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 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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today applauded President Obama for signing the bipartisan America Invents Act, which would streamline our country’s patent application process to help spark innovation and create jobs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) joined with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) today to introduce the Compassionate Visa for Medical Treatment Act, which would help thousands of people – particularly children – obtain top quality medical care in the United States.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe urging him to keep six Memphis area post offices open for business considering how important they are to the local community. The six post offices are under review for possible closure. Below and attached is Congressman Cohen’s letter:
The Honorable Patrick Donahoe
Postmaster General
U.S. Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, D.C. 20260
Dear Postmaster General Donahoe,