Successfully Protecting Airline Passengers, Not Airline Profits
Dear Friend,
The senseless Emanuel AME Church murders are so horrific and so sad that they are hard to fathom. There are still some in America who are so full of hate that we must ask what put this young man on this path. Read my full statement on Wednesday’s shootings in Charleston here.
This week, I voted once again to represent the views of the overwhelming majority of the Ninth District and opposed “fast-track” trade promotion authority that could hurt the American middle-class, announced almost $3 million in funding for St. Jude, introduced legislation that helped stop airlines from squeezing passengers, and we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week, or if you’d like to receive the updates in this eNewsletter (and more) as they happen, simply “like” my Facebook page. Be sure to check it regularly, as it will be updated often with news, pictures, and videos.
Successfully Protecting Airline Passengers, Not Airline Profits
Stopping Unfair Taxes on Digital Music and Video
St. Jude Helping Memphians Fight Cancer
Protecting States’ Right to Reject the Confederate Flag
Memphians on Politics
Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth
Successfully Protecting Airline Passengers, Not Airline Profits
Consumers are tired of being squeezed—physically and fiscally—by airlines and the recent proposal to shrink carry-on luggage sizes is a step too far. It was a transparent attempt to squeeze even more money out of passengers by forcing them to pay baggage fees to check luggage they purchased specifically to avoid those fees. I’m glad that after I introduced legislation to stop these new size limits from going into effect, the airline industry announced it was putting these plans on hold to reassess. I spoke with CNN’s Richard Quest about it and you can watch my interview here.
Stopping Unfair Taxes on Digital Music and Video
Digital goods (like MP3s) and services (like streaming video) are quickly becoming a driving force in our national economy. Consumers shouldn’t be discouraged from purchasing digital goods because of high taxes, and the bipartisan Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act that I introduced with Republican Congressman Lamar Smith would help accomplish that goal. I am pleased the Judiciary committee approved our legislation on Wednesday and look forward to it being considered by the full House as soon as possible.
St. Jude Helping Memphians Fight Cancer
This week, I announced almost $3 million for research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and also welcomed Nicholas London (right), son of Tangela (center left) and Memphis Tiger basketball player Paris London, and Dr. Torrey Sandlund (left) to my Capitol Hill office to hear his story of how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is helping him fight leukemia. I enjoyed Nicholas' company, he is a very bright young man and we had a great conversation about hoops and St. Jude. I hope we can see him back on the court soon and wish him the best with his treatment.
Protecting States’ Right to Reject the Confederate Flag
States should not be in the business of endorsing the Confederate flag which represents rejection of the United States of America, secession from the Union, and support of slavery. I commend the Supreme Court for ruling yesterday to protect states’ right not to have license plates that would be disturbing to many of its citizens and not threatening a tried and true manner of voluntary state funding.
On Wednesday evening, I was proud to attend the Washington premiere at the Newseum of a documentary about the TV debates between William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal, as it was co-produced and co-directed by Memphis’ own Robert Gordon (above). The documentary, entitled The Best of Enemies, was thought-provoking and extremely well-received by a packed a house including Sam Donaldson. It was the featured film of the American Film Institute's documentary film festival. Gordon is a Grammy Award winning writer and producer/director whose work has traditionally focused on music and the blues, so it was good to see his political work.
Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth
Today marks the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth and this year will also mark the 22nd annual Juneteenth Urban Music Festival in Memphis. Read my statement commemorating these anniversaries here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress