Dear Friend, This week, I introduced a joint resolution to amend the Constitution by abolishing the Electoral College and ensuring our presidents are elected by popular vote. I also led several congressional colleagues in a letter to the leadership of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), urging it to reconsider its long-term commitment to natural gas and to more aggressively transition to renewable sources of energy. I also expressed disappointment that FBI Director Christopher Wray is resigning, especially in light of the nominee Trump has named to replace him; voted for the biennial Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with major wins for the 9th Congressional District; met with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital officials; announced Head Start and Early Head Start funding for Porter-Leath’s programs; announced a three-year grant to Southwest Tennessee Community College; and offered a seasonal health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter (X), Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Proposing to Abolish the Electoral College Urging TVA to Reconsider its Commitment to Natural Gas Seeking to Ensure Compliance with FAA Reauthorization Act Expressing Disappointment at FBI Director Wray’s Decision to Step Down Voting for Water Resources Bill with Millions for Local U.S. Corps of Engineers Projects Meeting with Le Bonheur Officials Announcing Head Start and Early Head Start Grant to Porter-Leath Announcing Grant to Southwest Tennessee Community College Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week
Proposing to Abolish the Electoral College On Thursday, for the third time since 2019, I introduced a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College. The anachronistic and antidemocratic structure distorts the will of the people and, twice since 2000, has awarded the Presidency to the loser of the national popular vote. I am pleased that Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii introduced a companion amendment in the Senate. See my release on the proposed Constitutional Amendment here. Urging TVA to Reconsider its Commitment to Natural Gas 
On Tuesday, I was joined by Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and nine Congressional colleagues in a letter to the leadership of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), urging it to reconsider its commitment to polluting natural gas and transition more aggressively to sustainable alternatives for producing electricity. The letter was in response to a draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) used to shape TVA’s energy portfolio through 2050. See my release and the letter here. Also Tuesday, I had a meeting with TVA CEO Jeff Lyash in my Washington office where we discussed these and other issues. Seeking to Ensure Compliance with FAA Reauthorization Act
On Wednesday, the Aviation Subcommittee held its final hearing of the 118th Congress on implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law six months ago. It’s crucial that the FAA fully implement the policy proposals outlined in this measure on the timelines set by Congress to ensure progress and accountability. I focused on some of the priorities I put into the law: the need to have a realistic assessment of whether aircraft can be evacuated in 90 seconds and the treatment of people with disabilities and their mobility devices. See my release on the hearing here. Expressing Disappointment at FBI Director Wray’s Decision to Step Down
Christopher Wray was appointed as FBI Director by President Donald Trump, but the former and future president has apparently soured on his choice after Wray stood by the rule of law and maintained law enforcement norms rather than pledging fealty to him. I was disappointed that Wray has decided to resign seven years into his 10-year term and am appalled at Trump’s proposed replacement, the dangerous sycophant Kash Patel, who has promised to retaliate against Trump antagonists, including his more vocal critics in Congress. Voting for Water Resources Bill with Millions for Local U.S. Corps of Engineers Projects
As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to shape this year’s Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes solid wins for the 9th Congressional District including the dredging of Pidgeon Harbor and a study of the Hatchie-Loosahatchie Ecosystem Restoration project. See my release on the measure here. Meeting with Le Bonheur Officials
Sara Burnett, Congressman Cohen, Alice Rolli and Maureen O’Connor On Tuesday, I met with Maureen O’Connor, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and other Le Bonheur officials, to discuss federal issues I can address in Washington. They showed me pictures of the two new state-of-the-art mobile intensive care ambulances for which I secured $1 million through the appropriations process, which they expect to see delivered in the spring. It was a productive meeting. Announcing Head Start and Early Head Start Grant to Porter-Leath
On Wednesday, I announced that Porter-Leath will receive a grant of $2,667,179 to operate its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. See my release here. Announcing Grant to Southwest Tennessee Community College
On Thursday, I announced that Southwest Tennessee Community College will receive an $885,504 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help meet the basic needs of about 700 students and help them stay in school and complete their programs. See that release here. Weekly Health Tip
Around this time of year, some people go through short periods of feeling sad or “not themselves” that some call “the winter blues” brought on in part by shorter periods of daylight. If you or someone you know senses a significant change in mood or behavior, it may be a seasonal depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. For symptoms and treatment of the condition, see this guidance from the National Institute of Mental Health. Quote of the Week
“The United States has no right to expect that it will always have wise and humane rulers, sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution. Instead, wicked men, ambitious of power, with hatred of liberty and contempt of law, may fill the place once occupied by Washington and Lincoln.” – Illinois Senator, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and Lincoln’s campaign manager in 1860 David Davis (1815 – 1886) As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress | 
