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
[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.
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.