Paying Tribute to the Men and Women Who Have Served our Nation

Dear Friend,

This week, we paid tribute to the sacrifices of our servicemen and women on Memorial Day, I wrote about my plan to bring fairness to our criminal justice system in the Commercial Appeal, and announced almost $1.5 million to fight AIDS and HIV in Memphis. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week, or if you’d like to receive the updates in this eNewsletter (and more) as they happen, simply “like” my Facebook page. Be sure to check it regularly, as it will be updated often with news, pictures, and videos.

Paying Tribute to the Men and Women Who Have Served our Nation
Thanking Servicemen and Women along with their Families
My Plan to Bring Fairness to our Criminal Justice System
Congress on Your Corner at Benjamin L. Hooks Library
Offering Young Tennesseans an Opportunity to Work in Congress
Fighting HIV and AIDS in Memphis

Paying Tribute to the Men and Women Who Have Served our Nation

On Monday we commemorated Memorial Day by paying tribute to the memory of the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our nation and our liberty. I hope we all took a moment to reflect on their selfless courage, commitment to our country, and the sacrifice they and their families made to keep us safe. I encourage all Memphians to keep our nation’s heroes in their thoughts not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year as well.

Thanking Servicemen and Women along with their Families

In recognition of their sacrifices, active-duty military personnel (including those in the National Guard and Reserve) and their families are now welcome to visit more than 2,000 museums with free admission until Labor Day (September 7th). It's just one small way we can thank you for your service to our nation. Click here for a list of museums in Memphis that are participating.

My Plan to Bring Fairness to our Criminal Justice System

America received a sobering wakeup call last year in Ferguson, followed by others in Staten Island, Cleveland, North Charleston, and more recently in Baltimore. The need for reform is as clear as it is urgent. It is past time for Congress to bring fairness to our criminal justice system, and I am pleased that after months of calling for a hearing on these issues the Judiciary Committee finally decided to consider them before recessing last week. This week, I wrote about the plan Congressman Lacy Clay—who represents Ferguson—and I proposed. You can read our op-edhere.

Congress on Your Corner at Benjamin L. Hooks Library

If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, I hope I can help. From 10am to 1pm next Friday (June 5th), staff from my Memphis office will be on hand at the Benjamin L. Hooks Public Library (3030 Poplar) to answer your questions and provide assistance dealing with federal agencies. We hope to see you there.

Offering Young Tennesseans an Opportunity to Work in Congress

I am pleased to welcome Collierville native Thomas Carpenter as the newest intern in my Capitol Hill office in Washington, DC. During his May through August internship, Thomas will work closely with my legislative team and assist in other official duties such as helping with constituent requests, attending hearings and briefings, conducting legislative research, and providing tours of the Capitol complex to Memphians visiting Washington. It is important to provide opportunities like these to young adults who are passionate about efficient, effective governance and smart public policy. If you or someone you know is interested in interning in either of my Memphis or Washington offices, you can learn more about how to apply here.

Fighting HIV and AIDS in Memphis

While there have been major breakthroughs in treatments over the years, HIV and AIDS remain a problem in the Ninth District. I was pleased to announce almost $1.5 million in federal funding earlier this week to help thousands of Memphians living with AIDS and HIV access the high-quality, comprehensive care they need. Read more about the funding here.

As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress