Steve Cohen, U.S. Congressman representing Tennessee’s 9th district since 2007, posted a series of statements on November 18, 2025, addressing issues related to federal law enforcement involvement in Memphis and the release of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
In a tweet published at 5:49 p.m. UTC, Cohen questioned compensation standards for victims linked to the Epstein case and drew comparisons with recent Senate Republican actions: “I wonder if Senate Republicans who think they deserve $500k from taxpayers for each time their phone was reviewed in connection to January 6, also think these victims should get $500k for each time they were abused by people whose names are being hidden in the Epstein files?”
Later that evening at 8:05 p.m. UTC, Cohen commented on the appropriate role of federal agencies versus the National Guard in supporting local law enforcement in Memphis: “Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA & ATF can help Memphis because they’re trained for police work. The National Guard isn’t—they’re private citizens with jobs and families and they shouldn’t be taken away for meaningless work. I welcome today’s ruling and look forward to seeing”.
At 10:26 p.m. UTC, Cohen addressed congressional action regarding public access to documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities: “The vote to release the Epstein files passed 427–1. Good. I’ve been calling for it for years. But Trump could’ve released them years ago. He didn’t need a vote. He’s teeing up Pam Bondi to slow-roll this and go after specific political enemies. Enough. The people deserve the”.
Steve Cohen has represented Tennessee’s 9th District in Congress since replacing Harold Ford Jr., following his earlier tenure in the Tennessee Senate from 1983 to 2003. Born in Memphis in 1949, Cohen holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (BA) and the University of Memphis (JD). He currently resides in Memphis.
