Urging Governor Haslam to Request FEMA Assistance for Memphis
Dear Friend,
This week, I urged Governor Haslam to request Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) assistance for Memphis following the severe storms last weekend, remembered victims of gun violence and urged Congress to act on gun control legislation, criticized President Trump for withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, attended the demolition ceremony of Foote Homes in South City Memphis, honored our brave men and women in uniform on Memorial Day, met the new Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center, announced two federal grants for Memphis International Airport and toured the Baptist College of Health Sciences. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Urging Governor Haslam to Request FEMA Assistance for Memphis
Remembering Victims of Gun Violence
Fighting to Protect our Environment
Revitalizing Downtown Memphis
Honoring Our Brave Men and Women in Uniform
Meeting the New Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center
Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Memphis
Touring the Baptist College of Health Sciences
Sign Up for My New Grants E-Newsletter
Quote of the Week
Weekly Health Tip
Urging Governor Haslam to Request FEMA Assistance for Memphis
On Tuesday, I urged Governor Bill Haslam to request assistance from FEMA for the city of Memphis and Shelby County in response to the historic storms that hit the Mid-South region Saturday night. Read more here.
Remembering Victims of Gun Violence
Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. I wore orange to honor the more than 30,000 Americans whose lives are cut short by gun violence every year. It's time for Congress to pass common-sense gun control reforms to curb the tragic gun violence epidemic in this country.
Fighting to Protect our Environment
On Thursday, President Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the historic Paris Climate Agreement negotiated by President Obama's Administration with 195 countries around the world. The Trump Administration has placed the United States in a league with Syria when it comes to protecting our planet. Without action, the continued effects of climate change will lead to increased instances of natural disasters like violent storms, floods, severe droughts and famines across the globe that could result in humanitarian crises and war. Withdrawal from the agreement means turning our backs on protecting against the loss of coastal cities, beaches and habitats, as well as on goals for waste reduction and resource recovery. Read my full statement here. Read my op-ed with Dr. Michael Shank, the head of communications for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, on the business and economic consequences of pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement here.
On Tuesday, I attended the demolition ceremony in South City Memphis for the redevelopment of Foote Homes, the last traditional 1940s-style housing project in Memphis. I was proud to work with President Obama and then-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro to help secure a $30 million Choice Neighborhood grant for the revitalization of South City. This project will give a new look and bring new life to downtown Memphis!
Honoring Our Brave Men and Women in Uniform
Monday was Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who gave their lives defending our nation. We reflect on their selfless courage, commitment to our country, and sacrifice they and their families made to keep us safe.
Meeting the New Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center
On Thursday, I met with the new director of the Memphis VA Medical Center David Dunning. Director Dunning has Memphis roots and a great background. We were lucky to get him, and I hope he sticks around. Director Dunning has a great attitude. He's hands on, he's visible in the hospital and he's getting the appropriate resources from the VA in Washington, DC. Last year, I urged then-Under Secretary of the VA for Health, now-Secretary of the VA, David Shulkin to assist Memphis in finding a good candidate for permanent director. I would like to thank Secretary Shulkin for his help.
Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Memphis
This week, I announced two federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Memphis International Airport. The first was a $22.5 million grant for the construction of deicing pads to ensure the airport can operate efficiently and effectively during the winter months. The second was a $5.3 million grant for the modernization of Concourse B to improve the flying experience for travelers.
Touring the Baptist College of Health Sciences
On Thursday, I visited the Baptist College of Health and Science. I enjoyed touring the facilities and speaking with the students and faculty about the future of education and health care in Tennessee.
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.
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.
June is Men's Health Month. One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, while one in five African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Regular screenings can be beneficial for catching the cancer early and therefore increasing the chance of survival. Learn more about Prostate cancer and screenings here.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress