Defense

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Research First Act to prevent and reverse the disastrous effects of sequestration cuts on critically important National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects that could one day lead to cures for diseases that plague people around the globe. The legislation would replace more than $1.5 billion in crippling cuts to the NIH with Department of Defense funding that Pentagon leaders admit they don’t need.

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last night celebrated the passage of his amendment to cut the deficit and help limit the risk of taxpayer dollars being wasted or stolen in Afghanistan. The Congressman’s amendment to the to the FY2014 Defense Department Appropriations bill, which reduces funding to the Afghan Infrastructure Fund by $139 million, passed by a bipartisan vote of 249-173. Video of the Congressman’s remarks in support of the amendment can be viewed here.

MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today hosted a ‘Welcome Home’ reception for Army Sergeant Major Marvin Hill at his District Office. Command Sergeant Major Marvin Hill is a Memphian who recently retired from having served as Command Senior Enlisted Leader for International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces – Afghanistan. Congressman Cohen also presented Command Sergeant Major Hill with a proclamation for his service.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) ushered through the passage of an historic amendment to cut funding for Afghanistan infrastructure. Congressman Cohen’s amendment reduced funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund by $175 million in the FY2013 Defense Department Appropriations bill. It was the only amendment to pass during roll call votes last night. It passed by a vote of 228-191.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today offered an amendment to reduce funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund by $175 million in the FY2013 Defense Department Appropriations bill. The Cohen Amendment will be voted on by the House later tonight.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today offered an amendment to the FY 2013 Defense Department Appropriations bill to increase funding for Defense Health Programs by $235 million and decrease the Department of Defense budget by more than $260 million. Under the Cohen proposal, funds would be diverted from the Cruiser Ship program to health care programs like cancer research. The Cohen Amendment will be voted on by the House either later tonight or tomorrow.

MEMPHIS, TN – Acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today joined Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) to honor the life and accomplishments of Lt. Col. Luke J. Weathers, Jr., the FAA’s first African American air traffic control specialist in Memphis, and a decorated pilot who flew with the Tuskegee Airmen.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today released the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: