Meeting with Department of Justice Officials to Address Memphis Violent Crime
Dear Friend, This week, I met with the national leadership of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services and Justice Programs to discuss ways to address Memphis’ violent crime situation. I also applauded the Senate’s confirmation of our next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Kevin Ritz, who will play a major role in those efforts; voted to ensure the integrity of presidential elections; voted to advance the Fresh Start Act in the Judiciary Committee; condemned the Iranian crackdown on protests over the hijab law; applauded the advancement of my PAST Act to prevent horse soring; announced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to the Memphis Fire Department; wrote to encourage the General Services Administration (GSA) to swiftly phase out single-use plastics; announced a National Science Foundation grant to Christian Brothers University; and offered a health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Meeting with Department of Justice Officials on Funding to Address Memphis Violent Crime Applauding Senate Confirmation of Kevin Ritz as U.S. Attorney Voting to Ensure Integrity of Presidential Election Results Advancing Fresh Start Criminal Justice Reform Condemning Iranian Crackdown on Nationwide Protests Applauding Advancement of Horse Protection Measure Announcing FEMA Grants to Memphis Fire Department Seeking Reduction of Single-Use Plastics Announcing National Science Foundation Grant to Christian Brothers University Meeting with Department of Justice Officials on Funding to Address Memphis Violent Crime
On Monday, my senior staff and I met with the Director of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the Chief of Staff for the Office of Justice Programs for a discussion about resources and additional funding available for the Memphis Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the District Attorney General’s office to address violent crime in Memphis. It was a productive meeting and the options we explored should have a real impact as they are implemented. Applauding Senate Confirmation of Kevin Ritz as U.S. Attorney On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Kevin Ritz as our next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. He has his work cut out for him, and I wish him well. See my statement on his confirmation here. Voting to Ensure Integrity of Presidential Election Results
On Wednesday, I voted for the Presidential Election Reform Act to ensure that presidential election vote counts are conducted fairly, accurately, and in accordance with our Constitution. I was in the House chamber when insurrectionists tried to prevent the certification of President Biden’s victory. The mob was motivated by then-President Trump’s claim that Vice President Pence could interfere with or postpone the Electoral College vote. This measure clarifies that the vice president has no such authority and makes other important reforms to safeguard our presidential elections. See my release on the bill here. Advancing Fresh Start Criminal Justice Reform
Also Wednesday, I voted in the Judiciary Committee to advance the Fresh Start Act to the full House of Representatives. The bill creates a grant program for states with existing criminal-record sealing or expungement laws to support implementation of automatic sealing or expungement processes. See my release here. Condemning Iranian Crackdown on Nationwide Protests Earlier today, I released a statement in response to the Iranian police crackdown on protests over the in-custody death of Mahsa Amini and the enforcement of strict hijab rules. See that statement here. Applauding Advancement of Horse Protection Measure
Announcing $2.7 Million in FEMA Grants to Memphis Fire Department
On Tuesday, I announced that the Memphis Fire Department will receive $2,771,378 in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Program for safety operations and vehicle acquisition. See my release here. Seeking Reduction of Single-Use Plastics This week, I joined my Congressional colleague Jared Huffman of California and others in sending a letter to the General Services Administration (GSA) calling for a federal government-wide reduction and phase out of purchases of single-use plastics. See my release and the letter here. Announcing National Science Foundation Grant to Christian Brothers University
On Thursday, I commended Christian Brothers University on receiving a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of nearly $750,000 to retain bright engineering and computer science undergraduates. See my release here. Two cases of West Nile virus have been detected in Shelby County, according to the health department. The health department recommends that residents protect themselves from mosquito-borne disease by using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and being especially vigilant when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. It also notes that the virus has been detected in 14 Shelby County ZIP codes: 38105, 38107, 38108, 38112, 38116, 38117, 38119, 38122, 38126, 38134, 38138, 38141, 38017 and 38028. See additional information here.
“But here’s what I know: The future will be won by those countries that unleash the full potential of their populations, where women and girls can exercise equal rights, including basic reproductive rights, and contribute fully to building a stronger economies and more resilient societies; where religious and ethnic minorities can live their lives without harassment and contribute to the fabric of their communities; where the LGBTQ+ community individuals live and love freely without being targeted with violence; where citizens can question and criticize their leaders without fear of reprisal.” – President Biden speaking at the 77th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Wednesday. As always, I remain. Steve Cohen |
