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 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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted to support legislation that would repeal a ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the U.S. military. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today joined with House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (MI-14), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-8), and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4) in sending letters to the CEO’s of the Nation’s largest banks asking for documents and information concerning their foreclosure documentation process.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced that several important consumer protection features of health reform are set to go into effect today, six months after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama. Better known as the Patient’s Bill of Rights, these provisions seek to end insurance company abuses, and put consumers and their doctors back in control of their own care.