Urging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job
Dear Friend,
This week, I urged the Majority on the House Judiciary Committee to do the important work within its jurisdiction and stop neglecting pressing issues such as ongoing voter suppression efforts, the need for criminal justice reform and President Trump's self-dealing constitutional violations. I also reacted to the federal courtroom convictions of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and the President's long-time attorney Michael Cohen; wrote to the President to urge him to stop punishing his critics by revoking or threatening to revoke their security clearances; planned to host a Military Service Academy Day next month; welcomed our newest American citizens naturalized this month; and offered a health tip about breastfeeding. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.
Urging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job
Reacting to the Convictions of Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort
Protecting the Security Clearance Process
Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day
Welcoming New American Citizens
Holding Monthly "Congress On Your Corner"
Signing Up for "Congress On Your Corner" and this e-Newsletter
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week
Urging the House Judiciary Committee to Do its Job
Since the early days of the Trump administration, I have been urging the Majority on the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on criminal justice reform, re-entry programs, ongoing efforts to suppress voting rights and other matters under the committee's jurisdiction. I have also asked that the committee pursue inquiries into the various violations of the Constitution's anti-corruption "emoluments" clauses – violations that continue because of the President's failure to divest his financial holdings or put them in a blind trust, as others have done. Now we are approaching a constitutional crisis with sworn testimony this week that the President ordered his lawyer to violate campaign finance laws with hush-money payments to his paramours -- and his supporters evidently plan to look the other way. Meanwhile the Committee pursues yet another meaningless investigation of the Clinton email server other congressional probes have found groundless. It is well past time for the Committee to call witnesses and get to the bottom of the real matters of concern to the American people. I joined my Democratic colleagues on the Committee in a letter asking the chairman to let us get on with the important work our citizens expect us to do. See it here.
Reacting to the Convictions of Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort
Special Counsel Robert Mueller
On Tuesday, in federal courthouses in New York and Virginia, members of the President's inner circle were convicted of serious crimes. Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was convicted of bank- and tax-fraud charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and faces up to 80 years in prison. Minutes later, Trump's former personal lawyer and self-described "fix-it guy," pleaded guilty to making hush-money payments to a Playboy playmate and an adult movie star to guarantee their silence, with the express purpose of affecting the 2016 presidential election, among other charges. Elements of those offenses that were within their jurisdiction were turned over to New York federal prosecutors by Mueller's team. Despite the President's efforts to label the Mueller investigation a "rigged witch hunt," it is clear it is instead a very professional, disciplined criminal probe. Besides Cohen and Manafort, Mueller has brought charges against 25 other people and secured guilty pleas from former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn; Manafort's deputy, Rick Gates; and Russia policy campaign advisor George Papadopoulos, and others. I'm continuing to urge passage of The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 5476) that I co-sponsored so that Mueller's ongoing efforts can be protected.
Protecting the Security Clearance Process
The President's use of his authority to punish critics by revoking or threatening to revoke their security clearances is unprecedented and wrong. I joined colleagues in writing the President on Thursday, noting that there has been no assertion or indication that former CIA Director John Brennan or any of the individuals named on what some are calling Trump's Nixonian "enemies list" have ever compromised or disclosed classified information. Security clearances for former government officials provide our ongoing government with access to vital institutional memory and skills that are essential to our national security. We suggested that the President follow long-established procedures for administrative review of these sensitive credentials, which include respect for the due process rights of those involved. See the letter here.
Hosting Military Service Academy-Senior ROTC Day
On Saturday, September 29, I will host the annual Military Service Academy-Senior Reserve Officer Training Day at Crosstown High School, 1365 Tower Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to one of the five military service academies – for the Navy, Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard -- are life-changing events and lead to preparation of future military officers while chosen students get an excellent education and a ticket to a bright future. I look forward to seeing some aspiring applicants at the Crosstown Concourse. The high school is on the fourth floor. For more information, contact Jeremy Jordan in my Memphis office at (901) 544-4131 or Jeremy.Jordan@mail.house.gov
Welcoming New American Citizens
Earlier this month, members of my Memphis staff attended the monthly naturalization ceremony with U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker in the Clifford Davis-Odell Horton Federal Building downtown, watching as 57 people from 26 countries raised their right hands and took the oath to become American citizens. Judge Parker encouraged the new citizens to vote and the League of Women Voters was there to register them. These new Americans emigrated from such places as Somalia, Ghana, Syria, Iraq, Argentina, Taiwan, Palestine and China to follow the American dream. I welcome all the new Americans, especially those who make Memphis their home. E Pluribus Unum.
Holding Monthly "Congress On Your Corner"
On Thursday, my office held another "Congress On Your Corner" event, this time at the Whitehaven Branch Library, and had a good turnout. For a change, this was an evening event for constituents who can't get away during daytime hours to get help from my staff on Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits and military service issues, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans, federal grant applications, visa and passports or help with any federal agency or department.
Signing Up for "Congress On Your Corner" and this e-Newsletter
I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my "Congress on Your Corner" events, you can sign up here to receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled.
For those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by using this form.
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Weekly Health Tip
Each week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9th Congressional District. As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle.
Earlier this month, I hosted a symposium on infant and maternal health with a variety of medical specialists, advocates and social services experts. Evidence shows that mothers who breastfeed have healthier babies and are at a lower risk for some cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared August "National Breastfeeding Month," and have outlined advantages of the practice here.
Quotes of the Week
"A sacred respect for the Constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy, of a free government." – Alexander Hamilton, essay in The American Daily Advertiser, August 28, 1794.
"When occasions present themselves in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests to withstand the temporary delusion, in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection." – Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 71, March 18, 1788.
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely, 
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress