Dear Friend, This week, I joined tens of millions of Americans in cheering on our Olympic champions in Paris, watching as our country continues to outpace the rest of the world in winning medals. I also congratulated two Memphians for being named Historically Black College and University (HBCU) White House Scholars, welcomed an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for air quality sensors in low-income neighborhoods, announced a grant to help defray some of the costs of the Brooks Museum’s move to a new location on the riverfront, joined my colleague Congressman David Kustoff in welcoming a major investment in the expansion of the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, recognized two University of Memphis professors for winning prestigious National Science Foundation research grants, and offered a seasonal health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter (X), Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Celebrating U.S. Olympic Team Victories in Paris Congratulating HBCU White House Scholars from Memphis Welcoming EPA Grant for Air Quality Sensors Announcing Grant to Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Announcing Major Expansion of the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery Recognizing University of Memphis National Science Foundation Awardees Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week
Celebrating U.S. Olympic Team Victories in Paris
The inspiring scenes of U.S. Olympic team victories in Paris have continued all week with our country winning the most medals. As Americans, we can all be proud of our Olympic team even as we are a divided nation at home. The Olympics brings us together. There are so many heartwarming stories and tales of overcoming adversity and great odds. Let’s all be proud as we see Team USA show what’s best in us. Congratulating HBCU White House Scholars from Memphis
On Thursday, the White House announced that Memphians Keith Jordan Jr. and Breeze Smith have been named White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars. Keith Jordan, who is the student government president at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and Breeze Smith, a White Station High School graduate who majors in studio art at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, are two of just 77 students from across the United States to be recognized with this prestigious honor. Welcoming EPA Grant for Air Quality Sensors
Also Thursday, I announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide a grant to the Shelby County Health Department for air quality sensors for low-income neighborhoods. The funding for the grant came from the Inflation Reduction Act that I voted for. See my release here. Announcing Grant to Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
As the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art prepares to move from its Overton Park location to the riverfront bluff, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is helping with a $250,000 grant to make it more affordable. See my release on the grant award here. Announcing Major Expansion of the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs will underwrite a major expansion of the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Forest Hill Irene Road. I joined my Congressional colleague David Kustoff (TN-8) in welcoming the news in this release. Recognizing University of Memphis National Science Foundation Awardees
Last Friday, I announced three prestigious National Science Foundation grants to two University of Memphis professors: Thomas Goebel, for earthquake research, and Jessica Jennings, for research on tissue regeneration. See my release here. Weekly Health Tip
August is mosquito season, and the danger of being infected with the West Nile virus is real. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that of the 103 cases nationwide so far this year, two cases were in Tennessee, including one in Shelby County. The illness can be severe, so take precautions like wearing long sleeves if you’re out at dusk when the bugs are most active. And be mindful to clear up puddles of water where mosquitoes breed. See other guidance from the CDC here. Quote of the Week
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” – 1936 Olympic gold medal sprinter Jesse Owens As always, I remain.
Most sincerely, Steve Cohen
Member of Congress | 