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, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on the concerns 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. A copy of the letter follows:
February 23, 2012
The Honorable Lisa Jackson
Administrator of EPA
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today issued the following statement on concerns 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:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today introduced the Postmark Payment Act of 2012, a bill that would require that any payment of a bill or invoice, if sent by U.S. mail, be considered sent on the date its envelope was postmarked. The bill would exempt any payment where another method, such as electronic payment, is required by regulation, contract, or law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today said the State Department’s Office of Inspector General report on the Keystone XL Pipeline – the “Special Review of the Keystone XL Pipeline Permit Process” – raises serious questions about the real impacts of the controversial $7-billion pipeline. The objective of the report – which was requested by Congressman Cohen, Sen.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today joined with more than 35 House Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe objecting to the recent proposal to slow first class service and reduce processing centers.
Below is the text of the letter:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently cosponsored the bipartisan Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act (H.R. 1148), which would prohibit commodities and securities trading based on nonpublic information relating to Congress and require additional reporting by members and employees of Congress of securities transactions. This week, ‘60 Minutes’ aired a report saying some lawmakers – including House Speaker John Boehner -- purchased stock in companies while involved in debates on Capitol Hill about bills that would affect those companies.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-14), House Democratic Whip Steny H.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9), Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) today spearheaded a letter requesting that the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of State launch an investigation into the State Department’s handling of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and National Interest Determination (NID) for TransCanada Corporation’s proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today introduced legislation he authored to help the United States Postal Service (USPS) raise revenue to meet its financial obligations, remain open and prevent layoffs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee today approved legislation -- the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act of 2011 -- Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) authored with Congressman J. Randy Forbes (R-VA-4), Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA-46), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-8) to help members of the National Guard and Reserve obtain bankruptcy relief should they need it.