Children and Families
It is important to provide all children and families access to a quality, affordable education and healthcare to help them secure a prosperous future. As a member of Congress, I have championed for legislation that makes it easier for Americans to balance work and family responsibilities, expands support for foster youth care, and serves the needs of children with special behavioral health needs and/or medical disabilities. I also firmly believe that assisting families in their pursuit of higher education is critical for our nation's growth and success.
More on Children and Families

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last week wrote to Governor Bill Haslam asking him to consider potential clemency for Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking convicted of murder as an adult and currently serving a life sentence.
The letter, sent December 10, can be seen here.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) received notice today of a Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs and made the following statement:
"Head Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream."

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his condolences to the family of the youth football player who died in the predawn bus accident in Arkansas this morning and said his thoughts are also with the children injured in the accident and their families.
Congressman Cohen released the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), along with dozens of his Congressional colleagues, today wrote to President Trump and to multiple state attorneys general -- including Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H.

WASHINGTON -- As students across the U.S. return to school for the beginning of the new school year, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the School Bus Safety Act today to help keep students safe as they travel to and from school while also helping prevent accidents involving school buses.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $802,489 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).
"I am proud of the important medical research taking place in Memphis," said Congressman Cohen. "These significant federal investments will help keep Memphis at the forefront of the medical research community."

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded research grants totaling $1,151,320 to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has awarded University of Memphis a grant of $189,929 for a project titled The Impact of Stress and Resilience on Obesity-Related Metabolic Complications in Adolescents.

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $14,254,835 in federal funds to combat homelessness and support affordable housing programs and facilities for vulnerable populations throughout Memphis. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, Community Development Block Grant program, and Emergency Solutions Grants program.