Expressing Dismay at the Dysfunction of House Republicans
Dear Friend,
This week, I waited for the House Republican conference to work out its differences and get some work done for the American people – to no avail. A small faction of hard-right Republicans has taken the House hostage, and we adjourned two days early because no resolution could be found. This is irresponsible and outrageous and shows that a Republican majority is a dysfunctional majority. Nonetheless, some good things happened this week: I welcomed introduction of a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act and introduced two aviation-related bills to assure passengers can travel safely and airports have the necessary resources to undergo resiliency projects, congratulated Memphis Postmaster James Tate III, advocated for an Amtrak passenger rail route between Memphis and Nashville and/or Memphis and Little Rock, attended last Saturday’s Pride parade down Beale Street, and offered a health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I’m doing as it happens.
Expressing Dismay at the Dysfunction of House Republicans
Welcoming Bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act
Introducing the Airport Infrastructure Resiliency Act and Safe Seats for All Act
Seeking Swift Reduction in Ethylene Oxide Emissions
Seeking Clarification on the Safety of Sugar Substitutes
Congratulating Memphis Postmaster James Tate III
Questioning Amtrak CEO about a Memphis-to-Nashville Route
Attending Memphis Pride Parade
Expressing Dismay at Dysfunction of House Republicans
Like most of the country, I was appalled at this week’s ongoing display of incompetence as Republican leaders failed Tuesday afternoon to pass a simple procedural rule for consideration of their own ideologically motivated messaging bills on gas stoves and administrative procedures. Ultimately, the House adjourned without another floor vote for the entire week. The Chamber is being held hostage by an ideological group of MAGA Republicans. As a matter of history, the kind of dysfunction we saw this week hasn’t happened in 22 years. It certainly never happened under Speaker Pelosi.
Welcoming Bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act
On Friday, as the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I joined the leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in introducing a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. The bill already includes many of my priorities, including measures to assure the safe evacuation of aircraft for all passengers, including the disabled, aviation workforce development, and programs to improve airport infrastructure and efficiency. See my release here.
Introducing the Airport Infrastructure Resiliency and Safe Seats for All Acts
Last November, I invited Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to the dedication of a $309 million Consolidated De-Icing Facility at Memphis International Airport. A month later, Winter Storm Elliott stranded millions as 4,200 flights were cancelled and even more were delayed. That’s why, on Wednesday, I introduced with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of California the Airport Infrastructure Resiliency Act to provide funding for airports to plan ahead for severe weather events and the ongoing effects of climate change. See our release here. Also Wednesday, I introduced with Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut the Safe Seats for All Act to establish a moratorium on the reduction of airplane seat sizes until the FAA determines what seat dimensions are required for the safe evacuation of aircraft. See that release here.
Seeking Swift Reduction in Ethylene Oxide Emissions
I was glad to join dozens of community members at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church last weekend for a conversation on the potential impacts of ethylene oxide (EtO) on Memphis residents and families. EtO is a known carcinogen. Memphis is fortunate to have top-notch hospitals and a thriving medical industry presence, it’s essential for them to have clean equipment, but we need to know that the companies doing that cleaning -- like Sterilization Services of Tennessee, here in Memphis — are also doing their part to minimize the release of harmful pollutants like EtO into our local communities. I’ve been in touch with the EPA on this issue, agency representatives visited Memphis again this week for an update on their newly proposed regulations, and I’ve written to the company's general manager. I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to protect our clean air in Memphis.
Seeking Clarification on the Safety of Sugar Substitutes
I have been hearing from constituents about concerns raised by the World Health Organization and others about studies suggesting maltodextrin, sucralose and other artificial sweeteners or non-sugar substitutes could be harmful to human health. I wrote to the head of the Food and Drug Administration this week seeking clarification on this issue. See my release here.
Congratulating Memphis Postmaster James Tate III
Postmaster James Tate III
This morning, on behalf of the citizens of Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, a proclamation was presented at City Hall to James Tate III congratulating him on being Memphis’ new Postmaster. Mr. Tate, a 28-year postal service veteran and a combat veteran of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, will oversee an operation of 818 people serving a population of more than 633,000. Congratulations, Mr. Tate!
Questioning Amtrak CEO about a Memphis-to-Nashville Route
On Tuesday, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner testified at a hearing before a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, where I asked him to assess the status of routes from Memphis to Little Rock and Memphis to Nashville. His response was encouraging. See our exchange in this release.
Attending Memphis Pride Parade
Photo credit: Kevin Reed
Last Saturday, I released a statement applauding U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker’s ruling that Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act restricting drag performances is unconstitutional. Later in the day, I joined the crowds on Beale Street for the annual Memphis Pride Parade.
This is National Community Health Improvement Week – who knew? – and various organizations are urging ordinary citizens to join the COVID-19 Community Corps, a team of 17,000 individuals and groups seeking to encourage vaccination and end misinformation. Read about its rationale and sign up here.
“Today, an indictment was unsealed, charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice. This indictment was voted by a grand jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida, and I invite everyone to read it in full to understand the scope and the gravity of the crimes charged.
“The men and women of the United States Intelligence Community and our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and its people. Our laws that protect National Defense Information are critical to the safety and security of the United States, and they must be enforced.
“Violations of those laws put our country at risk. Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice, and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world.
“We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone.” – Special Counsel Jack Smith on Friday afternoon the unsealing of the Trump indictment.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress