LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement after Congressman Steve Cohen announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Congressman Steve Cohen's life has been defined by the work he has done on a local, state and national level on behalf of the people he has been privileged to represent for decades. After contracting polio at just five years old, Steve developed a unique persistence and determination that would accompany him throughout his career in public service. A proud son of Memphis, Steve served on the Shelby County Commission and later in the State Senate for 24 years.

Over nearly two decades in the House of Representatives, Steve has consistently stood up for the health, safety and economic well-being of children and families, fighting to lower costs, improve the quality and affordability of higher education, strengthen our transportation infrastructure and increase access to healthcare. The first Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee in the Congress, Steve has been a powerful champion for civil rights, leading passage of a resolution issuing the first formal apology for slavery in the U.S. As the Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Steve led hearings on the Voting Rights Act, police reform and racial justice, reaffirming his commitment to making true America's promise of equality and justice for all.

The City of Memphis, the Congress and the nation are better because of Steve's commitment to making a difference. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus family in the next Congress, and we all wish him the very best in this next chapter.

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