Local 24 News - Cohen Says Lawmakers Still Have Work to Do

MEMPHIS, TN - Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are wrapping up their session this week.

It is considered by some to be the shortest legislative session in more than 50 years.

"We've got one more week in Congress and that's it," Tennessee Representative Steve Cohen said.

Cohen said he wants to see more done before congress adjourns on Friday.

"It's really unfortunate. We should be working on minimum wage. We should be working on unemployment compensation. We should be working on a jobs bill," Cohen said.

Or fighting terrorism. Which is a looming issue for lawmakers.

Congressman Cohen said the republican party is focusing on other matters.

"They really don't want to pass much legislation. They're against the affordable care act. They'll try the 50th time to repeal it. They'll put things in to regulations that are not going to pass the Senate but are important for people. To have clean air and clean water and safe airplanes and safe cars," Cohen said.

For congressman Cohen, he said he will keep moving forward and continue his work.

He believes other lawmakers may be keeping their eyes on what may happen down the road and that could be distracting them.

"We shouldn't be adjourning on Friday. We should stay there and do our job. But instead it's all about re-election," Cohen said.