Voting Against the Republican Tax Scam

Dear Friend,

This week, I voted against the Republican tax scam, voted against a Republican funding bill that ignored key priorities, took action to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his investigation of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, commended Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and the City Council on finding a legal means to remove Confederate statues offensive to most of my constituents, and offered some tips on safely celebrating the holidays. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates as they happen.

Voting Against the Republican Tax Scam
Voting Against a Republican Funding Bill That Ignored Key Priorities
Protecting Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his Russia Probe
Commending Memphis Leaders on Handling of Confederate Statues
2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week



Voting Against the Republican Tax Scam



On Tuesday and Wednesday, I vote against the Republican tax scam that threatens the future of important social safety net programs to give a tax cut to billionaires. The bill passed on a 227 to 203 vote.

The bill paves the way for future cuts to Medicare and takes us one step closer to dismantling the Affordable Care Act. This bill is a scam on hardworking, middle-class families and is just another iteration of the Republicans' tried-and-failed concept of trickle-down economics.

Despite vague assurances that corporations will increase hiring in response, it's not clear companies will use their tax windfall to create jobs or improve wages, and history suggests they won't. Instead, the savings will likely go to stock buy-backs or to increase stockholder dividends.

Reducing tax rates for the wealthiest will provide tax relief to those who need it least in the hope that the benefits will trickle down to families struggling to make ends meet. It won't. The whole approach is a con job and should be recognized as such.

At an event before the vote, I stood in solidarity with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, fellow Democrats and vulnerable people likely to be harmed by the bill. Leader Pelosi repeated her observation that the Republican "tax scam" is the worst bill in the history of Congress in terms of the scope of the harm it will do, and noted polling indicating most Americans have come to understand that's true.


Voting Against a Republican Funding Bill That Ignored Key Priorities

On Thursday, the dysfunctional, Republican-led Congress waited until the 11th hour to agree to a continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating for another few weeks. I voted against the measure because it failed to consider Democratic priorities, including full reauthorization for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) affecting 9 million children. It also fails to meet other urgent needs, such as funding Community Health Centers and or adequately funding hurricane and disaster relief for all Americans. And fails to protect immigrant children brought into the country as children. In an indication of GOP priorities, it does provide an extra $4.7 billion in defense spending requested by the President. It was a particularly sorry spectacle.


Protecting Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his Russia Probe



On Wednesday night, I took to the House floor to express my concerns about both the tax scam and what might happen over the holidays regarding Special Counsel Robert Mueller. See my remarks here.

Also on Wednesday, I joined Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and others on a Facebook Live broadcast hosted by People for the American Way to talk about my concern that the President may be planning to fire the special counsel, who is looking into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia last year. I have a strong suspicion the president will use the holiday period, while Congress is not in session and many are less attentive to the news, to remove Mueller – a Republican appointed by a Republican and nominated as FBI director by presidents of both parties -- whose investigation has already resulted in indictments against officials in Trump's campaign. I only hope my fear doesn't come to pass.


Commending Memphis Leaders on Handling of Confederate Statues

On Wednesday evening, I got a call from Mayor Jim Strickland with the news that crews were moving in to remove the statues commemorating the Confederacy that so many Memphians find offensive. I commend Mayor Strickland and the City Council for finding a legal way to remove statues from an era that is not representative of Memphis today. I also want to commend Tami Sawyer, the Rev. Earle Fisher and other supporters of removing the monuments for their work getting the community to this historic point.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, it's important that these relics of the Confederacy and symbols of a defense of slavery will no longer be displayed in prominent places in our city. If their own wishes are to be honored, perhaps the Forrests will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery.


2018 U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Are Available

My office currently has a limited number of 2018 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 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9th District who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my eNewsletter.


Weekly Health Tip

Each week, I share a health tip in the hopes 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.

Often celebrating the holidays involves parties and drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has some tips about how to safely celebrate the season, including planning ahead and realizing alcohol in even small amounts can decrease both inhibitions and good judgment.


Quote of the Week



"For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we're all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle." – Kris Kringle aka Santa Claus, "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)


Happy Holidays!


As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,


Steve Cohen
Member of Congress