Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Is Named As A Conferee On The FAA Bill

The House on Tuesday afternoon approved a motion to go to conference on legislation that would help fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through 2014.

The House quickly approved the motion by a voice vote, then named House conferees to the bill, H.R. 658. The two parties have gotten closer to a final deal for a long-term extension of FAA funding, and are expected to reach a final bill by mid-February.

House conferees from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will be Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.), Tom Petri (R-Wis.), John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.), Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio), Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.), ranking member Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa).

Conferees from the Science, Space and Technology Committee will be Chairman Ralph Hall (R-Texas), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas).

Conferees from the Ways and Means Committee will be Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) and ranking member Sandy Levin (D-Mich.).

Article from The Hill

Congresswoman Johnson hosts Black Farmers & Ast. Sec. Joe Leonard

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted a meeting with United States Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Dr. Joe Leonard, and several Texas farmers and land owners. Assistant Secretary Leonard visited the Dallas area to promote outreach programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to assist farmers and landowners in effectively improving their businesses.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON HOSTS 'FRUIT OF HOPE' TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted 'Fruit of Hope' Tree Planting Ceremony on Saturday, January 28, at the Promise of Peace Garden. Twenty fruit trees, donated by TXU Energy and Texas Trees Foundation were be planted at five locations: West Dallas Community Church, True Lee Missionary Baptist Church, T.R. Hoover Community Center, Jubilee Community Center, and Promise of Peace Gardens. The southern half of Dallas has been characterized as a “food desert” by the U.S.D.A. because of the scarcity of grocery stores and access to fresh foods. Planting these trees in food desert areas will provide the community with access to nutritious fruits, which will bring the community one step closer to eradicating hunger in Dallas.







After the successful Hunger Summit that Congresswoman Johnson hosted at the Dallas Farmers Market this past November in collaboration with Texas Hunger Initiative (Baylor University School of Social Work), Feed3, City Square, North Texas Food Bank and local community leaders, planting these trees will be the inaugural step of the Dallas Food Planning Association. The association consists of community leaders, non-profit organizations, elected representatives, and corporate leaders who will meet to combine resources to fight hunger in Dallas.



Volunteers from the EBJ Youth Leadership Council, Boy Scouts Of America, Southern Methodist University, community leaders and elected officials all took a hand in planting trees.

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses The State Of The Union On Fox News

Congresswoman Johnson discusses the State of the Union with Fox News.

In the interview Congresswoman Johnson expresses her support of the President's jobs plan, the economy, and the future of America.
Fox News Video

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON'S STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement on President Obama's State of the Union address:

“I thought the President did a great job outlining a 21st century vision for America that is inclusive, equitable, innovative and competitive.

I applaud the President’s efforts to rebuild our economy by focusing on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values. As the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and as a Senior Texan on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to working with the President on these important issues to ensure our priorities are addressed.

I support the President’s efforts to improve education in this country. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and they need to be well educated to excel. There needs to be renewed focus on science, technology, education and math for our young people to compete in a global economy.

I also commend him that, for the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq and we’ve made important progress in Afghanistan.”

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts A Roundtable Discussion To Address Violence Against Women And Children

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted a Roundtable Discussion to address violence against women and children in Dallas this past weekend. The forum was planned as a response to recent events in which several members of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. were assaulted in the Dallas area. Cheryl Smith of the Dallas Weekly served as the moderator.

Congresswoman Johnson used this opportunity to promote awareness about the recent attacks and to mobilize the community to end violence against women and children. “I’ve always been committed to the advancement of women and children. If we don’t provide a safe and secure environment for our children, then we run the risk of perpetuating the cycle of violence. We must empower women to lead and protect their communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

Mayor Mike Rawlings, District Attorney Craig Watkins, and Dallas Police Chief David Brown attended the event and emphasized how community support to end violence against women is critical for the Dallas community. Additional guests included Mrs. Serita Jakes of The Potter’s House and representatives from the Dallas Police Department. Members from the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault were on hand to provide background on the impact of state policy on these issues.

On January 5, 2006, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, along with a number of Congressional leaders, were proud to support the signing of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA2005) into law. In addition to creating the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, VAWA2005 reauthorized the grant programs created by the original VAWA and subsequent legislation, as well established new programs. VAWA2005 took a more holistic approach to addressing violence against women and address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to enhancing criminal and civil justice and community based responses to violence, VAWA2005 created notable new focus areas such as:

* Developing prevention strategies to stop violence before it starts.

* Protecting individuals from unfair eviction due to their status as victims of domestic violence or stalking.

* Creating the first federal funding stream to support rape crisis centers.

* Developing culturally and linguistically specific services for communities.

* Enhancing programs and services for victims with disabilities.

* Broadening VAWA service provisions to include children and teenagers.

VAWA 2005 has been a crucial investment in our communities - it saves lives, prevents future crimes and has resulted in reduced costs.

Congresswoman Johnson Testifies On Texas Redistricting

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said Wednesday she's long been concerned that the redistricting process in Texas is done in a way that doesn't ensure both blacks and Latinos have representation in Congress.


"I'm concerned about the overt and intentional discrimination against African-Americans and Latinos" in redistricting, Bernice Johnson said.

The Dallas-area Democrat testified on the second day of a two-week hearing on whether political maps drawn earlier this year by Texas lawmakers to reflect new census data violated the federal Voting Rights Act. A three-judge panel will decide whether to throw out Texas' political maps.

Bernice Johnson, who was first elected to Congress in 1992, said she's been in a constant fight to hold on to her district and ensure proper minority representation in Congress. She said she is also concerned by attempts to put Latino and black citizens together when each group could have its own congressional seat.

"The problem is we are denied these opportunities by splitting (groups') population up, by cracking our population," she said.

She said it would become a bigger issue in the future if something isn't done about it.

Testimony in the redistricting hearing will continue this week.

Texas, which will add four House seats in 2012, redrew its political maps earlier this year to reflect new census data. But under the Voting Rights Act, Texas is one of nine states that must submit new maps to the Justice Department to get pre-clearance because of a past history of discrimination.

The department, along with some Democrats and minority groups, are challenging the new maps, saying they don't protect minorities' political clout.

From The Associated Press

The Magnitude & Miles Of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Battling bronchitis -- not the ideal circumstance for a one-on-one discussion, and yet it was not used to delay take-off time or a ticket used to “getaway”. Instead, it was not until we had both boarded the interview and taken off that I later heard some difficulties and she explained with her apologies her week-long struggle. Concerned, I interpreted this to mean there is some extra carry-on luggage that might get in our way. Yet we both buckled in and continued the flight.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson knows well what a battle entails. Currently serving her 10th term, Congresswoman Johnson has already launched and ready for another. Not tired yet?

What I most wanted to find out were her keys to longevity, which are always more about the motivation within than the battle without. So, no caparisons to other candidates here; just an up close and personal talk with someone who has some frequent flyer miles.

“When I grow up I want to be a politician” was not a phrase that drove Congresswoman Johnson. It was the encouragement of others who recognized her civic action and unwillingness to simply look away and say “someone [else] will get to it.” It’s one of those “calls” that was always meant to be your purpose and at last you said “here am I, send me”.

Along the way, there are bound to be some technical difficulties, questionable weather conditions, and just the ordinary discomfort of the air pressure decreasing and increasing with the transition of altitudes. Any malfunction or presumed malfunction is scrutinized. Being under this type of microscope, how does one cope?

“You will always have snipers and critics,” Congresswoman Johnson responds. “And yet, you will always have positive people who will believe in you, too. Her mentors include women and men from civil rights leader A. Maceo Smith to Rev. Zan Holmes, retired pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church of Dallas.

Congresswoman Johnson offered her insight on another leader, history-making President Barack Obama.

“In my judgment, we have a much directed President focused on the needs of the people,” she remarked. “He’s bright and capable. He has had to deal with more economic problems in recent history than any president before him. He’s dealt with everything as well as one can, notwithstanding all the venom he has had to suffer. He is worthy of reelection.”

As we continued our talk, I wanted to pinpoint what it takes to be a leader. In her response two words rang out: Confidence and courage. “Confidence in setting goals,” Congresswoman Johnson said, “and the Courage to carry them out.”

Issues that are dear to her include (among others) fairness, equality, proper opportunity for those seeking it, neighborhood improvement, housing, jobs, and education. However, is there one issue that stands out most?

“Never is there just one thing that is the answer to all people,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “I have not had the luxury to focus on just one thing.”

Now there is a long list of accomplishments, titles, and firsts for Congresswoman Eddie B. Johnson from Dallas County to Washington, D.C. Included among those are her current standing as ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and her strong support of small businesses in Dallas. These, and other facts, may be found on her website.

As I thanked Congresswoman Johnson for “traveling” with me that Wednesday before Christmas, I asked her what she would like to be known for. She replied that she wanted her area to get any attention it needs to make it a better place to live.

So simple. Honestly, I expected more -- but later, I experienced the aftershock of the magnitude of how mission-packed that statement actually was.

A week later I read these words from Rosa Parks in the book Quiet Strength: “I want to be remembered as a person who stood up to injustice, who wanted a better world for young people; and most of all, I want to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted others to be free. And my fight will continue as long as people are being oppressed.”

Sometimes we recognize the magnitude of the impact of people much later, when in fact no matter what side of the street we are on, respectfully acknowledging the steps one has taken is simply the right thing to do.

Our Respects,

Southern Dallas County Business and Living Magazine

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON'S STATEMENT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement today in recognition of Martin Luther King DayJr. Day, which will be observed on Monday, January 16, 2012:

“Each year we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with a national day of service. As we reflect on the life of Dr. King, we must remember the principles that he embodied and to continue striving for unity and equality in our daily lives.

This is a time to reevaluate what more we can do as a great Nation to ensure civil rights for all. We should all be encouraged to use this holiday to engage in civic responsibility and to give back to our communities. It is important to keep Dr. King’s dream alive in our hearts and in our actions.”

Congresswoman Johnson and Her Staff Give Toys & Clothes to Needy Dallas Families

Recently Congresswoman Johnson had the opportunity to bring a little holiday spirit and joy to needy citizens of Dallas. Her office partnered w/ Buckner International to give needy families in Wynnewood area of Dallas new toys & clothes for the Christmas holiday. Watch this short video that chronicles the events>>

Watch Video

Congresswoman Johnson Welcomes The Dallas Mavericks to Washington

I had the pleasure to welcome my hometown Dallas Mavericks to Washington D.C. The Mavericks were visiting the white house to be honored by President Obama for winning the 20111 NBA Championship. U.S. trade representative and Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk was on hand to congratulate the Mavericks with me.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Talks Women in the Military

Congresswoman Johnson's latest bill aims to recognize women of high rank in the armed forces
Recently, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced a bill to recognize General Brigadier Hazel Winifred Johnson-Brown, the first African-American woman to hold rank of General in the U.S. Military Services and the first African American to hold the position of Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. "She played a significant role in the military and I knew her as a nurse," says Johnson.
The resolution, which is sponsored by the American Nurses Association and the National Nursing Network Organization, would recognize Johnson-Brown for her accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Congresswoman Johnson also shared her thoughts about today's military.

Loop 21: Do you feel like contributions from black women in the military are overlooked?

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson: I'm not so sure that I can say that they are overlooked. I think that there are times when I feel like they aren't celebrated enough. Usually, when they are accomplished, someone knows about them. And it usually takes someone to make an extra effort to make sure others aware.

Loop 21: What are you overall thoughts about the Afghanistan and Iraq war?

Congresswoman Johnson: I think we got into the [Afghanistan] war a little late after we were attacked on 9/11 in 2001. Instead of addressing that first, we went to Iraq, which I think was totally a false and misguided decision have been made...I do think it's time for us to come home.

Loop 21: Can you talk about the state of the military?

Congresswoman Johnson: Our military readiness is changing. We're looking more now at cyber security. Instead of having a number of round weapons, we are also expanding to make sure that we have cyber weapons. I think the whole picture of military is in a state of change.

Loop 21: What are you thoughts about how President Barack Obama has dealt with the war?

Congresswoman Johnson: President Obama came into office while we were already at war, and so it was hardly much we could do about that. We tried to deescalate the war, which he has done. We have now closed down any type of war activity in Iraq...Afghanistan.
He was in a reactive roll, coming into office with those two wars. There are major activities he should be given credit for.

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Public Safety Broadband Bill

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Congresswoman Donna Edwards on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee introduced a bill Tuesday that would provide $300 million to research the creation of a national public safety broadband network.

The Public Safety Broadband Network Enabling Act from ranking member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) would fund the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for research, development and standards activities to enable the creation of the public safety network.

The payroll-tax bill approved by the House on Tuesday included spectrum legislation from Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) that would set aside the D Block of spectrum for public safety and use $6.5 billion of spectrum auction revenue to fund the network.

But Edwards and Johnson argued that the Republican measure fails to include any guarantee that important research and development work will take place.


“The proposal considered by the House today falls short of what is needed,” Johnson said. “Any legislation to create a public safety broadband network should include responsible research and development provisions. The failure to include such provisions puts the success of the entire public safety broadband network at risk.”

NIST would be authorized to research and help develop technologies that would improve the safety of the public safety network, document the operational requirements and help develop national, voluntary standards addressing those requirements.

“The creation of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission, is long overdue,” Edwards said. “It is important that we move forward in earnest, but we must ensure that broadband technologies are developed to work seamlessly with and meet the needs of our first responders.”

Walden, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology, said Tuesday on the chamber floor: “This legislation didn’t just drop out of the sky. It was thoughtfully and creatively crafted and it finds the right balances.” Walden cited five separate public hearings and 11 months of negotiations between both parties, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“But at some point the American people say, ‘Stop talking, get it done.’”

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has also approved a bill authorizing spectrum auctions and re-allocating the D Block, but it has yet to come up for a vote on the floor.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON RECEIVES ‘WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD’ BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, was awarded the prestigious Woman of the Year Award by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) for advancement in public service.

The NAPW Research and Development Committee selected the Congresswoman based on her significant contributions to the state of Texas and the Nation, professional achievements, community involvement, and local prominence. “I am truly honored to be selected as Woman of the Year by one of the most respected women’s organizations. The National Association of Professional Women is an organization that empowers women to lead with confidence. I will continue to exemplify the mission and goals of NAPW by inspiring and empowering women in their professional careers,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The National Association of Professional Women is one of the fastest growing professional women’s organizations.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON SUPPORTS THE POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT ON USPS CLOSURES

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson acknowledged her support for the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Report on the Postal Service’s Retail Access Optimization Initiative (RAOI). The report outlined significant miscalculations in the USPS’s methodology for indentifying over 3,600 post offices and other retail branches for possible closure.

The Dallas Processing and Distribution Center and four retail branches in the 30th Congressional District are being considered for closure or relocation under the existing RAOI. Several smaller branches in the District have already closed or have been consolidated.

“These recent findings by the Commission align with my initial criticisms,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Aside from the obvious job implications for tens of thousands of hard-working Americans, this attempt to reduce costs would only drastically cut services for businesses and individuals that rely heavily on the Postal Service, but not actually resolve the agency’s problem of avoiding insolvency.”

Congresswoman Johnson has met with USPS leadership in Dallas and Washington, DC since 2009 to avert any postal closures in the 30th Congressional District. Citing the same concerns as the PRC panel, Congresswoman Johnson has been vocal in her opposition to the method which the post offices were being selected. The USPS has since announced a moratorium on any post office closures until May 15, 2012.

The full report on the Postal Regulatory Commission can be found here:
http://www.prc.gov/Docs/78/78971/N2011-1_AdvisoryOP.pdf

Congresswoman Johnson To Host A Town Hall Meeting Focusing On Ending Violence Against Women And Children

Congresswoman Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for Women's rights and the rights of children. In 2001 Congresswoman Johnson founded 'A World Of Women For World Peace' bring greater visibility to the women who are victims of war and aggression, and the women who facilitate peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building activities in their communities.

'We must look at the human and economic costs of war to realize just how urgently we need to actively pursue peace. The costs of war and violence cannot merely be measured with statistics or dollars. The real faces of war and violence are torn and displaced communities, women suffering the ravages of rape and widowhood, children with missing limbs and orphans without the hope of education and healthcare.'

Congresswoman Johnson has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the issues that face women and children. Whether meeting with international delegations or hosting events on Capitol Hill and in her district, she has strived to bring peaceful conflict resolution to the center of our dialogue on foreign and domestic policy.