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) 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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement on a comprehensive investigation the U.S. Department of Justice conducted on the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, and the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today sent a letter to Cass Sunstein, Administrator for the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), thanking the Administrator for his interest in the “check engine” light issue and asking him to review the new regulations for the vehicle inspection program.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today sent a letter to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam outlining his concerns with the “check engine” light issue and asking the Governor to work with him to resolve this problem. The letter is a continuation of Congressman Cohen’s effort to resolve the ongoing problem where vehicles in Memphis fail their emissions test due to an illuminated “check engine” light.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the “check engine” light concerns in Memphis. The EPA letter is a follow-up to a letter Congressman Cohen sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson about the feedback he received throughout the City of Memphis that car inspection facilities are failing local vehicles due to illuminated “check engine” lights, causing motorists to spend their limited time and money before passing inspection.
Congressman Steve Cohen speaks to WMC Action News 5 about proposed changes in the use of Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship funds, which was originally intended to provide a way for underprivileged Tennessee students with good academic records to pursue a higher education.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today introduced the Voter ID Accessibility Act to amend the Motor Voter Law to expand access to photo identification in those states that require it for voting.
“Voting is a fundamental right and we must eliminate whatever barriers exist,” said Congressman Cohen. “As long as states continue to pass unfair photo ID laws, the Voter ID Accessibility Act would help ensure that voters in those states will have access to any identification that may be required.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) spoke with experts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the “check engine” light concerns in Memphis. The conversation was a follow-up to a letter he sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson last week about the feedback he received throughout the City of Memphis that car inspection facilities are failing local vehicles due to “check engine” lights that remain on, causing motorists to spend their limited time and money before passing inspection.