Remembering the Victims of the Orlando Mass Shooting
Dear Friend,
This week, I remembered the victims of the tragic mass shooting targeting the LGBT community in Orlando, called for a ban on all assault rifles and high capacity magazines, received an award from Easter Seals for my work on advancing access to transportation for people with disabilities, signed a discharge petition to restore the Voting Rights Act, attended a reception celebrating the renewal of the Memphis Minority Business Center, announced a $4 million grant for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation for education and job training for under-skilled parents, and attended a discussion with Bishop T.D. Jakes. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Remembering the Victims of the Orlando Mass Shooting
Receiving the Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate Award
Fighting for Voting Rights
Securing Federal Funding for the Memphis Minority Business Center
Reducing Infrastructure Funding in Afghanistan
Helping Under-skilled Memphians Receive Job Training
Meeting with Memphis Students
Attending a Discussion with Bishop T.D. Jakes
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Remembering the Victims of the Orlando Mass Shooting
Vigil at the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center
I was saddened and horrified by the mass shooting in Orlando last weekend. My thoughts go out to the victims and their families as well as all members of the LGBT community everywhere who were targeted in this tragedy. This week, I called on Speaker Paul Ryan to bring a bill to the House floor banning all assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Outside of our military, no one in this country needs an assault rifle to defend themselves or their homes. I also commend my friend and 2006 Congressional classmate Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) for his outstanding advocacy and leadership during his nearly 15-hour Senate filibuster on gun control reform. We cannot allow those on the FBI’s terrorist watch list to purchase guns and must close gun law loopholes.
10th annual Ramadan Memphis Interfaith Dinner
On Sunday night, to pledge my support for groups fearing violence, I spoke at the 10th annual Ramadan Memphis Interfaith Dinner and at the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center during their vigil for the victims. This was a hate crime against the LGBT community as well as a terrorist attack. While the shooter vowed allegiance to ISIS and is Muslim, we must not do what ISIS wants and tie one hateful, bigoted murderer to others who share his religion. As Muhammad Ali said, “Islam is not about San Bernardino, Belgium or Paris…,” nor is it about Orlando.
Receiving the Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate Award
On Tuesday, I received the 2016 Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate Award for my work done in advancing access to transportation for people with disabilities. Read more here.
This week, I signed a petition in the House of Representatives to bring the Voting Rights Advancement Act to the House floor for a vote. This bill, of which I am a cosponsor, would overturn the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Supreme Court was wrong to undermine the Voting Rights Act, yet House Republicans refuse to bring a bill to the floor to address the issue.
Securing Federal Funding for the Memphis Minority Business Center
In April, the Memphis Minority Business Center (MMBC), the first ever in Tennessee, received a $1.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to continue its operations for the next 5 years. I was proud to help bring the center to Memphis back in 2012, and today it was my honor to attended a reception to celebrate its renewal. I look forward to continuing my support of minority businesses in Congress.
Reducing Infrastructure Funding in Afghanistan
On Thursday, the House passed a bipartisan amendment I cosponsored to the Department of Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit funding from being used to enforce or implement Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund projects. With so much corruption in the Afghan government, and so much need here at home, it’s time we focus more on improving our infrastructure.
Helping Under-skilled Memphians Receive Job Training
On Tuesday, I announced that the Memphis Bioworks Foundation received a nearly $4 million federal grant to help under-skilled parents access affordable, quality child care they need to earn an education, participate in training programs and ultimately compete for better-paying jobs in emerging industries. Read more here.
On Tuesday I met with TRIO Talent Search Student Efren Cervantes from Kingsbury High School in Memphis (pictured above). The Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On Thursday, I met with the Chair of the Military Retirees of the Tri-State Area (MRTSA) Lewis Moore, President of MRTSA Gloria Walker and a group of MRTSA high school juniors and seniors (pictured above).
Attending a Discussion with Bishop T.D. Jakes
On Wednesday, I attended a discussion with Bishop T.D. Jakes and MSNBC’s Chris Matthews previewing Bishop Jakes’ Conversations with America study. The study explores current perceptions across all demographics of the national landscape on key issues like economic opportunity, criminal justice, national security and the public’s view towards the increasing racial and political polarization of America. You can watch the discussion here.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Over the summer, my office will hold two more “Congress on your Corner” events. Please mark these dates on your calendar. 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.
- Friday, July 15 from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St)
- Friday, August 12 from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch Rd)
Please visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress