Government Reform
In Congress, Congressman Cohen has taken numerous steps to begin to change the way we do business in Washington and to restore accountability and transparency to government.
He has voted for and passed legislation that banned gifts from lobbyists, prohibited the use of corporate jets, and required full disclosure of earmarks. He has supported legislation banning pensions for Members of Congress convicted of certain crimes, and to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act by increasing government transparency.
Congressman Cohen has also taken the lead on important structural reforms, like non-partisan redistricting with the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act, and the rigorous, nonpartisan agency oversight with the Independent Acting Inspectors General Act.
More on Government Reform
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.
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 – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today praised the use of DNA evidence to win a conviction against the perpetrator of an 18-year-old rape that occurred in southwest Memphis.
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Lamar Smith (R-TX) today introduced legislation to protect consumers from unfair taxes on digital goods and services like those purchased over the internet or on smartphones. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act ensures that digital goods and services are not taxed at a higher rate than their tangible counterparts.
"Digital goods and services have become a driving force in our national economy," said Congressman Cohen. "We should make sure consumers are treated fairly and not double-taxed."