Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Clean Water Research Bills

Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member of The Committee on Science, Space, & Technology, introduced two pieces of clean water research legislation, H.R. 5826, the Coordinating Water Research for a Clean Water Future Act of 2012, and H.R. 5827, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2012. Both bills aim to ensure that the nation will have access to clean and reliable water supplies for future generations. Similar bills passed the House in the 111th Congress in a bipartisan fashion.

Ms. Johnson said in her statement for the record, ``As a Representative from the great state of Texas, I know how important water is to public health, the economy, and the environment. Moreover, Texans certainly are not alone. Whether facing unpredictable and extreme weather conditions in places like Idaho where increasingly difficult dam and reservoir management is making it harder to protect property and lives; the drawdown of aquifers in the Powder River Basin from coal-bed methane operations; or the billions of taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade water infrastructure in the East, water is an ever- present topic of dinner conversation and political tension across the country.``

In describing H.R. 5826, Ms. Johnson said, ``H.R. 5826 will authorize coordination of research activities to ensure a future where clean water is abundant, affordable, and accessible for generations to come. To do this, the country needs to better coordinate federal research among agencies which oversee and protect these natural resources. The bill elevates the importance of clean and reliable water through the implementation of a National Water Research and Development Initiative at the Office of Science and Technology Policy of the White House. The Initiative will improve the federal government's role in coordinating federal water research activities that identify, characterize, and address changes in U.S. clean water use, quality, supply, and demand.``

Ms. Johnson said of H.R. 5827, ``The Energy and Water Research Integration Act`` focuses attention on the energy-water nexus, a term used to describe the energy required to provide reliable water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies. The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to integrate water considerations into the Department of Energy's energy research. The bill requires the Secretary to seek to advance energy technologies and practices that would minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and utilize nontraditional water sources with efforts to improve water quality.``

These pieces of legislation are the product of several recommendations from the Committee`s hearings in the 110th and 111th Congresses on Federal research related to water and the energy-water nexus and reports from the National Academies, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science and Technology Council, and the Department of Energy. The bills are supported by small businesses like NanoH2O, who see the need for innovative technologies in the water sector, as well as national organizations like Alliance for Water Efficiency, the Water Innovation Alliance, the International association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and the Water Research Foundation. The Water Environment Research Foundation also supports the energy-water bill.

Ms. Johnson said, ``Throughout my career I have fought to ensure that future generations have access to clean water. My introduction of these two bills builds on the accomplishments of the former Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Bart Gordon, who introduced similar legislation that moved through the House of Representatives in the 111th Congress. . .Given this diverse base of support and the passage of similar bills through the House in the 111th Congress, I hope that the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the House will be quick to take up these pieces of legislation and move them expeditiously.``

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement on the Passing of The House Version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

Yesterday, the GOP controlled House voted in favor of H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), by a vote of 222 to 204. Congresswoman Johnson issued the following statement:

“It is with great disappointment that the House voted for this measure in its currently flawed form, and that something so important as this has been politicized. The Violence Against Women Act that was considered yesterday is not of the same caliber of legislation as authorized in previous congresses, nor was it drafted with the same bipartisan considerations or support. H.R. 4970 is identical to previous reauthorizations in title only, and will do tremendous damage to the established programs for battered women seeking justice or protection from their abusers.

The issue of defending and caring for battered or abused women should remain a non-partisan issue. Instead, this legislation was seized in order to promote a partisan agenda of excluding immigrants, LGBT individuals, and Native Americans, from protections afforded by the government.

I have always supported programs in the past that have effectively provided victims with the tools they needed to escape their abusers. However, I voted against H.R. 4970 because it falls drastically short of the original intent of the law, and represents an attack on women that no democratic society should ever have to endure.”

An Interview With Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson On Her Campaign For Re-Election In 2012

Q: Is this your first time to run for public office? If not, when and for what other positions have you ran for?

EBJ: The first time I ran for public office was in 1972. As a result, I was elected to the Texas State House of Representatives. During this time, I chaired the Labor Committee, becoming the first woman in Texas history to lead a major Texas House committee.  In 1977, by appointment from President Jimmy Carter, I became Regional Director of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1986, I was elected Texas State Senator, becoming the first African American woman from the Dallas area to hold this office since Reconstruction. 


In 1992 I was elected to Congress, the first woman and the first African American to represent Dallas in Congress. I am now in my tenth term representing the citizens of the Thirtieth Congressional District of Texas. In December 2010, I was elected as the first African-American and the first female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. From 2000 to 2002, I was the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education. In 2007, I was appointed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James L. Oberstar to serve as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment during the 110th and 111th Congresses. I was the first African-American and first female in Congress to hold the position of this Subcommittee Chair. While holding the position of Subcommittee Chair, I sponsored the Water Resources Development Act. I successfully secured and led Congress in overriding President Bush’s veto of it. This was the only veto override during his presidency. 


 I am the founder and Co-Chair of the Diversity and Innovation Caucus and of the House Historical Black Colleges and Universities Caucus. Congresswoman Johnson had the honor to serve as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 107th Congress. I presently co-chair the Technology and Infrastructure Development Taskforce of the 112th Congressional Black Caucus. I am also a Member of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors.


Q: Where were you born and raised? Where did you attend school? What degrees have you obtained and from where?


EBJ: I was born in Waco, Texas and have lived in Dallas for more than 50 years. I studied nursing at St. Mary's College, at the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the Texas Christian University in 1967. I also received a master's degree in public administration from Southern Methodist University in 1976 and simultaneously served as the chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. 


Q: What civic organizations are you currently involved with?


EBJ: American Nurse Association, Links, Inc., Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, NAACP Charter Dallas, Girlfriends, Inc., YMCA, United Way, Women’s Council of Dallas, National Council of Negro Women, past president; 


 Q: What caused you to seek a political office? 


 EBJ: As an active member of the community, I was strongly encouraged by many to run for public office. In addition to this, as a nurse I observed unfairness within the healthcare system, which inclined me to want to become an advocate for my patients and their families. Having worked within the health system for years, I wanted to then work to improve health care for all Americans. I strongly believe the perseverance of Medicare and advocate that Social Security is safeguarded for not only current retirees, but as well as our future generations. As a mother and grandmother of three, I understood that nothing is more important than the education we provide our children. I am a true believer that the importance of quality education for our country’s future requires a sustained national effort. Before seeking a public office, I pledged myself to be an ear and a shoulder for my constituents and the hard working Americans who are concerned about numerous issues including the economy, employment, environment, civil rights, and education. I wanted to work for the district, reflecting the bedrock philosophy of opportunity, responsibility and fairness. For me, enacting good public policy and improving the lives of my constituents, has in the past, and will continue in the future to be more important than “playing politics”, especially in times like these. 


Q: Why should you be sent back to D.C.? 


EBJ: I am the most qualified candidate. I believe my policies and those of the Democratic Party will benefit the masses and put this county back on the path to financial stability, civil and social equality, quality education for our children, and safety for our families right here at home. I have devoted my life to public service. I began as a nurse; then continued by becoming a State Senator and now as an active Member of Congress. I have engaged in a broad range of issues. My passion and commitment to public service are stronger now than ever before, and my years on Capitol Hill have earned me the rank and leverage needed to get things done. I believe in a lean government that lives within its means, and I believe we need a better plan for our government to put America on a course for long-term growth and economic security. That means, putting people before special interests and supporting tax cuts that do not jeopardize our future prosperity but in turn help our families meet such needs as education and child care. Besides the economy, we face other serious issues. We must improve education by investing in our schools, by reducing class size, and attracting and retaining quality teachers. Schools, teachers, and students should be held accountable in order to provide our children with the tools they need to meet the challenges of a diverse and changing economy. Congress must continue to fight for the fundamental healthcare rights of all Americans. We must also leave our children a safe and protected environment. It continues to be my great honor to represent the interests of Dallas and the North Texas in Washington, and I look forward to spending the last days of campaign season directly with my friends and neighbors, discussing what I am working for on their behalf, and what they can continue to expect of me as a seasoned member of Congress.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 'A World of Women for World Peace' Conference in Dallas

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson held her 12th annual “A World of Women for World Peace” peace conference on Saturday, April 28th , at the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art. Congresswomen Corrine Brown of Florida, Donna Edwards of Maryland and Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston were in attendance to support the conference. “I began my initiative, “A World of Women for World Peace,” after I learned about the plight of child soldiers. No mother who took pains to give birth and raise her child, would want to see that child destroyed in fruitless violence,” stated Congresswoman Johnson. “I hope to make peaceful conflict resolution a central part of our dialogue on foreign policy.” This year’s theme was Women, Technology, & Peacebuilding and the dialogue centered on how technology can be used to lift a collective voice in support of peace and empowerment of women around the world. The conference included over 100 activists from the peace community and political arena. The distinguished panelists explored how women in conflict and post-conflict zones have used social media as a tool of empowerment for political and social change. Panelists included: Ana Cristina Reymundo, American Airlines Nexos (Moderator); Vivienne O’Connor, United States Institute of Peace; Dahlia Scheindlin, Huffington Post (Via Skype); Linda Higdon, Founder of the Global Room for Women; Libby Lenkinski , Association for Civil Rights in Israel (Via Skype); Farzaneh Milani, University of Virginia; Mitra Razavi, Peace Activist. Read story

Congresswoman Johnson's Op Ed for the Huffington Post Thanking & Honoring Our Nurses

Throughout my career as a registered nurse, I have had no greater privilege than to provide healthcare to those who have bravely served our country. As a former chief psychiatric nurse at the VA Medical Center in Dallas, I know first-hand the resources that are needed to care for those coming home from war. I firmly believe it is our duty as a Nation to provide the best care possible to our veterans. Unfortunately, healthcare in America has become a luxury that millions of Americans, including veterans, simply cannot afford or access. The United States holds its rank at 18th worldwide in deaths due to the lack of servicing patients with preventable conditions. As healthcare costs continue to spiral out of control, most Americans would agree that our healthcare needs improvement. Over one trillion dollars is spent each year caring for those afflicted with common chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes - and much of this care would not be necessary if we aggressively pursued preventive care. Despite all of this, there is reason for Americans to have hope. Two years ago, Congress passed the most significant reform in decades that addressed what most Americans say is their number one health care priority - health promotion and disease prevention. Americans understand that preventable care not only saves money, but can alleviate future suffering. While our country continues to shift towards a nationwide focus on prevention and promotion, I believe that nurses should be standing at the forefront of this reformation. It is for this reason that I propose that we as a Nation designate a National Nurse for Public Health. The National Nurse would function alongside the Surgeon General and focus on health promotion, improving health literacy, and decreasing health disparities. National Nurses Week, May 6-12th, is dedicated to acknowledging the hard work, patience, and service that our nurses provide. This year's theme is "Nurses: Caring, Leading, Advocating." Nurses deserve more than one week of recognition for their tireless work in healthcare. To highlight and showcase the extraordinary work that nurses do each and every day, last year I introduced the National Nurse Act of 2011. This bill elevates the status of the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service to bring greater visibility and recognition of the contributions of nurses to the public health, health promotion, and disease prevention. While it is the responsibility of every health professional to emphasize wellness, it is nurses who are in the ideal position to deliver these messages. The relationship that nurses have with their patients is truly the cornerstone of every nurse's practice. Nurses are present in every community, in hospitals, clinics, schools, workplaces, and in the military, and they spend more time with patients than any other health professional. The National Nurse Act of 2011 has bipartisan support in Congress and is worthy of becoming law. As a Nation, we should recognize and thank our committed nurses by supporting this legislation. The fundamental care nurses provide promotes social justice and wellness to millions of Americans each year. In the words of Florence Nightingale, "I think one's feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results."

Congresswoman Johnson Pledges Her Support For COMMIT! A Plan To Improve Dallas Schools

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and new Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles joined Mayor Mike Rawlings Friday to promote a plan to bring together various entities to improve education in the Dallas area. The Commit! plan was first rolled out last year by Rawlings, who has made improving local schools a main focus. The nonprofit organization is expected to bring together groups — from local businesses to institutes of higher education — that can use their strengths to improve the education of young people in Dallas County from “cradle to career.” Exactly what measures will be taken by the group will be determined after a strategic plan is developed. Topics addressed in previous discussions about Commit! included addressing parent engagement, providing social service and sharing best practices. Rawlings said the program will support public and private educational entities. “We want to make Dallas one of the best places to get an education,” he said. Partners of the plan are being asked to commit to working together. The organization is expected to be primarily funded by regional and national foundations. It will be governed by an independent council consisting of representatives from various organizations. Congresswoman Johnson said it will take the community’s help to improve education. “We’ve got to step up,” she said. “I’m willing to do what I can.” Several other elected officials also spoke during the news conference, with some strongly backing the plan.

Congresswoman Johnson's Op-Ed Advocating for SNAP

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson wrote the following op-ed which was published in Captiol Hill's newspaper The Hill Poverty and unemployment have risen sharply in our community, and most strikingly, so has hunger. People may not always have an accurate picture of who goes hungry in this country. By and large, the face of hunger is that of thousands and thousands of women and children. What is perhaps most shocking is that children represent almost half of the beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Without SNAP, these children would go to bed hungry each night, seriously jeopardizing their ability to develop and thrive. I want to bring this critical issue to the attention of my constituents and those in the surrounding areas, and I want them to know that combating hunger is the utmost priority for me. The state of hunger that exists in the Dallas area is far too critical to ignore. In a recent Gallup poll, 19 percent of metropolitan households said that there were times when they did not have enough money to buy all the food they needed. In my own district, that number was an overwhelming 29 percent. Many of these families received help from neighbors, local churches and charities like the North Texas Food Bank. Hunger is too great a problem for charity alone, which is why the federal government invests in SNAP. SNAP is a program that works and is fiscally sustainable. Error rates and fraud are at historically low levels, and this program provides economic stimulus to communities throughout our country. Economists estimate that every dollar spent on SNAP benefits created a $1.79 ripple effect in our local economy during the recession. A recent report found that SNAP actually lifted 8 percent of families out of poverty during the worst of the economic downturn. So why is Congress debating whether to sever this lifeline needed by so many in this country? The recently passed House budget proposal would slash SNAP funding by $133.5 billion, or 17 percent over ten years, as well as remove the program’s ability to respond to unforeseen need. This proposal is contrary to very values we hold as Americans, and how we treat those most in need. Read the article here