Memphis

WASHINGTON -- Monday, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sent a letter to House leadership saying that the next COVID-19 stimulus package should mandate that lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) prioritize minority-owned businesses and require the disclosure of loan recipients to ensure accountability and compliance.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was saddened to learn of the death Friday of his friend, the Reverend Steve Montgomery, the beloved former pastor of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, who retired 15 months ago, and released the following statement:

"I've been dealing with the death of my friend Congressman John Lewis, and was shocked at the news of Steve Montgomery's death. There was a lot of John Lewis in Steve Montgomery: He was courageous, he was caring, he was forgiving, he was humble, and he was smart. His life was a blessing and his death is a great loss."

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the City of Memphis will receive a grant of $200,505 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Program.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"This funding is especially welcome during this pandemic when local resources are stretched thin. The Memphis Fire Department is doing an excellent job under these trying circumstances and I'm pleased this grant will help."

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today attended the funeral service for the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once pastored. Congressman Cohen was invited to attend the service as part of the official Congressional delegation honoring Lewis' memory.

After the service, Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today introduced the Civil Rights Enhancement and Law Enforcement Accountability Improvement Act. The measure would explicitly provide that an employer of a law enforcement officer is vicariously liable for officers' acts or omissions committed within the scope of their employment that deprive people of their constitutional rights. Municipalities would be liable to the same extent as private employers under state law.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today questioned Attorney General William P. Barr at a Committee oversight hearing. It was Barr's first appearance before the Committee since his appointment more than 17 months ago.

Congressman Cohen, noting that he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, asked Barr to make Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband available to the committee. Barr gave him a noncommittal response.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, today was joined by Representatives Don Young (R-AK-At Large), Albio Sires (D-NJ-08), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) in introducing the Airport Infrastructure Readiness (AIR) Act.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today paid his respects to the late John Lewis at a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda, where the legendary Civil Rights leader and Georgia Congressman will lie in state.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"America has lost a hero. I have lost a hero, a dear friend, and an inspiration to continue to get into ‘good trouble' to overcome injustice. It was an honor to serve with this gentleman. He was the embodiment of Dr. King's beloved community and will never be forgotten."