Praising the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor in the Trump-Russia Investigation
Dear Friend,
This week, I praised the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special prosecutor in the Trump-Russia investigation, signed a discharge petition to force a vote to create a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the Trump-Russia connection, criticized President Trump for compromising highly classified information to Russian diplomats, asked the House Judiciary Committee to invite former FBI Director James Comey to testify before the committee, opposed Attorney General Sessions' new harsh sentencing guidelines, attended a luncheon with Colombian President Juan Manual Santos, spoke in support of the Rapid DNA Act, introduced a bill to restore fairness in student lending, and visited with students from Grahamwood Elementary. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Praising the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor in the Trump-Russia Investigation
Urging a Bipartisan, Independent Commission to Investigate the Trump-Russia Connection
Criticizing President Trump for Compromising Highly Classified Information to Russian Diplomats
Asking the Judiciary Committee to Invite James Comey to Testify
Opposing Mandatory Minimums and the War on Drugs
Attending a Luncheon with Colombian President Juan Manual Santos
Speaking in Support of the Rapid DNA Act
Restoring Fairness in Student Lending
Meeting with Students from Grahamwood Elementary
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Praising the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor in the Trump-Russia Investigation
On Wednesday, I praised Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for appointing former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special prosecutor in the Trump-Russia investigation. Director Mueller has a sterling reputation as former director of the FBI and as a former federal prosecutor. However, a bipartisan, independent commission is also needed, as well as continued Congressional oversight of the Executive Branch to uncover the full truth. Read my full statement here.
Urging a Bipartisan, Independent Commission in Investigate the Trump-Russia Connection
Appointing a special prosecutor is a good first step, but it cannot be the last. That's why, yesterday, I signed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 356, the Protecting Our Democracy Act. This bill would create a 12-member, bipartisan, independent commission to examine the extent to which Russia or any other foreign entities attempted to manipulate, interfere with, or otherwise undermine public trust in our democracy. Read more about the discharge petition here.
Criticizing President Trump for Compromising Highly Classified Information to Russian Diplomats
On Monday, the Washington Post reported that President Trump compromised highly classified information during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Ambassador Kislyak. The President must never reveal classified intelligence without input from his intelligence advisors. Read my full statement here.
Asking the Judiciary Committee to Invite James Comey to Testify
On Thursday, I asked the House Judiciary Committee to invite former FBI Director James Comey to testify on President Trump's firing of the FBI Director and any possible obstruction of justice in the Trump-Russia investigation. I also attended a classified briefing with my colleagues today with Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on the firing of former FBI Director Comey. Watch my remarks in the House Judiciary Committee meeting here. You can read an article in TheCommercial Appeal about my decision to defend the former FBI Director here.
Opposing Mandatory Minimums and the War on Drugs
Last week, Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions issued new guidelines mandating federal prosecutors seek the strictest penalties for criminal offenses. The Attorney General's one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Harsher sentences for non-violent drug crimes cost taxpayers more money and waste limited resources that are needed to go after more dangerous, violent offenders who put the public at risk. Read my full statement here.
Attending a Luncheon with Colombian President Juan Manual Santos
From left to right: House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), Colombian President Juan Manual Santos and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
On Thursday, I attended a luncheon with Colombian President Juan Manual Santos hosted by the International Conservation Caucus Fund (ICCF). President Santos was the recipient of the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end Colombia's more than 50-year-long civil war. At the luncheon, President Santos discussed environmental protections, his push to legalize marijuana for medical and personal use and his crackdown on cocaine production in Colombia.
Speaking in Support of the Rapid DNA Act
On Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Rapid DNA Act which passed the House of Representatives this week. This common-sense legislation will help law enforcement officers gain access to DNA evidence more quickly to identify suspected criminals. Watch my remarks here.
Restoring Fairness in Student Lending
On Thursday, I introduced a bill with Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans the same as other types of private debt in bankruptcy. Until 2005, this type of student loan debt was dischargeable in bankruptcy, but a change to the bankruptcy code that year removed this consumer protection. Read more about our bill here.
Meeting with Students from Grahamwood Elementary
On Wednesday, I met with students from Grahamwood Elementary School outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington. I enjoyed meeting the students and answering their questions about our government.
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
On Friday, May 26 from 11am-1pm at the Gaston Community Center (1046 South Third Street), my staff will hold "Congress on Your Corner" office hours to assist Memphians with questions or problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA and more. Please mark the date on your calendar. For more information about Congress on Your Corner, visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov.
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.
The quote this week comes from former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by President Trump last week:
"The spine of the FBI is the rule of law. The spine of the FBI is a commitment to doing the right thing, in the right way, while protecting civil liberties."
- FBI Director James Comey
International Association of Chiefs of Police 121st Annual Conference
Orlando, Florida
October 27, 2014
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.
The sun is out, the temperature is rising and the humidity is increasing to uncomfortable levels. It is more important than ever during the summer months to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Learn more about ways to stay hydrated here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress