Seeking to Avoid an Imminent Federal Government Shutdown
September 29, 2023 |
Dear Friend, This week, we approached an imminent federal government shutdown as dysfunctional House Republicans continued to disagree about a path forward, but disruption looks increasingly likely. Regardless of what happens, my Memphis and Washington offices will remain open, and I will be providing updates as circumstances warrant. Also this week, I announced $3.5 million in Department of Justice grants to Memphis and Shelby County, noted that free pilot light inspections are available to residential MLGW customers, discussed reform of the United Nations at a Helsinki Commission hearing, met with University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave, introduced the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act and the NEWBORN Act, announced grants to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), condemned a Republican state legislators’ proposal to operate without federal education funding, invited students to register for the Congressional App Challenge, and offered a health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Seeking to Avoid an Imminent Federal Government Shutdown Flagging Availability of Free MLGW Pilot Light Inspections Discussing Reform of the United Nations Security Council Meeting with University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave Introducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act with Senator Booker Introducing the Bipartisan NEWBORN Act with Congressman Graves and Senator Van Hollen Announcing $1.5 Million in Grants to St. Jude and UTHSC Condemning Republican State Legislators’ Proposal to Turn Away Federal Funding for Education Registering for the Congressional App Challenge Seeking to Avoid an Imminent Federal Government Shutdown All week, the Republican House leadership has been struggling to pass legislation to keep the federal government open past the Saturday night at midnight deadline. At the moment, everything is in flux although some slight procedural progress has been made. Many of the federal programs that run out of money will be shuttered until their financing is restored, but Social Security and Medicare benefits will not be affected. Whatever happens, my staff and I will continue working and can answer your questions and address your concerns. Also, please consider checking out my Congressional web site where I will be posting the latest updates. Announcing $3.5 Million in Department of Justice Grants for Police Body Cameras and for Strengthening the Rape Kit Initiative On Tuesday, I announced that Memphis and Shelby County will receive Department of Justice grants. Memphis will receive $2 million for a police body camera program and Shelby County will receive $1.5 million to strengthen its rape kit testing program. Both of these issue areas have been my high priorities for years. See my release here. Flagging Availability of Free MLGW Pilot Light Inspections Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) is offering free pilot light inspections for residential customers through October 15. After that, the fee is $55 but inspections are always free for those over 60 or disabled. Call (901) 544-6549 to make an appointment, but be aware that high call volume may require long wait times or result in requests to try another time. Discussing Reform of the United Nations Security Council On Wednesday, the Helsinki Commission on which I serve as the House Ranking Member held a hearing on Russia’s impact on the United Nations’ ability to address the war in Ukraine, particularly through obstruction on the United Nations Security Council. See my release on the hearing, including my exchange with the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations, here. Meeting with University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave On Wednesday, I met with University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave and talked about the university’s priorities and plans. As an alumnus of the university’s law school, I congratulated him on the university earning the Carnegie R1 classification, placing it among the top tier research universities nationally. Go Memphis – beat Boise State! Introducing the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act with Senator Booker On Thursday, I introduced the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act, creating incentives for children to take up healthy habits. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey plans to introduce a companion measure next week. See my release here. Introducing the Bipartisan NEWBORN Act with Congressman Graves and Senator Van Hollen On Thursday, I also introduced the bipartisan Nationally Enhancing the Wellbeing of Babies through Outreach and Research Now (NEWBORN) Act with Congressman Garret Graves of Louisiana and Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland to address the unacceptably high infant mortality rate with concrete solutions. See our release here. Announcing $1.5 Million in Grants to St. Jude and UTHSC On Monday, I announced a grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center focused on African American cancer survivors. On Tuesday, I announced a grant to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital addressing antibiotics research. See my releases here and here. Condemning Republican State Legislators’ Proposal to Axe Federal Spending on Education On Monday night, I released a statement condemning as “outrageous and infuriating” a proposal by Tennessee state House Speaker Cameron Sexton of Crossville and Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally of Oak Ridge to create a working group to see whether Tennessee can operate its educational programs without federal support. See that statement here. Registering for the Congressional App Challenge The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging students to learn how to code by creating their own apps. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. The Congressional App Challenge is open to middle school and high school students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students participating in the competition may register and submit their app here through November 1, 2023. For complete registration information and resources, please visit the Congressional App Challenge website here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Monday that it is resuming sending free COVID-19 tests for those who want them. See details about the program, including the way to apply, here. “I believe very strongly that the defining feature of our democracy is our Constitution. I believe in the separation of powers and checks and balances, that debate and disagreement do not lead to disunion. I believe in free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power. I believe there is no place in America — none, none, none — for political violence. We have to denounce hate, not embolden it. Across the aisle, across the country, I see fellow Americans, not mortal enemies. We’re a great nation because we’re a good people who believe in honor, decency, and respect…The real heroes of the story are you, the American people…Which is why I’m asking you that regardless of whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or independent, put the preservation of our democracy before everything else. Put our country first.” – President Joe Biden in remarks Thursday in Tempe, Arizona As always, I remain. Steve Cohen |