Voting to Continue Government Operations and Aid Ukraine
Dear Friend, This week, on the last day of the fiscal year, I voted on a bill to keep the federal government operating and provide additional low-income energy assistance to working families and aid to Ukraine. I also addressed violent crime in Memphis and announced five Department of Justice grants to help combat it; condemned Iran’s leaders, revolutionary guard and morality police for brutally cracking down on protesters; introduced a bill to make the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) competitive and more transparent; promoted my Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act; congratulated LeMoyne-Owen professor Austin Emeagwai; announced a significant U.S. Treasury Department grant to a local federal credit union; announced a job opening for a Gold Star family position in my Memphis office; announced a newborn screening grant for sickle cell disease; and offered a health tip for my four-legged friends. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Voting to Continue Government Operations and Aid Ukraine Addressing Increase in Violent Crime Condemning Iranian Crackdown on Protests over Hijab Head Scarves Introducing Bill to Reform the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Promoting Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act Congratulating LeMoyne-Owen Professor Austin Emeagwai Announcing $105 Million Grant to Orion Federal Credit Union Announcing Sickle Cell Early Detection Funding Announcing Gold Star Family Program Position Opening Voting to Continue Government Operations and Aid Ukraine
Earlier today, I voted for, and the House passed, a continuing resolution funding federal government operations through December 16 and providing $12.4 billion in new assistance to Ukraine and an additional $1 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which will help working families pay for higher energy bills in the winter months. The federal government’s fiscal year ends today, and this measure will maintain current funding levels while longer term spending bills are considered. Addressing Increase in Violent Crime I continue to pay close attention to the violent crime situation in Memphis and have been discussing possible solutions with state, local and federal officials. After meeting with Department of Justice (DOJ) officials last week, I announced five DOJ grants on Thursday totaling $5,642,703. These DOJ grants will go to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to address the rape kit backlog, Shelby County’s youth reentry program, Persevere’s adult reentry and education program, a Methodist LeBonheur Community Outreach effort to support youths exposed to violence, and to the University of Tennessee medical examiner program. Condemning Iranian Crackdown on Protests over Hijab Head Scarves On Thursday, I joined my Co-Chair of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus, Congressman Tom McClintock of California, in a statement condemning the leaders of Iran for the crackdown on protests roiling the country. See that statement here. Introducing Bill to Reform the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
On Thursday, I introduced the Tennessee Valley Authority Reform and Consumer Protection Act to allow greater competition inside and outside its electricity service territory by eliminating the “fence” and subjecting the federally owned utility to much-needed oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This measure will give greater access to clean energy and affordable energy bills in the TVA region. See my release here. Promoting Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act
On Wednesday evening, I spoke at an event hosted by Americans for Tax Fairness and discussed my Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act, which I introduced in July with Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia. I am pleased to see the measure is gaining support and that we are building momentum to ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Congratulating LeMoyne-Owen Professor Austin Emeagwai
Last week, the Internal Revenue Service named LeMoyne-Owen College accounting professor Austin Emeagwai to its Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee for a three-year term. The committee's primary goal is to promote paperless filing of tax and information returns. I congratulate Professor Emeagwai and thank him for undertaking this important public service. See the IRS release here. Announcing $105 Million Grant to Orion Federal Credit Union
The U.S. Treasury Department Headquarters in Washington On Tuesday, I announced that the Orion Federal Credit Union, a non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI), will receive $105 million from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Emergency Capital Investment Program. I also announced the credit union will receive an additional $213,497 from Treasury’s CDFI Fund Small Dollar Loan Program. See that release here. Announcing Sickle Cell Early Detection Funding
Also Tuesday, I announced that the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, headquartered in Memphis, will receive a grant of $184,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services for its newborn screening program. See that release here. Announcing Gold Star Family Program Position Opening
We are seeking a Gold Star Family Member to join our 9th Congressional District team for a two-year paid position in my Memphis office. The Gold Star Family Program will host an eligible family member to assist with veteran and military casework and outreach. If you are interested, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/job/658119800 to find more information and apply.
As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am pleased to announce that the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) and All 4s Rescue League will host a drive-thru pet health fair for dogs and cats on Saturday, October 8, 2022, for residents of Shelby County. Other partners assisting with the event include Memphis Animal Services, Memphis Humane Society, Petco, Hollywood Feed and the Shelby County 150th Medical Reserve Corps Unit. What: Pet Health and Vaccination Fair Services offered will include:
For more information, click here. “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” – Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, born on this date in 1928. As always, I remain. Steve Cohen |
