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Calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Resign

March 3, 2017
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, I called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign amid reports that he lied under oath about meeting with the Russian Ambassador during his time as a surrogate for the Trump campaign, reacted to President Trump's first address to Congress, voted in the House Judiciary Committee to request information relating to President Trump's conflicts of interest and ties to Russia, voted against a bill that would undermine the rights of victims of medical malpractice, met with Tennessee representatives from Planned Parenthood, and passed a bill to increase government transparency. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.

Calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Resign
Reacting to President Trump's First Address to Congress
Voting to Request Information on President Trump's Conflicts of Interest and Ties to Russia
Fighting for the Rights of Victims of Medical Malpractice
Welcoming the Memphis Flyer's Top 20 Under 30 to My Office
Meeting with Representatives from Planned Parenthood
Increasing Government Transparency
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip

Calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Resign


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On Thursday, I called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign amid reports that he lied under oath during his confirmation process about his having met twice with the Russian Ambassador during a time when he was serving as a surrogate for the Trump campaign in the lead up to the 2016 Presidential election. I also joined the other Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee in calling for a criminal investigation into Attorney General Sessions' statement before Congress. You can watch my remarks at a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing about this matter here. Read more about my call for Attorney General Sessions to resign and for a criminal investigation here and here.

Reacting to President Trump's First Address to Congress

On Tuesday, President Trump delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress. The President's plan to increase defense spending to historic levels will likely result in cuts to important programs and services that are vital to my constituents such as food stamps, health care, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, energy assistance and community health centers. Read more of my reaction here. You can listen to my response to the President's speech on NPR's Here and Nowhere.

Voting to Request Information on President Trump's Conflicts of Interest and Ties to Russia

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On Tuesday during a House Judiciary Committee meeting, I voted in support of a Resolution of Inquiry to request the Department of Justice provide the House of Representatives with documents relating to President Trump's potential conflicts of interest and ties to Russia. Unfortunately, Republicans on the committee voted against this resolution, so it did not pass. Watch my remarks in support of the Resolution of Inquiry here.

Fighting for the Rights of Victims of Medical Malpractice

On Tuesday during a House Judiciary Committee meeting, I voted against a bill that would undermine the rights of victims of medical malpractice. This bill would cap certain medical malpractice payments for pain and suffering damages in hospital, nursing home and physician's lawsuits at $250,000. I offered an amendment to exempt cases concerning foreign objects being left within the body and medical procedures being conducted on the wrong person or wrong body part. Watch my remarks here.

Welcoming the Memphis Flyer's Top 20 Under 30 to My Office

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Today, I welcomed the Memphis Flyer's Top 20 Under 30 to my district office. I discussed with them my work in Congress and issues important to Millennials in Memphis. It is always encouraging to see so many young people invested in making Memphis a better community.

Meeting with Representatives from Planned Parenthood

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On Wednesday, I met with Tennessee representatives from Planned Parenthood as part of their "We Are Planned Parenthood" Capitol Takeover Day. I remain committed to fighting for women's health care and will oppose any efforts to defund Planned Parenthood or repeal the Affordable Care Act that could put many low-income and minority women at risk.

Increasing Government Transparency

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On Monday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill that Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) and I introduced to increase government transparency and accountability from federal agencies. Read more about the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act here. Watch my remarks on the House floor in support of the bill 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.

Quote of the Week

This week, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to share a quote from Ida B. Wells, a former Memphis resident and legendary anti-lynching advocate and suffragist leader, that is displayed at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

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"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." – Ida B. Wells

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.

Colonoscopies are an important medical procedure doctors use to test for swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps and cancer. Screening may find diseases at an early stage, when a doctor has a better chance of curing the disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), doctors recommend screening for colon and rectal cancer every 5 years starting at the age of 50 if you do not have health problems or other factors that make you more likely to develop colon cancer. Read more here.

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

Issues:9th DistrictCivil RightsForeign AffairsHealth CareJudiciaryMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennesseeWomen's Issues