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 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,
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Cohen today released the following statement on the debt ceiling increase deal proposed by House Republicans:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on beginning their mission and protecting consumers from abuses perpetrated by Big Business. This week CFPB launched functions and issued a variety of required rules and reports that represent important steps in making the CFPB operational and effective in helping consumers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, legislation Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) authored -- the Honor the Written Intent of Our Servicemember Heroes (WISH) Act -- to enable military personnel to determine who they want to organize their funeral arrangements was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the FY2012 Defense Authorization bill. The measure now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Al Franken (D-MN) today joined U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Danny Davis (D-IL), George Miller (D-CA) and John Conyers (D-MI) to introduce legislation in both the Senate and the House that will restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of private debt.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) spoke on the House floor today about how the budget offered by the GOP jeopardizes the health, safety and well-being of millions of Americans -- including our children and seniors -- by drastically cutting programs that protect our air, water and food quality. Click here to see the Congressman’s remarks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted to save our country nearly $5 billion in an effort to help reduce the federal deficit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted to support the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act, the first major overhaul of our food safety system in 70 years. The measure would help protect our children and families from contaminated food.