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Congressman Cohen’s Statement on the Passing of Steve Cropper

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) was saddened by the news of Steve Cropper’s passing and made the following statement:

“There was no music more associated with Memphis than – not white, not yellow, not Vidalia – but ‘Green Onions.’ It became the background music of so many movies and was a standard covered by countless bands in clubs, bars and restaurants. Some say Steve Cropper was the greatest guitar player in the world, and he was a great songwriter. I was present in 2016 when he donated three Fender guitars and an amplifier to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, one guitar played on Otis Redding’s ‘(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,’ another played in a scene from the movie ‘The Blues Brothers.’ A graduate of Messick High School and a founder of Booker T and the MGs, Hall of Famer Steve Cropper will always be known for his Memphis roots and his contribution to the Stax sound.”

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Congressman Cohen Condemns Renaming U.S. Institute of Peace for Donald J. Trump

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) spoke from the House floor this morning after learning that President Trump has had the U.S. Institute of Peace renamed in his honor. Trump dismantled the institute shortly after taking office and had its president removed forcibly by police.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“The United States Peace Institute was created by the Congress of the United States. It’s in a beautiful building and has served the function of trying to bring people together. 

“In February, President Trump issued an executive order dismantling the United States Peace Institute. Subsequently, law enforcement removed the president of the Peace Institute forcibly from his office. And then the Trump administration fired every employee…The District Court has ruled it acted improperly…because the president didn’t have the authority to dismantle it. 

“Today, I’ve learned that President Trump has had his name, in massive letters, put over the Peace Institute, calling it the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute, none of which is legal. Will his ego stop staining this city?”

See the entire floor speech here.

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Congressman Cohen Urges Senate Panel to Reject Lee Beaman Nomination to the TVA Board

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

No relevant experience, potential conflicts, ethical issues are significant concerns

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has exercised vigorous oversight of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) policies throughout his career representing Memphis and its utility, Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW), today urged the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to reject President Trump’s nomination of Lee Beaman to the TVA Board of Directors. Beaman is going before the committee for a confirmation hearing today. Congressman Cohen noted Mr. Beaman’s lack of relevant experience, lack of sound judgment, and lack of independence, as well as his own public statements showing he is motivated by the surge in energy demand from data centers rather than by TVA’s public-power mission.

The letter reads in part:

“I write to express serious concerns regarding the nomination of Lee Beaman to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors and to urge the Committee to oppose his confirmation. Mr. Beaman has no background in energy, utilities, electrical generation, infrastructure management, environmental policy, or ratepayer protection. His professional career has been centered almost entirely on automotive sales, beverage distribution, real estate holdings, and political fundraising. TVA, however, is responsible for managing one of the nation’s largest nuclear fleets, maintaining a vast transmission network, overseeing major capital investments, and shaping the long-term resource strategy that determines the region’s energy mix. These duties require Directors with meaningful experience in utility governance, engineering, finance, operations, and environmental stewardship. Nothing in Mr. Beaman’s record reflects the expertise necessary to provide informed oversight of such a complex public utility. 

“Mr. Beaman’s own public statements further call into question the motivations behind his nomination. In recent interviews, he acknowledged that he pursued a TVA Board seat not because of any expertise or interest in energy policy, but because he was personally encouraged to do so and because of the ‘ongoing race for energy to feed AI-driven demand for data centers.’ He also holds equity stakes in businesses that depend on large-scale AI integration, including energy-intensive computing. At a time when data center growth is placing significant pressure on TVA’s system and raising serious questions about cost-allocation fairness, it is essential that the TVA Board remain free from even the appearance of conflicts of interest. TVA’s public-power mission must not be shaped by private ventures that stand to gain from Board decisions. 

“Separate concerns about Mr. Beaman’s judgment and past conduct compound the risks associated with his lack of experience. He was asked to temporarily step away from a university board due to controversies surrounding his personal life. He has longstanding ties to organizations known for extreme rhetoric, climate denial, and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Reporting on his Capitol Hill rental property has raised questions about whether its use by sitting Members of Congress complies with disclosure expectations and ethical norms. And his contentious divorce, widely covered in the Tennessee press, included serious allegations that speak to concerns about temperament and decision-making. While personal matters must be handled thoughtfully, the breadth and seriousness of the publicly documented controversies raise substantial questions about his suitability to serve on a federal board overseeing critical energy assets and the long-term financial interests of millions of households. 

“The TVA Board of Directors plays an essential role in safeguarding reliable power, stewarding billions of dollars in public assets, and protecting the interests of more than ten million residents across the Tennessee Valley. Because these responsibilities demand Directors with deep expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to the public good. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to oppose Mr. Beaman’s nomination. Tennesseans deserve TVA Board members who bring real expertise, credibility, independence, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. Confirming a nominee without relevant qualifications and burdened by significant ethical and character concerns would risk undermining the stability and integrity of the nation’s largest public power utility at a time when prudent oversight is more important than ever. 

See the letter here.

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Congressmen Cohen and Burchett Reintroduce the TVA Increase Rate of Participation (IRP) Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Goal is greater transparency and accountability in meeting the region’s energy needs

WASHINGTON — Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Tim Burchett (TN-2) today reintroduced the TVA Increase Rate of Participation (IRP) Act to require greater transparency and accountability in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP process is a comprehensive study projecting how the nation’s largest federal utility meets energy needs. The measure would increase public participation and input and make the process more transparent in an effort to ensure the most efficient, affordable, and reliable plan for meeting customers’ energy needs in all or part of its seven-state service area. 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Transparency is critical in making public policy but, for too long, TVA’s decision-making has been obscure and opaque, such as its current IRP process in which organizations were hand-picked to participate in a policy working group. This bill requires the TVA to take into consideration the interests and informed views of affected stakeholders, including ratepayers and subject-matter experts, as is commonplace for other major private and public utilities. TVA needs outside guidance to meet the changing needs of utility customers as it addresses resiliency and other foreseeable disruptions to its planning.”

Congressman Burchett made the following statement:

“For too long, TVA has operated behind closed doors to hide from the public. The establishment of an Office of Public Participation will help restore trust in the TVA, and will give East Tennesseans an opportunity to offer input in their decisions.”

“The Tennessee Valley Authority energy planning process is much less transparent than state-regulated utilities, which must allow for stakeholder input under independent oversight,” said Appalachian Voices Director of Public Power Campaigns Brianna Knisley. “Since President Trump’s actions have indefinitely delayed the most recent TVA IRP, ratepayers and impacted stakeholders are left even more in the dark about their energy future. Congressman Cohen and Burchett’s TVA IRP bill will not only make TVA more accountable to its customers and impacted communities, but will also vastly improve the quality of the resulting plans. Public accountability is essential for a strong public power model.”

“TVA’s energy planning impacts everything from electricity bills to water and air quality, yet the public has had virtually no meaningful pathway to make their voices heard. Representatives Cohen and Burchett’s act would make TVA more transparent and accountable at a time when the communities of the Tennessee Valley are struggling under rising energy bills,” said Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Manager Amy Kelly.

“For far too long, TVA’s planning process has fallen short of the transparency and public involvement expected of a public power utility,” said Jake Duncan, Southeast Senior Regulatory Director for Vote Solar. “The TVA Increase Rate of Participation Act is an essential reform that brings meaningful community input and real accountability into the heart of TVA’s decision-making. It’s a critical step toward a fairer, more modern energy system that puts Tennesseans first.”

“TVA was created to serve the public good, not operate behind closed doors. This legislation is a necessary step toward restoring accountability, transparency, and meaningful public engagement across the Tennessee Valley. The people paying TVA’s bills deserve to see how decisions are made and to have a seat at the table, especially as the region faces enormous energy and affordability challenges. We strongly support this effort to modernize TVA’s governance and bring public participation back where it belongs: front and center.” – Daniel Tait, Executive Director, Energy Alabama

The TVP IRP Act would open up the energy planning process and ensure meaningful public participation and the inclusion of third-party expert advice. Specifically, it would:   

  • Establish an Office of Public Participation to engage with the public through direct outreach and education and solicit broader participation in issues affecting the Valley including by:
    • Acting as a liaison to members of the public by providing ongoing process information on individual proceedings and responding to requests for technical assistance;
    • Making recommendations to improve processes to ensure they are inclusive, fair and easy to navigate; and
    • Facilitating a process for meaningful and open public engagement in the IRP process including opportunities for intervention, discovery, filed comments and an evidentiary hearing.
  • Require the IRP to include standard information, such as:
    • A long-term forecast of TVA’s sales and peak demand under various reasonable scenarios;
    • A summary of electrical transmission investments planned by TVA;
    • Resource portfolios that fairly evaluate demand-side and supply-side technologies;
    • Sensitivity analyses related to fuel costs, environmental regulations, electrification, distributed energy resources, and other uncertainties or risks;
    • Disclosure to intervening parties the modeling assumptions used in developing the IRP, including costs and constraints on the model; and
    • Details of how and where public input informed the plan; and
  • Require the Board of Directors to issue a decision approving, denying or modifying the plan, like every other utility regulator, according to the least cost and reliability requirements in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and require consideration of resilience, extreme weather risk, and public health impacts. 

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Congressman Cohen Hails House Passage of the Count the Crimes to Cut Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

offenses

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today spoke from the House floor during debate on the Count the Crimes to Cut Act, which he co-led with Representatives Chip Roy, Andy Biggs, and Lucy McBath. It passed by voice vote.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“No one knows how many federal criminal offenses there are. Our founders warned us against having laws too ‘voluminous’ or ‘incoherent’ to be understood by the people. The Count the Crimes to Cut Act makes a simple request of the Department of Justice: list out the federal criminal offenses, their elements, and how often they are used. We have a lot of work to do to make criminal justice more fair and responsive to the challenges we face today. This is how we start. I am pleased to work with Congressman Roy as the first Democratic cosponsor and with others on both sides of the aisle to pass this necessary legislation.”

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Democratic Doctors Caucus Condemns Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Democratic Doctors Caucus released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

“The Democratic Doctors Caucus unequivocally condemns the decision to end the decades-long standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B. Today’s decision—made without any scientific justification that a newborn dose is unsafe—will lead to more disease, more cancer, more preventable deaths, and will further increase the cost of health care in our nation. We call on Acting CDC Director O’Neill to reject this recommendation. The Democratic Doctors Caucus will keep up our fight against this administration’s continued attacks like this on basic science and do all we can to protect the health and well-being of the American people.”

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Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Blasts Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), the first pediatrician elected to Congress, released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

“As expected and feared, RFK Jr.’s anti-vaxxer stacked Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) just ended the standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B, a terrible disease that infants can be exposed to at birth and from contact with people who unknowingly have hepatitis B. The ramifications of today’s decision – made without any indication that a newborn dose is unsafe – will be horrific. Ninety percent of those infected as newborns will go on to have chronic hepatitis B, and many of them will die prematurely from liver disease or liver cancer.

“This is entirely preventable. We have already tried only immunizing people thought to be ‘at risk’, but did not see near elimination of new cases until universal vaccination at birth. Today’s decision will cause our nation’s children to get infected and die needlessly. I will do all I can to fight against this decision. Parents, please trust your pediatrician, not RFK, Jr.”

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Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers, Conservation Efforts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025. This bill would scale and replicate Washington state’s bipartisan Sustainable Farms and Fields program, which supports farmers by incentivizing voluntary conservation practices, enhancing producer innovation and viability, and enabling locally led climate action.

“Our farmers play an integral role in our community here in Washington state, influencing our culture, economy, and environment,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is our responsibility to support our agricultural community, particularly as they face growing challenges posed by climate change. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the PACA Act to help producers here in the Eighth District and across the country voluntarily strengthen their climate resiliency, contribute to climate solutions, stay in business, and improve their bottom line.”

“The vast majority of farms in Washington state are operated by small farmers, who need support as they prioritize conservation and sustainability while remaining profitable,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act prioritizes funding for climate-resilient innovative crops from low-income and minority farmers.”

Beyond scaling a successful state agriculture model, this bill allows farmers to best utilize their land and implement regionally relevant agricultural practices. Farmers, trusted partners, and state and Tribal governments can use PACA grants to support climate change adaptation and mitigation that best fits their land and circumstances.

The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025 will:

  • Establish a new subprogram under USDA’s existing Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for local partners, States, and Tribes to improve and expedite resource access for producers who are reducing emissions, enhancing soil carbon storage, and improving resilience to extreme weather.
  • Enable local, State, and Tribal entities and partnerships to direct climate action in ways that are regionally relevant and appropriate for local agricultural operations.
  • Support first-time, low-income, and minority farmers by providing technical and financial assistance.
  • Ultimately, make it easier and more affordable for farmers and ranchers to implement climate-smart practices that are regionally relevant.

“The Washington State Conservation Commission thanks Representative Schrier for her commitment to creating opportunities for farmers and ranchers to voluntarily adopt climate-smart practices,” said Washington State Conservation Commission Executive Director James Thompson. “Through experience with our Sustainable Farms and Fields program, we know producers in Washington are adopting creative solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, resulting in increased resiliency to drought, flood, and fire while supporting long-term viability. The PACA Act of 2025 would scale this proven approach, bringing much-needed resources to agricultural producers across the country.”

“The agriculture sector is often positioned as a climate adversary, but many farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities across the country have a deep understanding of how to steward their land sustainably,” said Mary Olive, Interim Director of Policy at Carbon180. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act taps into the strengths of states, Tribes, conservation districts, and farmer cooperatives to leverage local knowledge, build resilience to extreme weather, and scale up climate-smart practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions.”

“The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act, like Washington State’s Sustainable Farms and Fields Program, will incentivize farmers to sequester carbon and improve soil health, reduce air pollution and decrease their operating costs – it’s a complete win for everyone,” said Doug Ray, Ph.D. Carbon Washington Board Chair. 

“Washington’s potato growers are on the front lines of adapting to a changing climate and global market,” said Geordy Greene, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission. “Legislation like PACA gives growers practical tools—not mandates—to stay competitive, protect yields, and invest in smarter, more resilient production. It’s a win for growers, consumers, and Washington’s ag economy.”

This legislation is supported by the Washington State Conservation Commission, Carbon180, Carbon Washington, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington Farm Bureau.  

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ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape, Support Lifesaving Blood Centers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) introduced the BLOOD Centers Act, a bipartisan bill to cut onerous administrative requirements placed on blood centers to help ensure that hospitals have a sufficient blood supply to meet patient needs. Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) was also an original cosponsor.

“As a doctor, I know that donated blood products save lives in dire situations,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Redundant regulation and red tape make it harder for blood centers to get blood products where they are needed, when they are needed.  I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles without compromising patient safety.” 

“At a time when our nation’s blood supply has reached a critical low, we must do everything we can to cut through red tape to ensure that people who are willing to donate can do so easily and swiftly,” said Congressman Wied. “That is why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan BLOOD Centers Act to expedite the ability of blood centers to open new locations and collect life-saving blood for those who need it.”

Under current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, blood centers must report changes, including the addition of a new fixed site, to their approved biologics license applications (BLA). This process can include additional steps, further delaying federal approval and preventing blood centers from expanding their operations. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill addresses this issue by instructing the FDA to create an expedited licensure process following passage of the legislation. This will bring much-needed efficiency improvements to the process while maintaining rigorous safety standards. 

“Government red tape and delays can cost lives when every drop counts,” said Congressman Tiffany. “The BLOOD Centers Act streamlines approvals and requires the FDA to act within 30 days so lifesaving donations can reach patients quicker.”

“America’s Blood Centers applauds Rep. Wied and Rep. Schrier for introducing legislation to modernize regulations that impede patient access to life-saving blood products,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “Current licensure requirements impose redundant FDA reviews every time a new collection site opens, even when the same equipment, staff, and procedures are already approved and in use. By streamlining this process, this legislation will eliminate inefficiencies, help new donation sites open in a timely manner, and ensure patients have access to the safe and available blood supply they depend on.” 

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Democratic Doctors Caucus Chair Kim Schrier, Democratic Physicians Lead 65 colleagues on Letter Slamming RFK Jr. for Changing CDC Website to Promote False Claim That Vaccines Cause Autism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Kim Schrier (WA-08), Chair of the Democratic Doctors Caucus, along with her colleagues of the Democratic Doctors Caucus Ami Bera (CA-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), led 65 other members to demand that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. immediately correct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website after it was updated to promote the widely disproven and dangerous claim that vaccines may cause autism. 

“As a pediatrician, I’ve dedicated my career to the health and well-being of children, and I know how important vaccinations are to keep them safe,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “I’ve taken care of children with some terrible infectious diseases, and no child should ever have to suffer from a vaccine preventable illness. RFK Jr.’s decision to spread fringe conspiracy theories and misinformation on the CDC’s official website is reckless. He’s scaring parents, undermining trust in the CDC, and putting children at risk.”

“We write to you regarding the alarming removal of scientific information refuting the link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (autism) from the Vaccine Safety page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on November 19. The installation of false claims, without CDC expert career staff knowledge according to reporting, regarding a false connection between autism and vaccines is a direct threat to our nation’s public health. Before your agency’s anti-vaccine propaganda appeared on the CDC’s Vaccine Safety webpage, the CDC webpage stated that studies have shown that there is “no link” between vaccines and developing autism and that “no links” have been found between any vaccine ingredients and the disorder, according to archived webpages,” the letter states. 

The letter continues, “Your politicization of vaccines has made American families less safe, returns the U.S. to an era before mass vaccination prevented millions of infections, and will result in tragic deaths, particularly among children.”

To read the full letter, click here.