Opposing President Trump’s Decision to End the DACA Program
Dear Friend,
This week, I opposed President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, criticized Republicans for blocking my appropriations amendments to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and businesses, spoke with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin to reiterate my concerns about the quality of care at the Memphis VA Medical Center, objected to House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte's (R-VA) decision to shut down debate on the Trump Administration's ties to Russia, accepted the 2017 Excellence in Design Award from the Waterfront Center on behalf of Big River Crossing, and voted for an emergency disaster aid package for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Opposing President Trump's Decision to End the DACA Program
Criticizing Republicans for Blocking My Amendments to Prohibit Federal Spending at Trump-Owned Hotels, Resorts and Businesses
Working with the Secretary of the VA to Fix Issues in Memphis
Objecting to House Judiciary Committee's Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration
Honoring Big River Crossing in Washington, D.C.
Voting for a Hurricane Harvey Relief Package and to Keep the Government Open
Bringing Congress to your Corner
The Congressional App Challenge
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Opposing President Trump's Decision to End the DACA Program
On Tuesday, President Trump announced that he would be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay. This decision by the President is heartless, illogical and un-American. DACA is a commonsense, compassionate program that helps protect from deportation young people who were brought to the United States by no choice of their own. Read my full statement here.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the House Rules Committee blocked my 16 appropriations amendments to prohibit federal spending at Trump-owned hotels, resorts and other Trump-owned businesses. It is shameful that Republicans are allowing Trump to profit off the Presidency. History will look back on the President's actions as brazenly in violation of our Constitution. Read my full statement here.
Working with the Secretary of the VA to Fix Issues in Memphis
Yesterday, I spoke with Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Dr. David Shulkin about the unacceptably poor care at the Memphis VA Medical Center. I invited the Secretary to come to Memphis, and I will continue to work with the Secretary to ensure that Memphis receives all federal funding, staffing and aid necessary for Memphis-area veterans to receive the care that they deserve. Read my full statement here.
Objecting to House Judiciary Committee's Lack of Oversight of the Trump Administration
Yesterday, my Democratic colleagues and I objected to the House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte's (R-VA) decision to shut down debate on a Resolution of Inquiry and the lack of oversight of the Trump Administration and its ties to Russia. What happened during the meeting was a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham. Watch my comments at the 3:55mark here.
Honoring Big River Crossing in Washington, D.C.
Today I was proud to accept the 2017 Excellence in Design Award from the Waterfront Center in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Big River Crossing. The Waterfront Center assists communities across the globe in making the wisest and best long-term uses of waterfront resources for maximum public benefit. The Design in Excellence award internationally recognizes developments that have catalyzed active public enjoyment of and access to a waterfront while also making civic, environmental, and educational contributions to the surrounding area and incorporating natural and historical features. I was proud to work with then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to secure nearly $15 million in federal funding through the TIGER grant program to help fund this project. Read more here.
Voting for a Hurricane Harvey Relief Package and to Keep the Government Open
Today, I voted for an emergency disaster aid package for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. This legislation also included a provision to raise the debt ceiling and to keep the government funded through December 15. I would like to thank House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for their work in securing this deal. My thoughts are with those in the path of Hurricane Irma in Florida this weekend.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
On Friday, September 29, 11:00am to 1:00pm, my office will hold "Congress on your Corner" office hours at the North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave). 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. We hope you can make it.
The Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. K-12 students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, or "apps." The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee. Students entering the competition must submit their app on CongressionalAppChallenge.us by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Daylight Time on November 1, 2017. Click here for more information.
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.
Each week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Nearly one in six children in the United States is obese, putting these children at risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Read more about the effects of childhood obesity and how to combat it here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress