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] – A spokesman for Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today made the following statement regarding the status of the Congressman’s salary:
“Congressman Cohen remains focused on reopening the federal government and is steadfastly working to make that happen as quickly as possible, but he will not accept his pay until this shutdown is resolved,” said the spokesman. “The Congressman has asked the official responsible for paying Members of Congress to withhold his salary as long as this shutdown of the federal government continues.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] – After House Republican leaders made good on their threat to shut down the federal government if their reckless, unreasonable, and irresponsible demands were not met, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) spoke out against the Republican’s manufactured, harmful, and unnecessary shutdown of our nation’s government. Video of the Congressman’s remarks is available here.
Dear Friend,
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following recent announcements that President Obama’s Administration will respect state marijuana laws and seek smarter sentences when prosecuting low-level drug offenses, U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Sam Farr (CA-20), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Jared Polis (CO-02) urged the President to take another step towards common-sense drug policy by nominating a new “Drug Czar” who will bring reason, science, and facts to the soon-to-be-vacant position.
Dear Friend,
I know we are all shocked, stunned, and saddened by the tragic events that unfolded on Monday morning at the Navy Yard in Washington. I have spent much of this week thinking of the victims and all those affected by the horrors—but I simply cannot imagine the horror they must have experienced and the grief felt by their families. I hope we keep them all in our thoughts and prayers as they begin the recovery process.
Dear Friend,
[WASHINGTON, DC] – On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington which led to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today called on President Obama to heed the “fierce urgency of now” and take immediate steps to reduce unfair racial disparities in our judicial system, cut prison overcrowding, reduce the deficit, and further the cause of justice.
Dear Friend,
I always enjoy the time I am able to spend in Memphis, being with friends, and in my home. The weather has been glorious this week and Elvis and Tiger Football are in the air. We’ve been meeting with lots of groups and individuals as well as our constituents and mentioning our accomplishments and disappointments. Keep on reading to learn more about my week.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a national leader in the effort to reduce prison overcrowding and reform federal mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses that unfairly and unequally affect people of color and minority communities, today applauded United States Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will overhaul its draconian prosecution policies for non-violent drug offenders.