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Dear Friend,
This week, I prepared to introduce on Monday legislation to update and clarify the Controlled Substances Act so that it reflects modern science and pharmacology and ensures fairness and accuracy in our national drugs policy. I also welcomed members of the Greater Memphis Chamber to my Washington office and appreciated their plaque recognizing my work on behalf of our community throughout my time in Congress. I also took the opportunity to invite members of the Judiciary Committee to join me in calling for the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, reminded constituents of the availability of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and FEMA disaster assistance to address damage done in the late January storms, voted to rein in Trump’s illegal war in Iran, passed a bill to study a scenic hiking trail in East Tennessee, welcomed horse-protecting provisions in the new surface transportation bill, and offered a Bill Day cartoon, a Friday Flashback and a weekly health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens.
Reforming the Controlled Substances Act
Appreciating Recognition of My Work from the Greater Memphis Chamber
Calling Again for the Impeachment of Chief Justice Roberts
Providing Information on the Availability of SBA Loans to Address January Storm Damage
Flagging FEMA Individual Assistance is also Available
Asserting Congressional Authority Over Declaring War
Preserving the Environment through the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act
Welcoming Horse Protection Measures in Surface Transportation Bill
A Bill Day Cartoon
The Friday Flashback
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week
Reforming the Controlled Substances Act
On Monday, I plan to introduce the Controlled Substances Act Clarification in Sciences Act to update the evaluation of substances reviewed for scheduling to reflect our current knowledge, scientific standards, and health care practices. So much has changed since the statute was enacted in 1970.
Appreciating Recognition of My Work from the Greater Memphis Chamber
On Wednesday, a large group representing the Greater Memphis Chamber came to my office in Washington to present me with a plaque commemorating my service to our community. It has been wonderful working with the Chamber on projects that build up our community, most notably the new Interstate 55 Bridge, which received a $393.9 million federal grant, the largest federal investment Tennessee ever. I am grateful for the many years of teamwork. I was particularly touched to see my former D.C. staffer Michael Fulton, now the Chamber’s government affairs committee chairman.
Calling Again for the Impeachment of Chief Justice Roberts
On Wednesday, I attended a Judiciary Committee markup of a Constitutional Amendment that would entrench Republican control of the U.S. Supreme Court. This Court has proved unaccountable, partisan, arbitrary, eroding public trust in this important institution. During the debate, I explained why I have introduced six articles of impeachment against Chief Justice John Roberts. The Court is acting as the political arm of the White House, not as an independent branch of government, and there must be consequences. See my release and my remarks here.
Providing Information on the Availability of SBA Loans to Address January Storm Damage: Deadline June 10
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in Tennessee of the June 10 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset losses from physical damage caused by a severe winter storms that occurred January 22 – 27. Shelby County residents and businesses are eligible to apply. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Flagging FEMA Individual Assistance is also Available
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also providing individual assistance for those affected by the winter storms. The deadline to apply for assistance is June 10. For more information, visit TEMA.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4898u
Asserting Congressional Authority Over Declaring War
On Wednesday, four Republicans saw the light and voted with all House Democrats, including me, to assert the Congressional prerogative established in the Constitution to declare war. Trump’s misguided attack on Iran is an ongoing disaster and now both the Senate and House have demanded that it be ended. Let your voice be heard on this critical issue.
Preserving our Environment through the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act
On Tuesday, I spoke from the House floor in favor of the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act that I cosponsored and later voted for, which passed by voice vote. In my remarks, I noted that the 288-mile scenic hiking trail connects Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina and crosses the Appalachian Trail six times. One 93-mile stretch is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park -- the longest trail in the park. If it receives the designation, the Benton MacKaye trail would be the twelfth National Scenic Trail.
Welcoming Horse Protection Measures in Surface Transportation Bill
Elements of my Horse Transportation Safety Act have been included in the House version of the five-year surface transportation bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, prohibiting the use of double-decker horse trailers and the transport of horses to slaughterhouses used to produce meat for human consumption. See my release on the measure here.
A Bill Day Cartoon – “Sweet Home Alabama”
A Friday Flashback
This is me on the beach in Normandy, France, in May of 2019. Saturday is the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in history.
Weekly Health Tip
The American Red Cross is always seeking blood donations. It will send a Father’s Day card to your designee if you volunteer between now and Father’s Day (June 21). See details here.
Quote of the Week
“In short, having a president who behaves like a commander in thief – not a commander in chief – is costing us dearly at homes and abroad. This perversion of the American presidency in undermining the very alliance structure that won two world wars and the Cold War and generated one of history’s longest ages of peace and prosperity. Every day we tolerate such behavior we endanger our children’s future.” – New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman on Wednesday.
As always, I remain
Sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress
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