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, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today joined Attorney General Eric Holder in urging the U.S. Sentencing Commission to make certain non-violent drug offenders eligible for reduced sentences if they are incarcerated in federal prisons under sentences that no longer apply under current law.
Dear Friend,
This week, the House passed my amendment to provide an extra $5 million to help eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits in America, on the House Floor I highlighted the importance of making sure our veterans receive the care they deserve, and an impressive Memphian was interviewed by Katie Couric for her work to help foster youth. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Legislation introduced by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Congressman Cynthia Lummis (WY-AL) to increase government transparency, the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act, passed the House of Representatives. Congress originally enacted the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) as a means to help individuals, retirees, veterans, and small businesses recover attorney’s fees and costs associated with suing or defending against the federal government, but in 1995 removed important reporting requirements. This legislation, H.R.
Under new criteria, thousands of non-violent drug offenders could be eligible for commutations of unjust sentences that are relics from now-defunct policies
[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today applauded President Obama after it was announced that his Administration plans to use more expansive criteria in considering requests for executive clemency.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, this morning urged United States Attorney General Eric Holder to provide federal monitors for the upcoming elections in Shelby County. Video of this morning’s questioning is available here.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today made the following statement after House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-01) released the House Republican FY2015 budget proposal:
DEA Deputy Administrator Harrigan makes outrageous and false statement that “every single parent” opposes marijuana
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) once again highlighted his concerns with the misguided and outdated federal marijuana enforcement priorities as he questioned Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Deputy Administrator Thomas Harrigan at a House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations hearing this week.
Dear Friend,
This week, I launched my “Building a Healthier Memphis” series on wellness in the Ninth District with a panel discussion on the racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes in our city, introduced legislation that could help in the fight for a sane national marijuana policy, and continued to speak out to protect the HOPE Scholarship that so many of our state’s young people rely on. Keep reading to learn more.
Congressman also joins bipartisan letter asking the President to remove marijuana from the federal government’s list of most dangerous drugs
[WASHINGTON, DC] – House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Ranking Member Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced H.R.