Homeland Security

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded President Biden’s declaration of a Major Disaster from severe storms and straight-line winds in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Henry counties from July 18 to July 21. The declaration triggers the availability of federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities and assistance needed to prevent or reduce risks to life and property from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide the City of Memphis with a $10,795,984 grant to hire firefighters through its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reacted with shock and sadness after hearing that the Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South on White Station was reportedly hit by gunfire this afternoon, and made the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the threats that domestic violent extremism, anti-government sentiment, and white supremacy pose to our homeland security.  He followed up on his exchange with FBI Director Wray last week in which they discussed how rhetorical attacks on federal law enforcement are spurring violence.

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee asking him to seek a disaster declaration for damage done to homes, businesses and utilities by the third round of serious storms to hit the region since June 25. The request involves severe thunderstorms beginning July 18 that affected parts of Shelby County.

The letter reads in part:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide the State of Tennessee $12,160,651 for costs incurred by the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division after the severe winter storm of February 3-4 last year. This public assistance is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray, and called out Republican attacks on the Bureau that are putting agents in danger. 

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee urging him to seek federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage done by high winds since Sunday. Congressman Cohen noted that the minimum threshold has been far exceeded with millions of dollars in damage already reported.

The letter reads in part: