Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders
Dear Friend,
This week, I commended President Obama for commuting the sentences of 102 largely non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian, attended the Seafood Nutrition Partnership luncheon in Midtown with NBA star Detlef Schrempf, delivered remarks at the special program honoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School, and received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign on their 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders
Encouraging Healthy Eating
Honoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School
Receiving a Perfect Score from the Human Rights Campaign
2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders
On Thursday, President Obama announced his decision to commute the sentences of 102 largely non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including one Memphian. President Obama has granted clemency to 590 prisoners in 2016 -- the most commutations in any single year of U.S. history -- and 774 prisoners during his presidency. I encourage President Obama to continue to commute more unjust sentences during his remaining time in office. You can read more about my work on commutations here.
On Monday, I joined former NBA star Detlef Schrempf at the Seafood Nutrition Partnership luncheon at Tsunami in Midtown. The Seafood Nutrition Partnership aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle with a seafood-rich diet. After the luncheon, I went straight to Fresh Market to buy some fresh salmon. To learn more about the Seafood Nutrition Partnership's Healthy Heart Pledge and how to improve diet by adding seafood, click here.
Honoring the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School
On Monday, I delivered remarks at the “Because of You” special program honoring the anniversary of the Memphis 13 at Bruce Elementary School. On October 3, 1961, Menelik Fombi, Dwania Kyles and Harry Williams were the first African-American students to enroll at Bruce Elementary School, ending the nearly 100 years of segregation in Memphis public schools. They, along with ten other students who integrated Memphis City Schools, became known as the Memphis 13.
Receiving a Perfect Score from the Human Rights Campaign
It is an honor to receive a perfect 100 score from the Human Rights Campaign on their 114th Congress Legislative Scorecard for my work on behalf of the LGBTQ community. I have long advocated for civil rights for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, and I remain committed to fighting for full equality.
2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
My office currently has a limited number of 2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee’s Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.) on Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm to answer questions and provide assistance. Please visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner events.
Go Tigers! And let’s go Nats!
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress