Remembering Minnie Minoso
This week, I paid tribute to my friend and hero Minnie Minoso on the House Floor, House Republicans once again turned Congress into theater with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech, Speaker Boehner finally allowed a vote on funding our nation’s homeland security, and my bipartisan Pets on Trains bill passed the House.
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Remembering Minnie Minoso
Protecting the Sanctity of the House Chamber
Getting Memphians Bigger Tax Returns
Working to Keep our Homeland Safe
Bringing More Transportation Options to Memphis
Allowing Americans to Travel on Trains with their Pets
Help Bring First Lady Michelle Obama to Memphis!
Remembering Minnie Minoso
Ever since an exhibition game in Memphis where he—through a white player because of segregation—gave me a baseball and befriended me when I was only 5, Minnie has been a hero of mine. Over my lifetime, Minnie became my friend and he was like part of my family, and I’ll miss him. Watch my tribute to Minnie from the floor of the House of Representatives here.
Protecting the Sanctity of the House Chamber
I am saddened by this week’s events surrounding the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In seeking to advance their political agenda, Republican leaders have masterfully set the stage and turned the People’s House into theater time and again. Tuesday’s speech was no different, and the Prime Minister’s performance was worthy of an Oscar. But he provided no viable alternative to negotiations. Watch me speaking to the media after the Prime Minister’s speech here.
Getting Memphians Bigger Tax Returns
The Earned Income Tax Credit adds an average of $2,400 to qualifying tax refunds and is too important for people to overlook. I hope all citizens of the Ninth District take advantage of credit if they are eligible for it. More information can be found here.
Working to Keep our Homeland Safe
After refusing for weeks to consider a clean, bipartisan, year-long Homeland Security funding bill, Speaker Boehner finally allowed a vote on one this week and it passed overwhelmingly. I was disappointed that House Republican leadership pushed us to the brink of a homeland security shutdown in order to attack our President and actions well within his constitutional authority, but I am glad that this they finally came to their senses and we were able to work in a bipartisan manner to keep our nation safe.
Bringing More Transportation Options to Memphis
The Commercial Appeal ran a story about TDOT conducting a study on the feasibility of bring water taxis to the Memphis riverfront. I was pleased to help facilitate the $800,000 federal grant that is helping fund this study and hope to see the water taxis running soon. I also worked with Congressman Marion Berry to promote a new rail line from Memphis to Little Rock, which the Commercial Appeal reported onhere.
Allowing Americans to Travel on Trains with their Pets
I have been proud to work with my friend, Congressman Jeff Denham of California, on our bipartisan Pets on Trains Act to ensure families can bring their pets when traveling on Amtrak and that pets aren’t left behind to fend for themselves. This week, the House approved our legislation and I look forward to the Senate acting on it and the President signing it into law.
Help Bring First Lady Michelle Obama to Memphis!
First Lady Michelle Obama has launched the #ReachHigher competition to raise awareness and get more high school seniors to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help families afford college, and she will speak at the winner’s high school commencement ceremony. You have until March 16 to enter. Learn more about the competition here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress