Vote Ratings

Congressman Cohen's Vote Ratings

Many private non-governmental advocacy organizations and interest groups rate Members of Congress on how they vote on a series of issues which that organization has identified as important to the particular group and its members. The ratings appear annually after each yearly session of Congress. Many of the organizations that do such ratings have a particular policy or political agenda. For the ratings that are provided below, a brief description of the organization is given and a link is also provided to the organization's own web site so that you can personally determine what the organization's views and policies are and whether they are consistent with your own views.

For many of these issues, you may notice a Progressive Punch score, which is a continuously updated rating given by the privately-owned website, ProgressivePunch.org. Progressive Punch uses their own system for rating votes and legislators on a politically progressive scale. A more thorough examination of their methodology and political ideology can be found HERE. To see Congressman Cohen’s entire Progressive Punch scorecard, please click HERE.

• Agricultural Issues
• Animal Welfare
• The Arts
• Children and Family Issues
• Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• Darfur
• Economy
• Education
• Employment & Affirmative Action
• Environment
• Health Care Issues
• Housing Issues
• Labor
• Liberal Organizations
• The Middle Class
• Military and Veterans
• Poverty Issues
• Senior Issues and Social Security
• Social Justice
• Women's Issues

Agriculture Issues

The National Farmers Union supports policies that support a strong foundation of farm and ranch families.

110th Congress – Congressman Cohen scored a 100% on the National Farmers Union scorecard for the 110th Congress. View the scorecard HERE.

The United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) represents the interests of member companies throughout the global, fresh produce supply chain, including family-owned, private and publicly traded businesses as well as regional, national and international companies.

2007 – Congressman Cohen voted with the United Fresh Produce Association 100 percent in 2007. Check the UFPA 2007 Ratings HERE.

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Animal Welfare

The Animal Welfare Institute seeks to alleviate the suffering inflicted on animals by people.

111th Congress –Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from the Animal Welfare Institute. Check the scorecard HERE.

110th Congress –Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from the Animal Welfare Institute. Check the scorecard HERE.

Defenders of Wildlife is an organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

2009 –Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from the Defenders of Wildlife for in 2009. View the scorecard HERE.
110th Congress –Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from the Defenders of Wildlife for the 110th Congress. View the scorecard HERE.

Environment America combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for the environment.

2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from Environment America for 2008. View the scorecard HERE.
2007-2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from Environment America for 2007-2009. View the scorecard HERE.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level.

2011 –Congressman Cohen voted with the Humane Society of the US 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2010 –Congressman Cohen voted with the Humane Society of the US 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2009 -Congressman Cohen voted with the Humane Society of the US 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE (PDF).

2008 - Congressman Cohen voted with the Humane Society of the US 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE (PDF).

2007 – Congressman Cohen voted with the Humane Society of the US 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE (PDF).

2007 – Congressman Cohen was named a 2007 Humane Champion for 100% rating and his lead sponsorship on H.R. 3829, the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act, which would ban canned hunts (hunts in which animals are trapped with no chance of escape).

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The Arts

Americans for the Arts is an advocacy group which seeks to engage citizens in education and advocacy in support of the arts and arts education

2008 – Congressman Cohen received an "A+" on the Americans for the Arts Action Fund Congressional Scorecard. He was one of only 36 legislators to receive the highest score.

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Children and Family Issues

Children's Defense Fund (CDF) engages in systematic, long-range advocacy on behalf of the nation's children and teenagers and engages in research, public education, monitoring of federal agencies, litigation, legislative drafting and testimony.

111th Congress - Congressman Cohen voted the Children's Defense Fund preferred position 100% of the time.
110th Congress - Congressman Cohen voted the Children's Defense Fund preferred position 100% of the time.
2007 – The Children's Defense Fund named Congressman Cohen one of the “Best Representatives for Children.”
2007 – Congressman Cohen voted the Children's Defense Fund preferred position 100% of the time. Check the 2007 Children's Defense Fund Action Council® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard HERE (PDF).

The Children’s Health Fund is committed to providing comprehensive health care to the nation’s most medically underserved children.

2007-2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from The Children’s Health Fund for 2007-2008. View the scorecard HERE.

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Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 91.11% progressive score and was ranked 55th of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Human Rights and Civil Liberties. Check the scorecard HERE.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an organization dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties as guaranteed to all people in our country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

111th Congress – Congressman Cohen has voted with the ACLU 100%. View his lifetime scorecard HERE.
110th Congress – The ACLU gave Congressman Cohen a grade of 100%.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization in the United States/

111th Congress -- Congressman Cohen scored a 91% on HRC's scorecard from the 111th Congress. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).
110th Congress – Congressman Cohen scored a 90% on HRC's scorecard from the 110th Congress. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a private organization that works to achieve equal rights through the democratic process and eliminate racial prejudice by removing racial discrimination.

2009 – Congressman Cohen received a grade of "A" from the NAACP on their report card for the first session of the 111th Congress, available HERE (PDF).
2008 – Congressman Cohen received a grade of "A" from the NAACP on their report card for the 110th Congress, available HERE (PDF).
2007 – Congressman Cohen received a grade of “A” from the NAACP on their annual report card.

The National Council of La Raza is private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization focused on reducing poverty and discrimination, and improving opportunities, for Hispanic Americans.

2007 – Congressman Cohen scored a 100% on The National Council of La Raza's scorecard from the 2007 Congress. View the scorecard HERE.

The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) is the nation’s oldest, largest and most diverse civil and human rights coalition.

2011 - Congressman Cohen received a 100% rating from the LCCR on their Voting Record for the First Session of the 112th Congress.
2010 - Congressman Cohen received a 100% rating from the LCCR on their Voting Record for the Second Session of the 111th Congress.
2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% rating from the LCCR on their Voting Record for the First Session of the 111th Congress.
2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 96% rating from the LCCR on their 110th Congress Voting Record.

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Darfur Issues

DarfurScores.org is a project of the Genocide Intervention Network that provides a quick summary of important anti-genocide measures and whether members of Congress supported them. The Genocide Intervention Network is a global community of members committed to protecting civilians from genocide and mass atrocities.

Congressman Cohen has maintained A+ from DarfurScores.org since coming to Congress and was named a "Champion of the Cause." View his scorecard HERE.

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Economy

NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, seeks to close the gap between the rich and the poor and to eliminate policies that are based in racism, greed and violence.

2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2009 Voting Record.
2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2008 Voting Record.
2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2007 Voting Record.

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Education

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 100% progressive score and was ranked 1st of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Education, Arts and the Humanities. Check the scorecard HERE.

National Education Association (NEA) is a professional organization of elementary and secondary teachers and employees and others interested in education. It promotes quality education, and it is an advocate for human, civil, and economic rights.

2009 –Congressman Cohen has received a "A" grade from the NEA during 2009. Check the report card HERE.
110th Congress –Congressman Cohen received a grade of “A” from the NEA on their report card for the 110th Congress. Check the report card HERE .

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) works to develop and maintain professional expertise in English language teaching and learning for speakers of other languages worldwide.

2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from TESOL for 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

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Employment and Affirmative Action

Latin American Working Group works to encourage U.S. policies towards Latin America that promote human rights, justice, peace and sustainable development.

2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from Latin American Working Group for 2008. View the scorecard HERE

The Coalition for a Prosperous America is a nonprofit organization representing the interests of 2.7 million households through their agricultural, manufacturing and labor members. The group is a coalition of manufacturing, agricultural, worker, consumer and citizen interests working together to re-build an America that can provide good jobs for workers, affordable goods for consumers, opportunity for farms and manufacturers and a clean environment without compromising national sovereignty and security.

2011 - Congressman Cohen received an “A” on the Coalition for a Prosperous America legislative scorecard.

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Environment

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 98.58% progressive score and was ranked 15th of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to the Environment. Check the scorecard HERE.

League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is an organization whose main purpose is to elect of pro-environment candidates to Congress and to educate voters on the voting records of their elected officials. The LCV ratings are used by many environmental groups.

2012 -- Congressman Cohen voted with the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 91% of the time on their 2011 National Environmental Scorecard. View the scorecard HERE.
2011 -- Congressman Cohen voted with the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 100% of the time on their Continuing Resolution Special Edition National Environmental Scorecard. Click Congressman Cohen's scorecard HERE
2010 -- Congressman Cohen voted the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 90% of the time during the Second Session of the 111th Congress. Click Congressman Cohen's Scorecard HERE.
2009 – Congressman Cohen voted the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 100% of the time during the First Session of the 111th Congress. Check Congressman Cohen's Scorecard HERE .
2008 –Congressman Cohen voted the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 100% of the time.
2007 – Congressman Cohen voted the League of Conservation Voters preferred position 95% of the time.

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is affiliated with Defenders of Wildlife and provides the wildlife conservation community with a voice in the legislative and political process.

111th Congress – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen scored 100% with the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. Check the scorecard HERE.
110th Congress – Congressman Cohen voted the American Wilderness Coalition preferred position 100% of the time. Check the scorecard HERE.

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) Action Fund strives to make global warming solutions a top priority for elected leaders across the South.

2011 - Congressman Cohen was recognized for having a perfect voting record on clean energy and climate issues.
2010 - Congressman Cohen was recognized for having a perfect voting record on clean energy and climate issues from January 2009 to August 2010.

2007 – Congressman Cohen voted the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy preferred position 100% of the time.

Environment America supports policies that protect America's air, water and open space.

2009 – Congressman Cohen was recognized by Environment America as an Environmental Champion for having a perfect voting record on environmental issues in 2009. The Congressman was the only member of the Tennessee delegation to receive a perfect score. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2008 – Congressman Cohen was recognized by Environment America as an Environmental Champion for having a perfect voting record on environmental issues in 2008. The Congressman was the only member of the Tennessee delegation to receive a perfect score. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% rating from Environment America in 2007. The Congressman was the only member of the Tennessee delegation to receive a perfect score. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).

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Health Care Issues

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 100% progressive score and was ranked 1st of 429 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Health Care. Check the scorecard HERE.

American Public Health Association is a collective voice for public health, working to ensure access to health care, protect funding for core public health services and eliminate health disparities, among a myriad of other issues.

2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from American Public Health Association for 2009. View the scorecard HERE.

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology provides men and women with the continuing medical education, health policy analysis, patient information resources and advocacy that they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing healthcare delivery system.

2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology for 2009. View the scorecard HERE.

Academy of General Dentistry is an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education and reliable consumer information.

2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from Academy of General Dentistry for 2008. View the scorecard HERE.

Saint Joseph Health System is an integrated healthcare delivery system sponsored by the St. Joseph Health Ministry.

2007-2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from Saint Joseph Health System for 2007-2008. View the scorecard HERE.
American Academy of Family Physiciansworks to preserve and promote the science and art of Family Medicine and to ensure high-quality, cost-effective health care for patients of all ages.

2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from American Academy of Family Physicians for 2007. View scorecard HERE.

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors works to create healthier individuals, families and communities through prevention, intervention, quality treatment and recovery support

2007-2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% score from National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors for 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

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Housing Issues

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 100% progressive score and was ranked 1st of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Health Care. Check the scorecard HERE.

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Labor

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 100% progressive score and was ranked 1st of 429 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Labor Rights.

The AFL-CIO is a federation of national unions, state federations, city central bodies and directly affiliated local unions. It is the largest and most important labor organization in the United States.

2007 –Congressman Cohen voted the AFL-CIO preferred position 96% of the time. You can check the scorecard HERE.

AFSCME (American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees) is comprised of a diverse group of government employees who work for justice in the workplace.

2009 –Congressman Cohen scored 100% on AFSCME's 2009 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2008 –Congressman Cohen scored 100% on AFSCME's 2008 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).
2007 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on AFSCME's 2007 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard HERE (PDF).

Federally Employed Women is an organization that works for the advancement of women in government.

2009 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on the Federally Employed Women's vote rating in 2009. View the scorecard HERE.

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers represents workers in industrial construction, repair and maintenance, manufacturing and related industries.

2009 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on the Boilermakers Federal Scorecard in 2009. View the scorecard HERE .
2008 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on the Boilermakers Federal Scorecard in 2008. View the scorecard HERE .
2007 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on the Boilermakers Federal Scorecard in 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) represents workers in the service industries.

2009 – Congressman Cohen supported the interests of SEIU 100 percent of the time. Check the SEIU Ratings HERE.
2007 – Congressman Cohen supported the interests of SEIU 100 percent of the time in 2007.

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy.

2007 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on UAW's scorecard in 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

Utility Workers Union of America is one of the most successful and progressive unions in all of the labor movement.

2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from Utility Workers Union of America for 2008. View the scorecard HERE.

United Food & Commercial Workers is about workers helping workers improve working and living standards.

2012 - Congressman Cohen received a 100% rating from United Food and Commercial Workers for the first session of the 112th Congress. View the scorecard HERE.
2007-2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from United Food & Commercial Workers for 2007-2008. View the scorecard HERE.

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union is dedicated to giving workers in the industries a voice and a vote in their workplace.

2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Int for 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

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Liberal Organizations

Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) is the oldest independent liberal lobbying organization whose founders include Eleanor Roosevelt, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, and former senator and vice president Hubert Humphrey.

2010 – Congressman Cohen was recognized by Americans for Democratic Action on June 10 for having a perfect voting record on economic and social justice issues throughout his time in Congress.
2009 – Congressman Cohen named a “House Hero” and received a 100% rating by the ADA. Check the ADA 2009 ratings HERE (PDF).
2008 – Congressman Cohen named a “House Hero” and received a 100% rating by the ADA. Check the ADA 2008 ratings HERE (PDF).
2007 – Congressman Cohen named a “House Hero” and received a 100% rating by the ADA. Check the ADA 2007 ratings HERE (PDF).

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The Middle Class

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is a non-partisan, non-profit think tank. Its primary focus is on the economic issues of the middle-class.

2009 – Congressman Cohen scored 96% on the 2009 MiddleClass.org Congressional Scorecard. Check the scorecard HERE.
2008 – Congressman Cohen received a "B" on the 2008 MiddleClass.org Congressional Scorecard. Check the scorecard HERE.
2007 – Congressman Cohen received an "A+" on the 2007 MiddleClass.org Congressional Scorecard Check the scorecard HERE.

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Military and Veterans

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen had a 95.37% progressive score on War and Peace Issues and was ranked 18th of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to War and Peace. Check the scorecard HERE.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families.

2009 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on DAV's Federal Vote Scorecard in 2009. Check the scorecard HERE.
2008 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on DAV's Federal Vote Scorecard in 2008. Check the scorecard HERE.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans

2008 – Congressman Cohen named to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Action Fund "A TEAM." He received an A+ on their 2008 Congressional Report Card. Check the scorecard HERE.

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Poverty Issues

2010 – As of June 2010, Congressman Cohen received a 98.15% progressive score and was ranked 37th of 431 Members of Congress by Progressive Punch on issues related to Aid to Less Advantaged People, at Home & Abroad. Check the scorecard HERE.

The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law is a national law and policy center that takes action to end poverty through policy development, communications, and impact litigation.

2010 – Congressman Cohen received an "A" on the 2010 Shriver Center Poverty Scorecard.
2009 -- Congressman Cohen received an "A+" on the 2009 Shriver Center Poverty Scorecard.
2007 – Congressman Cohen received an "A+" on the 2007 Shriver Center Poverty Scorecard.

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Senior Issues and Social Security

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) was established in 1982 to advocate for the federal Social Security and Medicare programs and for Americans who seek a healthy, productive and secure retirement.

2007 – Congressman Cohen voted for the NCPSSM preferred position 100% of the time. Check Congressman Cohen’s rating HERE.

The Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) is a nationwide organization of more than 3 million members focusing on issues affecting seniors.

2011 - Congressman Cohen scored 100% on ARA's issues in 2011. Check their voter guide HERE (PDF).
2010 - Congressman Cohen scored 100% on ARA's issues in 2010. Check their voter guide HERE (PDF).
2009 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on ARA's issues in 2009. Check their voter guide HERE (PDF).
2008 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on ARA's issues in 2008. Check their voter guide HERE (PDF).
2007 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on ARA's issues in 2007. Check their voter guide HERE (PDF).

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Social Justice

Citizens for Global Solutions envisions a future in which nations work together to abolish war, protect our rights and freedoms, and solve the problems facing humanity that no nation can solve alone.

2012 -- Congressman Cohen scored an A- on the Citizens for Global Solutions 2012 Congressional Report Card.

NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, seeks to close the gap between the rich and the poor and to eliminate policies that are based in racism, greed and violence.

2009 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2009 Voting Record.
2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2008 Voting Record.
2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% on NETWORK's 2007 Voting Record.

Friends Committee on National Legislation is a Quaker organization which works to advocate social and economic justice, peace, and good government.

2008 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from Friends Committee on National Legislation for 2008. View the scorecard HERE.

National Association of Social Workers works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain standards for the profession, and to advance sound social policies.

2007 – Congressman Cohen received a 100% from National Association of Social Workers for 2007. View the scorecard HERE.

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Women's Issues

American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a long established organization for university graduates which promotes education and equality for women and girls.

2011 -- Congressman Cohen received a perfect score on the AAUW legislative scorecrard. He was the only member of the TN delegation to score 100 percent. See ratings HERE
2010 – Congressman Cohen voted for the AAUW preferred position more than any other member of the TN delegation. Check the AAUW 111th Congress ratings HERE (PDF).
110th Congress (2007-2008) – Congressman Cohen voted for the AAUW preferred position 100% of the time. Check the AAUW 110th Congresss ratings HERE (PDF).

Federally Employed Women (FEW) is an organization established to fight gender discrimination employment issues.

2012 -- Congressman Cohen received a 90 percent on the FEW scorecard for the 112th Congress.
2010 – Congressman Cohen voted for the FEW position 100% of the time. Check Congressman Cohen's rating HERE (PDF).

National Abortion Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) is a private organization which supports action to keep abortion safe, legal and accessible to all women, and it promotes women's reproductive choices.

2007 – Congressman Cohen voted the NARAL preferred position 100% of the time.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that works to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.

2007 – Congressman Cohen achieved a 100% on The League of Women Voters's 2007 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard for Tennessee HERE.

National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to assuring access to voluntary, comprehensive family planning and reproductive health care services worldwide.

2007-2008 – Congressman Cohen achieved a 100% on National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association's 2007-2008 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard for Tennessee HERE.

The National Organization of Women (NOW) works to achieve equality for all women.

2008 – Congressman Cohen scored 100% on NOW's 2009 scorecard. Check the scorecard HERE.

Planned Parenthood

2008 – Congressman Cohen achieved a 100% on Planned Parenthood's 2008 Congressional Scorecard. View the scorecard for Tennessee HERE.

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