Oppose the Keystone XL Pipeline
Dear Friend,
This week the House of Representatives approved an amendment I authored on the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline. I also introduced the Pets on Trains Act of 2013 and received an award for my leadership on animal protection legislation from the Humane Society.
Keystone XL Pipeline
The Pets on Trains Act
Humane Society Award
Legal Marijuana in Colorado and Washington
Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency Act
Memorial Day
Frederick Douglas Statue
Stolen Valor Act
BRIDGES, Inc.
EnergySmart Memphis
Grant Announcements
Keystone XL Pipeline
On Wednesday the House of Representatives approved an amendment I authored on the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline. The amendment would require TransCanada – which would own and operate the pipeline – to submit its oil spill response plan and any updates to the plan to the Governors of each state in which the proposed pipeline operates. TransCanada is required to develop such a plan under current law and regulations but only certain federal agencies can receive and review the plan. There are no existing federal requirements for the plans to be submitted to states that the pipeline runs through. Click here to see me talk on the House floor about my amendment.
The Pets on Trains Act
On Tuesday I joined with Congressman Jeff Denham to introduce the Pets on Trains Act of 2013, legislation that would require Amtrak to implement a pet policy to allow passengers to travel with domesticated cats and dogs on certain Amtrak trains. Current Amtrak policy does not permit pets on trains or thruway services, in passenger areas of train stations or in checked baggage, with the exception of specially-trained service animals for the benefit of a person with a disability. Those of us lucky enough to have pets are greatly blessed with their companionship. When travelling on Amtrak, families should be able to bring their pets along.
Humane Society Award
On Wednesday I received an award for my leadership on animal protection legislation from the Humane Society of the U.S. and the Humane Society Legislative Fund. The Humane Society’s efforts to protect animal rights are important to me and my constituents and I am a lifelong supporter of animal rights and welfare issues. The treatment of animals has long been characterized as a direct reflection on how we as people treat ourselves and each other. It is a privilege and an honor to be recognized by the Humane Society for my work to promote animal protection legislation.
Legal Marijuana in Colorado and Washington
On Tuesday I participated in a Congressional briefing entitled “Legal Marijuana in Colorado and Washington: Implementation and Implications of the New State Laws.” The briefing was sponsored by the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and the Brookings Institute. Last November, Colorado and Washington voters approved ballot initiatives to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana -- decisions that put them at odds with federal law, which continues to ban marijuana. I discussed legislation I authored to create a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy. The Commission would undertake a comprehensive review of the federal government’s current policies toward marijuana, particularly in light of the growing number of states where marijuana is already legal for medicinal or personal use.
This week I also joined with several of my House colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama asking him to work with Congress and the states to reform marijuana policy across the country. We also asked the President to not use our scarce federal resources for enforcement of federal marijuana laws against those who are operating in compliance with state and local laws. We applauded the first steps the President put forth in the 2013 National Drug Control Strategy toward re-orienting our national drug policy away from an emphasis on law enforcement, but we encouraged him to consider broader efforts to re-shape federal policy regarding marijuana.
Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency Act
This week I offered an amendment to the “Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency Act of 2013” (FACT Act) -- a bill that would impose unnecessary burdens and costs on asbestos claims trusts and will expose claimants’ private information to the unnecessary risk of inappropriate exposure -- during a House Judiciary Committee markup. My amendment would ensure that the FACT Act will not apply to trusts that have an internal claims audit program to ensure that claims are valid and supported.
While proponents of the bill have yet to point to any empirical evidence of systemic fraud within the asbestos trust claims process, they argue that information sharing requirements are necessary in order to ensure that asbestos victims are not committing fraud by recovering money from trusts and through the tort system, thereby “double dipping.” Asbestos is a serious concern in America. Mesothelioma claimed the life of my good friend and Grammy award winning artist Warren Zevon. This is an issue I feel passionately about and that is why I received the Tribute of Hope Award from The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for my “tireless commitment to asbestos education, advocacy, and support in honor.”
Memorial Day
On Monday, Memorial Day, we remember and pay tribute to the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and commitment to life, liberty and justice for all are the reasons why we enjoy so many freedoms and opportunities in America. Whether attending a parade or spending time with family and friends outdoors, please join me in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.
Frederick Douglas Statue
A statue of Frederick Douglass will be unveiled at a ceremony to be held on June 19 in Emancipation Hall of the United States Capitol Visitor Center. The statue is a gift from the District of Columbia to represent the more than 600,000 residents of the nation’s capital. I am pleased that the more than 600,000 American citizens who reside in the District of Columbia will finally have a statue representing them in the U.S. Capitol. While the District deserves to have two statues in the Capitol, like the states, since its residents pay federal taxes and have fought and died in every American war, a statue depicting Frederick Douglass could not be a more apt representative for the people of D.C. Douglass fought for District residents to have self-government and Congressional representation, a fight our Democratic Caucus carries on today.
Stolen Valor Act
As the nation prepares to observe Memorial Day, the House this week approved legislation authored by Congressman Joe Heck that would make it a crime to knowingly benefit from false statements about receiving certain military awards. I was proud to support the bipartisan bill -- the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 – which passed the House overwhelmingly. Anyone who lies about military service and the awards that come with putting on the uniform should be ashamed of themselves. The men and women who risk their lives for our country deserve the utmost respect and admiration. Only those who serve with valor deserve the respect and honor military awards bring with them.
BRIDGES, Inc.
For 90 years, BRIDGES has been making a difference in Memphis one life at a time, one bridge at a time. Today, BRIDGES serves more than 15,000 youth and adults -- individuals who are learning, leading and lifting up our community. BRIDGES unites and inspires diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation. BRIDGES helps youth and adults find their voice, experience their power and build positive relationships in order to create strong lives and extraordinary communities. Click here to learn more about this important organization.
EnergySmart Memphis
EnergySmart Memphis is a year-long energy education and home improvement initiative designed to help Memphians save money on their energy costs. EnergySmart Memphis is a partnership between MLGW, City and County government agencies, Community Development Corporations and non-profit organizations, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Through EnergySmart Memphis, an estimated 3,000 MLGW customers will receive in-depth energy conservation training; eligible customers will have weatherization improvements made to their home through this initiative; and a series of Energy Education Workshops will be conducted city and county-wide at area libraries. The initiative includes weatherization kits for qualified homeowners to receive minor and major home repairs. Click here to learn more.
Grant Announcements
I regularly release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated regularly on my website.
Wishing you a happy and safe weekend, and Go Grizzlies!
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress