Thinking of My Colleague Rep. Steve Scalise and Others Injured in the Shooting
Dear Friend,
This week, I sent my thoughts to my colleague Rep. Steve Scalise and the others who were injured during the horrific shooting during practice for the Congressional charity baseball game, introduced a bipartisan, bicameral medical marijuana bill, criticized President Trump's policy on Cuba, and urged the Department of Justice to investigate any mishandling of donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by the Eric Trump Foundation. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Thinking of My Colleague Rep. Steve Scalise and Others Injured in the Shooting
Urging the Department of Justice to Investigate the Eric Trump Foundation
Fighting for a More Sensible Drug Policy
Continuing Diplomatic Relations With Cuba
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
My Brother's Keeper Alliance Coming to Memphis
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Thinking of My Colleague Rep. Steve Scalise and Others Injured in the Shooting
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)
On Wednesday, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), a Capitol Police officer, a staff member and a lobbyist were shot during an early-morning practice for the annual Congressional charity baseball game. My thoughts go out to Congressman Scalise, his family, and the others injured and I wish them a speedy and full recovery. I commend Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi for their poignant and appropriate remarks on the House floor following the horrific incident. Both leaders spoke on how we are all one big family in Congress despite our political differences. I also commend the bravery of our Capitol Police who work tirelessly every day to keep us safe. Read more here.
Urging the Department of Justice to Investigate the Eric Trump Foundation
On Monday, I sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions urging him to investigate whether any federal laws have been violated in connection with the Eric Trump Foundation's annual charity golf tournament partially for the benefit of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. While I appreciate all that Eric Trump has done for St. Jude, I am concerned about the reported misuse of donations intended for one of America's finest pediatric cancer research and treatment centers and look forward to clarity on this issue. On June 6, Forbes Magazine posted a story entitled How Donald Trump Shifted Kids-Cancer Charity Money Into His Business. Read my letter here.
Fighting for a More Sensible Drug Policy
On Thursday, my colleagues and I introduced a bipartisan, bicameral medical marijuana bill called the CARERS Act. The consensus on medical marijuana is overwhelming and bipartisan, yet our federal drug laws continue to treat patients, their families, and the doctors who care for them like criminals. Our bill would allow states to set their own marijuana policies, allow patients and veterans to receive the treatments they need from their doctors and improve opportunities for research on marijuana. Read more here. Watch our press conference on the bill here.
Continuing Diplomatic Relations With Cuba
Photo taken by Congressman Cohen of President Obama addressing the Cuban people during this historic trip to Cuba in March 2016
I am disappointed in President Trump's decision to reverse President Obama's policy of normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba. This backwards stance is a lose/lose for both nations. I worked alongside President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry to create a stronger relationship with Cuba, and I was proud to join President Obama on his historic trip to Cuba last year. The efforts to normalize U.S.-Cuba relations had benefits for both our nations and this reversal will set that relationship back 50 years and cost America business, commerce, and jobs. A continued relationship with Cuba would strengthen trade between our countries, benefiting Memphis entrepreneurs and businesses such as AutoZone for Cuba's aging American cars, FedEx, medical device companies and health-industry professionals.
Cuba has some of the world's best medical minds and practices and has made significant advancements in diabetes, cancer, and HIV research. Memphis' ties to Cuba were strengthened last year when a 3-year-old Cuban child, Manolito Alejandro, received life-saving heart surgery at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. I was pleased to help facilitate the surgery and delighted to meet young Manolito. Under President Trump's policy, cooperation on medical advancements and procedures, like Manolito's surgery, would be more difficult.
Congressman Cohen with Manolito Alejandro at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis
I developed a love for Cuba when I was a 5-year-old with polio and had the privilege of meeting the late, great Cuban baseball legend Minnie Miñoso during an exhibition game in Memphis. Miñoso spotted me at the game standing with crutches and sent me a baseball through an intermediary white player. At the time, the South was segregated, and it was a daring gesture of humanity. Miñoso had the biggest heart on the baseball field, and we became close friends. Through Miñoso, I grew to have a deep appreciation for the Cuban people. I urge President Trump to reconsider his anachronistic policy on Cuba. The President should put America first by strengthening relations with Cuba to benefit American businesses and the American health care industry.
Congressman Steve Cohen at the Cuban National Team v. Tampa Bay Rays exhibition game at Estadio Latinoamericano in Cuba sporting his autographed Minnie Minoso hat, his New York Yankees Shirt, and his Minnie Minoso #9 and Jackie Robinson #42 pins
Bringing Congress to Your Corner
On Friday, June 23 from 11am-1pm at the Whitehaven Branch Library (4120 Millbranch 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.
My Brother's Keeper Alliance Coming to Memphis
On Thursday, June 22, My Brother's Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance) will bring the Pathways to Success: Boys and Young Men of Color Opportunity Summit to Memphis. The Summit will provide individuals between the ages of 16 and 29 opportunities to interview with employers for on-the-spot hiring, access community resources and social services, and participate in career preparation and leadership development training. Click here for more information.
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.
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Each week, I share a health tip in the hopes of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the Ninth Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.
The Commercial Appeal reported this week that nearly a dozen residents have contracted mumps since March and Shelby County is below the state average for the number of kindergarten students who have received vaccines. Vaccines are critical to keeping our children safe from a myriad of life-threatening diseases. Learn more about the importance of vaccines here.
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress