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
Top 5 congressional districts with the most African-Americans have been gerrymandered by conservative Deep South state legislatures
[MEMPHIS, TN] – In a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sought to shed light on the redistricting practice known as “packing” that is increasingly used by many conservative-led state legislatures in the South to minimize the influence held by minority communities, specifically African-American communities.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has asked Attorney General Eric Holder to take a close look at the practice of “packing” minorities, especially African-Americans, into a single legislative district to reduce their overall influence.
“All Americans hold dear the sacred, constitutionally-protected right to vote, and we too often take for granted the principle of ‘one person, one vote,’” the Memphis Democrat wrote in a letter to the attorney general.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has asked Attorney General Eric Holder to take a close look at the practice of “packing” minorities, especially African-Americans, into a single legislative district to reduce their overall influence.
“All Americans hold dear the sacred, constitutionally-protected right to vote, and we too often take for granted the principle of ‘one person, one vote,’” the Memphis Democrat wrote in a letter to the attorney general.
Dear Friend,
This week we celebrated Constitution Day, Congress voted to prevent another government shutdown and support President Obama’s strategy to confront and degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (a.k.a. ISIS), I met with the new President of the University of Memphis as well as the incoming Director of the National Civil Rights Museum, and First Lady Michelle Obama visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week.
Dear Friend,
This week we reflected on the 13th anniversary of September 11th, President Obama clearly outlined his strategy to degrade and dismantle the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (a.k.a. ISIS), and I announced more than $1 million to help Memphians get health insurance coverage. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week.
[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement upon learning of the video released by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claiming to show an execution of journalist Steven Sotloff:
“I was saddened to learn of the latest video purporting to show the execution by ISIS of journalist Steven Sotloff. If it proves true, the beheading of a second American journalist is further proof that ISIS, with a desire to create a caliphate, is a threat to America and to democracy everywhere.”
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[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today cosponsored legislation to help protect the pensions and benefits that public service employees—including firefighters and police officers—have worked hard for and earned.
[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.
