Memphis
As a fourth-generation Memphian, I have dedicated my life to public service in Memphis and Shelby County. My work has defined my life and affected the lives of people in Memphis, across Tennessee and now across America throughout my career in national, state and local politics.
More on Memphis
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Memphis has received a $251,990 grant from the National Science Foundation to acquire a Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer as a regional resource for research and education.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today applauded the reversal by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on its decision to outsource 108 Information Technology (I.T.) jobs. However, he expressed concern that TVA leadership only recognized the need to protect Tennessee jobs after Trump fired the Chair of the TVA on Tuesday.
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to Democratic leaders negotiating the next round of coronavirus pandemic economic relief to urge them to prioritize the needs of small and minority businesses in the Paycheck Protection Program and to ensure there are proper levels of transparency in place.
MEMPHIS – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Jim Cooper (TN-05) today wrote to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressing their concern that the state has placed obstacles in the way of families eligible for food assistance and other benefits available through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program, and potentially forfeiting $60 million in federal funds devoted to the program.
The letter reads in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today applauded Trump's decision to fire Skip Thompson, Chair of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), over the TVA's outsourcing of jobs during the ongoing pandemic. He also agreed with Trump's criticism of the TVA CEO's $8 million per year salary, which Congressman Cohen has denounced for years.
WASHINGTON -- Monday, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) sent a letter to House leadership saying that the next COVID-19 stimulus package should mandate that lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) prioritize minority-owned businesses and require the disclosure of loan recipients to ensure accountability and compliance.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was saddened to learn of the death Friday of his friend, the Reverend Steve Montgomery, the beloved former pastor of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, who retired 15 months ago, and released the following statement:
"I've been dealing with the death of my friend Congressman John Lewis, and was shocked at the news of Steve Montgomery's death. There was a lot of John Lewis in Steve Montgomery: He was courageous, he was caring, he was forgiving, he was humble, and he was smart. His life was a blessing and his death is a great loss."
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the City of Memphis will receive a grant of $200,505 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Program.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
"This funding is especially welcome during this pandemic when local resources are stretched thin. The Memphis Fire Department is doing an excellent job under these trying circumstances and I'm pleased this grant will help."
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today attended the funeral service for the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once pastored. Congressman Cohen was invited to attend the service as part of the official Congressional delegation honoring Lewis' memory.
After the service, Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today introduced the Civil Rights Enhancement and Law Enforcement Accountability Improvement Act. The measure would explicitly provide that an employer of a law enforcement officer is vicariously liable for officers' acts or omissions committed within the scope of their employment that deprive people of their constitutional rights. Municipalities would be liable to the same extent as private employers under state law.