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, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the “check engine” light concerns in Memphis. The EPA letter is a follow-up to a letter Congressman Cohen sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson about the feedback he received throughout the City of Memphis that car inspection facilities are failing local vehicles due to illuminated “check engine” lights, causing motorists to spend their limited time and money before passing inspection.
Congressman Steve Cohen speaks to WMC Action News 5 about proposed changes in the use of Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship funds, which was originally intended to provide a way for underprivileged Tennessee students with good academic records to pursue a higher education.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today introduced the Voter ID Accessibility Act to amend the Motor Voter Law to expand access to photo identification in those states that require it for voting.
“Voting is a fundamental right and we must eliminate whatever barriers exist,” said Congressman Cohen. “As long as states continue to pass unfair photo ID laws, the Voter ID Accessibility Act would help ensure that voters in those states will have access to any identification that may be required.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) spoke with experts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the “check engine” light concerns in Memphis. The conversation was a follow-up to a letter he sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson last week about the feedback he received 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 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.