Standing Up for Clean Air, Memphis Students and More

This week, I raised serious concerns about Elon Musk’s xAI project in South Memphis, called out the Trump administration for targeting international students—the latest group of people they’ve targeted to display their cruelty—and shared important information about the Department of Education’s plan to resume involuntary student loan debt collections. I also called the Trump administration out on its mistreatment of workers and waste of taxpayer dollars and reminded constituents to get ready for the upcoming REAL ID deadline.

Read on for more, and thanks for starting your weekend here. 

Raising Concerns About xAI’s Plans in South Memphis 

Protecting our environment has always been one of my top priorities—whether it’s defending the Memphis Sand Aquifer, pushing TVA to move toward renewable energy, or helping authorize historic investments in clean air, clean water, and renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Now, xAI’s plans to use gas turbines in South Memphis are raising serious questions about potential air pollution and public health. I’ve been pressing the EPA for answers and pushing for transparency, because no company—no matter how high-profile—should get a blank check to do business here without community input and strong environmental safeguards. 

I laid out these concerns and the actions I’ve taken in a recent op-ed for the Commercial Appeal. I’ll also be submitting a formal public comment. If you’d like to share your own thoughts on the project, click here.

Trump’s Latest Target: International Students 

This week, I called on the Trump administration to reverse its disturbing new practice of abruptly terminating student visas—with no explanation, no notice, and no due process. While this crackdown has made headlines in other parts of the country, it’s happening right here in Memphis, too. Students at the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, and Rhodes College have suddenly found themselves in legal limbo—confused, frightened, and unsure of what comes next. 

These students are not agitators or high-profile protesters. They are not violent or dangerous.  They’re not a threat—they’re our classmates, our neighbors, and our future doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. By going after students rather than their claimed priority, the “worst of the worst” the Trump Administration is sending a clear to message across the globe: take your talent and aspirations elsewhere. And by targeting people in our community with no warning, the Trump administration is creating fear and leaving people to wonder: “Did I do something wrong?” “Could I be next?” It’s disgraceful, it’s un-American, and it must stop. 

Click here to read my full letter to Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Kirsti Noem.  

Involuntary Student Loan Collections to Resume May 5 

The U.S. Department of Education announced this week that it will restart involuntary debt collections for student loan borrowers in default starting May 5. That means more than five million borrowers could soon face wage garnishment or other federal collection actions if they haven’t made a payment in 270 days. This ends a five-year pause on penalties that began in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Borrowers will receive a 30-day warning notice before collections begin. While the Trump administration has created confusion by trying to dismantle programs that help student borrowers, some income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are still available—including Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Applications are open again as of March 26, though loan servicers are still updating their systems. If you’re in default or struggling to keep up, now’s the time to explore your options. Click here to learn more.

Urging FAA to Address Safety Issues at DCA

On Monday, as Ranking Member of Aviation, I joined Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen and Senator Tammy Duckworth in urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take immediate action to improve safety at Washington National Airport (DCA) following a series of tragic and near-miss incidents—including a fatal mid-air collision in January. 

Our letter calls on the FAA to fully staff the DCA air traffic control tower, limit flight volume until key safety benchmarks are met, and expand its ongoing review of operations at the airport. At DCA, Memphis International Airport, and everywhere else, we need to make sure the FAA has the resources, staffing, and oversight it needs to keep the flying public safe. Click here to read our full letter. 

Trump's GSA: Creating Chaos and Wasting Taxpayer Money

I joined my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in demanding answers from Trump's General Services Administration (GSA) recently about a wave of mismanagement in its Public Buildings Service. From canceling leases they had no legal right to terminate to forcing federal employees back into offices that don’t exist to leaving agencies stuck in expired spaces with no plan, it’s dysfunction driven by incompetence. 

Meanwhile, the very workforce needed to manage federal buildings is being hollowed out, and there's little clarity on how the GSA is using Inflation Reduction Act funds. It's another Trump-made mess—and taxpayers are footing the bill. Click here to read our letter. 

REAL ID Reminder

Beginning May 7, the TSA will require a REAL ID—or another approved form of ID like a passport—to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Although you can still do things like drive and visit the post office or Social Security office without a REAL ID, most people will want to upgrade their license to avoid travel headaches.   

Click here to learn how to get a REAL ID and what documents you’ll need. Don’t wait until it’s too late. 

The Friday Flashback: Pope Francis's 2015 Address to Congress

On Monday, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. He was a moral leader who challenged the powerful and lifted up the poor, and he was the first Pope in history to ever address a joint session of the U.S. Congress. I was there for his historic address in 2015, and I was struck by his call for compassion, justice, and stewardship—values he championed throughout his papacy. 

His legacy will live on in that message, and it’s needed now more than ever. May he rest in peace. Pax vobiscum.  

Weekly Health Tip: Hydrate as Temperatures Rise

As we head into warmer weather, make sure you're staying hydrated—especially if you're spending time outside or exercising. Dehydration can sneak up quickly in the Spring sun. Water is best. Avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine when possible. 

For more on staying healthy and hydrated, check out a few tips from the CDC. 

Quote of the Week (Please vote)

"We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone.” — Pope Francis

As always, I remain, 

Most sincerely, 

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress