Keeping Boston in Our Thoughts
Dear Friend,
This week a despicable act of terror took place at the Boston Marathon. My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
Boston Marathon
All In with Chris Hayes
Memphis Soul on PBS
FedEx and Fred Smith
Stax Records and Soulsville Charter School
National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy
Firearm Background Checks
Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren
Hey Kids, Let’s Get Cooking!
Literacy Mid-South
EnergySmart Memphis
Grant Announcements
Boston Marathon
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and with the families of all of the victims of the bombings that took place earlier this week in one of our nation’s most iconic cities. We pray for the health and recovery of those injured and for the first responders who arrived on the scene to tend to the wounded and secure the area. Words are inadequate to console the loved ones of those lost at the Boston Marathon. But we will do what we can to care for them and we will ensure that justice will be done.
Members of Congress stand ready to assist government officials in Boston and Massachusetts as they respond to and investigate this unspeakable tragedy. The support of the good people of our nation will help and comfort those families affected in the days and weeks to come. As President Obama stated, the perpetrators of these bombings will be brought to justice. Overnight, one of the suspected bombers was killed by police, and a manhunt is underway for the second bomber. Click here to learn more about new developments.
All In with Chris Hayes
On Monday, April 22, I will appear on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” at 7 p.m. CT to discuss a wide variety of issues including gun safety, comprehensive immigration reform, and the recent bombings in Boston. I also plan on discussing the Memphis Soul performance that took place at the White House last week and legislation I authored to create a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy. Please tune in on Monday night.
Memphis Soul on PBS
“Memphis Soul” was aired this past Tuesday night on PBS stations nationwide and I encourage you to watch the reruns on C-SPAN (check your local listings). "Memphis Soul” is a phenomenal tribute to the musical history of Memphis, with hot performances by Justin Timberlake, William Bell, Steve Cropper, Sam Moore, Booker T. Jones, Queen Latifah, Ben Harper, Cyndi Lauper, Charlie Musselwhite, Joshua Ledet, Eddie Floyd, the Alabama Shakes, and Mavis Staples. It is the 10th in the series of “In Performance at the White House” concerts, in which the White House partners with PBS and The GRAMMYs to spotlight different forms of music. I was honored to attend the live performance of “Memphis Soul,” hosted by President Obama and the First Lady at the White House. Click here to see video I took of performances at the show.
FedEx and Fred Smith
On Wednesday on the House floor, I congratulated FedEx and Fred Smith on being in business for 40 great years, with Memphis serving as the company’s headquarters. The flow of cargo is so important to our country’s economy, especially in the Memphis region with FedEx. It was once said that “what’s good for General Motors is good for the nation;” but now, “what’s good for FedEx is good for the nation.” Click here to see my remarks.
Stax Records and Soulsville Charter School
On Wednesday I spoke on the House floor about Stax Recrods, Stax Museum, and “Memphis Soul” at the White House. I also discussed the Soulsville Charter School and how successful the school is with helping high school seniors get into colleges and universities. Click here to see my remarks.
National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy
This week I introduced legislation to create a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy. The Commission would undertake a comprehensive review of the federal government’s current policies toward marijuana, particularly in light of the growing number of states where marijuana is already legal for medicinal or personal use.
Regardless of your views on marijuana, it’s important that we understand the impact of current federal policy and address the conflict with those state laws that allow for medicinal or personal use of marijuana. This conflict is only going to continue to grow over the next few years and we must provide certainty to the millions of individuals and businesses that remain caught in a web of incompatible laws. A national commission would provide us with the information we need to create sensible policy going forward. Click here to learn more about my legislation.
Firearm Background Checks
This week an amendment to expand background checks for nearly all firearms purchases failed in the U.S. Senate. The failed vote is disappointing to the American people and devastating to the families, friends, and loved ones of victims of gun violence across our country. A minority of Senators failed to summon the courage to do what’s right on behalf of the safety and security of our children and families. Their shameful votes prevented commonsense steps to expand background checks and keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands. The lack of courage shown by those Senators who were cowed by special interests was a betrayal of the hope of families who have been devastated by gun violence. They deserved better and so does our nation.
In the words of the Sandy Hook promise, ‘Our hearts are broken, our spirit is not.’ With perseverance and determination, I hope the Senate brings strong legislation back up for consideration and acts to protect our schools, homes, and neighborhoods. That is the least we can do to honor the memory of the children of Newtown, the people of Tucson, and all of the Americans lost to the scourge of gun violence.
Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren
This week I attended a Congressional Progressive Caucus meeting with Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. We discussed the Middle East peace process and Israel’s 65th birthday. I also thanked the Ambassador for Israel’s recent apology to Turkey, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
Hey Kids, Let’s Get Cooking!
Earlier this month, Let’s Move! announced the Second Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ State Dinner. This nationwide recipe challenge that originated to promote healthy eating among America’s youth is hosted by The White House, Epicurious, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Second Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” invites parents or guardians and their kids, ages 8-12, to create and submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty. Entries must represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods, with fruits and veggies making up roughly half the plate or recipe. Click here to learn more.
Literacy Mid-South
Previously named the Memphis Literacy Council and Mid-South Reads, LMS has been working to increase the literacy of mid-southerners for more than 30 years through group literacy classes, individual tutoring, and resourcing other non-profits that work toward their mission of creating a community actively engaged in continuous learning. LMS provides a great service for our community. Click here to learn more.
EnergySmart Memphis
EnergySmart Memphis is a year-long energy education and home improvement initiative designed to help Memphians save money on their energy costs. EnergySmart Memphis is a partnership between MLGW, City and County government agencies, Community Development Corporations and non-profit organizations, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Through EnergySmart Memphis, an estimated 3,000 MLGW customers will receive in-depth energy conservation training; eligible customers will have weatherization improvements made to their home through this initiative; a series of Energy Education Workshops will be conducted city and county-wide at area libraries; and the initiative includes weatherization kits for qualified homeowners to receive minor and major home repairs. Click here to learn more.
Grant Announcements
I regularly release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated regularly on my website.
Wishing you a happy and safe weekend, and Go Grizzlies!
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress