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
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittee on Aviation, today wrote to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the results of mandated testing called for in the FAA Reauthorization Act's 2018 Cohen-authored Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act provisions. The testing to determine whether aircraft can be safely evacuated in the regulated minimum time permitted got under way after the bill's mandated deadline in 2019 and the results still remain unknown.
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee after press accounts indicated Shelby County's rate of coronavirus vaccination is the lowest in the state. With Black Americans suffering a disproportionately high share of coronavirus infections, Shelby County mirrors the national situation with 673 of its1,169 COVID-19 deaths being Black Memphians. Congressman Cohen's letter asks Lee to act "proactively," and "rectify this issue immediately."
Congressman Cohen's letter reads in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today attended the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, today voted to impeach President Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors for the second time. Congressman Cohen led an early effort to impeach Trump by introducing five Articles of Impeachment on November 15, 2017, and voted to impeach Trump for the first time on December 18, 2019 but the Senate failed to convict him at trial.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, tonight joined his Congressional colleagues in calling upon Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the provisions of the 25th Amendment and remove President Trump from office.
See the Congressman's remarks during tonight's debate here.
The vote was 223 to 205.
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 expressed strong support for the Article of Impeachment that will go to a vote in the House on Wednesday, and made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, today introduced a joint resolution to amend the Constitution by abolishing the Electoral College. In the past 20 years, the archaic institution has twice awarded the presidency to a candidate who did not win the popular vote, defeating the will of the American people.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, will introduce on Monday a joint resolution to amend the Constitution by abolishing the Electoral College. In the past 20 years, the archaic institution has twice awarded the presidency to a candidate who did not win the popular vote, defeating the will of the American people.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was in the House Chamber earlier today when intruders breached U.S. Capitol security and illegally occupied parts of the Capitol Complex. He is safe and plans to vote later this evening to certify the votes of the Electoral College. He made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Chairman of House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, today introduced a Constitutional Amendment to reform the Presidential pardon power to address ongoing abuses and prevent its future use to advance conflicts of interest. The Congressman introduced the measure on the first day of the new, 117th Congress to call attention to its importance.