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-09) watched President Trump's second State of the Union message to Congress on television at his office in the Rayburn House Office Building and released the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07) and Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today introduced the Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act. This legislation would restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans the same as other types of private debt are treated in bankruptcy. Until 2005, this type of student loan debt was dischargeable in bankruptcy, but a change to the bankruptcy code that year removed that consumer protection.
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, and Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act. This legislation requires the federal government to keep records on Equal Access to Justice Act payments, including reimbursements to individuals for attorney's fees accrued as a result of unjustified legal action taken by the federal government.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) watched President Trump's speech about the security of our southern border with Mexico tonight and made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Don Young (Alaska-at-large) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow patients to have access to medical marijuana in states where marijuana is legal without fear of federal prosecution.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced two Constitutional Amendments today on the opening day of the new Congress. The first would eliminate the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States. The second would limit the presidential pardon power by prohibiting presidents from pardoning themselves, members of their families, members of their administrations and their campaign staff.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced a package of criminal justice and voter protection bills today on the first day of the new Congress:
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) voted for the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that passed the House today on a 358 to 36 vote after clearing the Senate late Tuesday night.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, announced today his intention to reintroduce his constitutional amendment to limit the President's pardon power when the new Congress convenes in January.