• 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
07/26/2010 H.R.5492 Fresh Start Act of 2010 07/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  (All Actions)
07/22/2010 H.R.5821 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010 07/22/2010 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  (All Actions)
07/15/2010 H.R.5754 Preventing Homeowners from Foreclosure Act of 2010 07/15/2010 Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.  (All Actions)
07/01/2010 H.R.5685 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in certain underserved areas. 07/01/2010 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  (All Actions)
07/01/2010 H.R.5646 To designate the FAA Air Control Tower located at Memphis International Airport as the Freedom Tower. 07/01/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.  (All Actions)
06/29/2010 H.R.5613 American Coastal Waters and Shorelines Protection Act 06/29/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.  (All Actions)
06/17/2010 H.Res.1452 Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2010. 06/17/2010 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  (All Actions)
06/15/2010 H.R.5304 Byrne/JAG Program Accountability Act 06/15/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  (All Actions)
06/15/2010 H.R.4950 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2010 06/15/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.  (All Actions)
05/27/2010 H.R.5091 Positive Reduction of Incarceration by Maximizing Education (PRIME) Act of 2010 05/27/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.  (All Actions)
05/27/2010 H.R.4506 Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2010 05/27/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 412.  (All Actions)
05/07/2010 H.R.5236 Aerotropolis Act of 2010 05/07/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.  (All Actions)
04/29/2010 H.Res.1311 Expressing support for the charitable collection and good samaritan distribution to uninsured, low-income Americans of Food and Drug Administration-approved, medically-appropriate, non-expired, non-narcotic prescription medications by non-profit organizations licensed to dispense such medications. 04/29/2010 Referred to House Judiciary  (All Actions)
04/26/2010 H.R.4364 Citizen Participation Act of 2009 04/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.  (All Actions)
04/26/2010 H.R.4283 Transparency and Integrity in Corporate Monitoring Act of 2009 04/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.  (All Actions)
04/03/2010 H.R.4740 Jobs for Urban Sustainability in America Act 04/03/2010 Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.  (All Actions)
03/17/2010 H.R.4852 Critical Infrastructure Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2010 03/17/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.  (All Actions)
03/04/2010 H.Res.1138 Expressing support for the designation of the first week of April 2010 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. 03/04/2010 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  (All Actions)
02/26/2010 H.Con.Res.240 Expressing support for designation of the fourth week in April as "National Streetscaping Week". 02/26/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.  (All Actions)
02/09/2010 H.R.4597 10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010 02/09/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.  (All Actions)
Total: 4053
Date Bill Number Bill Title Result Vote
06/13/2017 H.R.627 Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2017
06/12/2017 H.R.2884 COVFEFE Act of 2017
06/08/2017 H.R.2855 To amend title II of the Social Security Act to enhance Social Security benefits and maintain the commitment and the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
06/08/2017 H.R.2854 To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to permit an individual who is subject to a requirement to present identification as a condition of voting in an election for Federal office to meet such requirement by presenting a sworn written statement attesting to the individual's identification, and for other purposes.
06/08/2017 H.R.2840 To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require each State to ensure that each individual who provides identifying information to the State motor vehicle authority is automatically registered to vote in elections for Federal office held in the State unless the individual does not meet the eligibility requirements for registering to vote in such elections or declines to be registered to vote in such elections, and for other purposes.
06/08/2017 H.R.2829 To amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen enforcement of spousal court-ordered property distributions, and for other purposes.
06/08/2017 H.R.2827 To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and expand the membership of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans to include veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
05/22/2017 H.R.1892 Honoring Hometown Heroes Act Passed Yea
05/22/2017 H.R.1625 Targeted Rewards for the Global Eradication of Human Trafficking
05/19/2017 H.Res.347 Expressing support for designation of May 2017 as "National Brain Tumor Awareness Month".
05/18/2017 H.R.2542 To amend title 40, United States Code, to direct the Administrator of General Services to incorporate bird-safe building materials and design features into public buildings, and for other purposes.
05/18/2017 H.R.2510 To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds, and for other purposes.
05/18/2017 H.R.1911 Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2017
05/18/2017 H.Res.218 Recognizing the importance of the United States-Israel economic relationship and encouraging new areas of cooperation.
05/18/2017 H.Res.188 Condemning the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners and calling for justice for the victims.
05/18/2017 H.Res.172 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the Russian Federation, its officials, security services, and any person or entity within the Russian Federation or associated with the Russian Government, should not interfere, seek to influence, or engage in coercion designed to create an outcome in foreign elections.
05/17/2017 H.R.2499 To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require States to meet standards for the location and operation of polling places used in elections for Federal office, including a standard requiring States to ensure that no individual waits for longer than one hour to cast a vote at a polling place, and for other purposes.
05/17/2017 H.R.2495 To protect consumers from deceptive practices with respect to online booking of hotel reservations, and for other purposes.
05/17/2017 H.R.2494 To amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the President to place any financial conflicts of interest into a blind trust, and for other purposes.
05/17/2017 H.R.2477 To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the refinancing of certain Federal student loans, and for other purposes.
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