Bringing Congress to Your Corner
Dear Friend, This week, I hosted my monthly "Congress on Your Corner" event at the Millington Public Library to assist constituents with navigating federal agencies, returned from a Congressional Delegation trip to Japan and South Korea, visited several Memphis schools and honored the incoming Military Academy students from Memphis at a reception in my office. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen. Bringing Congress to Your Corner Bringing Congress to Your Corner
Today at the Millington Public Library, my staff and I held our monthly "Congress on Your Corner" office hours/town hall meeting to assist constituents with questions or problems with federal agencies and federal benefits and answer questions about issues in Washington. Questions from the nearly filled room included concerns about health care, the lack of bipartisanship in Congress, the Memphis VA and President Trump, his tax returns and his conflicts of interest. Millington Mayor Terry Jones, Millington Alderman Frankie Dakin, Millington Alderman Don Lowry, Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland, and Judge Wilson Wages were in attendance. I was on WREG's Live at 9 this morning to discuss the event, as well as the upcoming fight in Congress against the revived Trumpcare bill and tensions with North Korea. Watch my interview here. My office in Memphis is always here to help you navigate federal agencies in what can be a complex and confusing process. Please don't hesitate to call my office at 901-544-4131 if you need assistance and visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov for more information on future dates and locations for "Congress on your Corner." Traveling on a Congressional Delegation to Japan and South Korea Last week, I was invited by the prestigious Aspen Institute to participate in a congressional conference in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea. In Tokyo, we met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and members of the Japanese Parliament and toured the Yokosuka U.S. Naval Base. In South Korea, we visited the demilitarized zone (DMZ) border between North and South Korea and met with 4-star General Vincent Brooks, commander of US/UN/Republic of Korea Combined Forces. We also met with the South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and members of the South Korean Parliament. During our educational visit, we heard from Asian and American scholars and diplomats who argued for the importance of American leadership on trade partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. They also urged the United States, Japan and South Korea to continue its mutual defense contract to ensure safety and stability in the region. It is important to take actions, such as economic sanctions, diplomacy and other non-military actions, against North Korea to protect Japan and South Korea.
Visiting with Memphis Students
This week, I met with students from six schools around Memphis: Sousville Charter School, KIPP Memphis Collegiate Middle School, Granville T. Woods Academy of Innovation, White Station High School, St. Mary's Episcopal School, and the University of Memphis Student Success TRIO Program. I also spoke to students from the JIFF (Juvenile Intervention & Faith-Based Follow-Up) Program. Education has always been important to me, and I'm proud of my work to create the Tennessee Education Lottery scholarships, such as the highly successful HOPE Scholarship program, to help Tennessee's best and brightest students afford a quality Tennessee education without amassing crippling debt. Honoring Incoming Military Academy Students from Memphis
On Tuesday, I held a reception in my office in Memphis to honor the Memphis students who will be attending a United States Military Academy next fall. I was proud to submit nominations for these young men. The students include: Jacob Suppiah (back left), Memphis University School *** will attend the U.S. Military Academy, West Point Austin Osborne (back center), Collegiate School of Memphis *** will attend the U.S. Military Academy, West Point *** will attend the U.S. Naval Academy *** will attend the U.S. Military Academy, West Point ***will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy 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. Tomorrow is Earth Day. In honor of our planet, this week's quote comes from former President Barack Obama during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France.
Each week, I share 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. April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Drinking too much alcohol can increase a person's risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease and some types of cancer. Learn more about the dangers of alcohol and tips on how you can reduce your alcohol intake here. The Grizzlies looked great last night! I was thrilled to be at the game at FedEx Forum. Sometimes, when you are in a hole, you have to count on your older, more experienced guys to get you out. Kudos to Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Basketball and politics have a lot in common. Go Grizz! As always, I remain. |
