Introducing a Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College
Dear Friend,
As I approach the end of my Congressional career, I am prioritizing my efforts to reform our democratic institutions, which is why I have reintroduced a Constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College. I also introduced a bill that would allow mobile stroke units to be properly reimbursed by Medicare, offered public comments on a harmful proposed revision of a federal health survey, reviewed my career in public office with WMC’s Kelli Cook, received a 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Scorecard, and offered a Friday Flashback, a weekly health tip, and a Bill Day cartoon. Keep reading and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens.
Introducing a Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College
Introducing Mobile Stroke Unit Legislation
Offering Public Comment on Proposed Changes to National Health Interview Survey
Reviewing My Years of Public Service with WMC-Channel 5
Scoring 100 Percent on the Human Rights Campaign Scorecard
Inviting Students to Register for the Congressional App Challenge
Introducing a Constitutional Amendment to Abolish the Electoral College
Earlier this month, I introduced a Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Electoral College. This process distorts our elections, and by potentially handing the Presidency to the loser of the popular vote. It is unfair and it is beyond time to have a truly popularly elected President and Vice President. A vestige of compromises that bolstered the South’s political power, this anti-democratic and anachronistic institution permits “elector” politicians to override the people’s choice as reflected in the popular vote. It’s unlikely the measure I have introduced will make much progress with the current Republican House majority, but it is legislation I’ve long championed and I hope to see progress made next year.
Introducing Mobile Stroke Unit Legislation
Earlier this week, I joined Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3) in introducing the Mobile Stroke Units Improve Health Outcomes Act, legislation creating incentives for deploying mobile stroke units and providing Medicare reimbursement for their services. See my release here.
Offering Public Comment on Proposed Changes to National Health Interview Survey
Also this week, I co-authored a letter with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opposing proposed changes to its National Health Interview Survey that would minimize its focus on people with disabilities. See the letter here.
Reviewing My Years of Public Service with WMC-Channel 5
On Monday, WMC aired what Kelli Cook called an “exit interview” with me, reviewing my career in public life back to when I served on the Tennessee Constitutional Convention in 1977. The segment highlighted my work to get the votes as a Shelby County commissioner to build the Regional Medical Center (now known as Regional One), my nearly 20-year effort as a state Senator to pass the Tennessee Lottery resulting in billions of dollars in college scholarships, my apology for slavery and Jim Crow segregation which passed shortly after my election to Congress, and other memorable milestones. Watch the WMC report here.
Scoring 100 Percent on the Human Rights Campaign Scorecard
I’m proud to have earned a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard, which was announced this week. During the 119th Congress, we defeated nearly all anti-LGBTQ+ provisions pushed by MAGA Republicans. I’m proud of my record defending my LGBTQ+ constituents – in this Congress and throughout my career.
Inviting Students to Register for the Congressional App Challenge
Registration for the prestigious Congressional App Challenge is now under way with a Thursday, October 30 at 11 a.m. Central Time, deadline. The computer science coding competition for middle and high school students has grown exponentially since its inception in 2013. Students living in or going to school in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District are eligible and can use any platform or programming language. Winners will be invited to the U.S. Capitol to demonstrate their projects in Spring 2026. See details and register here.
I took this picture of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at an event in April 2018.
Healthier 901 says the Autumn may be the best time to begin healthier habits, like exercise and losing weight. Take a look at some of its suggestions for healthier living in the Mid-South here.
A Bill Day Cartoon – “November 3rd”
“The people of Ukraine have shown inspiring bravery over the past four and a half years. They defied expert predictions and rebuffed Russia’s invasion. More than 125,000 of them have been killed, and another half million have been wounded. Many live with daily fear and are preparing for a difficult winter. They are fighting a battle that benefits the entire free world. Mr. Trump is fighting only for himself.” – The New York Times editorial “Trump’s Betrayal of Ukraine” on Tuesday
As always, I remain
Sincerely,
 |
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress