Government Reform
In Congress, I have taken numerous steps to begin to change the way we do business in Washington and to restore accountability and transparency to government. I have voted for and passed legislation that banned gifts from lobbyists, prohibited the use of corporate jets, and required full disclosure of earmarks. Also I have passed legislation banning pensions for Members of Congress convicted of certain crimes; and strengthening the Freedom of Information Act to increase government transparency.
More on Government Reform
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) went to the House floor this evening after learning that Republican House leaders have decided that Congress will adjourn early on Wednesday for a five-week August recess, and made the following remarks:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Independent Acting Inspectors Generals Act aimed at insulating both permanent and acting inspectors general – appointed to investigate waste, fraud and abuse in their agencies and departments – from political interference.
President Donald Trump fired inspectors general as one of his first acts in office. Federal inspectors general were created in 1978 to establish independent oversight of federal agencies.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded House passage of the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act. Congressmen Cohen and Tim Burchett (TN-2) introduced the measure in February, and it passed unanimously out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in April.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a member of the House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force created to address Trump Administration power grabs through intervention in the federal courts, today applauded a Boston federal judge’s ruling preventing the dismantling of the Department of Education. Congressman Cohen signed on to the task force’s amicus curiae brief in State of New York v. Linda McMahon.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, discussed implementation of the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization law, including his EVAC Act, at a full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on an update of the measure on the anniversary of its passage.
During the hearing, Congressman Cohen said in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Jim McGovern (MA-2) along with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island today introduced a resolution condemning President Trump’s continual attacks on the free press. The resolution calls for the Executive Branch to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to perform their duties “without fear of retaliation.” The United States must reaffirm its commitment to preserving and protecting freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today issued a statement in response to concerning reports about a recent Black Hawk helicopter that led to two commercial flights aborting landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
“If reports are true that an Army helicopter deviated from its standard flight path, causing two commercial airliners to execute go-arounds, this raises significant questions about interagency coordination and aviation safety.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) took note of more detailed plans to hold a military parade coinciding with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14 and reiterated the need to pass his Halting All Parades for Presidents’ Yearly Birthdays; It Risks Taxpayer Harm, Damages, And Your (HAPPY BIRTHDAY) Budget Act.
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will recognize World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, and released the following statement:
WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act that would bar debt collectors from bringing legal actions involving a consumer debt for which the statute of limitations has expired.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement: