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Dear Friend,
Earlier today, I held a press conference with recipients of $17.7 million in community project funding I have secured through the annual appropriations process, providing major investments sought by my constituents. Earlier in the week, I announced I would decline again to attend the Trump State of the Union address on Tuesday and listed the reasons why. I also remembered the Reverend Jesse Jackson on his passing Tuesday, celebrated the 54th anniversary of Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr.’s as pastor of the New Salem Baptist Church, discussed potential community project funding projects with representatives of the Memphis Fire Department, reviewed plans for a Regional 211 Program with the United Way of the Mid-South, visited a high school in Westwood and a middle school in Southeast Memphis, Westwood High School civics classes to talk about public policy and my work in Washington, talked with students at Hickory Ridge Middle School, received another 100 percent perfect score for my work on national animal welfare issues, suggested eligible recipients apply for replacement SNAP benefits, announced $1.3 million in National Institutes of Health grants to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and offered a Friday Flashback, a Bill Day cartoon and a weekly health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens.
Showcasing $17.7 Million in Community Projects with Funding Recipients
Boycotting Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday Night
Remembering Jesse Jackson
Celebrating 54th Anniversary with New Salem Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr.
Discussing Community Project Funding with Representatives of the Memphis Fire Department
Reviewing Plans for a Regional 211 System with the United Way of the Mid-South
Visting Westwood High School Civics Classes
Meeting with Students at Hickory Ridge Middle School
Receiving 100 Percent on Scorecard on Animal Protection Issues
Suggesting Eligible Recipients Apply for Replacement SNAP Benefits
Announcing $1.3 Million in Grants to St. Jude
The Friday Flashback
A Bill Day Cartoon
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week
Showcasing $17.7 Million in Community Projects with Funding Recipients
This morning, I held a press conference at the Odell Horton Federal Building with recipients of the $17.7 million in community projects for which I have secured funding during the annual appropriations process. The 14 projects span the economic and cultural ambitions of our community and meet critical needs, including $3.1 million for the restoration of historic Clayborn Temple, where the 1968 sanitation workers strike took shape. They include $1.2 million for renovations to the Mason Temple, where Dr. King gave his last great speech, and funding for senior housing, homeless veterans assistance, youth crime prevention and investments in the Memphis International Airport terminal, Memphis Police Department equipment upgrades and improvements to the campuses of the University of Memphis and Southwest Tennessee Community College. I’ve been able to secure $69 million in annual community project funding since 2021, working with appropriations leaders across the aisle to make substantial investments in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District. Like Karl Malone, I deliver.
Boycotting Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday Night
I have decided to again boycott President Trump’s State of the Union address this year, as I have his previous State of the Union and inaugural addresses. I released a statement explaining why I don’t need to sit through a litany of grievances, lies, and banalities, and will instead attend an alternate People’s State of the Union on Tuesday night. See that statement here.
Remembering Jesse Jackson
Civil rights leader and two-time presidential contender Jesse Jackson passed on Tuesday at the age of 84. A charismatic figure and powerful orator, he helped to transform politics by registering to vote a broad “rainbow” array of citizens not previously involved in the democratic process. See my statement on his passing here.
Celebrating 54th Anniversary with New Salem Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr.
On Sunday, I attended the 54th anniversary celebration of Senior Pastor Dr. Frank E. Ray’s leadership of the New Salem Baptist Church. A revered Bible scholar, charismatic leader, sermonizer and national recording artist, Dr. Ray has inspired generations of his energetic and faithful parishioners as well as a national following. I continue to wish him and his congregation all the best.
Discussing Community Project Funding with Representatives of the Memphis Fire Department
On Wednesday, I met with representatives of the Memphis Fire department to discuss the need for new fire trucks and equipment.
Reviewing Plans for a Regional 211 System with the United Way of the Mid-South
Matt Marshall, Congressman Cohen, Tomeka Hart-Wigginton and Carolyn McCormick
Also on Wednesday, I met with members of the United Way to discuss the 211 emergency assistance hotline across the region, and how it helps to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, ensuring they have access to resources to help them navigate their most vulnerable moments.
Visting Westwood High School Civics Classes
Congressman Cohen with Westwood High School Principal Trenton M. Watson
On Thursday, I visited 11th and 12th grade civics classes at Westwood High School to discuss public policy issues and my ongoing work for the 9th Congressional District in Washington. I’m always impressed and encouraged by these thoughtful young people and their enthusiasm for the future of our country. We will be in good hands.
Meeting with Students at Hickory Ridge Middle School
Congressman Cohen at Hickory Ridge Middle School this morning
This morning, I visited Hickory Ridge Middle School to talk with students and faculty members about my work and their interests. The gym full of students were participating in the “Escape the Vape” program, and I encouraged them not to get involved in using vapes or tobacco and said that this is their time to be young and enjoy it and their friends. It’s always good to see and feel their energy and watch them soaking up good guidance from school leaders.
Receiving 100 Percent on Scorecard on Animal Protection Issues
On Thursday, I released a statement after again receiving a perfect 100 on the Humane World Action Fund and Humane World for Animals Scorecard, previously known as the scorecard of the Humane Society Legislative Fund and the Humane Society of the United States. I have consistently received recognition for my work protecting animals and was the only member of the Tennessee Congressional delegation this year with a perfect score. See my release on the scorecard here.
Suggesting Eligible Recipients Apply for Replacement SNAP Benefits
Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) has been granted approval to extend the time for current SNAP recipients to file a request for replacement SNAP benefits for food loss due to the recent winter storm. SNAP recipients now have until February 23, 2026, to submit a request. The form to request replacement benefits may be found here: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/tdhs-disaster-emergency-assistance.html DHS will accept requests via fax, mail, dropbox, and in-office submission, in addition to the OneDHS portal at https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp. February 23 is Monday, so act soon. Congressman Cohen asked Governor Bill Lee to add Shelby County to his request for emergency assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on January 30 and again February 9. That request is pending.
Announcing $1.3 Million in Grants to St. Jude
On Wednesday, I announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would receive more than $1.3 million for immunology research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. See details in my release here.
The Friday Flashback
This is me with the renowned movie actor Robert Duvall in September 2011. Duvall, a very nice and down-to-earth fellow, talked with me about shooting scenes on South Main in Memphis, about his interests in conservation and about his farm in Middleburg, Virginia, where he passed this week at the age of 95. Best known as the consigliere Tom Hagen in “The Godfather” movies, as Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now” and as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall was a towering figure in American cinema and will be long remembered.
A Bill Day Cartoon – “Money Money Money”
Weekly Health Tip
February brings us Valentine’s Day, but also American Heart Month, The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind us that heart disease accounts for almost one in four American deaths. Read their guidance on lowering blood pressure and heart-healthy habits here and here.
Quote of the Week
“For those who think it important for the Nation to impose more tariffs, I understand that today’s decision will be disappointing. All I can offer them is that most major decisions affecting the rights and responsibilities of the American people (including the duty to pay taxes and tariffs) are funneled through the legislative process for a reason. Yes, legislating can be hard and take time. And, yes, it can be tempting to bypass Congress when some pressing problem arises. But the deliberative nature of the legislative process was the whole point of its design. Through that process, the Nation can tap the combined wisdom of the people’s elected representatives, not just that of one faction or man. There, deliberation tempers impulse, and compromise hammers disagreements into workable solutions. And because laws must earn such broad support to survive the legislative process, they tend to endure, allowing ordinary people to plan their lives in ways they cannot when the rules shift from day to day. In all, the legislative process helps ensure each of us has a stake in the laws that govern us and in the Nation’s future. For some today, the weight of those virtues is apparent. For others, it may not seem so obvious. But if history is any guide, the tables will turn and the day will come when those disappointed by today’s result will appreciate the legislative process for the bulwark of liberty it is.” – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in his concurring opinion in Learning Resources v. Trump, decided today.
As always, I remain
Sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress
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