Protecting Internet Privacy Rules
Dear Friend,
This week, I voted to protect internet privacy laws, urged the House Judiciary Committee to investigate ties between President Trump and Russia, welcomed the new director of the Memphis VA Medical Center to Memphis, remembered anti-apartheid leader Kathy Kathrada, spoke in support of robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spoke at the Memphis Law School health symposium, and met with representatives from Planned Parenthood, Latino Memphis, Memphis Health Center, City Year, AIDSWatch and Temple Israel. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Protecting Internet Privacy Rules
Urging an Investigation into President Trump's Ties to Russia
Welcoming the New Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center to Memphis
Remembering South African Anti-Apartheid Leader Ahmed "Kathy" Kathrada
Protecting Americans from Debilitating Diseases
Speaking at the Memphis Law School Health Symposium
Supporting Planned Parenthood
Meeting with Representatives from Latino Memphis
Meeting with Representatives from the Memphis Health Center
Meeting with Representatives from City Year
Meeting with Representatives from AIDSWatch
Meeting with High School Students from Temple Israel
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Protecting Internet Privacy Rules
On Tuesday, I voted against S.J.Res 34, a resolution before Congress to overturn important Obama-era FCC internet privacy rules. Corporations should not be able to sell your browsing history and personal information without your consent. I stand with Americans and their right to privacy. Read more about these important FCC internet privacy rules here.
Urging an Investigation into President Trump's Ties to Russia
On Wednesday, I urged the House Judiciary Committee to support a resolution to ask the White House and the Department of Justice to release information on any meetings between President Trump or his chief advisors and Russia. Congress must address the "Red Menace" that is out there and apparently has influence over the White House. Watch my remarks here.
Welcoming the New Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center to Memphis
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that David Dunning has been appointed as the new director of the Memphis VA Medical Center. Last year, I urged then-Under Secretary for Health at the VA Dr. David Shulkin, who is now the Secretary of the VA, to use recruitment rewards and incentives to get the very best director for the Memphis VA Medical Center. Mr. Dunning comes to Memphis with decades of health care experience within the United States Army, most recently serving as Commander at the Tripler Army Medical Center. My staff and I look forward to working with him to best serve Memphis-area veterans.
Remembering South African Anti-Apartheid Leader Ahmed "Kathy" Kathrada
Kathy and me at Robbin Island in South Africa
Kathy showing us the inside of the cell in which he was imprisoned for 18 years on Robbin Island. He was transferred to a different prison for 8 years until his release in 1989.
On Tuesday, I remembered Ahmed "Kathy" Kathrada, an anti-apartheid leader in South Africa who was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela and was one of the most admirable people I've met in my life. Watch my remarks here.
Protecting Americans from Debilitating Diseases
On Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As Co-Chair of the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus, I feel that the NIH is our nation's Department of Defense for America's personal health and Francis Collins, the genius head of the NIH, is its Secretary. Watch my remarks here.
Speaking at the Memphis Law School Health Symposium
Today I spoke at the University of Memphis Law School for their fourth annual Institute for Health Law and Policy (iHELP) Symposium. I discussed the importance of the Affordable Care Act, why the Republican Trumpcare legislation was a bill I would have voted against, and the future of the health care system in America.
On Wednesday, I met with Representatives from Planned Parenthood of Tennessee. I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood and the 2.5 million women and men who rely on them for high quality health care services such as STI testing, cancer screenings, sex education, and contraceptive counseling.
Meeting with Representatives from Latino Memphis
On Thursday, I met with representatives from Latino Memphis. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to the Latino community such as immigration raids, border security and the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for undocumented immigrants who come into the United States as children.
Meeting with the Representatives From the Memphis Health Center
On Thursday, I met with representatives from the Memphis Health Center. We discussed my support for federal funding of community health centers and the importance of Medicaid for Tennessee residents.
Meeting with Representatives from City Year
On Tuesday, I met with George Deveney and Karmin-Tia Greer from City Year Memphis. We discussed the impact that City Year is having on Memphis schools in helping students stay on track for graduation.
Meeting with Representatives from AIDSWatch
On Tuesday, I met with Memphis representatives from AIDSWatch. We discussed the importance of comprehensive sex education and funding for new research for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Meeting with High School Students from Temple Israel
This morning, I met with the high school juniors and seniors from Temple Israel during their trip to Washington, DC. We discussed a variety of issues such as funding for the arts, humanities, public broadcasting, public housing and infrastructure in Memphis, restrictions on sex education, and the importance of strengthening the Memphis community.
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
On Friday, April 21 from 11am-2pm at the Millington Public Library (4858 Navy Road), 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 for this week comes from environmental advocate and journalist Bill McKibben about the Keystone XL Pipeline. Last week, President Trump and his Administration approved the construction of the Keystone Pipeline, reversing the decision by President Obama to block construction of the project.
The Keystone XL Pipeline represents a "fuse to the biggest carbon bomb on the planet."
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.
If you are allergic to pollen, be mindful of the ways pollen can be brought indoors including your hair, clothing, and pets. If your allergies are particularly bad, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Read more about ways to seek allergy relief here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress