Enewsletters
Dear Friend,
This week we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was assassinated 45 years ago yesterday. As we mark his passing, we strive to continue his unfinished work so that every American has access to honest work, fair wages, affordable housing, and the ability to earn and enjoy a decent life.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King Memorial Events in Memphis
Dear Friend,
This week I spoke on the House floor about the importance of funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), our country’s foremost medical research center which has helped millions across the country suffering from heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Post Polio. Through sequestration, Republicans are looking to cut funding for NIH by more than $1.6 billion.
NIH
West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery
Dear Friend,
Last weekend Memphis lost one of its giants – former Criminal Court Clerk, County Commissioner and City Councilwoman Minerva Johnican. She was always a steadfast supporter of my candidacy for public office, which meant much coming from someone who had walked with me all along the way. My life has been blessed and richer for having counted Minerva as my friend.
Remembering Minerva Johnican
NIH and Sequestration
Democratic Caucus Meeting With President Obama
Dear Friend,
Today I announced that Marzie Thomas will be my new District Director, and I also announced several other staff promotions in the Memphis office. Earlier this week I also introduced The Fair Access to Credit Scores Act of 2013, legislation that would include a reliable, accurate credit score with the free annual credit reports available to consumers by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
New District Director in Memphis
The Fair Access to Credit Scores Act
Dear Friend,
President Obama met today with Senate and House leaders at the White House to discuss how they can minimize the negative effects of sequestration – the across-the-board budget cuts that threaten the economic growth our country has made recently. It’s important that Republicans end their obstructionist ways and work with President Obama and Democrats to end these dangerous budget cuts as quickly as possible.
Sequestration
Proposed Airlines Merger
Dear Friend,
This week I received a 97 percent on The League of Conservation Voters 2012 National Environmental Scorecard. We also learned that Memphis International Airport will become one of five additional airports to be approved for the TSA Pre Check program.
LCV Scorecard
TSA Pre Check
Judge Otis Higgs
Sequestration
Benefits Payments
Dear Friend,
This week President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech and discussed what the country needs to do to create more jobs and grow economically. And I introduced legislation to prohibit employers from using credit checks and bankruptcy filings as part of the hiring process.
President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Equal Employment for All Act
Telephone Town Hall
Democratic Issues Conference
Dear Friend,
Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, where we celebrate the many contributions made by African-Americans throughout our country’s history. I also recently participated in a Season for Nonviolence at the National Civil Rights Museum and met with Bill Maher.
Black History Month
Season for Nonviolence
Bill Maher
Soulsville Business Community
Dear Friend,
This week I received my Subcommittee assignments and will serve as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. I also appeared on Current TV to discuss voting rights, gun safety, Congress and President Obama. And House Republicans voted to temporarily suspend the debt limit until May 19.
Subcommittee Assignments
Gun Safety, Voting Rights and Congress