Speaking on Gun Violence at the National Civil Rights Museum
Dear Friend,
This week, I delivered a speech on gun violence and my efforts to prevent it to an audience of state and local leaders at the National Civil Rights Museum. I also wrote to President Biden and senior Biden Administration transportation officials advocating “Complete Streets” priorities and spending, particularly for Memphis; advocated that the Trump criminal trials be televised; praised my old friend Isaac Hayes and reminded everyone that August 19 is Isaac Hayes Day in Covington; announced four National Institutes of Health grants totaling more than $4.5 million to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; noted that the deadline for applying for PACT Act benefits has been extended until Monday night, August 14; and offered some back-to-school health tips. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (and soon on Threads) to see what I am doing as it happens.
Speaking on Gun Violence at the National Civil Rights Museum
Urging Biden Administration to Advance Complete Streets Principles and Spending in Memphis
Advocating that the Trump Criminal Trials be Televised
Recognizing Isaac Hayes Day in Covington on August 19
Announcing $4.5 Million in NIH Grants to UTHSC
Expressing Sadness for the Losses in Historic Lahaina, Hawaii
Filing for PACT Act Benefits before Monday’s Deadline
Speaking on Gun Violence at the National Civil Rights Museum
On Wednesday evening, I delivered a speech addressing the plague of gun violence in our country and in our city to an audience of state and local leaders gathered at the National Civil Rights Museum for a stop of the “Our Kids Deserve Better” bus tour traveling across Tennessee. I discussed Governor Lee’s call for a special session of the state legislature to address gun violence but said its scope is so limited that it may not produce substantive results. What we need is a ban on assault weapons, strengthened background checks, solid “red flag” laws, preventing straw purchases, repealing constitutional carry and making permit holders establish they know how to handle guns and other practical solutions to the spike in gun-related crime. I commended the governor for the courage to hold a special session in the face of intense Republican push back, and hope some good comes from it.
Urging Biden Administration to Advance Complete Streets Principles and Spending in Memphis
On Thursday, I wrote to President Biden, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt about the continued need to advance Complete Streets principles to address dramatic increases in both driving and pedestrian fatalities, which are startlingly high in Memphis and in minority communities generally. I asked them to keep Memphis in mind especially for Safe Streets for All Program Grants. See my release and the letter here.
Advocating that the Trump Criminal Trials be Televised
Last week, I joined several of my Congressional colleagues in a letter to the Judicial Conference requesting it authorize televising the court proceedings in the two federal criminal trials pending against Donald Trump. Then, on Saturday night, I made the case to a national audience on MSNBC. See that interview here.
Recognizing Isaac Hayes Day in Covington on August 19
On a recent visit to Tipton County, I stopped in Covington’s courthouse square to admire the historical marker plaque now on display honoring my late friend, and the city’s native son, musician Isaac Hayes. I take this opportunity to remind my Tipton County constituents, and all of Isaac’s fans, that Isaac Hayes Day will be celebrated in Covington on Saturday, August 19, in Frazier Park, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with music, food and inflatables.
Announcing $4.5 Million in NIH Grants to UTHSC
On both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, I announced significant grants to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), including $2.2 million for its Regional Biocontainment Lab. See my releases here and here.
Expressing Sadness for the Losses in Historic Lahaina, Hawaii
I’m saddened by the loss of life and the loss of the historic town of Lahaina, the ancient capital city of Maui an important 19th century whaling center where I spent some time years ago. The historic structures I visited, and the memorabilia and relics they contained, have all been burned to the ground. The fires raging out of control – some of the worst in our nation’s history -- are being fueled by winds from a distant hurricane and are further evidence of our changing climate.
On Thursday, the VA announced that veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (10:59 p.m. Central time) on Monday, August 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 – the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. This is an extension from the original deadline of August 9, 2023. I encourage all eligible veterans and their survivors to apply – or submit their intent to file – for PACT Act benefits now by visiting VA.gov/PACT.
It’s never too late to get good advice. As children returned to school this week, it is useful to bear in mind that some may be anxious or frightened in a new setting away from parents and siblings. Practicing mindfulness can help. Also practical tips like reminding them to brush their teeth and making sure they get adequate sleep time are important in preventing school-day absences. See some good guidance here.
Two Perspectives on the Same Event:
“@USWNT, you’ve made your country proud. Congratulations on an incredible run. This team is something special and I’m looking forward to seeing how you continue to inspire Americans with your grit and determination – on and off the field.” – President Joe Biden on Sunday morning on Twitter after the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team lost to Sweden in the Women’s World Cup
“The ‘shocking and totally unexpected’ loss by the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team to Sweden is fully emblematic of what is happening to the our (sic) once great Nation under Crooked Joe Biden. Many of our players were openly hostile to America - No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close. WOKE EQUALS FAILURE. Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!! MAGA” -- Former President Donald Trump on Sunday night on Truth Social on the U.S. team’s loss
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress