• COHEN, STEPHEN IRA
Experience: House: District 9, 2007-Present
Running: President, United States, 2016
Total Raised: $477,682Coverage End: Thursday, June 30, 2016
Winning: Won with 0.00%
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Personal

    Full Name: Stephen 'Steve' Ira Cohen
    Gender: Male
    Family: Single
    Birth Date: 05/24/1949
    Birth Place: Memphis, TN
    Home City: Memphis, TN
    Religion: Jewish

Education

    JD, School of Law, University of Memphis, 1973
    BA, Vanderbilt University, 1971

Political Experience

    Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2007-present
    Regional Whip, United States House of Representatives
    Senator, Tennessee State Senate, 1982-2006
    Delegate, Democratic National Convention, 1980, 1992, 2004
    Delegate, Platform Committee, Democratic National Convention, 2000
    Candidate, Governor of Tennessee, 1994
    Commissioner, Shelby County, 1978-1980
    Vice President, Tennessee Constitutional Convention, 1977
    Delegate, Tennessee Constitutional Convention, 1977

Current Legislative Committees

    Judiciary, Member
    Subcommittee on Aviation, Member
    Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, Member
    Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, Member
    Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Member
    Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Member
    Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, Member
    Transportation and Infrastructure, Member

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees

    Member, Congressional Progressive Caucus, present
    Member, Executive Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures
    Member, Memphis/Shelby County Center City Commission
    Member, Memphis/Shelby County Sports Authority
    Member, Tennessee Holocaust Commission, 1984-2006
    Member, Presidential Search Committee, University of Memphis, 2000
    Member, Football Coach Search Committee, University of Memphis, 1994
    Member, Shelby County Charter Commission, 1984

Professional Experience

    Attorney
    Former Legal Advisor, Memphis Police Department
    Interim Judge, Shelby County General Sessions Court, 1980

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

    Member, Board of Directors, Circuit Playhouse Incorporated, 1977-present
    Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, present
    Member, Center for Southern Folklore
    Member, Memphis Alzheimer's Association
    Member, Memphis Bar Association
    Member, Shelby County Bar Association
    Member, Memphis Zoological Council, 2001-2006
    Member, Memphis Redbirds Foundation, 1998-2003
    Member, Board of Trustees, Memphis College of Art, 1988-2002
    Member, Board of Directors, Memphis Zoological Society, 1988-2000
    Member, United States of America Japan Study Mission, 1986

Additional Information

Awards:

    Faculty Senate's Presidential Citation, University of Tennessee-Memphis, 1996
    Good Guys Award, Memphis Women's Political Caucus, 1995
    Outstanding Legislator Award, Tennessee Nurses Association, 2014
    Excellence in Public Service Award, Wiley College, 2014
    Champion of Reform, Drug Policy Alliance, 2014
    Perfect Voting Record, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, 2014
    Perfect Voting Record, Humane Society's Legislative Scorecard, 2014
    Perfect Voting Record, Food Policy Action's National Food Policy Scorecard, 2014
    Friend of the National Parks Award, National Parks Conservation Association, 2015
    Distinguished Alumnus Award, University of Memphis Alumni Association, 2013
    Perfect Voting Record, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, 2013
    Public Policy Award, Tourette Syndrome Association, 2013
    Public Official of the Year, Tennessee Chapter, National Association of Social Workers, 2012
    Candle on the Bluff Award, Memphis Chapter, Morehouse College Alumni/New Olivet Baptist Church, 2009
    Communicator of the Year, Tennessee Communication Association, 2008
    Award for Outstanding Public Service in the Area of the Economic Keys to Success, Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta Epsilon Omega
    Chapter Arkansas, 2008
    Friend of Children Award, Tennessee Pediatrics Society, 1999
    Memphis Theatre Award, Memphis Arts Council, 1998
    Award of Appreciation for Outstanding Achievement, Chickasaw Group, Sierra Club, 2013
    Legislator of the Year Award, Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute, 2013
    Humane Champion Award, Humane Society, 2012
    Most Valuable Policymaker Award, Sports Fans Coalition
    Award, National Urban League, 2012
    Defender of Children, First Focus Campaign for Children, 2012
    Day Award, American Bar Association, 2010
    Politician of the Year, Stone Award, 2009
    Urban Peace and Courage Award, Exhoodus Council, 2009
    Best Memphian, Best of Memphis Reader's Poll, Memphis Flyer, 2008
    Most Outstanding Politician, Stone Award, 2008
    Friend of Education Award, Tennessee Principals Association, 2008
    Humane Champion Award, United States Humane Society, 2007
    William W. (Bill) Farris Political Leadership Award, Shelby County Democratic Party, 2004
    Leadership Award, Governor's Awards in the Arts, 2001
    Legislator of the Year Award, American Automotive Association (AAA), 2000
    Tribute of Hope Award, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, 2012
    Gridiron Greats Award, National Football League, 2010
    America Hero Award, ProtectingAmerica.org, 2009
    Legislator of the Year Award, The Institute of Real Estate Managemeent, 2013
    XDefender of Children Award, First Focus Campaign for Children, 2012
    Appreciation Award, Trinity Community Coalition Outreach, 2010
    Tennessee Equal Justice Legislative Leadership Award, Memphis Area Legal Services, 2010
    Humane Champion Award, Humane Society, 2009
    Work Recognition Award, Vida Foundation's D. Emelio Castelar, 2008
    Award of Excellence for Public Service, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), 2008
    Honorary Degree, LeMoyne-Owen College, 2008
    Bob James Award, Planned Parenthood, 2007
    Mid-South Newsmaker of the Year, Memphis Gridiron Show Headliner Award, 2007
    Political Award, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Region IV, 2007
    Legislative Achievement Award, Tennessee Humane Association , 2006
    Walter Barret Distinguished Service Award, University of Memphis Society, 2004
    Forward 50, The Forward, 2008
    Eye of the Tiger Award, University of Memphis, 2004
    Excellence in Education Award, National College Board, 2003
    Legislator of the Year, Knoxville News-Sentinel Columnist, 2003
    Opening Day First Pitch, AutoZone Park, 2000
    Lorin Hollander Arts Award, Tennessee Arts Academy, 1995
    Tennessee Bill of Rights Award, 1992
    Bird Dog Award for Ethics, Common Cause of Tennessee, 1992
    Top Rating in Senate, Green List, Sierra Club, 1992
    Keeping the Blues Alive Award, The Blues Foundation, 1991
    Commendation, Memphis Arts Council, 1987
    Public Leadership Award, Tennessee Human Rights Campaign, 2002
    Legislator of the Year Award, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tennessee, 2003
    Executive Seminar for Legislative Leaders, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2001
    Tennesseans for the Arts Advocate Award, 1992
    Award, Tennessee Association of County Election Officials, 1992
    Doctor Peter Cooper Award, Unitarian Fellowship, 1994
    Holocaust Commission Award, 2000
    Legislator of the Year Award, Community Mental Retardation Agencies of Tennessee, 1991
    "Power 100", Business Tennessee Magazine, 2004
    Bird Dog Award for Ethics, Common Cause of Tennessee, 1997
    Best Local Politician, Readers' Poll, Memphis Magazine, 1996
    Top 100 Most Powerful People in Tennessee, Business Tennessee, 2007
    Save Shelby Farms Award, 1988
Total: 1
General Survey
Issue Title Candidate's Answers
1. Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right

Strongly Support
2. Stricter punishment reduces crime

Oppose
3. Marijuana is a gateway drug
4. Higher taxes on the wealthy

Support
5. Stimulus better than market-led recovery

Strongly Support
6. Vouchers for school choice

Strongly Oppose
7. Make voter registration easier

Strongly Support
8. Prioritize green energy

Strongly Support
9. Avoid foreign entanglements
10. Expand the military

Strongly Oppose
11. Support & expand free trade

Oppose
12. Support American Exceptionalism
13. Absolute right to gun ownership

Support
14. Expand ObamaCare

Strongly Support
15. Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens

No Opinion
16. EPA regulations are too restrictive

Strongly Oppose
17. Keep God in the public sphere

Strongly Oppose
18. Legally require hiring more women & minorities

Strongly Support
19. Comfortable with same-sex marriage

Strongly Support
20. Privatize Social Security

Strongly Oppose
Total: 182
Introduced Date Bill Number Bill Title Last Action
05/18/2017 H.R.2527 To amend title 11 of the United States Code to modify the dischargeability of debts for certain educational payments and loans. 05/18/2017 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  (All Actions)
05/18/2017 H.Res.256 Expressing support for the countries of Eastern Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 05/18/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats.  (All Actions)
05/02/2017 H.R.2289 Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act 05/02/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  (All Actions)
04/28/2017 H.R.2230 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue or bust of Elie Wiesel for placement in the United States Capitol. 04/28/2017 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.  (All Actions)
04/25/2017 H.R.856 Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act of 2017 04/25/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.  (All Actions)
04/04/2017 H.R.1870 Police Training and Independent Review Act of 2017 04/04/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.  (All Actions)
03/10/2017 H.R.1467 SEAT Act of 2017 03/10/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.  (All Actions)
02/15/2017 H.R.1077 Tax Return Preparer Accountability Act of 2017 02/15/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  (All Actions)
02/14/2017 H.R.711 John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act 02/14/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.  (All Actions)
02/03/2017 H.R.767 SOAR to Health and Wellness Act of 2017 02/03/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.  (All Actions)
02/01/2017 H.R.787 Streamlined and Improved Methods at Polling Locations and Early (SIMPLE) Voting Act of 2017 02/01/2017 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.  (All Actions)
01/24/2017 H.R.630 National Statistics on Deadly Force Transparency Act of 2017 01/24/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.  (All Actions)
01/11/2017 H.J.Res.19 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 01/11/2017 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.  (All Actions)
01/10/2017 H.R.402 Fair Access to Credit Scores Act of 2017 01/10/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.  (All Actions)
12/22/2016 H.J.Res.104 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States. 12/22/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.  (All Actions)
12/07/2016 H.R.6461 Bring Enhanced Liability in Transportation for Students Act 12/07/2016 Referred to House Education and the Workforce  (All Actions)
09/21/2016 H.R.6103 Housing Accountability Act of 2016 09/21/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.  (All Actions)
07/20/2016 H.Res.802 Recognizing the historical significance and the 50th anniversary of the "James H. Meredith March Against Fear", a 220-mile walk down Highway 51 from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi. 07/20/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.  (All Actions)
07/08/2016 H.R.5691 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Elie Wiesel for placement in the United States Capitol. 07/08/2016 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.  (All Actions)
06/08/2016 H.R.5405 SOAR to Health and Wellness Act of 2016 06/08/2016 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  (All Actions)
Total: 4053
Date Bill Number Bill Title Result Vote
08/22/2011 H.R.2508 To extend through fiscal year 2013 the increase in the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and for other purposes.
08/05/2011 H.R.2798 `Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act
08/05/2011 H.Con.Res.72 Expressing the sense of Congress that any legislative language approved by the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction should not reduce benefits for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients.
08/05/2011 H.R.2696 Trisomy 21 Research Resource Act of 2011
08/02/2011 H.R.2792 African Higher Education Advancement and Development Act of 2011
08/02/2011 H.Res.333 Welcoming and commending the Government of Japan for extending an official apology to all United States former prisoners of war from the Pacific War and establishing in 2010 a visitation program to Japan for surviving veterans, family members, and descendants.
08/02/2011 H.Res.324 Welcoming and commending the Government of Japan for extending an official apology to all United States former prisoners of war from the Pacific War and moving forward in planning to invite surviving members to Japan.
08/02/2011 H.R.1880 Status Report on the 30th Anniversary of HIV/AIDS Act
08/01/2011 H.R.2757 Iraq Withdrawal Accountability Act of 2011
08/01/2011 H.R.2679 PREEMIE Reauthorization Act
08/01/2011 H.R.2678 Communities of Color Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2011
08/01/2011 H.R.2674 340B Program Improvement Act
07/29/2011 H.Res.362 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day, and for other purposes.
07/29/2011 H.R.2595 National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act of 2011
07/29/2011 H.R.1902 Minority Business Development Improvements Act of 2011
07/28/2011 H.Res.378 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that strong consideration should be given to the role of science education in the educational accountability system as it works to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
07/28/2011 H.R.2657 Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act
07/27/2011 H.R.2663 America Pays Its Bills Act of 2011
07/27/2011 H.R.2644 Aviation Jobs and Safety Act of 2011
07/25/2011 H.R.198 Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act
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