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) and to conduct supplemental planning activities and demonstration activities.

# # #",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 nationwide permits, protections that would have prevented the Byhalia Pipeline from being rushed through my district. Third, to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to certify that the bill will not increase exposure to harmful contaminants. Unfortunately, none were made in order by the Rules Committee Therefore I oppose the bill and urge a no vote. Permitting reform should not come at the expense of children’s and seniors’ health, clean drinking water, or communities with a history of industrial exposure.”

See the floor speech here.

# # #",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 because of the ‘ongoing race for energy to feed AI-driven demand for data centers.’ He also holds equity stakes in businesses that depend on large-scale AI integration, including energy-intensive computing. At a time when data center growth is placing significant pressure on TVA’s system and raising serious questions about cost-allocation fairness, it is essential that the TVA Board remain free from even the appearance of conflicts of interest. TVA’s public-power mission must not be shaped by private ventures that stand to gain from Board decisions.

“Separate concerns about Mr. Beaman’s judgment and past conduct compound the risks associated with his lack of experience. He was asked to temporarily step away from a university board due to controversies surrounding his personal life. He has longstanding ties to organizations known for extreme rhetoric, climate denial, and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Reporting on his Capitol Hill rental property has raised questions about whether its use by sitting Members of Congress complies with disclosure expectations and ethical norms. And his contentious divorce, widely covered in the Tennessee press, included serious allegations that speak to concerns about temperament and decision-making. While personal matters must be handled thoughtfully, the breadth and seriousness of the publicly documented controversies raise substantial questions about his suitability to serve on a federal board overseeing critical energy assets and the long-term financial interests of millions of households.

“The TVA Board of Directors plays an essential role in safeguarding reliable power, stewarding billions of dollars in public assets, and protecting the interests of more than ten million residents across the Tennessee Valley. Because these responsibilities demand Directors with deep expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to the public good. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to oppose Mr. Beaman’s nomination. Tennesseans deserve TVA Board members who bring real expertise, credibility, independence, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. Confirming a nominee without relevant qualifications and burdened by significant ethical and character concerns would risk undermining the stability and integrity of the nation’s largest public power utility at a time when prudent oversight is more important than ever.

See the letter here.

# # #",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 Cohen and Burchett’s TVA IRP bill will not only make TVA more accountable to its customers and impacted communities, but will also vastly improve the quality of the resulting plans. Public accountability is essential for a strong public power model.”

“TVA’s energy planning impacts everything from electricity bills to water and air quality, yet the public has had virtually no meaningful pathway to make their voices heard. Representatives Cohen and Burchett’s act would make TVA more transparent and accountable at a time when the communities of the Tennessee Valley are struggling under rising energy bills,” said Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Manager Amy Kelly.

“For far too long, TVA’s planning process has fallen short of the transparency and public involvement expected of a public power utility,” said Jake Duncan, Southeast Senior Regulatory Director for Vote Solar. “The TVA Increase Rate of Participation Act is an essential reform that brings meaningful community input and real accountability into the heart of TVA’s decision-making. It’s a critical step toward a fairer, more modern energy system that puts Tennesseans first.”

“TVA was created to serve the public good, not operate behind closed doors. This legislation is a necessary step toward restoring accountability, transparency, and meaningful public engagement across the Tennessee Valley. The people paying TVA’s bills deserve to see how decisions are made and to have a seat at the table, especially as the region faces enormous energy and affordability challenges. We strongly support this effort to modernize TVA’s governance and bring public participation back where it belongs: front and center.” - Daniel Tait, Executive Director, Energy Alabama

The TVP IRP Act would open up the energy planning process and ensure meaningful public participation and the inclusion of third-party expert advice. Specifically, it would:

Establish an Office of Public Participation to engage with the public through direct outreach and education and solicit broader participation in issues affecting the Valley including by:

Acting as a liaison to members of the public by providing ongoing process information on individual proceedings and responding to requests for technical assistance;

Making recommendations to improve processes to ensure they are inclusive, fair and easy to navigate; and

Facilitating a process for meaningful and open public engagement in the IRP process including opportunities for intervention, discovery, filed comments and an evidentiary hearing.

Require the IRP to include standard information, such as:

A long-term forecast of TVA’s sales and peak demand under various reasonable scenarios;

A summary of electrical transmission investments planned by TVA;

Resource portfolios that fairly evaluate demand-side and supply-side technologies;

Sensitivity analyses related to fuel costs, environmental regulations, electrification, distributed energy resources, and other uncertainties or risks;

Disclosure to intervening parties the modeling assumptions used in developing the IRP, including costs and constraints on the model; and

Details of how and where public input informed the plan; and

Require the Board of Directors to issue a decision approving, denying or modifying the plan, like every other utility regulator, according to the least cost and reliability requirements in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and require consideration of resilience, extreme weather risk, and public health impacts.

# # #",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 endorsed by the following organizations: EnergyTag, Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), Public Citizen, Southern Environmental Law Center, and Center for Biological Diversity

Endorsement statements:

“The US is experiencing significant demand growth driven, in part, by data center buildout and rapidly increasing electricity consumption. The Clean Cloud Act asks the largest energy users to take responsibility for their impacts by matching their electricity consumption with new clean electricity matched to the hour when and the location where they operate. When electricity users match their usage with new, near, and now clean electricity, the energy grid becomes more efficient, and savings can be passed along to consumers. The solutions outlined in this bill will help ensure that industrial growth does not exacerbate the affordability crisis we see today and drives around the clock clean energy forward,” said Alex Piper, Head of US Policy and Markets at EnergyTag. “EnergyTag applauds Congressman Cohen for his leadership here. Clean, affordable growth is necessary and possible, and this bill sets the foundation.”

“This is a meaningful step toward finally reining in pollution from the high-emitting AI and cryptomining industries. The commonsense measures in the Clean Cloud Act will cut carbon emissions and prevent these sectors from deepening the climate crisis and putting communities at risk,” said Camden Weber, climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Rep. Cohen’s bill is a smart, much-needed move to bring oversight to these industries, which have operated without safeguards.”

“We fully support the goals behind the Clean Cloud Act, especially the opportunity to build additional power generation, increase electric grid stability and grow energy industry jobs,” said Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin. “We anticipate electricity demand on the grid continuing to grow exponentially over the coming years and we appreciate Congressman Cohen’s continued advocacy on this important issue.”

# # #",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 requires applicants to undergo comprehensive background checks and suitability reviews. In light of that, I request answers to the following questions:

How many current ICE employees, including agents and officers, received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for conduct related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol?

Can you confirm that participation—whether charged, convicted, or pardoned—in the January 6 attack would render an applicant ineligible for employment as an ICE agent or officer?

What policies or safeguards does ICE have in place to ensure that individuals who attacked law enforcement officers or attempted to undermine our democratic system cannot be hired into positions of federal law enforcement authority?

“Effective law enforcement depends on credibility, integrity, and adherence to constitutional obligations. Ensuring that ICE’s workforce meets those basic standards is essential to its mission and to public trust.”

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-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, several questions remain about the implementation of this ceasefire and the State Department’s plan to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza for civilians.

“How will the State Department ensure that there is not only a sufficient amount but also a proper combination of humanitarian aid, such as food, water, baby formula, medicine, and housing supplies, to meet the needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza?”

Read the full text of 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-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 subpoenas, only the parties to the calls on the day before, January 6, and the following day, a legitimate inquiry under the circumstances. Both of Tennessee’s senators could benefit from that provision.”

# # #",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 Representatives—

deplores all forms of political repression and imprisonment and conveys its unwavering solidarity with all those imprisoned around the world for peacefully expressing their political or religious beliefs;

supports efforts by the United States Government to condemn political imprisonment, hold accountable those regimes responsible for persecuting and imprisoning dissenters, raise international awareness of political prisoners, and secure their release through bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other states, and urges it to continue such efforts in the future; and supports the designation of an ‘International Day of Political Prisoners’ in the United States.”

# # #",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 a suffering family, a community deprived of a valued member, and nations yearning for freedom and justice. The plight of political prisoners stands as an indictment of the regimes that silence opposition and criminalise dissent. Yet, even in the darkest of times, the quiet strength of these individuals continues to inspire and mobilise efforts for change.

“Our solidarity with political prisoners and their families does not end with words. We call upon all States to fulfill their international obligations by investigating abuses and releasing those detained on politically motivated charges. Where justice is denied, collective action—whether through diplomatic engagement, principled advocacy, or targeted sanctions against rights violators—must be pursued.

“To the political prisoners whose sacrifice transcends personal suffering, we say: You are not forgotten. Your integrity upholds the eternal flame of liberty. We remain committed to a world in which no one faces persecution for speaking truth to power.

“Democracy, justice, and human dignity are not concessions to be granted, but enduring demands. We stand united in defending them.”

# # #",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 families at risk of losing their benefits. Tennesseans should not be made to skip meals or choose between food, rent, and medicine because of political gridlock in Washington.

“This is a moment for compassion and leadership. I trust that you will do what is right to ensure that no Tennessean goes hungry.”

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-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 priority than local policing. Local law enforcement officers work diligently—and often in dangerous circumstances—to keep our communities safe. There is no substitute for a professional, well-trained police department. When you call 911 in an emergency, local police respond, not ICE. They are our first responders, and their role cannot be replaced.

“The advertisements also misrepresent the work of local police. They suggest that officers are ordered to “stand down” and allow dangerous individuals to go free. That is simply false. In Memphis—as in every jurisdiction across the country—police arrest violent offenders regardless of immigration status. To imply otherwise is not only inaccurate but deeply insulting to the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep their communities safe. It is also worth noting that statistically, immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are less likely to engage in criminal activity than U.S. citizens.

“Congress has repeatedly acted on a bipartisan basis to strengthen and support local law enforcement. We fund them directly through federal grants, provide training and technical assistance, and maintain federal agencies—such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—that work in close partnership with state and local departments. The Department of Justice itself houses entire components devoted to supporting and improving local policing.

“For the safety of all our communities, federal agencies must not pit themselves against local law enforcement. This approach is shortsighted, divisive, and dangerous. I urge you to remove these advertisements and to reconsider ICE’s recruitment strategy so that it strengthens—rather than undermines—the vital work of our local police.”

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-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 appropriations affecting domestic programs; and

Whether sending $20 billion to Argentina is more ‘Argentina First’ or ‘America First.’”

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-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 grounds.’ Memphians are not enemies; they are Americans. They are entitled to constitutional rights, not their government working to “intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill” them. We are not a training ground or target practice. “Maximum lethality” is no way to treat fellow Americans. Memphis is one of America’s great cities with world-renowned cultural gifts, generous people, and a vibrant community.

“If the real purpose of the Memphis Safety Task Force is public safety, we must be more collaborative. I implore you to drop the wartime rhetoric and footing. I implore you to listen and respond to Memphians, coordinate with the City and County, communicate with my office, and invest in what has been working. We need long-term solutions, not political photo ops.

Sincerely,

Steve Cohen

Member of Congress “

# # #",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 contributes trillions of dollars to our national economy and supports millions of American jobs. A government shutdown should not interrupt aviation or create unnecessary chaos. This bill ensures that the FAA can keep operating without disruptions, which is critical to protect public safety and the livelihoods of aviation workers who keep our country and economy moving.”

The measure is supported by several organizations such as: Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Airlines For America (A4A), Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), and the Regional Airline Association.

An identical measure was introduced in the 117th Congress by retired Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio and then-Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen in June of 2021.

Endorsing organizations statements:

“We cannot allow politics to disrupt aviation safety and security,"" said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines. “During the 2019 shutdown, our system was stretched to the breaking point, and further strained by the pandemic. A shutdown today could have catastrophic consequences for our entire economy and most importantly, for our safety and security. We urge Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Stability Act to ensure that our nation's aviation workers are able to continue our vital work without disruption.”

“Now is not the time to put critical FAA functions and programs at risk because of a political stalemate in Washington,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “The last government shutdown lasted longer than anyone expected and took a tremendous toll on our aviation system. Dedicated air traffic controllers, security officers, and other federal personnel stayed on the job without getting a paycheck. Flight delays and cancellations rippled across the system and our economy, and important airport infrastructure projects were stalled. We appreciate Reps. Cohen and Carson for putting forward this important legislation to keep the FAA and its workers open for business in the event of another government shutdown.”

“APFA endorses the Aviation Funding Stability Act to ensure that critical FAA functions are not interrupted if the government is not funded. Shutdowns are costly to any agency that is already stretched thin, and in aviation we don’t take chances. Our industry is built upon mitigating risk, so if planes are to continue flying during a government shutdown, every FAA employee and air traffic controller must remain on the job with pay to continue their safety-critical roles. Thank you, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) and Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN-7), for reintroducing this bill to ensure that funding interruptions will not impact the safety of the flying public.” – Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) National President Julie Hedrick, representing 29,000 American Airlines Flight Attendants

# # #",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 statements:

“With roadway fatalities and injuries at historically high levels, a comprehensive approach to roadway safety is urgently needed. The Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act, offers this by improving roadway infrastructure and preserving localities’ ability to achieve targeted infrastructure enhancements. Traffic calming measures and roundabouts, which improve safety and traffic flow, benefit all road users. Advocates lauds Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Robert Garcia (D-CA) for their bipartisan leadership to advance roadway safety and protect the American public.” -- Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

From Transportation for America:

“SS4A has been a powerful mechanism for providing direct, rapid support to local communities to make their streets safer for everyone, allowing those who know their communities best to receive federal funds directly. We applaud this bipartisan, commonsense fix to direct more SS4A money to capital projects, and we hope that the next authorization will eliminate the need for programs like SS4A by prioritizing safety with all federal formula programs and holding states accountable for making measurable progress on safety.”

“Safety is a major issue on our nation’s roads. ASCE assigned U.S. roads a grade of ‘D+’ in the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, partially due to having the second-highest rate of traffic fatalities of any nation across the globe,” said Feniosky Peña Mora, Sc.D., P.E., President, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). “The Safe Streets and Roads for All Program helps addresses this by funding plans and projects intended to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 39,345 people died in traffic crashes on the nation's roads in 2024. Reauthorizing the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program will enable counties, cities, metropolitan planning organizations, Tribal governments, and other entities to concentrate on implementing solutions that can improve the safety of their communities. ASCE thanks Reps. Steve Cohen and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing legislation to reauthorize and improve this critical program.”

“The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program provides critically needed support to local communities across the country to improve transportation safety, reduce injuries, and save lives. Trust for Public Land supports SS4A because investments in local transportation safety result in safer routes to schools, parks, and other everyday destinations for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and commuters of all kinds. We applaud Congressman Cohen and his colleagues for introducing this important legislation to reauthorize and improve SS4A.” -- J.T. Horn, Senior Director of the Trails Initiative, Trust for Public Land

“The Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act gives local and regional leaders the resources and flexibility they need to make smart, life-saving investments in their communities. Placing decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the problem will enable communities to build safer streets and save lives.” -- Erich Zimmermann, Executive Director, National Association of Regional Councils

“The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) is proud to support the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act. The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program is a vital tool in advancing our nation’s roadway safety. By providing resources directly to local, regional and tribal governments, SS4A empowers communities to perform vital safety projects that move us closer to the goal of zero deaths on our nation’s roadways. We thank Reps. Cohen, Fitzpatrick, and Garcia for introducing this legislation and building on the program's success in order to save lives and prevent injuries on our roads."" -- Stacy Tetschner, President and CEO, American Traffic Safety Services Association

“The Safe Streets and Roads for All Program is making streets safer and saving lives in communities of every size,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “Whether you drive, bike, or walk, everyone deserves to get home safely. Reauthorizing this program means investing in proven solutions that prevent crashes, strengthen local economies, and connect communities. We thank Representative Cohen, Representative Fitzpatrick, and Representative Garcia for leading on this critical effort to keep Americans safe.”

“The safety of our roads is paramount,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program has invested in safety in more than 1,600 communities since its inception and we applaud those in Congress leading the charge to ensure this vital work continues. The Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act is an investment in safer communities and saving lives.”

“AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act. This important legislation reauthorizes and enhances the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, building on Congress’s work to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety across the nation…AARP appreciates your bipartisan leadership in sponsoring this critical legislation, and we look forward to working with you to ensure its enactment.” -- Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President, AARP Government Affairs

The Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act would:

Reauthorize the SS4A program at $5 billion annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through Fiscal Year 2031; and

Lower the planning grant set-aside to a minimum of 20 percent of annual program funding, which is a significant decrease from the original 40 percent, ensuring adequate implementation funding.

In 2023, more than 40,000 people died in traffic crashes across the United States. Pedestrian deaths alone reached a 40-year high in 2022, with 7,522 people struck and killed while walking. These numbers are not inevitable; they are preventable.

By allocating additional funding toward implementation, the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act builds on the proven success of the SS4A program to move us closer to the goal of zero roadway fatalities.

The bill is supported by AARP, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, American Heart Association, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), KABOOM!, League of American Bicyclists, National Association of Counties (NACo), PeopleforBikes, Rails to Trails, Transportation for America (T4A), Trust for Public Land, and over 50 state and local organizations listed here.

# # #",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 unless it is under court order to do so.

# # #",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 and hope our bill will have a significant effect on what everyone seems to acknowledge is a huge and growing problem.”

Congressman Beyer made the following statement:

“The Billionaires Income Tax Act is a simple policy that would prevent the ultra-wealthy from paying a lower tax rate than working families – a crucial and necessary step toward rectifying the shortcomings of the failed trickle-down economics approach. Republicans continue to cut taxes for the richest among us while making it harder for working people to make ends meet. Our bill instead champions a fair tax policy that not only places our nation on a more robust fiscal foundation but also promotes fairness in the tax code by requiring the super-rich to pay their share, reducing inequality, and funding services the American people depend on.”

Senator Wyden made the following statement:

“While people like nurses and firefighters pay taxes straight out of every paycheck, there’s a thicket of little-known tricks and accounting rules that allow billionaires to opt out of paying a fair share of tax on the income they enjoy. Billionaires and Republicans are going to offer up the same set of trickle-down arguments to pretend this proposal would bring about the end of western civilization. The only time you hear billionaires claim they can’t scrounge together any cash is when somebody brings up taxes, and odds are a lot of these mega-wealthy individuals are crying poverty from their yachts and private islands. This is a carefully designed proposal that draws on accounting methods already used in the tax code and raises revenue without increasing any tax rates.”

The Billionaires Income Tax Act would:

Require annual taxation of non-tradable assets like stocks, regardless of sale;

Apply a fair, interest-like charge on deferred gains from non-tradable assets like real estate when sold;

Eliminate loopholes that let billionaires avoid paying taxes on wealth passed down to heirs;

And include robust anti-abuse rules to prevent avoidance and gamesmanship.

It would raise hundreds of billions of dollars to shore up programs like Social Security and Medicare—all without touching working-class Americans.

Versions of the measure in previous Congresses have been endorsed by The measure has been endorsed by: AFL-CIO; Alliance for Retired Americans; American Family Voices; American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC); Americans for Tax Fairness; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO; Blue Haven Initiative; Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research; Center for Popular Democracy; Coalition on Human Needs; CommonDefense.us; Communications Workers of America (CWA); Demos; Economic Policy Institute; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends of the Earth U.S.; Greenpeace USA; Groundwork Action; Healthcare for America Now (HCAN); Indivisible; Institute for Policy Studies -Program on Inequality; Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); Islamic Circle of North America Council for Social Justice; Main Street Alliance; MoveOn; National Education Association (NEA); National Employment Law Project; National Women's Law Center; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Other98; Our Revolution; Oxfam America; Patriotic Millionaires; People's Action; Progressive Change Campaign Committee; Prosperity Now; Public Citizen; Responsible Wealth; RESULTS; RootsAction.org; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Sojourners; Strong Economy for All; Tax Justice Network USA; Tax the Ultra-Rich NOW!; UltraViolet; United Church of Christ Justice and Local Church Ministries; United for a Fair Economy; Unrig Our Economy; Voices For Progress; Working America.

# # #",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 Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

The legislation is endorsed by: Americans for Financial Reform, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Consumer Action, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of low income clients), National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, Unidos, New York Legal Assistance Group, National Black Justice Coalition, Job Opportunity Task Force, Public Citizen, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates.

###",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 not a facade for increased ICE enforcement in Memphis. That’s what I think this is about, and that would harm our local economy, particularly the tourist and construction industries. This is all about Trump showing the world that he’s a tough guy. This is the Trump Show 2.0.”

# # #",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, Florida Chapter for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Health Council of Southeast Florida, Jump in for Healthy Kids, Kids Forward, Laurie M. Trisch Center for Food, Education, and Policy, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Mary Ann Liebert Inc., Nemours Children’s Health System, Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Save the Children, and the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

# # #",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 with Drug Policy Alliance. “In light of recent changes to SNAP, it is more urgent than ever to close the gaps that deny people this vital support as they reenter society. Passing the RESTORE Act is essential to reducing hunger, breaking cycles of incarceration, and strengthening our communities.”

# # #",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 Sean Duffy last month stressing the congressional intent of last year’s Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization law regarding mobility devices like wheelchairs. See their release and the letter here.

# # #",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 University of California-Irvine and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression.

# # #",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 weather.

$21 million (FY25 Airport Infrastructure Grant): To rehabilitate and modernize key parts of the terminal building, including passenger circulation areas, ticketing, security checkpoints, mechanical and safety systems, and exterior upgrades. This funding supports Phase 6 of MEM’s terminal modernization program.

$19.6 million (FY25 Airport Improvement Program): To reconstruct terminal systems, implement seismic sustainability upgrades, rehabilitate taxiways, replace outdated airfield signage and markings, and reconfigure access roads.

$5 million (FY25 Airport Improvement Program): To realign and reconstruct a portion of Taxiway B by 45 degrees to enhance safety and efficiency.

Together, these four grants represent more than $50.6 million in new federal investment in Memphis International Airport, strengthening both passenger and cargo operations.

Snow Removal Equipment Facility – $5 Million (FY24 Community Project Funding)

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will receive $5 million in Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Cohen to design and build a new Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) facility at Memphis International Airport. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

The new facility will provide dedicated space to store and maintain the airport’s fleet of snow removal equipment, protecting it from winter weather, heat, and UV exposure, and extending the life of critical machinery. By improving the storage and readiness of this equipment, MEM will be better prepared to keep runways clear and operations running smoothly during severe weather.

As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee in 2024, Congressman Cohen requested this funding in coordination with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) as part of his slate of FY 2024 Community Project Funding requests. Now that the funding has been delivered, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will move forward with the design and construction of the new SRE facility.

Terminal Modernization – $21 Million (Airport Infrastructure Grant)

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will receive $21 million through the FAA’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Representative Cohen was the only Tennessee Representative to vote for. These funds will be used to continue work on Memphis International Airport’s terminal modernization program. This grant funds Phase 6 of the project, which includes rehabilitation and upgrades to passenger circulation areas, the ticketing hall, the security screening checkpoint, and the terminal exterior. It will also support replacement of aging mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems and improve overall energy efficiency.

These upgrades will help increase passenger throughput, modernize outdated infrastructure, and ensure that MEM’s terminal facilities can meet the needs of millions of travelers each year.

Terminal and Airfield Rehabilitation – $19.6 Million (Airport Improvement Program)

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will receive $19,576,935 through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for a wide-ranging set of rehabilitation projects at Memphis International Airport. The award will support reconstruction of vertical circulation, ticketing, security screening, and terminal systems that have reached the end of their useful lives; seismic sustainability improvements; reconstruction of 1,332 feet of Taxiway A West; and replacement of 91 airfield signs and markings.

This package of improvements will extend the life of critical facilities and airfield infrastructure, enhance safety, and maintain efficient passenger and cargo operations at MEM.

Taxiway B Realignment – $5 Million (Airport Improvement Program)

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will receive $5 million through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to begin realignment of Taxiway B. Phase 1 of the project will reconstruct 190 feet of pavement and shift the taxiway by 45 degrees to enhance airfield safety.

This improvement will modernize the airfield layout, reduce potential conflicts between aircraft, and support more efficient operations at MEM.

###",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 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.”

# # #",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 training, and a lack of timely assistance. These experiences have had serious consequences, including loss of independence, injury, and in some tragic cases, death. As United Spinal Association’s Director of Advocacy and Policy Stephen Lieberman stated, ‘This is a massive, systemic problem that has resulted in too many deaths, too many injuries, and too many people feeling like they’re second-class citizens. And yet outside of our community, the awareness isn’t there. The whole country should want to fix this if they only knew what was happening.’ That is why Congress – in a overwhelmingly bipartisan and bicameral fashion – directed DOT to address these failings through enforceable standards and accountability measures…

“We stand ready to provide any additional context or clarification that may support the Department’s continued efforts to fully implement these critical protections.”

See the entire letter here.

# # #",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 its sample. One panel member referred to it as the ‘worst study ever’ reviewed in their professional experience. Across more than 100 pages, the review catalogues a series of methodological, scientific, and procedural failures that render the study inadequate as a basis for any regulatory or certification decision…

“NASEM confirmed what I have pointed out to your agency for years. The study was not representative of the flying public, and it proved to be completely inadequate to determine whether minimum seat size and distance between rows of seats should be established to meet the 90-second emergency airplane evacuation time currently mandated by federal regulations.

“The urgency of these concerns was made evident by the recent emergency evacuation of American Airlines Flight 3023 at Denver International Airport, reportedly triggered by a landing gear fire. Video footage shows smoke pouring from the aircraft as passengers – some with carry-on bags, others carrying children – rushed down emergency slides. These are precisely the conditions absent from FAA’s 2019 testing, yet present in real-life emergencies. While not yet confirmed, the evacuation time from this incident was reportedly 10-15 minutes, which is well beyond the FAA’s 90-second requirement. If true, this is extremely concerning…

“Congress did not write the EVAC Act into law to produce symbolic improvements. We did so to ensure that every passenger, regardless of age, size, ability, or language. can evacuate safely and efficiently in an emergency. The NASEM report reaffirms that this goal remains unmet. The flying public deserves better, and the responsibility to deliver rests squarely with the FAA.”

See the entire letter attached.

# # #",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.

Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza -- $850,000. The funding for the Memphis Housing Authority will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure.

University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Upgrades - $850,000. Funds would be used to replace the water and sewer lines, repave and restripe for long term use and pedestrian and vehicle safety on the Park Avenue Campus.

Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project - $850,000. Funds will be used to renovate community facilities serving at-risk youth and provide additional housing for vulnerable families experiencing homelessness. The city will work in collaboration with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis and Hospitality Hub.

Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project -- $250,000. The funding will be used for renovations to support homeless veterans’ housing. The city will work in collaboration with Alpha Omega Veterans.

Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project - $250,000. The funding will be used to renovate and modernize key facilities on the campus.

Memphis Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Project - $4,250,000. The funding, jointly requested with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-8), will be used to seismically protect the airport departure roadway, enhance ADA access, and provide shelter for passengers from inclement weather.

The CJS Subcommittee approved the following:

Memphis Police Department Equipment Upgrades Project -- $1,031,000. The funding would be used to make critical software improvements to keep the Memphis Police Department aligned with best practices in public safety, utilizing predictive policing and data-driven operations.

Enhancing Shelby County District Attorney’s Victims/Witness Unit and Data Collection Services -- $1,031,000. The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program and support digital forensics to recover, analyze and preserve electronic data.

Community Project Funding for City of Memphis Youth Violence Prevention Initiative -- $1,031,000. The funding would be used to expand to a second location in South Memphis and increase services to youth and families to disrupt the pipeline to prison. The city plans to work with the community organizations Heal 901 and Pure Academy.

The Homeland Security Committee approved the following in June:

Shelby County Emergency Operations Center -- $1,034,487. The funding would be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County.

# # #",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