown. More than 690,000 Tennesseans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to keep food on the table. With federal benefits at risk of suspension in November, your administration has both the means and the moral obligation to step in and provide temporary assistance to those in need. “Tennessee currently maintains a rainy-day fund exceeding $2 billion, designed precisely for moments of crisis. If losing food assistance for nearly one in ten Tennesseans does not constitute an emergency, it is difficult to imagine what would. A short-term infusion of state resources could prevent catastrophic consequences for families, seniors, veterans, children, and people with disabilities who depend on SNAP to survive. “Inaction would also place unsustainable strain on our state’s already overburdened food banks, which simply cannot fill the gap left by the loss of federal benefits. Every dollar of SNAP generates economic activity in our communities, supporting grocers, farmers, and local economies. Allowing these benefits to lapse would ripple far beyond individual households, harming small businesses and local food systems statewide. “Today, I joined my colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use contingency funds and all available authorities to extend federal SNAP benefits. But as long as there remains uncertainty at the federal level, I urge you to act now to provide emergency support from Tennessee’s reserves to prevent widespread hunger and hardship. “I respectfully request that your administration immediately identify and deploy available resources to assist famili… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-ice-recruitment-advertising Congressman Cohen Condemns ICE Recruitment Advertising 2025-10-20 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging them to discontinue targeting local law enforcement officers nationally, including those in Memphis, for recruitment to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The letter reads in part: “I write to express serious concern about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment advertisements currently airing on television across the country, including in Memphis, and to urge that they be discontinued immediately. These advertisements demean the work of local law enforcement officers and actively encourage them to leave their departments for ICE—undermining morale, straining local agencies, and ultimately degrading public safety. “These commercials make our communities less safe. They demoralize local officers and lure them away from their departments at a time when many police forces are already facing severe staffing shortages. In Memphis, for example, recruiting qualified candidates has been one of the City’s top priorities, yet the Memphis Police Department (MPD) remains roughly 500 officers—about 20 percent—below full strength. “ICE’s enormous incentives, including advertised signing bonuses as high as $50,000 and student loan forgiveness, only exacerbate the problem. To put that in perspective, an MPD patrol officer earns approximately $55,000 per year. A bonus of that size is effectively a full year’s salary—an understandably tempting offer for officers who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities. Every officer who leaves for ICE is one fewer officer on the beat, worsening an already critical staffing shortage. Those who remain face longer hours, more mandatory overtime, and greater risk—all while feeling that their work is devalued by the federal government. “The scale of ICE’s recruitment campaign and its large financial incentives imply that immigration enforcement is a greater national prior… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-trump-attacks-democrat-programs-and-young Congressman Cohen Condemns Trump Attacks on “Democrat Programs” and Young GOP Leaders’ Racism 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-) swiftly and forcefully condemned President Trump’s attacks on “Democrat programs” he is closing down as the government shutdown entered its third week. He also addressed press reports that young Republican state leaders used racist, antisemitic and homophobic language in thousands of a group chat messages earlier this year that have now been made public. He made the following statement: “Bills are voted in by Democrats and Republicans and the beneficiaries are Democrats and Republicans. They’re not ‘Democrat’ bills as Trump calls them; they’re American bills and American laws: SNAP payments benefit low-income people with nutritional needs. And grocers benefit from them and food manufacturers and producers benefit from them and farmers benefit from them as well as the individuals getting food for their SNAP benefits so they’re not Democrat bills; they’re American bills. “Reports that young Republican state party leaders sent and received thousands of group chat messages expressing foul, violent and racist sentiments also must be condemned. Trump’s rhetoric has led an erosion in civil discourse. These trends must be addressed and reversed. Additionally, those responsible for permitting them must be called out and removed from positions of responsibility.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-answers-proposed-us-bailout-argentina Congressman Cohen Demands Answers on Proposed U.S. Bailout of Argentina 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding answers after reports that the United States is bailing out Argentina and its Trump-supporting President Javier Milei. The letter reads in part: “I request an immediate explanation regarding reports that the United States is bailing out Argentina by purchasing an undisclosed number of pesos and providing a $20 billion currency swap line with Argentina’s central bank, exchanging stable U.S. dollars with volatile pesos. These reported transfers raise urgent questions about the legal authority, source of funds, and policy justification for directing such a substantial sum abroad, especially while significant portions of the federal government remain shut down. “I’m concerned that the Argentine economy is about to collapse and, if it does, our monies will be gone and the beneficiaries may be two billionaire friends of Secretary Bessent. American taxpayers will come up with zero. “Right now, federal employees are furloughed, unpaid, and laid off in the name of government savings, and several domestic programs that many Americans rely on such as Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are at risk. Republicans also want health care costs to skyrocket by letting Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire, which will affect thousands in my district, Tennessee’s Ninth. The public deserves clarity about how and why the President is bailing out a foreign country instead of working with Congress to reopen the government. “Please provide the following information: The precise statutory, regulatory, or constitutional authority used to authorize the transfer of U.S. funds to Argentina; The exact source of funds used; The amounts, dates, and recipient entities or accounts in Argentina that received the funds; An explanation of how this transfer complies with current budgetary limitations and how it was reconciled with the ongoing lapse in app… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-expresses-his-condolences-after-deadly-explosion Congressman Cohen Expresses His Condolences After Deadly Explosion at Tennessee Munitions Plant 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today expressed his condolences over the loss of life and injuries in an explosion at a munitions plant near McEwen, Tennessee, earlier today and released the following statement: “I express my profound condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this horrific incident. I will continue to monitor the situation and will work with Senators Blackburn and Hagerty, and Congressman Kustoff, and with local and state officials, as the investigation continues.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-welcomes-israel-hamas-ceasefire Congressman Cohen Welcomes Israel-Hamas Ceasefire 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) is observing the beginning of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after more than two years of war, and made the following statement: “I welcome the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire framework. As part of the agreement, all remaining hostages in Gaza will be returned to their families. After two long years, the hostages and families can finally start their healing process. “This agreement is a vital first step toward lasting peace, and I urge all parties to abide by the terms. There is still lots of work to be done to reach a lasting resolution, and Palestinian civilians still desperately need an increased surge of humanitarian aid. “I will continue to monitor this situation with cautious optimism.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-back-pay-furloughed-federal-workforce Congressman Cohen Demands Back Pay for Furloughed Federal Workforce 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought today seeking clarification on whether federal employees furloughed because of the government shutdown will receive back pay when their offices re-open. A recent OMB memorandum suggested employees may not be guaranteed back pay, which “is inconsistent with both federal law and decades of bipartisan precent,” Congressman Cohen’s letter says. “The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 — signed into law by then-President Donald J. Trump — explicitly guarantees back pay for all federal employees affected by a lapse in appropriations. “The plain language of that statute leaves no room for doubt: federal employees who are required to work without pay, as well as those furloughed during a shutdown, must be made whole when government funding is restored.” See the entire letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduce-end-racial-and-religious-profiling-act Congressman Cohen to Introduce the End Racial and Religious Profiling Act 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, plans to introduce the End Racial and Religious Profiling Act on Friday. In a statement, Congressman Cohen said: “With the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Vasquez Perdoma v. Noem, the Supreme Court rubber-stamped racial profiling, a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s militarized policing strategy. “This isn’t about going after ‘the worst of the worst;’ it’s about targeting specific drivers based on their appearance in order to search and deport them. The Memphis Safety Task Force is pulling over drivers for minor offenses, like having a paper license plate tag or a dim light, with the hope of escalating the encounter to a search or arrest. It also burdens specific communities with additional fines and fees from traffic citations. In the United States, everyone is equal under the law and should be treated equally by law enforcement. This is wrong, discriminatory, and dangerous, and must stop immediately.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-congressman-cohen-speak-foote-park-south-city-ribbon Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen to Speak at The Foote Park at South City Ribbon Cutting 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will attend and speak at The Foote Park at South City Community Homes on Thursday, October 9. Congressman Cohen secured $750,000 for the final phase of the project on the site of the former Foote Homes through the annual appropriations process. The effort began in 2015 when Congressman Cohen secured a $30 million grant under President Obama’s Choice Neighborhoods Program. What: A ribbon cutting at The Foote Park at South City VI Community Homes Who: Congressman Cohen; Ellen Eubank, CNI Project Manager, Memphis Housing Authority; Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis; Ralph Perrey, Executive Director, Tennessee Housing Development Agency; Denise Cleveland-Leggett, Southeast Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; Dexter Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Memphis Housing Authority; Archie Willis, Founder & President, ComCap Partners; Eva Mosby, Regional Vice President, Urban Strategies Inc.; Tierra Bell, South City Resident; Shante Avant, President & CEO, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis; and Emily Bernstein, Senior Vice President, McCormack Baron Salazar When: Thursday, October 9, at 10:30 a.m. Where: 430 South Danny Thomas Boulevard Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s Communications Director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-observes-second-anniversary-october-7-hamas-attack Congressman Cohen Observes the Second Anniversary of the October 7 Hamas Attack 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today released the following statement observing the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks and hostage taking in 2023 in Israel: “On this solemn anniversary, there is reason to be hopeful that the war will soon end – perhaps this week – and that remaining hostages will be released to their families. It is past time for adequate levels of food and medical aid to flow into Gaza and for a semblance of peaceful co-existence to be restored.” Congressman Cohen is an original cosponsor of a October 7 Commemoration Resolution and the October 7 Gold Medal Act to provide the Congressional Gold Medal to American victims of October 7, including Americans who survived captivity in Gaza. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-will-forgo-salary-during-federal-government-shutdown Congressman Cohen Will Forgo Salary During Federal Government Shutdown 2025-10-02 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) notified the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday that he will decline his congressional salary until the federal government shutdown ends. “Tennessee’s Ninth Congressional District is home to thousands of dedicated federal employees who work every day to keep our country safe, healthy, and moving forward,” the letter reads. “These public servants will not receive their paycheck due to no fault of their own. Additionally, thousands of my constituents will likely be impacted by the shutdown. These hardships are in addition to the looming health care crisis. I have made the decision not to accept my pay while so many of my constituents are left in uncertainty.” See the letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-raises-concerns-about-military-memphis Congressman Cohen Raises Concerns about the Military in Memphis 2025-10-01 2025 2025-10 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today saying that he learned of their visit to Memphis from the news media, not from their offices, and said he hopes to get answers about how the Memphis Safety Task Force will work. The letter reads in part: “If the real purpose of the Memphis Safety Task Force is public safety, we must be more collaborative.” See the entire text of the letters here: “Dear Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Hegseth: “I was disappointed to learn from the media that you were in Memphis discussing the Memphis Safety Task Force, which involves sending federal law enforcement resources and National Guard troops to my district. I sincerely hope this will be a collaborative process that empowers Memphians, not some punitive effort or federal occupation of this great American city. “I still have many questions about how the Memphis Safety Task Force will work, the priorities of federal law enforcement, and the mission of National Guard troops. Many of the terms and structures of President Trump’s September 15, 2025, Memorandum entitled ‘Restoring Law and Order in Memphis’ remain undefined. “This is particularly concerning because, just yesterday, Secretary Hegseth assembled the nation’s most senior military leaders to stress that the exclusive purpose of the military was ‘war fighting.’ He continued, ‘We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt, and kill the enemies of our country. No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement, just common sense, maximum lethality, and authority for warfighters.’ “President Trump followed those remarks by discussing domestic deployments of the military, like the one you are heralding today, saying, ‘This is going to be a big thing for the people in this room, because it's the enemy from within.’ He continued, the military ‘should use some of these dangerous cities as training groun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-department-education-grant-university Congressman Cohen Announces a Department of Education Grant to the University of Memphis 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Memphis will receive a grant of $409,605 from the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Program of the U.S. Department of Education. Congressman Cohen announced three Department of Education grants, totaling $922,311, to the University on Friday. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The University of Memphis continues to lead in pathways to academic success for those students with intellectual disabilities. This funding will support that effort and lead the brighter futures for deserving students.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-healthy-marriage-grants-le-bonheur Congressman Cohen Announces Healthy Marriage Grants to Le Bonheur Community Health and Agape Child and Family Services 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Le Bonheur Community Health and Well-Being will receive grant of $730,000 and Agape Child and Family Services will receive a grant of $1,250,000 from the Office of Family Assistance Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) initiative. The program is operated by the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grants are intended to provide relationship education, parenting skills and financial acumen to strengthen families and improve community well-being. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Investing in strengthening marriages and families will improve lives and encourage healthy behaviors and habits. This federal funding will help develop the skills required to be good parents and good citizens.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-statement-passing-former-interim-mayor-myron-lowery Congressman Cohen Statement on the Passing of Former Interim Mayor Myron Lowery 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS, TN — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) released the following statement today on the passing of former interim Mayor and longest-serving City Councilman in Memphis history, Myron Lowery. “Former interim Mayor and Memphis’s longest-serving councilman, Myron Lowery, led a life of service with integrity and grace. Myron and I were friends for nearly 50 years. We supported each other through many elections, but more importantly we were friends,” said Congressman Cohen. “I will miss him, and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Mary, his son, Mickell, and the entire Lowery family. His was a life well lived.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-calm-restraint-response-national-guard Congressman Cohen Urges Calm Restraint in Response to National Guard Deployment 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has been asked by the news media and others about the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard to Memphis. In response, he provided the following statement: “Don’t give Donald Trump what he wants by instigating aggression toward the National Guard that could provoke a violent response. A majority of us don’t want them here, but consider that many Guardsmen don’t want to be here either. They didn’t sign up to be props in political theater; they are pawns in it, as well. “The National Guard is not trained for local policing. Their deployment risks harming our city’s image and undermining the trust between law enforcement and the community it serves. What reduces crime are real, long-term solutions: better schools, more job opportunities, expanded mental health resources, more Memphis police officers hired locally and on the beat full-time, and genuine partnerships with law enforcement agencies that know policework. “I urge my constituents to treat members of the Guard with civility. Do not engage in activity that is dangerous or could hinder them leaving as soon as possible. Do not take Trump’s bait.” Congressman Cohen talked with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about the deployment this morning. See that interview here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-922311-us-department-education-grants Congressman Cohen Announces $922,311 in U.S. Department of Education Grants to the University of Memphis 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced three U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services Program grants totaling $830,837 to the University of Memphis. A fourth grant, for $161,474, is from the Long-Term Training – Rehabilitation Counseling Program. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am always pleased to see substantial federal investments at the University of Memphis. The grants will help ensure that vulnerable and disabled students receive the support they need to stay in school, succeed academically, and ultimately earn their degrees.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-carson-introduce-aviation-funding-stability-act Congressmen Cohen and Carson Introduce the Aviation Funding Stability Act 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9), the former Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, and Andre Carson (IN-7), a Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act, a measure that would allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep all of its programs running and all of its employees working by drawing from its Airports and Airways Trust Fund during any lapse in typical government appropriations. The current temporary budget agreement ends September 30. Under the current proposal, the FAA’s authorization to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund during a shutdown will be permitted only for up to 30 days if no appropriations bill is enacted, rather than for an indefinite period. The Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which funds the U.S. national air transportation system, typically generates enough revenue from the domestic passenger ticket tax, commercial fuel tax, general aviation gasoline tax, and cargo tax to sustain FAA programs during a lapse. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The Aviation Funding Stability Act is intended to prevent disruptions in aviation safety operations, air traffic control staffing, and certification processes that are vital to the U.S. economy and our national security. At a time when air travel is already strained by staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and record flight delays, the last thing we need is another crisis that puts safety and efficiency at risk. “The aviation system is too critical to be caught up in Washington’s budget battles. This bill would allow the FAA to tap into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to keep essential operations running, so planes stay in the air, safety inspections continue, and modernization projects don’t grind to a halt. At a time with continued government uncertainty, this measure is a no brainer and just makes sense.” Congressman Carson made the following statement: "America’s aviation system is the safest and most efficient in the world. It contribute… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-fitzpatrick-and-garcia-introduce-safe-streets-all Congressmen Cohen, Fitzpatrick and Garcia Introduce the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Robert Garcia (CA-42) today introduced the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act. The measure reauthorizes and strengthens the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program whose life-saving projects in more than 1,600 communities across the United States are reducing roadway fatalities and serious accidents. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Memphis ranks worst in the country among major cities for pedestrian fatalities, and studies indicate the numbers have steadily increased. Much of the problem is attributable to the emphasis on automobile use of our roadways, not alternative infrastructure like bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and lighted crosswalks. The SS4A program supports both the development of local roadway safety plans and the implementation of data-driven, community-focused infrastructure improvements. We have a long way to go in equipping local communities with tools to protect pedestrians, cyclists, scooter-riders, motorists and transit riders. This is critical legislation that will save lives.” Congressman Fitzpatrick made the following statement: “PA-1 is a proud walking and biking community — it’s part of what makes our district such a special place to call home. Every day, kids walk to school, families ride to our parks, and neighbors cross busy streets to reach our Main Street small businesses and transit. The Safe Streets for All Act invests directly in our community, giving us the resources to fix dangerous intersections, add crosswalks and bike lanes, and protect everyone who uses our roads.” Congressman Garcia made the following statemen: “We know how important it is to invest in making our roads and streets safer across the country. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program has been an incredibly successful investment that makes our communities safer. I’m proud to support this bill to strengthen its impact and save lives.” Endorsing organization… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-john-tanner-and-jim-cooper-fairness-and-0 Congressman Cohen Introduces the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) ACT 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act, which would require states to remove politics from the their congressional apportionment and require independent redistricting commissions. The measure is named for former Tennessee Congressmen John Tanner and Jim Cooper who for decades championed an end to partisan gerrymandering. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Donald Trump and the Republican Party are in the process of a mid-cycle redistricting push, explicitly for partisan political gain and to extend control of the House. They have put power over representative government, subverting our democracy. We must fight back. In the short run, we need to neutralize this blatant power grab. Longer term, we need to improve our systems and ensure our elected leaders are representative of – and responsive to – the people. As the New York Times Editorial Board recently wrote, ‘Fairness means striving for congressional delegations and state legislatures that reflect the people they represent.’” Starting after the 2030 census, the FAIR Act would require each state to appoint an independent and transparent congressional redistricting commission. The commission would be charged with creating a redistricting plan that emphasizes geographical contiguity and compactness of districts rather than political affiliations or the impact a district’s lines may have on incumbent representatives. The state legislature and the governor may approve or reject the commission’s plan, but may not amend it. If the governor does not sign into law a plan by November 1st in the year before a congressional reapportionment, the commission may forward plans to the state’s highest court, which may select a plan without amendments. If the state court is unable to select a plan, the federal district court must develop and publish a final redistricting plan. The bill also prohibits a state from redistricting until after the next census un… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-questions-fbi-director-kash-patel Congressman Cohen Questions FBI Director Kash Patel 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned FBI Director Kash Patel at an oversight hearing. The Congressman commended the FBI for working with local police, encouraged additional collaboration, but questioned whether the National Guard that President Trump has ordered to Memphis will be helpful. In response to one question, Patel said “I love Memphis,” and mentioned Beale Street. Congressman Cohen also asked about the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and whether they have been questioned by the agency. In his exchange with Patel, Congressman Cohen said in part: “We have a crime problem in Memphis… the FBI has helped…I don’t think the National Guard is going to help…It’s not a ‘troubled’ city. It’s got some crime but it’s not a ‘troubled’ city. We love our city and hope the National Guard doesn’t come in and cause people to have questions about Memphis.” On the Epstein case, Congressman Cohen said, “If there’s no statute of limitations (on sex crimes), should you not be interviewing those people who know who raped them?...It seems like that would be a treasure trove of information…” Patel responded: “Sir, I couldn’t agree with you more.” See the entire exchange here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-beyer-and-senator-wyden-introduce-billionaire Congressmen Cohen and Beyer and Senator Wyden Introduce the Billionaire Income Tax Act 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Don Beyer (VA-8) and Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon today introduced bicameral Billionaire Income Tax Act bills in an effort to establish a level of fairness in federal taxation and prevent millionaires and billionaires (and one prospective trillionaire) from avoiding significant liability. The measure would tax wealth gains as they occur. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The ultrawealthy pay very low tax rates because their affluence derives primarily from the soaring value of their assets. Our current tax code lets billionaires avoid taxes on gains unless and until they sell their assets. So while working families pay taxes on each and every paycheck or pension payment, the ultrawealthy can make hundreds of millions of tax-free dollars a year. Instead of all their billions going to buying superyachts, rocket ships, professional sports teams, and Twitter, it is time that billionaires pay at least a minimal level in taxes like everyone else. There is overwhelming public support for this proposal, which will close loopholes in our tax code and ensure billionaires pay a fairer share. It’s well past time to make our tax code fair. I haven’t asked him, but it looks like Pope Leo would endorse the Billionaire Income Tax Act. He recently did an interview with a biographer and excerpts were released on Sunday. Speaking of societal polarization, he said it is in part caused by income inequality. One factor, he said, is ‘the continuously wider gap between the income levels of the working class and the money that the wealthiest receive. For example, CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving, the last figure I saw, it’s 600 times more than what average workers are receiving. Yesterday the news that Elon Musk is going to be the first trillionaire in the world. What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble.’ I agree with Pope Leo … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-congressmen-cohen-and-beyer-and-senator-wyden-discuss Press Advisory: Congressmen Cohen and Beyer and Senator Wyden to Discuss the Billionaire Income Tax Act 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Don Beyer (VA-8) and Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon will hold a press availability on Wednesday to discuss the bicameral Billionaire Income Tax Act. The news media are invited to attend. What: A press conference with Congressmen Cohen and Beyer and Senator Wyden When: Wednesday, September 17, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Where: The Senate Finance Committee Room, Dirksen Senate Office Building 215 # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-3-million-grant-uthsc-research-diabetes Congressman Cohen Announces $3 Million Grant to UTHSC for Research into Diabetes 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $3,010,432 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for research into diabetes endocrinology. The research is under the direction of Dr. Amandeep Bajwa. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “A better understanding of diabetes, which is too common in the Mid-South region, will improve outcomes and save lives. I commend the leadership of our medical school and Dr. Bajwa for tackling this critical research.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-alcohol-research-grant-uthsc-1 Congressman Cohen Announces Alcohol Research Grant to UTHSC 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $399,076 to study repurposing FDA-approved drugs to target chronic alcohol tolerance from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The project is under the direction of Assistant Professor Dr. Chang Hoon Jee. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Better understanding alcohol tolerance and treating those with this condition will improve lives often blighted by alcoholism. I commend Dr. Jee and the university for undertaking this scientific and socially meaningful work.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-sickle-cell-research-grant-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces Sickle Cell Research Grant to St. Jude 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $830,254 for research into sickle cell disease from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute under the direction of Dr. Mitchell J. Weiss. St. Jude also received a $277,500 grant in August to study the disease. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Working to alleviate the trauma and pain associated with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects the Black community, will improve lives. I commend Dr. Weiss and St. Jude for undertaking this important work.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-senator-warren-reintroduce-equal-employment-all-act Congressman Cohen, Senator Warren Reintroduce Equal Employment for All Act 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are bringing back the Equal Employment for All Act to protect job seekers from unfair discrimination based on their credit ratings. The bill would ensure that job applicants are not forced to disclose their credit history as part of an employer's application process. The proposal prohibits employers from requesting an applicant’s credit history, obtaining a consumer or investigative report, and disqualifying applicants based on a poor credit rating. It also prohibits credit reporting agencies from providing credit reports to employers for use in employment decisions. “Using a job applicant’s credit history to deny employment is not just unfair, it also makes no sense. Credit scores are an inaccurate way to predict future job performance or ability. Using credit scores also disproportionately affects women, minority populations and anyone already struggling financially. We should be making the job application process fairer so people can succeed with good jobs, not adding obstacles to prevent them from being hired,” said Congressman Cohen. “Nobody should be discriminated against and miss out on a job opportunity because of their financial history,” said Senator Warren. “While the Trump administration tanks the labor market, our bill prohibits employers from using credit scores in their hiring process so that everyone can have a fair chance.” Following the 2008 financial crisis, millions of Americans confronted job loss, shrinking home prices, and depreciated savings. For too many, the fallout from the crisis also damaged their credit. Poor credit disproportionately impacts women, minorities, and those already facing financial hardships The Equal Employment for All Act will remove this hiring barrier and give people the opportunity to better their financial circumstances and grow local economies across the country. The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-epa-acknowledge-harms-caused-climate-change Congressman Cohen Urges the EPA to Acknowledge Harms Caused by Climate Change Enshrined in the Endangerment Finding 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin seeking the reversal of a proposal to rescind the 2008 Endangerment Finding acknowledging climate change has an impact on human health and safety. The letter reads in part: “The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change and its impacts. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters more severe, and costing us all – especially the most vulnerable… “These extreme weather events lead to costly and devastating effects on local communities across the region. Last year, Tennessee residents experienced eight extreme weather events that each caused $1 billion or more in damages to Tennessee and neighboring states, totaling over $106.5 billion, and led to at least 423 lives lost… “By eliminating the Endangerment Finding, the administration aims to undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. It means giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families across the country… “I urge you to uphold the mission of the EPA by maintaining the Endangerment Finding and demonstrate your intent to protect the health and welfare of Tennesseans and communities in all parts of the country.” See the entire letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-says-national-guard-wont-solve-memphis-endemic Congressman Cohen Says National Guard Won’t Solve Memphis’ Endemic Problems 2025-09-12 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today responded to President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Memphis with the following statement: “First, I had hoped the National Guard would not be deployed here. Mayor Young told me earlier this week that it was a possibility and that, if Governor Lee decided to send them, he would work to use them in a manner that is secondary and supportive of the police. “Memphis is not ‘a troubled city,’ as President Trump has said. We have a crime problem. We do have problems that may be ‘endemic,’ but they are the result of centuries of racial discrimination, including slavery that separated families without educational opportunities. Even after they were freed, they faced Jim Crow discrimination in the South. These are the historical facts. What Memphis needs is consistent federal investment in police protection with additional, permanent patrols and community policing to establish relationships. We need programs like the Minority Business Development Center that Trump’s Commerce Department just eliminated which helped create jobs and capital accumulation. “In the short run, the Guard can help the police in a supportive role. In the long run, Memphis needs federal dollars invested in proven programs. “D.C. has been my second home for 19 years. I have a condo and a car, and I live in the city after work (not in my office). I do not perceive any change in the level of safety since Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in D.C. The president recently went out to a restaurant in D.C. and said that it is now the safest town in the world, and that it is safe to walk anywhere. That’s not true. There have not been ‘many arrests of very bad people,’ as he puts it. Most of the arrests are for low-level offenses. While D.C. crime is bad, it was declining and doesn’t differ much from national trends. “For Memphis, major investments in proven programs will make a difference; deploying the National Guard through a short publicity stunt will not. I certainly hope this n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-experts-georgia-about-impact-american-sponsored Congressman Cohen Asks Experts on Georgia about the Impact of American-Sponsored Media and U.S. A.I.D. 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today expressed his disappointment at the dissolution of democracy in the Republic of Georgia. In a hearing entitled “From Partner to Problem: Georgia’s Anti-American Turn,” Congressman Cohen focused on the role of American programs like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S. A.I.D) in promoting freedom and improving health, education and agriculture in the country. All the witnesses agreed that these U.S.-funded programs played a crucial role in promoting democracy in Georgia, and they will be sorely missed after Trump dismantled them earlier this year. These programs helped the Georgian people as well as fostered good relations between the U.S. and Georgia. See his opening statement here. See his exchange with hearing witnesses here. Witnesses at today’s hearing were: President Salome Zourabichvili; Tinatin Khidashel, Former Minister of Defense of Georgia; Luke Coffey, Senior Fellow, Center on Europe and Eurasia, Hudson Institute # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-third-time-ice-policies-and-priorities Congressman Cohen Asks a Third Time for ICE Policies and Priorities 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for a third time Tuesday seeking answers about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s policies and priorities and the accuracy of its public statements about them. Congressman Cohen said that the department’s stated goal of deporting “the worst of the worst” – those convicted of murder, rape or sexual abuse of children -- doesn’t appear to be the practice since only 8 percent of detainees by one estimate have ever been convicted of violent crimes. “I find your rhetoric misleading,” the letter says in part. Congressman Cohen said he returned to Washington after the August recess to discover that the longtime maintenance man in his building had been arrested by ICE. Residents and others have raised more than $56,000 in a GoFundMe campaign for his legal assistance and his family’s support. “To the best of my knowledge, and that of many of my neighbors, he was never involved in any criminal activity -- simply a hard-working man trying to support his American citizen children. There when I left, gone when I came back,” the letter says. Congressman Cohen reiterated his questions in letters dated February 13 and March 28, for which he has not received a reply, asking for the number of unauthorized immigrants ICE has apprehended since January 20 and how many of those were convicted of crimes and in what jurisdictions. See the entire letter here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-and-senator-booker-reintroduce-reducing-obesity-youth Congressman Cohen and Senator Booker Reintroduce Reducing Obesity in Youth Act 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced legislation to address the epidemic of childhood obesity in America. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate. The measure, the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act, would create incentives to improve the future health of American children and affect future national health care costs and national security. One in three American teens and children is overweight or obese, placing them at risk of a host of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I have long been concerned that Tennessee has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. The national childhood obesity rate is dangerously high but, in recent years, Tennessee has trended even higher than the national average. The Reducing Obesity in Youth Act I am introducing with Senator Booker would help to reverse this trend and improve the health and well-being of America’s children. Research shows that early childhood is an important time for developing positive dietary and physical activity behaviors. The House and Senate bills being introduced would create a competitive grant program to incentivize the development of earlier health and nutrition education environments for our children. That kind of healthy start will lead to healthy lives.” Senator Booker made the following statement: “The childhood obesity epidemic is a growing health crisis leading to higher risks of chronic diseases, stroke, and heart conditions. This bicameral bill will create a grant program and enable local and state entities to promote healthy habits for our nation’s children so we can start to build a healthier America.” In previous Congresses, the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act has been endorsed by the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, Better Children’s Diets, Curricula Concepts, Inc., First Focus Campaign for Children, Fl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-rutherford-reintroduce-restore-act Congressmen Cohen and Rutherford Reintroduce the RESTORE Act 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and John Rutherford (FL-5) reintroduced the bipartisan Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials (RESTORE) Act, to repeal the ban on SNAP benefits for drug offenders and allow them to apply to the program before their release dates. The bill would also codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waiver that allows ex-offenders to apply for SNAP up to 30 days before they are released, increasing the likelihood they will be able to meet basic needs as soon as they re-enter society. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Thousands of people released from state and federal prisons each year re-enter society and find serious challenges, including the lifetime ban on receiving food assistance. The RESTORE Act would repeal the 1996 ban on people with drug felony convictions receiving SNAP, and it would allow them to apply for the program before their release so that they can meet their basic needs on day one, reducing the likelihood of recidivism and increasing the quality of life for people hoping to readapt and thrive in their communities. I am pleased to be working with Congressman Rutherford on this needed reform.” Congressman Rutherford made the following statement: “As co-chair of the Second Chance Reentry Task Force, I am focused on reducing barriers for those reentering society as they try to make a fresh start. I am proud to cosponsor the RESTORE Act, which will help reduce recidivism by opening up important nutrition and food resources to formerly incarcerated individuals.” The measure is endorsed by many re-entry assistance and nutrition advocacy groups, including the Drug Policy Alliance. “Putting food on the table for your family is a basic right and the cornerstone of a healthy, stable life. Denying someone with a prior drug felony conviction access to SNAP undercuts this basic right and increases the likelihood of that person being re-arrested and returning to jail,” said Hanna Sharif-Kazemi, Federal Policy Manager … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-congressman-cohen-and-mem-ceo-blue-discuss-major Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen and MEM CEO Blue to Discuss Major Investments at Memphis International Airport 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Memphis International Airport President and CEO Terry Blue will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss $50.6 million in investments in the airport announced last month. News media representatives will also be able to see the new commercial vehicle lane from which Uber and Lyft will operate. What: A media availability to discuss major new investments and ongoing revitalization at Memphis International Airport Who: Congressman Steve Cohen, the former Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, and Memphis International Airport President and CEO Terry Blue When: Friday, September 12, at 9 a.m. Where: A speakers’ podium will be set up next to the new commercial lane outside the Terminal A arrivals-baggage claim area. Media vehicles can park curbside outside the A baggage claim exit (please do not block the crosswalk). Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s Communications Director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-proposed-rollback-consumer-protections-air Congressman Cohen Condemns Proposed Rollback of Consumer Protections for Air Travelers 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who as the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee authored and successfully worked to enact into law consumer protections for air travelers, today blasted the Trump Administration’s reported consideration of airline industry proposals to dismantle rules safeguarding passengers such as compensation for passengers for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by air carriers. He also criticized a request to the U.S. Department of Transportation by the airline industry group Airlines for America (A4A) to eliminate other major consumer protections for air travelers. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “The Trump Administration’s gift to the airline industry is a direct slap in the face to air travelers. These rules exist because the airlines, left to their own devices, repeatedly failed their customers. We wrote them into law, and the DOT appropriately acted, to restore fairness and accountability, and they should be strengthened — not tossed aside to please industry lobbyists. What A4A has proposed in its request to the Department of Transportation is outrageous. The flying public deserves the reforms we enacted, especially the automatic refunds for canceled or long-delayed flights, the elimination of fees for seating children with their parents, the treatment of mobility devices like wheelchairs, and several other improvements to the flying experience A4A is trying to eliminate. The reporting requirements for on-time performance and mishandled baggage are not an onerous reporting ‘burden,’ but a much-needed improvement in information available to travelers. I encourage everyone now aware of these proposed rollbacks to make their objections clear. Our consumer protection measures should be strengthened, not eliminated. I urge the Department of Transportation to abandon this reckless rollback and to stand with the flying public instead of caving to corporate demands.” Congressman Cohen and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) wrote to Transportation Secretary S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-expresses-disappointment-closure-minority-business Congressman Cohen Expresses Disappointment at Closure of the Minority Business Development Center 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) released the following statement after learning that the Trump Commerce Department cut funding to the Minority Business Development Center, causing it to shut down after 13 years: “Trump’s Commerce Department cut off funding for the Tennessee Minority Business Development Center in Memphis, forcing it to close after 13 years of helping small, local businesses. This typically short-sighted decision will have adverse impacts in our business community. I helped open the center in 2012 to give Black and minority entrepreneurs in Memphis a voice. Trump and the GOP have now silenced that voice.” Congressman Cohen was instrumental in bringing the state’s first Minority Business Development Center to Memphis, working for three years to secure its establishment and joining federal and local leaders for the ribbon cutting in July 2012. At that opening, Minority Business Development Agency Director David Hinson praised Congressman Cohen for being “persistent, persuasive and professional” in making the center a reality. Click here to read more. Centers like the MBDC are part of the U.S. Department of Commerce created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. The primary drivers of the center program were job creation and retention and the award of procurement contracts to minority business enterprises. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohens-statement-passing-sheriff-bill-oldham Congressman Cohen’s Statement on the Passing of Sheriff Bill Oldham 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who began his legal career as a legal advisor to the Memphis Police Department, learned of the passing of longtime Memphis Police officer and Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham Thursday and made the following statement: “I had the greatest regard for Bill Oldham’s professionalism and character. He was one of the best sheriffs we’ve had in Shelby County. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, his colleagues in law enforcement, and his many friends.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-polio-survivor-and-post-polio-victim-says-its-his Congressman Cohen, a Polio Survivor and Post-Polio Victim, says it’s His Duty to ask Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Resign 2025-09-04 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), watched Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testify before the Senate Finance Committee today and released the following statement: “Despite having been a friend of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a polio survivor and post-polio syndrome victim and after having watched Kennedy testify before the Senate Finance Committee, it is my duty on behalf of all polio victims past and present to ask him to resign or ask the president to remove him. “RFK Jr. is a clear and present danger to every child and to the general health of the people of the United States. Questioning the efficacy of the polio vaccine, which was of course not available to those of us who had polio, endangers those for whom it might not be available in the future. Restricting and questioning its efficacy will lead to a reduction in vaccinations and could bring back the polio epidemic in our nation. “He also has restricted the Covid vaccine, likely leading to more cases of Covid and more unnecessary deaths from the virus. He’s sowing doubt about vaccines for diseases like mumps and measles that children have routinely been vaccinated against. We cannot have the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services throwing the entire vaccine regimen into disarray. It’s dangerous and threatens all Americans. “I don’t do this lightly because I’ve known Bobby and always had good relations with him. But it’s incumbent on me to speak up as one who knows what life is like without life-saving vaccines, and particularly as one of those affected by polio.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-signs-petition-require-release-epstein-files Congressman Cohen Signs Petition to Require Release of Epstein Files 2025-09-03 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) on Tuesday evening spoke from the House floor and then signed the bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the federal government’s records of its investigations of allegations that financier and former Trump best friend Jeffrey Epstein engaged in sexual abuse of under-aged girls. Republican Congressmen Thomas Massey of Kentucky and Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California introduced the measure Tuesday afternoon as Congress reconvened after its August recess. If the petition receives 218 signatures from members, a floor vote will be called despite Republican leadership’s efforts to derail it. As of Wednesday evening, 206 lawmakers had signed the petition. In his floor speech, Congressman Cohen said in part: “They need to be released because the American public wants to see them and the fact that so many people in power don’t want them released says there’s something there that smells…We need to be open and transparent and, if there are perverts among the leadership, they need to be exposed. The American people…will not respect anybody that engaged in that kind of conduct. So I’m going to sign the petition. I hope everybody signs the petition and we get an unredacted copy of the files.” See Congressman Cohen’s entire floor remarks here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/free-speech-under-assault-trump-not-european-allies Free Speech is Under Assault by Trump, not European Allies 2025-09-03 2025 2025-09 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned the premise of a Republican-inspired hearing on “Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation,” calling it “disingenuous.” Congressman Cohen recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Britain and described a talk given to the bipartisan delegation by a Conservative member of Parliament at the House of Lords about the Magna Carta, the historic basis of legal freedoms, who told the Americans that the job of a legislator is “to stand up to an out-of-control executive.” In his remarks, he also said in part: “I’m a strong supporter of free speech and always have been and I find this hearing a bit disingenuous because of the problems we have in America. Free speech includes the speech of those with whom we disagree – people who say vile things, racist, antisemitic, homophobic, Islamophobic-type speech, something I find foul. However, it’s protected free speech… “It used to be bipartisan these efforts to protect free speech but President Trump has taken on free speech in ways that have never been thought of…They try to silence and shake down those who don’t conform.” Congressman Cohen also discussed his SPEECH Act, enacted in 2010, that would prohibit U.S. courts from enforcing foreign defamation judgments for speech protected by the First Amendment. It was the first bill he sponsored to become federal law. The United Kingdom’s expansive libel laws have made UK courts a destination for “libel tourism” and have become a tool for powerful interests to silence unfavorable views. Congressman Cohen questioned why hearing witness Nigel Farage wasn’t focused on those laws, given that he is a sitting Member of Parliament See his remarks at the hearing here. Witnesses at today’s hearing were: Nigel Farage, a Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom; Lorcan Price, Legal Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom International; Morgan Reed, President, The App Association; David Kaye, Professor of Law at the Unive… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-3-million-aging-research-grant-uthsc Congressman Cohen Announces $3 Million Aging Research Grant to UTHSC 2025-08-29 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $3,078,607 from the National Institute on Aging to study the relationship between a shortage of antioxidants and age-associated cognitive decline under the direction of Dr. Megan Mulligan. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Understanding and slowing age-related cognitive decline grows more important every day as our population of senior citizens rises. I applaud Dr. Mulligan and UTHSC for undertaking this critical research.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-two-nih-grants-more-14-million-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces Two NIH Grants for more than $1.4 Million to St. Jude 2025-08-29 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive two grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling $1,486,541. The first, for $735,373, is from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, for advancing pantothenate kinase activation therapy, under the direction of Dr. Richard E. Lee. The second, for $751,168, is from the National Cancer Institute for the evaluation of cardiovascular outcomes among survivors of 2 Echos-2, under the direction of Dr. Matthew J. Ehrhardt. Congressman Cohen announced six NIH grants to St. Jude, for more than $8.3 million, earlier this month. See those releases here and here and here. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “While I am concerned about the attacks on science and the loss of respected scientists within our federal government, I am pleased to see this significant investment in the work being done at St. Jude. I commend all of the researchers whose work has been supported this month. They are saving lives and easing pain.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-presses-va-secretary-collins-workforce-losses Congressman Cohen Presses VA Secretary Collins on Workforce Losses 2025-08-21 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Douglas Collins expressing extreme concern over widespread departures of mission-critical VA employees, including nurses, physicians and benefits examiners. He requested detailed data on staff losses across the six VA facilities serving Shelby and Tipton County veterans, warning that shortages threaten access to health care and earned benefits in Memphis and the surrounding region. Congressman Cohen’s letter cites the VA’s July Workforce Dashboard showing net workforce losses of more than 8,700 veteran-facing employees in FY25, including: 2,129 registered nurses, 1,283 medical support assistants, 751 physicians, and 1,294 veteran claim examiners. By comparison, the Biden Administration added 8,700 employees during the same period in FY24. Congressman Cohen’s letter reads, in part: “It is clear that your actions as Secretary are negatively impacting the VA workforce. VA is attritting employees that are critical to VA’s ability to meet its mission to serve veterans at an alarming rate. Your recent decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the vast majority of VA workers will most certainly lead to more employees choosing to leave the Department and fewer prospective workers choosing VA as an employer. Veterans’ access to their earned care and benefits will be affected.” Congressman Cohen specifically asked Secretary Collins for detailed data on all employee departures from January 1 through August 21, 2025, at the following facilities: the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, the Memphis Vet Center, the Covington VA Clinic, the Nonconnah Boulevard VA Clinic, the Phelan Avenue VA Clinic, and the Millington VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. To read his full letter, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/506-million-memphis-international-airport-congressman-cohen-announces $50.6 Million for Memphis International Airport: Congressman Cohen Announces Delivery of 4 New Federal Grant Awards 2025-08-20 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS, TN — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced the delivery of four major federal grants totaling $50.6 million for Memphis International Airport (MEM). The awards include $5 million in Community Project Funding Congressman Cohen secured together with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) for a new Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) facility, as well as three new FAA entitlement grants, partially funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), totaling more than $45.6 million for terminal modernization, facility rehabilitation, and taxiway safety improvements. “I was proud to secure $5 million in Community Project Funding for Memphis International Airport, and I’m pleased to see it delivered alongside more than $45 million in additional FAA infrastructure grants,” said Congressman Cohen. “Together, these investments will extend the life of vital equipment, modernize passenger facilities, improve safety on our airfields, and keep our airport operating efficiently in all conditions. Memphis International Airport isn’t just the busiest cargo airport in North America, it’s a critical gateway for passengers and businesses. These federal resources strengthen our economy, support jobs, and ensure Memphis remains connected as a vital hub to the rest of the world.” As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee throughout 2024 and early 2025, Congressman Cohen played a key role in negotiating budgets and authorizing the federal aviation programs that are now delivering these major resources to Memphis and TN-09. Today, he is also Tennessee’s only member of Congress who voted in favor of the IIJA. Today’s announcement includes four distinct federal awards for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority: $5 million (FY24 Community Project Funding): To design and build a new SRE facility to house and protect snow removal machinery, extending equipment life and ensuring safe, efficient airport operations during winter … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-11-million-federal-grant-improvements Congressman Cohen Announces $1.1 Million Federal Grant for Improvements at American Way Park 2025-08-20 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS, TN — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced $1.1 million in federal grant funding to improve American Way Park in Southeast Memphis. The award, issued through the U.S. National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, will support new playground equipment, a renovated sports field, and construction of a walking trail and pavilion for community use. “This is a meaningful investment in a neighborhood park that families rely on,” said Congressman Cohen. “These upgrades—new playground equipment, a renovated sports field, and a safe walking trail with a new pavilion—will make American Way Park more inviting for families and the community to enjoy. I’m pleased to help deliver federal resources that improve quality of life right here in Memphis, and I want to commend the City of Memphis for putting together a strong application and earning this federal grant award.” The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides matching grants to states, Tribes, and local communities for parks and outdoor recreation projects outside national park boundaries. This project will be administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and passed through to the City of Memphis Parks. With required local matching funds, the total project cost will be $2.2 million and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Click here to learn more about the proposed plans to improve American Way Park. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-another-nih-grant-more-32-million-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces Another NIH Grant for more than $3.2 Million to St. Jude 2025-08-14 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $3,262,585 from the National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders for research on cortical mechanisms of innate frequency discrimination under the direction of Dr. Stanislav Zakharenko, director if its Division of Neural Circuits and Behavior. This is the sixth National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant announced this week going to St. Jude. The total grant funding to the hospital this week amounts to $8,379,755. See previous releases on grants this week here and here. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I was pleased to visit St. Jude earlier today to see the amazing work it is performing in so many areas of research on children’s health. After an early dearth of research funding when the Trump administration took office, the more than $8.3 million in six grants for various research projects at St. Jude announced this week is encouraging, and I hope the need for its continuation is realized. The work done by our premiere children’s research hospital is unparalleled, and I commend St. Jude’s leadership, Dr. Zakharenko and the others recognized this week for their heroic and life-saving work. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-nih-grant-more-25-million-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces an NIH Grant of More than $2.5 Million to St. Jude 2025-08-13 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $2,503,299 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences for work on covalent inhibitors under the direction of Dr. Daniel J. Blair of the Chemical, Biology and Therapeutics Department. Congressman Cohen on Monday announced four National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants totaling $2,613,871. See that announcement here. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Just this week, our National Institutes of Health have announced investments of more than $5.1 million in work being performed at our premier children’s research hospital. These federal dollars keep St. Jude researchers in their labs working to cure illness and ease pain. I congratulate St. Jude’s leadership and the doctors involved in these critical areas of research on children’s health.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-658561-grant-uthsc Congressman Cohen Announces $658,561 Grant to UTHSC 2025-08-11 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $658,561 from the National Cancer Institute for research on improved treatment of breast cancer under the direction of Dr. Wei Li. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “This investment in treating this dreadful disease is going to save lives and ease suffering. I’m pleased to see the National Institutes of Health underwriting this critical work by our medical school and congratulate Dr. Li for securing this funding.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-more-26-million-nih-grants-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces More than $2.6 Million in NIH Grants to St. Jude 2025-08-11 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive four research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling $2,613,871. The first, for $767,713, is from the National Cancer Institute for work on epigenomic control in neuroblastoma under the direction of Dr. Adam D. Durbin. The second, for $277,500, from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, is for research addressing pediatric patients with Sickle Cell Disease, under the direction of Dr. Andrew M. Heitzer. A third grant, for $508,750, from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, is for biochemistry work under the direction of Dr. Hai T. Dao of the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics. A fourth, for $1,059,908, also from the National Cancer Institute, is for St. Jude’s Lifetime Cohort Study under the direction of Dr. Melissa M. Hudson, director of the Cancer Survivorship Division. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am always pleased to see the National Institutes of Health investing in the critical and life-saving work performed at St. Jude. Research on childhood cancers will save lives, while work mitigating the pain and trauma inflicted by Sickle Cell Disease will improve outcomes and lead to new discoveries. Keeping track of St. Jude’s outstanding record of success is a valuable resource. I commend St. Jude and Drs. Durbin, Heitzer, Dao and Hudson for undertaking this important research.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-tonight-held-successful-town-hall-meeting Congressman Cohen Tonight Held a Successful Town Hall Meeting 2025-08-11 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight held a successful town hall meeting where he addressed constituents’ questions about what’s happening to the social safety net under the Trump Administration and vowed to oppose the serious devastation and chaos it is causing. A crowd of more than 300 attended the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church event for the second in-person town hall Congressman Cohen has held this year. Congressman Cohen was joined by Shana Watkins, the health advocacy program manager at the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC), and Danielle Branch, a health policy and advocacy associate at TJC, who addressed the harmful aspects of cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs in the One Big Ugly Bill that Trump signed on July 4. One participant asked about losing her elderly brother on Medicaid. Congressman Cohen also talked about the need to defend voting rights and voting integrity, the Elon Musk xAI supercomputer and clean air issues. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am always encouraged to see my constituents involved in our nation’s and our community’s public policy debates. Tonight, I believe I was successful in communicating how serious a threat this administration is to the interests of the 9th Congressional District, particularly its most vulnerable low income and elderly residents. We also discussed important foreign policy issues, including the continued war in Gaza and the need to release hostages, as Trump makes unfulfilled promises and upends the world economy, taking positions that astound and confuse our longtime allies. I look forward to a continuation of this kind of dialogue and thank the Tennessee Justice Center and those who took the time to come out tonight to address our community’s major concerns.” # # # MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight held a successful town hall meeting where he addressed constituents’ questions about what’s happening to the social safety net under the Trump Administration and vowed to oppose the serious devasta… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-azerbaijan-caucus-co-chairs-cohen-and-aderholt-release Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus Co-Chairs Cohen and Aderholt Release Statements on Peace Deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia 2025-08-08 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Robert Aderholt (AL-4), both Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, released the following statements on a possible peaceful settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Co-Chairman Cohen said: “I have many Armenian friends and I’m very happy to see these two nations and their people come together in peace, for they are good people. Having been a Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan Caucus for years, I know how much Azerbaijan has been supportive of the United States.” Co-Chairman Aderholt said: “I welcome the announcement of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered through the leadership of President Donald J. Trump. As a Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan Caucus, I have consistently supported efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to this longstanding conflict. “This agreement is a significant step forward and yet another powerful example of what strong American diplomacy can achieve. I commend President Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for their leadership in helping to bring both sides together and for working toward a more stable and secure future for the Armenian and Azerbaijani people. This is a moment of hope, and I pray it leads to lasting peace in the region.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-congressman-cohen-hold-person-town-hall-monday-evening Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen to Hold In-Person Town Hall Monday Evening 2025-08-06 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will hold an in-person Town Hall Meeting with constituents on Monday evening, August 11, at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. The news media are welcome to attend. What: An in-person town hall meeting to discuss the Congressman’s work for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, including energy costs and the GOP’s so-called “One Big Ugly Bill” that makes devastating cuts in SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and other lifeline programs. When: Monday, August 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Where: Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 North Bellevue Boulevard, Memphis (38104) RSVP to Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov or (202) 909-6187 # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-cohen-and-titus-lead-letter-stressing-need-implement Representatives Cohen and Titus Lead Letter Stressing Need to Implement DOT Rule for Passenger Mobility Devices 2025-08-05 2025 2025-08 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Dina Titus (NV-1) today led a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressing the Congressional intent of provisions in last year’s Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization law regarding the handling of wheelchairs and other mobility devices for air travelers with mobility issues. The letter was also signed by Representatives Christopher Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, John Garamendi, Jared Huffman, Jesus Garcia, Pramila Jayapal, Jarold Nadler, Pat Ryan, Greg Stanton, and Frederica Wilson. The Department of Transportation published a final rule on the provisions after an extended public comment period in December, and the letter writers commend the work that went into it. The letter reads in part: “We write to underscore the congressional intent behind Sections 542, 543 and 544 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, which were based on provisions we were proud to introduce and champion. These provisions resulted in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) final rule titled Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs (Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0144), which was published on December 16, 2024. “The final rule strengthens enforcement of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and fulfills the Department’s statutory obligations under the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. We appreciate the Department’s thorough process, which included an extended comment period to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the review of nearly 2,000 public submissions, ranging from individual travelers to disability rights organizations, airlines, labor, and industry stakeholders… “Congress acted because the status quo for passengers with disabilities was unacceptable. Disabled passengers, a number of whom are veterans, who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices have too often faced systemic barriers to safe air travel ranging from damaged mobility devices to unsafe transfers, inadequate trai… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-50000-drug-free-communities-grant-tipton Congressman Cohen Announces $50,000 Drug Free Communities Grant to Tipton County 2025-07-31 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who represents a substantial portion of Tipton County, today announced that Tipton County government’s Drug Free Tipton program will receive a $50,000 continuation of its Drug Free Communities grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Local Drug Crises Program. Congressman Cohen announced a $50,000 grant from the same program on May 24, 2024. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am pleased to see these federal dollars again committed to an investment in ‘Drug Free Tipton’ to help those in need. This funding will help re-direct and potentially save lives.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-faa-conduct-meaningful-testing-aircraft Congressman Cohen Demands that the FAA Conduct Meaningful Testing of Aircraft Emergency Evacuations 2025-07-30 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today called on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to fully and accurately implement provisions of his Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act. In the letter, Congressman Cohen urged the agency to “publicly disavow” a 2019-2020 aircraft evacuation study mandated by his earlier legislation, the SEAT Act, which relied on an unrepresentative sample of the flying public and has since been sharply discredited by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). The letter makes clear that the public deserves a true assessment of aircraft evacuations to determine whether they can meet the 90-second mandate. It references last Saturday’s evacuation of American Airlines Flight 3023 in Denver which reportedly took more than 10 minutes. The letter reads in part: “I write to urge the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publicly disavow its 2019-2020 aircraft evacuation study, fully and transparently implement the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act provisions enacted in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, and initiate a new, scientifically rigorous and inclusive evacuation study that meets the law’s requirements and reflects real-world conditions. “The need for immediate action is underscored by the recent release of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) peer review of the FAA’s 2019–2020 aircraft evacuation study, which was required by a provision I authored in Section 337 of the 2018 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2018. The findings of the NASEM peer review are both unequivocal and alarming and confirm the concerns I have raised since the study was first conducted. “The FAA’s study, led by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), sought to assess how seat width and pitch affect aircraft evacuation performance. As the NASEM peer review makes clear, the study failed to achieve this most basic purpose, both in its execution and in the representativeness of it… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-and-mcclintock-condemn-execution-iranian-political Congressmen Cohen and McClintock Condemn the Execution of Iranian Political Prisoners 2025-07-30 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-5), co-chairs of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus, today released the following statement: “In yet another horrifying display of brutality, the Iranian regime has executed two political prisoners—Behrooz Ehsani, 69, and Mehdi Hassani, 48—early on Sunday, July 27. This act of repression underscores the regime's relentless assault on human rights and its unyielding commitment to suppress dissent. “These executions, carried out after a sham trial by the regime’s judiciary, were announced with a troubling lack of shame, reflecting the depths of the Iranian government's disregard for human life and fundamental freedoms. “As Co-chairs of Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus, we stand in solidarity with the courageous individuals who continue to fight for justice and liberty in Iran. We must hold the Iranian regime accountable and support the people of Iran in their pursuit of freedom. “We urge our colleagues and all those committed to human rights to speak out against these acts and to amplify the voices of the oppressed and reaffirm our commitment to the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-180000-grant-rhodes-college Congressman Cohen Announces $180,000 Grant to Rhodes College 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Rhodes College will receive a grant of $180,000 from the National Science Foundation for a project entitled “RUI: Interrogating Catalytic Efficiency through Kinetic, Structural and Small-Molecule Guided Investigation of L-DOPA 2,3 Dioxygenases.” The research is under the direction of Professor Larryn Peterson, Chair of the Rhodes Chemistry Department. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I congratulate Rhodes College and Dr. Peterson for receiving this prestigious National Science Foundation grant. This work in pure science involving dopamine will lead to important discoveries and is likely to have practical applications outside the laboratory.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-77000-grant-uthsc Congressman Cohen Announces $77,000 Grant to UTHSC 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $77,000 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for a project titled “Modulating drug efflux transporter expression on the macrophage reservoir of HIV.” The research is under the direction of Associate Professor Dr. Theodore Cory in the College of Pharmacy. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am always pleased to see the National Institutes of Health investing in research being conducted at our medical school. The better we understand HIV, the more lives we can extend and save. I congratulate Dr. Cory and UTHSC for undertaking this important work, especially in our community which has one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the country.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-34-million-grant-st-jude Congressman Cohen Announces $3.4 Million Grant to St. Jude 2025-07-25 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $3,428,212 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for a project entitled epigenetic checkpoint regulation of naïve T-cell quiescence and peripheral tolerance. The research is under the direction of Dr. Yongqiang Feng. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I am always pleased to see our National Institutes of Health investing in the work of our premiere children’s research hospital. I am confident the work supported by this grant will lead to important findings and potentially save lives.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-355-million-head-start-funding-porter-leath Congressman Cohen Announces $35.5 Million in Head Start Funding to Porter-Leath 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Porter-Leath Inc. will receive funding of $35,521,952 to operate Head Start programs in the 9th Congressional District. The funding is from the Administration for Children and Families – Office of Head Start. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “I’m pleased that Porter-Leath will be receiving this Head Start funding to help ensure children in our community will be ready for the classroom and a challenging future. Head Start provides essential preparation and needed skills for children so that they are academically and socially ready to succeed in school and in an increasingly complex world. This funding is an investment in our community, its children, and our future.” Porter-Leath has served the Memphis community for more than 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families. The Administration of Children and Families partners with local providers to address and respond to the needs of vulnerable families, while the Office of Head Start allocates grant funding to nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services. Both organizations emphasize inclusive and holistic early development programs to better communities across the United States. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-condemns-chaotic-and-harmful-failings-house Congressman Cohen Condemns Chaotic and Harmful Failings of the House 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) went to the House floor this evening after learning that Republican House leaders have decided that Congress will adjourn early on Wednesday for a five-week August recess, and made the following remarks: “We’re going to adjourn and not do the peoples’ business because we’ve thus far gotten an F. An F for the work of the people in this Congress. We’ve taken health care away from hundreds of thousands of people. We’ve taken SNAP payments, nutritional sustenance, away from tens and hundreds of thousands of people. We’ve made injuries to the Earth, God’s Earth we’re here to preserve and we only use. We’ve taken away from women the right to go to Planned Parenthood to have health care that they need…We’ve taken away protections for clean energy to change the rate of growth of global warming that affects our planet and affects our future with hotter and hotter summers, flash floods, fires, disasters. This Congress has earned an F.” See his entire floor speech here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-independent-acting-inspectors-general-act Congressman Cohen Introduces Independent Acting Inspectors General Act 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Independent Acting Inspectors Generals Act aimed at insulating both permanent and acting inspectors general – appointed to investigate waste, fraud and abuse in their agencies and departments – from political interference. President Donald Trump fired inspectors general as one of his first acts in office. Federal inspectors general were created in 1978 to establish independent oversight of federal agencies. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “With this Administration’s staggering abuses and evident corruption, inspectors general are more important than ever. Donald Trump’s attack on the IG system reveals his true intentions. He isn’t interested in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse – what independent IGs are charged with doing. Rather, he wants to remove the independent IGs so he and his cronies can corrupt the agencies for their own purposes. Tru0ly independent IGs would shed light on those designs and potentially prevent corruption.” The Independent Acting Inspectors General Act would automatically make the Deputy IG the acting IG if the position is vacant. If both positions are vacant, the courts, rather than the President, will, with recommendations from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, appoint the acting IG. The President will no longer be able to fire “the cops on the beat” and replace them with his cronies. Even if the position becomes vacant again, the appointment stays with the judiciary until a permanent IG, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is sworn in. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-international-energy-grid-research-grant Congressman Cohen Announces International Energy Grid Research Grant to the University of Memphis 2025-07-17 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Memphis will receive a grant of $499,998 for an International Grid Research and Advanced Training in Energy (InteGRATE) program from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program, which will collaborate with the Technische Universitat Munchen in Germany, is under the direction of Dr. Alexander J. Headly, as assistant professor of mechanical engineering, Dr. Mohammadreza Davoodi, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Dr. Yong Hoon Lee, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Students participating in the InteGRATE program will improve their technical skills, gain a global perspective, and learn about how policies and infrastructure affect a rapidly evolving energy sector. I congratulate Drs. Headley, Davoodi and Lee and the University on being awarded this prestigious NSF grant.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-188-million-appropriations-9th-congressional Congressman Cohen Applauds $18.8 Million in Appropriations for the 9th Congressional District 2025-07-17 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Image July 17, 2025 Includes $3,150,000 for restoration of historic Clayborn Temple WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the approval of $18,827,487 for 15 projects for which he sought funding through the annual appropriations process. The funding was approved after markups of bills in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Commerce Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) subcommittees this week, and in the Homeland Security subcommittee in June. Among the projects approved by the THUD Subcommittee is $3,150,000 for the restoration of the 130-year-old Clayborn Temple where organizers of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers strike met. The historic structure burned down in April. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “Memphis and the 9th District are doing particularly well in this year’s appropriations process. I am pleased to see my requests for the restoration of historic buildings approved and the investments in police and public safety will help protect our community. This is early in the process and these projects must still pass on the House floor and in the Senate before being signed into law, but I am encouraged with the progress so far.” Other THUD projects approved by the subcommittee include: Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project -- $1,200,000. The funding would be used for the restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site. Historic Sterick Renovation and Restoration Project -- $1,200,000. The funding would be used to restore the historic Sterick building, which was one the tallest buildings in the South before being abandoned and becoming one of Memphis’ largest blighted structure. Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments -- $1,000,000. The funding would be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors. Monroe Plaza and extended pedestrian infrastructure improvements -- $850,000. The funding would be used to convert an underutilized street into a new downtown plaza. Electri… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-will-vote-against-damaging-rescissions-bill Congressman Cohen Will Vote Against Damaging Rescissions Bill 2025-07-17 2025 2025-07 Democrat House TN Steve Cohen C001068 cohen.house.gov cohen https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will vote against a damaging bill rescinding nearly $8 billion in federal funding for a host of life-saving foreign aid programs and that will slash $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that supports NPR and PBS. The vote is expected late tonight. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: “This rescission bill is a disaster and will result in death while also diminishing the proud cultural heritage of PBS and NPR. The cuts to foreign aid programs will result in more malaria, Ebola and other dread diseases and a reduction in immunizations while suspending support for democracy-building projects, and immigration and refugee assistance programs. These programs are part of the United States’ soft power that prevents wars. “I have long been an avid watcher of Ben Burns documentaries on PBS, important American stories about civil rights, baseball, and the Civil War, much of it told by Memphis historian the late Shelby Foote, and so many more. The PBS NewsHour is a trusted source of reliable, accurate information provided over the years by the likes of Robert McNeill, Jim Lehrer, Judy Woodruff, Gwen Ifill, and the current team of Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett. PBS children’s programing, like Sesame Street with Big Bird and Elmo and “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” has taught generations of youngsters to read, count and be nice to each other. In Memphis, WKNO radio and television provide local coverage as well as national and international news. “These funding rescissions can’t be justified, so I will vote against them and continue to condemn the mentality that inspired them.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z

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