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Gaining Momentum in Fight for Independent Prosecutors for Police Shootings

July 8, 2016
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, in the wake of the two most recent police shootings, I called for a hearing on the Police Training and Independent Review Act which continues to gain momentum in Congress, continued the push for common sense gun control legislation, fought for more sensible drug laws during the Opioid Conference Committee meeting, remembered one of my heroes Elie Wiesel, and introduced a resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.

Gaining Momentum in the Fight for Independent Prosecutors for Police Shootings
Calling for Common Sense Gun Control Legislation
Fighting for More Sensible Drug Laws
Remembering Elie Wiesel
Honoring the 50th Anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear
Building a Healthier Memphis
Bringing Congress to your Corner

Gaining Momentum in the Fight for Independent Prosecutors for Police Shootings

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On Thursday, in the wake of the two most recent police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota, I called on House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to hold a hearing on H.R. 2302 the Police Training and Independent Review Act. This bill is gaining momentum in Congress and now has 70 cosponsors including Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), House Judiciary Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI) and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). You can watch my remarks during a House Judiciary Committee meeting here and on the House floor here.

I am also, of course, grieving for the police officers shot, killed and wounded in Dallas, Texas last night. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I was a police legal advisor for more than 3 years and greatly respect our law enforcement and the difficult job they have. We must have police to have an open and safe society.

Calling for Common Sense Gun Control Legislation

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This week, House Democrats continued their call for a vote on common sense legislation to prevent suspected terrorists from purchasing guns and to increase background checks for those purchasing guns. On Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor criticizing Speaker Paul Ryan for suggesting that the sit-in on the House floor last week led by civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis was a political stunt. You can watch my remarks here.

Fighting for More Sensible Drug Laws

On Wednesday, I spoke at the Opioid Conference Committee meeting on the need to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I substance, the most dangerous level. Marijuana can be an alternative painkiller that could be beneficial for people who might otherwise turn to the much more dangerous opioids to manage their pain. You can watch my remarks here.

Remembering Elie Wiesel

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On Saturday I was saddened to learn of the death of Elie Wiesel, one of the great moral forces in the world. He was one of my heroes. You can read my statement on his passing here.

Honoring the 50th Anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear

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On Tuesday, I introduced a bipartisan resolution with members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation honoring the 50th anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi to encourage African Americans to register to vote. You can read about the resolution here.

Building a Healthier Memphis

On Monday, I will host a panel discussion with local, state, and federal officials on how to make healthier choices when feeding your family in a “food desert.” The panel discussion has the goal of informing Memphians on ways to make better choices for their diets when confronted by a “food desert.” Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will discuss efforts by the federal government to address the need for healthy diets. Local celebrity chefs will offer advice on preparing nutritious meals in the home and at restaurants. Representatives from local food producers will discuss ways Memphians can access fresh fruits and vegetables, or even grow their own. The panel discussion will take place from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on Monday, July 11th in the auditorium of The Urban Child Institute, 600 Jefferson Avenue. The event is open to the public.

Bringing Congress to your Corner

Over the summer, my office will hold two more “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, July 15 from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St)
  • Friday, August 12 from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)

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

I hope everyone has a safe and happy July 4th holiday weekend.

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

Issues:9th DistrictCivil RightsHealth CareJudiciaryMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennessee