Skip to main content

Fighting to Rebuild Trust Between Police and the African American Community

July 15, 2016
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, I asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch about additional police sensitivity trainings, using independent prosecutors to investigate cases of police use of deadly force, the Department of Justice’s investigation into the shooting of Memphian Darrius Stewart, and I recognized Interim Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings for his leadership in keeping the protests in Memphis peaceful. I also spoke on the House floor criticizing House Republicans for recessing for almost eight weeks without addressing important issues facing our country; passed an amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to help preserve historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement; and hosted a panel discussion on healthy eating in food deserts. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.

Fighting to Rebuild Trust Between Police and the African American Community
Recessing Congress with Work Left to Do
Preserving Civil Rights History
Building a Healthier Memphis
Reforming Our Criminal Justice System
Bringing Congress to your Corner

Fighting to Rebuild Trust Between Police and the African American Community

Image removed.

On Tuesday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, I asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch about the need for additional police sensitivity trainings and the need to use independent prosecutors to investigate and, if need be, prosecute instances of police use of deadly force. In the wake of shooting of Alton Sterling Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota, there has been a surge in support for the Police Training and Independent Review Act, a bill I introduced to encourage states to initiate both of those much needed reforms. I also asked her about the Department of Justice’s investigation into the shooting of Memphian Darrius Stewart and recognized Interim Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings for his leadership in ensuring protests in Memphis remained peaceful. You can watch my question time with the Attorney General here.

Recessing Congress with Work Left to Do

Image removed.

On Thursday, House Republicans recessed the House of Representatives for nearly the next eight weeks without any action on restoring voting rights, gun violence prevention, the Zika Virus, or the Flint, Michigan water crisis. You can watch my speech on the House floor about this shameful decision here.

Preserving Civil Rights History

On Wednesday night, the House of Representatives passed my bipartisan amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill with Representative Bradley Byrne (R-AL) to increase funding to preserve sites that tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement. Read more about my amendment here.

Building a Healthier Memphis

Image removed.

On Monday, I hosted a panel discussion as part of my “Building a Healthier Memphis” series with local, state, and federal officials on how to make healthier choices when feeding your family in a food desert. Much of what is offered in food deserts is unhealthy, processed food high in calories, sugar, sodium and fat, fueling epidemic levels of obesity and diabetes. Read more about my panel discussion here.

Image removed.
Congressman Steve Cohen and Celebrity chef Daniel Thomas

Reforming Our Criminal Justice System

Image removed.

On Sunday, I attended the West Tennessee Forum on Juvenile Justice sponsored by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. I gave an update on legislation I’ve been working on in Congress to address criminal justice reform. You can read more about my bills here.

Bringing Congress to your Corner

Over the summer, my office will hold “Congress on your Corner” events. Please mark these dates on your calendar. 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.

  • Friday, August 12 from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)
  • Future dates to be announced soon.

Please visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.

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

Issues:9th DistrictChildren and FamiliesCivil RightsHealth CareJudiciaryMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennessee