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] – 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.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last night celebrated the passage of his amendment to cut the deficit and help limit the risk of taxpayer dollars being wasted or stolen in Afghanistan. The Congressman’s amendment to the to the FY2014 Defense Department Appropriations bill, which reduces funding to the Afghan Infrastructure Fund by $139 million, passed by a bipartisan vote of 249-173. Video of the Congressman’s remarks in support of the amendment can be viewed here.
Dear Friend,
I hope you and your loved ones had a happy Fourth of July weekend. This week, Congress returned to Washington and the House continued debate on the Fiscal Year 2014 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. Read on to learn what else I’ve been up to this week.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling that effectively eviscerates civil rights protections afforded to minority populations under the Voting Rights Act, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus to discuss the ruling’s impact. Video of the Congressman’s full remarks is available here.