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 – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today cosponsored the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act with Congressmen Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Bobby Scott (VA-3) and Richie Neal (MA-1) and will also cosponsor the Affordable Insulin Now Act introduced by Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-2).

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Tim Burchett (TN-2) today introduced a measure ensuring the public has access to information about the salaries of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) employees making more than $109,908 annually, or the maximum basic pay rate of a General Schedule Grade 13 (GS-13) Federal employee.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today questioned Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) CEO Jeff Lyash at a Subcommittee on Water and the Environment hearing reviewing President Biden’s 2024 Budget Request for that agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today questioned expert witnesses at a hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management titled “Never Ending Emergencies – An Examination of the National Emergencies Act.” When he was Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, Congressman Cohen held hearings on the National Emergencies Act and achieved bipartisan support for its reform.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act, a measure that continues the exemption from the means test under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code for national guard members and reservists, continuing the parity with active duty servicemembers.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act which would require states to take their congressional apportionment decisions out of the political process and place it in the hands of independent redistricting commissions. The measure is named after former Tennessee Congressmen John Tanner and Jim Cooper, both champions of legislation to end partisan gerrymandering.

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Representative from Memphis and a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking for a Department of Justice review of the expulsion of Tennessee state Representatives Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson, and a failed vote to expel Representative Gloria Johnson. The letter reads in part:

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who served in the state legislature for 24 years before being elected to Congress in 2006, today attended the Shelby County Commission Special Meeting called to reinstate State Representative Justin J. Pearson, and made the following statement:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today addressed efforts to improve passenger safety and comfort at a hearing on “Navigating the Comprehensive Passenger Experience.” The hearing was the third held this year on the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who represents Memphis in the House of Representatives and is a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today welcomed the decision by the Department of Justice to review the Memphis Police Department’s policy and practice on the use of force. Trye Nichols died after a brutal encounter with Memphis police on January 7, 2023.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement: