Praising the FBI for Criminal Investigations in West Tennessee
Dear Friend,
This week, I praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its professionalism, expressed concern over the direction the GOP tax plan would take our country, voted against a handgun bill that overrides reasonable state regulations, expressed opposition to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plan to end net neutrality, alerted constituents to the deadline for signing up for Healthcare.gov and about precautions that can be taken against a bad flu season. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Praising the FBI for Criminal Investigations in West Tennessee
Expressing Grave Concern about the GOP Tax Scam
Voting Against Dangerous NRA-sponsored Concealed Carry Bill
Warning About FCC Vote Ending Internet Neutrality
Welcoming students from Whitney Elementary School to My District Office
Calling Attention to December 15 deadline to Sign Up for Healthcare.com
2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week
Praising the FBI for Criminal Investigations in West Tennessee
On Thursday, at a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing with FBI Director Christopher Wray, I commended the FBI for its investigative work in West Tennessee, including the prosecution of Shelby County Code Enforcement Inspector Mickey Wright, the victim of a racially motivated murder. See my exchange with the FBI Director here.
I also told him that I disagreed with President Trump's recent tweet that the current FBI is "in tatters," and asked him about the reputations of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired while looking into possible collusion between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia, and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who is currently looking into the same matter as special counsel. Wray praised both of his predecessors for their integrity and professionalism.
Expressing Grave Concern about the GOP Tax Scam
All week, I had press and television interviews regarding my fears about how the planned tax cuts for the super-rich will negatively affect Memphis and the entire American middle class.
The proposal is a gift to corporations and the very wealthy and will result in cuts to social programs when the Republican promise of economic growth spurring increased tax revenues proves false. I am concerned that important safety net and social programs like Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (food stamps) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be on the chopping block once the president signs it into law. In the meanwhile, I am working with my colleagues to defeat this plan and support real tax reform that helps working Americans.
Voting Against Dangerous NRA-sponsored Concealed Carry Bill
On Wednesday, I voted against H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a National Rifle Association-inspired law that would make the weakest state laws restricting concealed carrying of handguns the law of the land. I was the sponsor of Tennessee's concealed carry law when I was in the state Senate, but that law restricts permit holders to those who are at least 21 and receive handgun training or 18 years old and serving in the military or have been honorably discharged, unlike the bill that passed the U.S. House. The House bill would allow those with permits from states permitting concealed carry with lower age restrictions to legally carry their handguns into more restrictive states without penalty. I believe the considered view of state legislatures should be respected; the NRA and the Republican majority evidently do not.
Warning About FCC Vote Ending Internet Neutrality
This week I expressed my concern about the pending December 14 Federal Communications Commission vote to end net neutrality. The proposed FCC order would repeal the strong net neutrality framework established in 2015 and would repeal the 2015 Order's bans on blocking, throttling or paid prioritization – three of the gravest threats to equal access. Current rules prohibit broadband providers from blocking a website, slowing a website down or providing differential speeds for different websites based on whether the content provider has paid for faster service. This type of conduct by broadband providers could limit or block access to political dissent, marginal or minority views and complex ideas that help a healthy society function. I joined with more than 40 of my colleagues in writing to the FCC to urge it to abandon the unpopular plan. I also penned an op-ed in The Memphis Flyer addressing the issue.
Welcoming students from Whitney Elementary School to My District Office
Although I had to be in Washington, my district office hosted the students from Whitney Elementary School on Tuesday. It's important for our young people to learn about how their government works and aspire to become our future leaders.
Calling Attention to December 15 deadline to Sign Up for Healthcare.com
Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov ("The Affordable Care Act") runs only through December 15 – next Friday. I have been utilizing every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been sharply reduced this year and is six weeks shorter than last year's enrollment period. Press accounts predict that millions fewer may be insured next year thanks in part to Trump administration actions, such as cutting funding for "navigators" to help potential enrollees with questions. For more information on signing up for health care, see Healthcare.gov.
2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
My office currently has a limited number of 2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, please complete this form on my website. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9th District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.
Each week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.
Influenza on average sends 200,000 people to hospitals and kills tens of thousands each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several flu indicators are higher than is typical for this time of year, and the flu shot is the best way to protect against it. For more information about who should get flu shots, and other steps that can be taken to help protect against the flu, like washing hands, limiting contact with others as much as possible if you're sick, see: CDC's advice on flu prevention.
As we move into the flu season, one simple means of avoiding potential contamination is regular hand washing. Also, if you are sick, it's best to stay home. If you are out in public, avoid crowds and sneeze into your elbow. For more tips, visithttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm.
"When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don't stoop to their level. No. Our motto is, when they go low, we go high." – Michelle Obama, Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25, 2016.
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress