Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Dear Friend,
This week, I sent a letter to Attorney General Holder asking him to reschedule marijuana and I led a letter with three of my colleagues asking for Speaker Boehner to postpone Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week.
[MEMPHIS, TN] – In response Attorney General Eric Holder’s comments this week regarding marijuana at the National Press Club, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) called on Attorney General Eric Holder to use existing authority to reschedule marijuana.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Maxine Waters (D-CA) sent a letter today to Speaker of the House John Boehner urging him to postpone Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before a joint session of Congress. The letter was cosigned by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Danny Davis (D-IL), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL), Henry “Hank” Johnson, Jr.
[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after learning that Shelby County residents are receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to sell anti-virus software.
“Phone scammers are becoming increasingly savvy,” said Congressman Cohen. “Be wary of anyone who calls or emails you and asks you to relay personal information. If you are skeptical, it is best to trust your instinct. Please, for your own protection, do not give them any information.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement regarding the passing of radio personality Zeke Logan:
“Today is a sad day; another Memphis treasure lost. Zeke Logan was funny, friendly, and down-to-earth. Zeke and Drake had me on their show many times and were very supportive, and I recall spending a nice afternoon in Washington having an outdoor lunch with Zeke and his family, whom he loved so much. I am sorry to learn of his passing and send my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. John Shea Jr.:
“Dr. Shea was a pioneer in the field of otology and a legendary doctor in Memphis who helped usher in a new era of treatment. He came from one family of physicians and leaves behind another. Memphis will miss Dr. John Shea Jr., as I know his wife Lynda Lee Mead, their children, and his friends and loved ones will as well.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement regarding the Tennessee State Senate Health & Welfare Committee, by a vote of 4 to 7, effectively killing Governor Haslam’s “Insure Tennessee” plan to expand Medicaid in Tennessee:
“Foolish, foolish, foolish. Sad, sad, sad. Sick, sick, sick.”
“This vote is foolish because it leaves $1 billion in federal funds each year on the table that could have helped keep hospitals open, boosted our economy, and improved our citizens’ health.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans has failed during a special legislative session.
The Senate Health Committee defeated the Republican governor's Insure Tennessee plan Wednesday on a 7-4 vote.
Haslam spent 21 months negotiating a special deal for Tennessee that included market-based elements like vouchers to buy private insurance, co-pays and assurances that the state could pull out of the deal if it ended up being more expensive than expected.
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and other members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation introduced legislation on Wednesday that would make it illegal to use computer software called bots to purchase tickets to live events.
Blackburn, R-Brentwood, was joined by Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville; Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis; and U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg, in introducing the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act. Bots are used by some ticket scalpers to buy large swaths of tickets to popular concerts or sporting events.