Congresswoman Johnson Speaks Out Against The Paul Ryan Budget Plan On MSNBC's Martin Bashir

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke with MSNBC's Martin Bashir about the Ryan republican budget and the backlash it is receiving. In her comments Congresswoman said, 'We cannot cut services for the least of these.' Congressman Ryan was protested against at Georgetown University recently because his budget would cut needed services to the poor and middle class of America. Additionally Congresswoman takes on Mississippi's Governor's plan to end Planned Parenthood, and the republican plan to drastically increase the interest rates on student loans.

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Congresswoman Johnson Introduces 'Broadening Participation In STEM Education Act'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME) held a press conference to introduce the "Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act.” The “Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act” would authorize the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to increase the number of students from underrepresented minority groups receiving degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The bill would also expand the number of faculty members from underrepresented minority groups at colleges and universities. Congresswoman Johnson has been a national leader and outspoken advocate in advancing STEM education in the United States.

Congresswoman Johnson Is Named As Conferee To Highway Funding Bill

House leaders have announced that Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has been named as one of the conferees to the federal highway bill, who could begin meeting with their Senate counterparts as early as this week. The House-Senate conference will have to sort out their differences on two dramatically different bills. The House bill, H.R. 4348, is a short-term extension of federal highway funds that includes a requirement to approve the Keystone oil pipeline. The Senate bill, S. 1813, is a two-year, $109 billion extension. Congresswoman Johnson is the Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Her 17th Annual Ambassadors Conference In Washington

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted her 17th Annual Women Ambassadors Conference. The conference was held in conjunction with Howard University and the Women Ambassadors Foundation, and focused on the role of women in peacemaking efforts, international diplomatic challenges, and conflict resolution.

“When President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia was running for office , I asked if she would eliminate child soldiers under her regime, if she won. As President she ended the practice of using children to wage war in Liberia. Women ambassadors and women leaders are necessary and essential principals towards ending war causalities and creating peace building initiatives across the globe. No mother raises a child only to be killed in battle, and women have a particular understanding of the atrocities of war and negotiating peaceful resolutions,” stated Congresswoman Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson also noted, “We need to find alternatives to war, learn to respect each other’s differences, and talk through conflicts to achieve resolutions.” This year’s theme was “People, Democracy, and Resources in a World in Transition.” Women Ambassadors from Zambia, Senegal, Ecuador, Finland, as well as a representative from the U.S. Department of State participated in the panel discussions.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives A 100% Score From The American Civil Liberties Union

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received a 100% score from the American Civil Liberties Union for the 1st session of the 112th Congress.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights.

Congresswoman Johnson's 100% score was awarded based on her extensive legislative record, her national leadership on civil rights issues, and her proven commitment to protecting and expanding civil rights for all Americans.

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement On BET Regarding The GOP's Opposition To The Affordable Healthcare Act

In 1915, Booker T. Washington declared April to be the National Minority Health Month, and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson used the opportunity to make a public service announcement on BET promoting The Affordable Healthcare Act.

“The Affordable Care Act is providing long-awaited support to the community health centers, research on minority health disparities and initiatives to increase the diversity and cultural competency of health professionals,” said the Democrat from Dallas.

“It is so unfortunate that House Republicans want to end the medicare guarantee and deny healthcare coverage to millions of American seniors. That is simply inconceivable,” she said.

She spoke in her capacity as a member of Congress, as well as a medical professional.

“As the first registered, professional nurse in Congress, I am committed to continuing working with my colleagues, not just this month, but every month to address healthcare disparities and to ensure that every American enjoys access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Johnson said.

Congresswoman Johnson To Host Peace Conference In Dallas

For the 12th consecutive year, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson brings her strong efforts to build a viable world peace community from Washington, D.C. to Dallas, hosting six “powerful” women in a comprehensive dialogue for peace.
Johnson’s “A World of Women for World Peace Dialogue” forum takes place Saturday, April 28, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora Street. This year’s theme is “Women, Technology and Peacebuilding.”

“People have come from around the world to participate in the program,” Congresswoman Johnson said of her past summits. “My general program (in D.C.) is focused around the world. We host a lot of groups on the Hill. We find that women are much more open to sitting at the table and working something out than holding on the old notion that you’ve got to beat them.
Johnson was inspired to hold the event annually near Mother’s Day because of the foundation of the observance.

“Mother’s Day came about because of mothers wanting peace in the United States. It was a movement right after the Civil War where the mothers said they never wanted to experience their sons being killed because of conflict and war,” said Johnson. “They started a movement to get people to think about peace so that they could save the lives of their children.”

Early in her congressional career, Johnson also befriended Liberian activist Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her witnessing African kids used as soldiers. Sirleaf is now Liberia’s president. Johnson meets with and invites high ranking women from countries around the world, weary of war and watching their males killed in their respective conflicts.

“We share with the audience people who feel strongly about building avenues for peace. In many of these war torn countries, many males get killed so the women are in a position where they almost have to step up and be in some leadership position,” Johnson stated.

Ana Cristina Reymundo, Editorial Director of American Airlines Nexos Magazine, will moderate this year’s discussion. Her panelists consist of:

Vivienne O’Connor, Senior Rule of Law Advisor, United State Institute of Peace;
Linda Higdon, Founder, Global Room for Women;
Mitra Razavi, Former Iranian Prisoner of War;
Dahlia Scheindlin, Political Consultant, Huffington Post;
Libby Lenkinski, Director of International Relations, Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
Lenkinski is part of a special effort by Johnson in discussing Israeli-Palestinian relations.

“This year, I wanted to show more of the peaceful attitudes in the Middle East. I wanted the people here to know that there are numerous women in Israel and Palestine that are crying out and working together every day for peace. I’ve met with women who have transfused their blood back and forth to show that they are connected in blood as human beings,” said Johnson. “It had gotten to the point where I was beginning to feel that the more I mentioned peace as it related to Israel, the more some suspicions came.

Johnson’s work for peace has included developing a peace-agenda curriculum in The Hague (The Netherlands) that has been supervised by the United Nations and used within programs such as the Girls Clubs.

“What it amounts to is integrating the attitudes of acceptance and conflict resolution in every day life. It amounts to respecting differences, conflict resolution, anger management and trying to get them to let go of the stereotypical things,” Johnson said. “Acceptance of that diversity of thought is a major core. Once you accept that the people have the right to feel the way they feel about something, your fighting power is diminished.

“I’m trying to add to the culture of peace in the world. It’s not anything I can put on a chart and draft. We try to get attitudes of acceptance to implement.

“We’ve gotten to the point where we’ve got to use peaceful negotiations. It’s getting to where it’s no longer a passing fad, it’s a necessity. We know we’ve got to come up with alternatives to war.”

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces The Financial Literacy Act Of 2012

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has recently introduced the National Financial Literacy Act of 2012. The bill would require that federal financial supervisory agencies establish minimum standards for community-based financial literacy programs. The bill would also allow a tax credit to small businesses for 35% of the expenses paid or incurred for providing qualified continuing financial education to their employees.

UFCW President Joe Hansen Recognizes Congresswoman Johnson's Leadership In Congress

United Food and Commercial Workers International President Joe Hansen issued the following statement praising Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's leadership in Congress and commitment to working Americans.

“On behalf of the 1.3 million members of the UFCW, I commend Congresswoman Johnson for standing with working families in 2011. Receiving an ‘A’ on the UFCW Congressional Scorecard shows her commitment to creating jobs, growing the middle class, and protecting workers’ rights. In a Congress where an overwhelming majority of members received F’s, Congresswoman Johnson stood out as a true champion of workers. I look forward to working with her to accomplish even greater things in 2012.”



UFCW is North America’s Neighborhood Union—1.3 million members standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families, and communities. UFCW is America's youngest union, with the greatest percentage of members under the age of 35 of any other union.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives a 100% Score For The American Association Of University Women

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is proud to have received a 100% score from the American Association of University Women for the 1st session of the 112th Congress.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members. For more than 130 years, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day - educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

Congresswoman Johnson's 100% score was awarded as a result of her support on key votes and leadership on issues important to AAUW. Additionally Congresswoman has demonstrated the ability to empower, inspire and motivate women across the United States and around the world.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Receives An 'A' From The National Education Association

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received an 'A' from the National Education Association on their Congressional Legislative Report Card for the 1st session of the 112th Congress.

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional organization and is committed to advancing the cause of public education.

The National Education Association (NEA) Legislative Report Card Measures Members of Congress' overall support of public education and educators, with each Member receiving a letter grade of A, B, C, D, F.

Congresswoman Johnson's 'A' was based on her voting record, her cosponsorship of critical bills, her behind-the-scenes-work, her Committee votes, her accessibility, and her education advocacy both nationally and locally.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Receives The Endorsement Of The Texas AFL-CIO

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has won the much coveted endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO.

The Texas AFL-CIO is a state federation of labor unions representing 220,000 members in North Texas. Texas AFL_CIO affiliates are Texas AFT, Communication Workers of America, American Federation of Government Employees, United Steel Workers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Auto Workers, Transport Workers Union, International; Association of Machinists and United Transportation Union.

Congresswoman Johnson has been a strong ally of the American worker and American jobs. She has fought for the rights of workers and their families and has been a steadfast advocate on their behalf throughout her many years of public service.

In response to the AFL_CIO endorsement Congresswoman Johnson said "I am very honored to have received this very important endorsement, and will continue to fight for the rights of America's workers at every opportunity."

The Department of Energy Recognizes Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson with Distinguished Service Award

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, the first female Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology served as the keynote speaker at the Department of Energy’s event celebrating Women’s History Month. Congresswoman Johnson discussed the importance of women’s education in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields (STEM).

“Women continue to be under-represented in most STEM fields and we must do more to create opportunities to educate and retain them, especially at the university and faculty level. America cannot afford to lose one-half of its brain power,” stated Congresswoman Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for her efforts over the years in promoting STEM education, and her support of legislation that has contributed towards supporting the advancement for women in this field.

“Thank you to the Department of Energy for recognizing my work in STEM and for your hard work and dedication to this cause. I look forward to continuing our work together so that we can achieve our common goals,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The Distinguished Service Award is a prestigious honor that is awarded based on merit and achievement.

Congresswoman Johnson Delivers the Department of Energy Women's History Keynote Speech

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was the keynote speaker at the Department of Energy's 2012 Women's history Month celebration program. The theme was "Women's Education -- Women's Empowerment" Congresswoman Johnson spoke about the need for America to use "all of its brain-power" by encouraging women to enter S.T.E.M. careers. As the ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, & Technology & longtime advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math education (STEM), Congresswoman Johnson constantly seeks to promote this issue.