Helping Bring Fairness to Our Criminal Justice System
Dear Friend,
This week, the President nominated U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton to be the next U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, my plan to help bring fairness to our criminal justice system was discussed at a House Judiciary Committee hearing, and the nation said goodbye to comedy legend David Letterman’s late night show. 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.
My Plan to Bring Fairness to our Criminal Justice System
President Nominates Ed Stanton for Federal Judgeship
Saying Goodbye to the Late Show with David Letterman
Thanking Servicemen and Women along with their Families
Welcoming Memphians to Capitol Hill
Helping Keep College Affordable
Recognizing Memphis Businesses’ Success
Receiving an Award for Reforming our Nation’s Criminal Drug Policies
Helping Children Get Ahead for 50 Years
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 hearing on these issues the Judiciary Committee finally considered them this week. Watch me discuss the plan Congressman Lacy Clay—who represents Ferguson—and I proposed here and read about the plan here.
President Nominates Ed Stanton for Federal Judgeship
Last night, President Obama nominated U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton to serve as District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee. Ed Stanton, who will fill the seat being vacated by Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr., in July, has proven himself to be an outstanding lawyer both as U.S. Attorney and as senior litigator for FedEx. He is well-respected by his peers and will serve our country in an outstanding fashion. I was proud to recommend Ed to the President and am glad the President has nominated him for this position.
Saying Goodbye to the Late Show with David Letterman
The nation said farewell to comedy legend David Letterman’s late night show this week. I spoke on the House Floor to thank Dave, who frequently interviewed Presidents and political leaders, for sharing his genius with America—you can watch my speech here.
Thanking Servicemen and Women along with their Families
Starting on Memorial Day, active-duty military personnel, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, and their families are 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.
Welcoming Memphians to Capitol Hill
This week I was pleased to welcome the Pender family to my Capitol Hill office and meet with students from the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering the steps of the United States Capitol Visitor Center. As always, it was my pleasure to welcome Memphians to Washington.
Helping Keep College Affordable
For some university president, teaching becomes secondary to their own salaries. Education isn't always their main priority. I spoke to Blue Nation Review about some of the issues with college president salaries, which as the Wall Street Journalreported this week can reach millions every year. You can read my interview here.
Recognizing Memphis Businesses’ Success
I was pleased to see two Memphis-based companies, supply chain solution provider Dunavant Logistics Group and manufacturer Ace Pump Corporation, recognized for their success with the President’s E Awards. Read about the awards here.
Receiving an Award for Reforming our Nation’s Criminal Drug Policies
I enjoyed meeting with members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) in the Capitol yesterday and was proud to receive their Board of Directors Special Appreciation Award, which recognizes my leadership role in Congress on criminal drug policy reform.
Helping Children Get Ahead for 50 Years
Early education is not a partisan issue. This week marked the 50th anniversary of the launch of Head Start, which provides a strong start benefiting children across the nation--including 4,300+ in Shelby County last year alone.
I hope you have a happy, safe, and peaceful Memorial Day.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress