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Opposing the GOP Health Care Plan to Repeal the Affordable Care Act

March 10, 2017
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, I strongly opposed the GOP health care plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, examined the state of black America under President Trump, sent a letter with House Judiciary Democrats to request information on any contacts between the White House and the Department of Justice related to Russia's attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election, remembered my former colleague Senator Douglas Henry, received an award from the Tourette Association of America, and introduced a bill to ensure the safety and health of airline passengers. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.

Opposing the GOP Health Care Plan to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
Examining the State of Black America
Investigating the Connection Between President Trump and Russia
Remembering Former Tennessee State Senator Douglas Henry, Jr.
Receiving the Public Policy Award from the Tourette Association of America
Ensuring the Safety and Health of Airline Passengers
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip

Opposing the GOP Health Care Plan to Repeal the Affordable Care Act

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This week, Republican released Trumpcare, their legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This bill shamefully takes from lower and middle income Americans and gives to the wealthiest Americans. It cuts funding for Medicaid while giving over half a trillion dollars in tax breaks for the wealthy, including $7 million in tax breaks to each of the 400 wealthiest families.

Meanwhile, the bill allows insurers to charge consumers between the ages of 50 and 64 more for coverage, and if your health insurance lapses, it allows insurers to charge you up to 30 percent more for coverage. In addition, Planned Parenthood would lose federal funding, making it more difficult for women to receive preventative health services such as mammograms, HIV testing, and access to birth control.

The American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association and AARP, among other groups, as well as Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, have come out against this bill. Trumpcare is politics above health care, and it is wrong. I spoke on the House floor and on Facebook Live this week against the bill. You can watch my remarks here and here.

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Cartoon from the New Yorker illustrating the "life panels" created by the Affordable Care Act

Examining the State of Black America

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Earlier today, I spoke on the House floor about the state of black America. Things have gotten worse for the African American community under President Trump, and I fear they will unfortunately continue to do so on a daily basis. Watch my remarks here.

Investigating the Connection Between President Trump and Russia

On Monday, my Democratic Colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee and I sent letters to White House Counsel Donald McGahn and Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana J. Boente asking them to provide any information about contacts between the White House and the Department of Justice concerning the FBI's ongoing review of efforts by the Russian government to unlawfully influence the U.S. presidential election in favor of President Trump. Read our letter here.

Remembering Former Tennessee State Senator Douglas Henry, Jr.

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On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor in remembrance my former colleague and friend Senator Douglas Henry, Jr., the longest serving member in the history of the Tennessee General Assembly, who passed away last weekend. You can watch my tribute to him on the House floor here. Read my statement on his passing here.

Receiving the Public Policy Award from the Tourette Association of America

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On Tuesday, I was proud to receive the 2017 TAA Public Policy Award from the Tourette Association of America. As co-chair of the Congressional Tourette Syndrome Caucus, I will continue supporting Tourette Syndrome awareness and research in Congress.

Ensuring the Safety and Health of Airline Passengers

Yesterday, I introduced the bipartisan, bicameral SEAT Act to establish a minimum seat size on airplanes for the safety and health of airline passengers.Airline passengers are tired of being squeezed on airplanes and the safety and health of passengers must come before profits. Read more 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's quote comes from one of my heroes, President John F. Kennedy:

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"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." – President John F. Kennedy

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.

Getting enough water every day is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. It is generally recommended for healthy adults to have approximately eight glasses of water per day for proper hydration. Water can help the body regulate its normal temperature and remove waste. Water internal; water external; water eternal. Read more about the health benefits of proper hydration here.

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

Issues:9th DistrictChildren and FamiliesCivil RightsEconomy and JobsEducationForeign AffairsHealth CareHousingJudiciaryMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennesseeTransportation