Issues
Animal Rights
How we treat animals is a direct reflection of our character, both as individuals and a nation. Throughout my legislative career, both as a state Senator and as a Member of Congress, I have sponsored and supported legislation to ensure the humane treatment of animals, as well as to protect our nation’s wildlife.
Arts
Throughout my legislative career, I’ve advocated for more arts education, specifically more public arts education. The arts should not be viewed as an ‘add-on’ to core educational programs but recognized as an integral part of a complete education.
Budget
One of the main responsibilities of Congress is to determine how taxpayer dollars are distributed throughout the nation. I work hard to make sure that programs that will help the Ninth District receive adequate funding.
Children and Families
It is important to provide all children and families access to a quality, affordable education and healthcare to help them secure a prosperous future.
Civil Rights
Throughout my career, I have fought for the civil rights of all Americans. We have made great progress as a nation, but we still have to work at making this the "more perfect union" our founders envisioned.Defense
With the 164th Airlift Wing and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington both within Tennessee's Ninth Congressional District, defense and military policy play a significant role in our community. We need to support our troops with sufficient funding so that they have access to adequate equipment and receive necessary training.Economy
If we want to help our country move forward, it is vital that Republicans join Democrats in our efforts to invest in transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, health care, tax reform and education. We can effectively strengthen our economy and country for future generations through strategic planning and investment.Education
Education is one of the top concerns among families in the Ninth District. I am proud to represent and work with the District's many schools, enrichment centers, and institutions of higher education serve to educate.
Energy
Throughout my career in public service, I have been a strong proponent of efforts to lower energy costs, invest in renewable energy resources, promote energy independence and create a stronger more secure economy. Increasing the nation's overall energy efficiency requires a multifaceted approach.
Environment
In February 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international network of scientists, for the first time concluded that global warming is "unequivocal" and that human activity is the main driver of it, causing most of the rise in temperatures since 1950.
Financial Services
During the years preceding the mortgage crisis, too many mortgages were made to consumers without regard to the consumer’s ability to repay the loans. In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which I voted for, was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act aims to reform the U.S. financial industry, in order to prevent a recurrence of the 2008 housing and financial crisis.Foreign Affairs
Congressman Cohen is a Commissioner of the Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, which seeks to improve security by promoting human rights, democracy, and cooperation on economic, environmental and military issues in 57 countries.Government Reform
In Congress, I have taken numerous steps to begin to change the way we do business in Washington and to restore accountability and transparency to government. I have voted for and passed legislation that banned gifts from lobbyists, prohibited the use of corporate jets, and required full disclosure of earmarks.
Healthcare
Regardless of personal background or political leanings, we all share a concern for access to health care for ourselves and our families. I am committed to making health care more affordable and more accessible.
Homeland Security
It is important that we sufficiently protect our citizens within our borders and keep out those that would do us harm. Homeland Security is not just protecting our borders and screening the cargo that comes through our ports. It also includes providing adequate training and equipment for our first responders – police, firemen, and emergency medical personnel. These courageous people work on the front lines, often entering into dangerous and uncertain situations.Housing
In 2015, the City of Memphis was selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as one of nine finalists for this grant after a multi-year effort by myself, Mayor Wharton and others in the city, to encourage the Obama administration to designate Memphis as a Choice Neighborhood.Judiciary
I have the great honor of serving on the House Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues including crime, civil rights and civil liberties, immigration, bankruptcy, antitrust, intellectual property, and all constitutional amendments.
Memphis
As a fourth-generation Memphian, I have dedicated my life to public service in Memphis and Shelby County. My work has defined my life and affected the lives of people in Memphis, across Tennessee and now across America throughout my career in national, state and local politics.
Millington
I am pleased to be representing the people of Millington. I’ve worked to address post office issues in Millington and am particularly pleased to represent the Millington Naval Base.
Science and Technology
As a member of Congress, I have supported federal funding for programs like the National Science Foundation, which has lead to several innovations in engineering and technology. I will continue to support legislation that will increase funding for technological and scientific research, especially in the Memphis medical community.Shelby County
As a fourth-generation Memphian, I have dedicated my life to public service in Memphis and Shelby County. My work has defined my life and affected the lives of people in Memphis, across Tennessee and now across America throughout my career in national, state and local politics.
Small Businesses
Small businesses are the heart of the American economy. Our country’s small businesses employ half of the nation’s private sector workforce and create a large portion of America’s new jobs. It is critical that small businesses play a significant role in our efforts to restore America’s economic strength and the growth of Memphis.Tennessee
As a fourth-generation Memphian, I have dedicated my life to public service in Memphis and Shelby County. My work has defined my life and affected the lives of people in Memphis, across Tennessee and now across America throughout my career in national, state and local politics.
Transportation
I am proud to have the honor of representing Memphis, the transportation capitol of the United States and the world, on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. When it comes to transportation assets, no place in the world can rival Memphis.Veterans' Affairs
Our veterans are among the bravest and hardest working men and women in our nation, and we cannot say “thank you” often enough to them and their families for the sacrifices they made The bravery and devotion veterans have shown throughout our history have helped build this great country, and each of us owes them—and their families—a debt of gratitude.