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Being Appointed by Leader Pelosi to the House Ethics Committee

February 17, 2017
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, I was appointed by Leader Pelosi to the House Ethics Committee, called on the House Judiciary Committee to investigate President Trump's ties to Russia, hosted a town hall meeting at East High School, voted to protect funding for Planned Parenthood, spoke out against the rise of anti-Semitism in America since the 2016 Presidential election, urged the House Judiciary Committee to examine President Trump's attempt to undermine the freedom of the press, introduced a bill to protect consumers from unscrupulous tax preparers like Memphis-based Mo' Money Taxes, introduced a bill to increase government transparency, and introduced a bill to extend justice for sex crime victims. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.

Being Appointed by Leader Pelosi to the House Ethics Committee
Calling on the House Judiciary Committee to Investigate Trump's Ties to Russia
Hosting a Town Hall Meeting
Voting to Protect Funding for Planned Parenthood
Combating the Rise of Anti-Semitism in America
Ensuring the Freedom of the Press
Protecting Consumers from Unscrupulous Tax Preparers
Increasing Government Transparency
Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
Weekly Health Tip

Being Appointed by Leader Pelosi to the House Ethics Committee

On Monday, I was appointed to the House Ethics Committee by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. One of the most important reasons I came to Congress in 2007 was to fight against the culture of corruption in Washington. I welcome the opportunity to serve on the committee during a time when the trust and integrity of our government is being tested. Read more here.

Calling on the House Judiciary Committee to Investigate Trump's Ties to Russia

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On Wednesday, I called on the House Judiciary Committee to investigate President Trump's ties to Russia. We need to know what President Trump knew about his campaign's and former National Security Adviser's contact with Russia and when he knew it. You can watch my remarks in the House Judiciary Committee here. You can watch my remarks on the House floor calling for President Trump to release his tax returns to show his ties to Russia here.

Hosting a Town Hall Meeting

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On Saturday, I held a town hall meeting at East High School. I appreciated having this opportunity to listen to the Ninth District's perspective on a variety of issues facing our community. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the democratic process last weekend by attending the town hall meeting in person as well as those who tuned in on Facebook Live. I would also like to thank Brian Faughnan from the ACLU and Chris Coleman from the Tennessee Justice Center for joining me on stage. In case you missed it, you can watch the full town hall meeting here.

Voting to Protect Funding for Planned Parenthood

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On Thursday, I voted against a resolution that overturns an Obama Administration rule to ensure that patients can access Title X family planning and preventive health services through any Title X-qualified provider, including Planned Parenthood. Reducing access to Planned Parenthood and other Title X family planning programs denies women, especially low-income and minority women, access to critical health care services like cancer screenings, contraception and STD prevention and treatment. Read more here.

Combating the Rise of Anti-Semitism in America

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On Thursday, I discussed the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism in America since the 2016 Presidential election with Rabbi David Saperstein, the former Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing. Read more here.

Ensuring the Freedom of the Press

Today, I wrote to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte urging the committee to reconsider its vote on examining President Trump's attempts to undermine the freedom of the press. President Trump has repeatedly launch attacks, even as recently as yesterday, aimed to intimidate and de-legitimize the press. On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee voted on party lines to not adopt my amendment to include within the committee's oversight plan a commitment to protect freedom of the press from these kind of attacks. You can watch my remarks here. Read more here.

Protecting Consumers from Unscrupulous Tax Preparers

On Wednesday, I introduced the Tax Return Preparer Accountability Act to protect consumers from unscrupulous tax preparation businesses like Memphis-based Mo' Money Taxes. Read more here.

Increasing Government Transparency

On Tuesday, Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) and I introduced the bipartisan Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act in order to increase accountability from federal agencies. Read more here.

Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims

On Tuesday, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and I introduced the bipartisan Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims Act to increase the statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse from age 21 to age 28 to ensure that they have the time and resources they need to seek justice. Read more here.

Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter

Each year billions of dollars are distributed in federal grant and loan money to institutions and organizations throughout the country. The 9th District's universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and local governments are well-qualified to compete for these funds. If you are interested in receiving up-to-date federal grant information, including a list of the most recent grant awards and opportunities, please click here to sign up for my Grants E-Newsletter. I also encourage you to explore the resources on my website to help you and your organization search and apply for grants.

Bringing Congress to Your Corner

On Friday, February 24, from 11am to 1pm, my office will hold its regular "Congress on your Corner" office hours at the Whitehaven Branch Library at 4120 Millbranch Road. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance. We hope you can make it.

Weekly Health Tip

Each week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it's best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), excessive alcohol use, including underage drinking and binge drinking (drinking 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women), can lead to increased risk of health problems such as injuries, violence, liver diseases, and cancer. Read more here.

As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
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Steve Cohen
Member of Congress

Issues:9th DistrictChildren and FamiliesCivil RightsEconomy and JobsForeign AffairsGovernment ReformHealth CareJudiciaryMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennesseeWomen's Issues