Returning to Washington
Dear Friend,
This week, I returned to Washington after another historically long recess, announced that First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community, co-signed a letter to President-Elect Trump urging him to rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon to a top White House position, recommended several Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients to President Obama and urged him to issue more commutations and pardons, and honored Memphis veterans at my 8th annual Veterans Day Luncheon. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Returning to Washington
Designating Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community
Honoring Memphis Area Veterans
Keeping Hate Out of the White House
Recommending Individuals to President Obama for Potential Presidential Medals of Freedom and Urging Him to Issue More Commutations
Helping Memphians Get Covered
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program
Weekly Health Tip
2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
This week, Congress returned to Washington after yet another historically long recess. The 114th Congress has yet to act on a variety of issues important to the American people. With a new Administration and a new Congress set to begin in January, I hope Democrats and Republicans can find common ground to work together. Rest assured I will continue to fight for the people of the 9th District as long as I am your representative in Congress.
Designating Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community
On Wednesday, I announced that First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a Preserve America Community. I was proud to write a letter of support to the Office of Preservation Initiatives for Orange Mound’s application. Read more about this designation here.
Honoring Memphis Area Veterans
Last Friday, I held my 8th annual Veterans Day Luncheon to honor the sacrifice and courage of local veterans who fought to safeguard the many freedoms that Americans hold dear. Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings, Veterans Court Judge Bill Anderson, and Michael Harper and Tommie Wright from the Memphis VA Medical Center addressed the attendees. Capri Talley performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, the Douglas High School ROTC did the Presentation of the Colors and MPD Peacemakers performed a song as well.
Keeping Hate Out of the White House
On Wednesday, I was proud to join with 168 of my Congressional colleagues in urging President-Elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointing of alt-right leader Steve Bannon. Read our letter here. I, along with all of the House Judiciary Democrats, released a joint statement against President-Elect Trump choosing Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as his Attorney General. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi also released a statement on this decision as well as President-Elect Trump’s decision to name Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) as his Director of the CIA. My colleagues and I have deep concerns about the selections President-Elect Trump has made for his administration. Hate has no place in the White House.
On Wednesday, I sent a letter to President Obama requesting that during his remaining time in office, he award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights leader Julian Bond, Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, and singer and social activist Harry Belafonte. I also urged him to use maximum manpower to vet commutations and pardons so that as many sentencing wrongs as possible can be corrected. Read my letter here.
The open enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace for 2017 plan shopping and comparison is open. Visit my website for more information on getting covered for 2017.
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program
The United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants to increase purchases of healthy fruits and vegetables by low-income families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations that demonstrate a successful track record of nutrition programs and develop innovative systems that can be replicated by other underserved communities. For more information on this grant program, click here.
Each week, I will be suggesting a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it’s best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine every season. With flu season just around the corner, it’s not too late to get yours for this season. Read more here.
2017 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
My office currently has a limited number of 2017 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 Ninth District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the Ninth District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress