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
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.
[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.