This week, as Memphians continue to recover from the devastating ice storm, I wrote to Governor Lee urging him to request Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for our community, and I continue to monitor emergency response efforts. I also applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote to advance the nomination of Memphis attorney Andre Mathis for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals; introduced a bill to permit expungement of certain non-violent criminal records; planned for my Thursday, February 17, virtual event on tax filing with IRS officials; called for a greater commitment to environmental justice in the assessment of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects; announced additional funding coming to Memphis and Tennessee because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA); wrote to the Tennessee Valley Authority about its announced policy to cut off power to legal marijuana businesses in Mississippi; announced a National Cancer Institute grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; and offered a health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to o see what I'm doing as it happens.
Requesting FEMA Help after Our Devastating Ice Storm
As Memphis recovers from a devastating ice storm, with thousands without electricity and significant property damage, I wrote to Governor Lee asking that he formally request Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to affected areas. I am pleased that the governor requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment from FEMA, which is the first step in determining whether our region will qualify for a major disaster declaration and federal funding. Rest assured, I am in regular contact with local, state and federal emergency managers and monitoring this situation closely. I will also continue to share information and resources as they become available.
Applauding Advancement of Andre Mathis Nomination for the Sixth Circuit
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted, 12-10, to advance the nomination of Memphis attorney Andre Mathis to become the first Black man from Tennessee to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. I commended the Committee for its vote and President Biden for the nomination of this talented graduate of the University of Memphis and its law school in this press statement. Mathis received strong support from a wide spectrum of Memphians. I was disappointed in the way he was treated during his hearing with the Committee and agree with California Senator Alex Padilla that minority nominees are sometimes mistreated.
Reintroducing the Fresh Start Act
Too often, a conviction for a nonviolent offense seems like a life sentence because of the effect of a criminal record on potential employment, school scholarships and other opportunities critical to successfully reintegrating into society. That's why I reintroduced the Fresh Start Act on Wednesday, allowing records of certain nonviolent offenses to be expunged. See my release on the bill here.
Holding Virtual Event with IRS Officials to Provide Guidance for Tax Filing
Next Thursday, February 17, I plan to hold a virtual event with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) experts to provide guidance to taxpayers on taxes and the particular challenges of filing during the ongoing pandemic. The message from the IRS is clear: If possible, it's best to file online. You can watch the livestreamed event on my Facebook page or participate on Zoom. I encourage you to register for the Zoom and send any tax-related questions in advance to Cohen.Press@mail.house.gov.
Championing Improved Environmental Justice for USACE Projects
During a hearing on the next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill, I took note of our victory in southwest Memphis over the Byhalia Connection pipeline and the need for agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to incorporate a serious commitment to environmental justice in their assessment of projects. See my release, including an exchange with expert witnesses, here.
Announcing Transit and Electric Vehicle Charging Funds for Tennessee
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continues to reward the 9th Congressional District and the whole state of Tennessee with substantial investments. This week, I announced what this bill, which only Congressman Jim Cooper and I voted for from the entire Tennessee delegation, will do for our transit systems and for an improved electric vehicle charging network.
Writing TVA about its Antiquated Marijuana Policy
My friend, Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, and I had the same reaction to the Tennessee Valley Authority policy decision to cut power to certain customers in Mississippi involved in the marijuana business after the Magnolia State legalized medicinal cannabis . See our letter to TVA leadership here. TVA subsequently announced it would not be disrupting service to its Mississippi customers but said the conflict between state and federal law was under review.
Announcing Breast Cancer Research Funding for UTHSC
I was pleased to announce a substantial research grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) from the National Cancer Institute for work on breast cancer. See that release here.
Weekly Health Tip
Free COVID-19 testing kits are arriving in mailboxes after the White House initiative to get tests to every household in the country. Make use of them if you plan to be in a venue where your status could compromise the health of others.
For more information on the free tests, see the White House announcement here.
Quote of the Week
In honor of Abraham Lincoln's 213 birthday Saturday:
"When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read ‘all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy." – Abraham Lincoln, August 24, 1855, born on February 12, 1809
As always, I remain. Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen Member of Congress
Memphis 167 North Main Street, Suite 369 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-4131 Fax: (901) 544-4329
Washington, D.C. 2104 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3265 Fax: (202) 225-5663
