Congress Passes Two Resolutions Managed by Congressman Cohen

Congressman Cohen delivered the following remarks on H.Con.Res. 289:

“Today, I rise and join my colleague, the Honorable Al Green of Texas, in honoring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 99th anniversary. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is only appropriate that we do so by recognizing our nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.

Since its inception, the NAACP has united students, laborers, professionals, scholars, officials and others of all races to advance its vision of ‘a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.’

The NAACP is an outstanding organization, and I would submit that during my time here in Congress, I don’t know of another group that has had a more effective lobbying force on issues concerning human rights and civil rights and rights of people who are underrepresented and need the help of government and need it in a fair and just way.

In my community of Memphis, the President of NAACP is Mrs. Johnnie Turner. We have had a great NAACP chapter. Ben Hooks, who is a former head of the agency, is a resident of my community – an outstanding individual who was recently honored by President Bush with a Medal of Freedom. And Maxine and Vasco Smith and Jesse Turner, who have been national officers of the NAACP, are residents of my community as well. The NAACP has been very important to Memphis, but very important to this country (as well). I thank Mr. Green for bringing the resolution to the floor, and I appreciate the remarks made here on the floor. I urge final passage.”

Congressman Cohen delivered the following remarks on H.Res. 971:

“I rise to support House Resolution 971, which is a resolution to express sympathy and support for the individuals and institutions affected by the powerful tornados that swept through … the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee just over 2 weeks ago.

I express my heartfelt sympathy to all of our fellow citizens in the wake of Mother Nature’s wrath, and to commend the men and women who serve this Nation as first responders, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who place themselves in great danger every day, but did on this day as well, to protect us and the people that were in harm’s way. Our neighbors and friends deserve our sympathy and prayers, and the first responders deserve our deepest thanks and respect.

On the occasion of the day after the tornados, Congresswoman Blackburn joined me in Memphis, and we toured around Hickory Hills and met with some individuals, Mayors Wharton and Herenton and other city officials in Memphis to make sure that the proper procedures were followed.

I talked to FEMA Director, Mr. Paulson, and he assured me, and he’s followed through on his promise, that FEMA would do all they could to help the residents in Tennessee and in other states as well. And FEMA is on the ground, already issuing checks and helping people. We’ve seen a great response from the Federal Government when it was needed, and we’re looking for more response, which we’re working on now, to provide to our people throughout (the Ninth) District.”

- 30 -

Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275 (mobile)
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817 (mobile)