Congresswoman Johnson Responds To Paul Ryan's Attacks On Medicare And President Obama

"All week I have watched my colleagues from across the aisle at the Republican National Convention stretch and bend the truth in their favor. But after listening to paul Ryan's speech Wednesday night I must set the record straight.

It has been clear that for the past four years the top priority of the Republican Party has not been the American people but to make President Obama a one-term President. Now, during the heat of political embellishment, Congressman Ryan declares that Medicare is being threatened... What he failed to mention to the American people is that he not President Obama is the architect of the attack. Ryan has spent the better part of the last two years trying to end Medicare as we know it." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Voting Rights Victory For Texas

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson applauds Voting Rights victory for Texas.

On August 28th. the United States Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the redistricting maps drawn by the Republican-led Texas legislature did not comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court found the U.S. Congressional and Texas State Legislature redistricting maps discriminated against minority voters

“This ruling is a huge victory for the state of Texas and for voting rights across our country. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, yet history has shown deliberate attempts to disenfranchise minority communities and bar them from voting at the polls,” stated Congresswoman Johnson.

“Our state is very diverse and it is becoming more so each year. This diversity should be reflected in the individuals that we send to the Texas State Legislature, and the United States Congress. All citizens, in Texas and throughout the U.S., should have equal voting rights and protection under the law.”

Under the Voting Rights Act, Texas and several other states with a history of discriminatory practices, must obtain “preclearance” from the Department of Justice or a declaratory judgment from the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia in order to implement any redistricting plans. ”

Since the 2000 U.S. Census, Texas’s population has grown by 4.3 million people. Latinos accounted for 65 percent of that growth, while 13.4 percent were black and 10.1 percent were Asian-American. It was argued that this growth was not represented in the new maps.

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks At The 15th Annual Transportation & Infrastructure Summit

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently presented the Eddie Bernice Johnson Award for Excellence in Transportation Leadership to Congressman Tom Petri, who represents the 6th District of Wisconsin. 

The Transportation & Infrastructure Summit was Congresswoman Johnson’s brainchild and she has been heavily involved in the Summit since its inception. Congresswoman Johnson also served on a panel with several other Members of Congress on issues facing the Nation’s transportation systems and what passage of the transportation bill would mean for Texas.

Congresswoman is the Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Congresswoman Johnson Issues Statement On The Passing Of Neil Armstrong

Congresswoman Eddie Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology issued the following statements upon hearing of the passing of Neil Armstrong.

Congresswoman Johnson said, "I was terribly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Neil Armstrong, a genuine American hero and an inspiration to countless people around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed and I think the best tribute we can give him is for this nation to continue to build on his legacy of exploration and to keep striving for excellence as he did throughout his life."

Congresswoman Johnson Delivers Remarks At The Bosnia Advisory Council Conference

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the Bosnia Advisory Council Conference in Washington. The Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Bosnian Americans and works to improve relations between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"History can repeat itself if we are not aware of it,' Congresswoman Johnson told the conference in her remarks assessing how far Bosnia and Herzegovina has come toward reconciliation since its war of independence ended 17 years ago. 'If we you stop paying attention to history,' she continued, "things do not necessarily move forward. They can start to roll back."

Johnson's warning was timely, given how the fractured nature of Bosnian society increasingly hampers the country's economic development and integration into the European Union and NATO. Congresswoman Johnson's interest in Bosnia was sparked by her travels there in the early 1990's as a member of a delegation led by U.S. President Bill Clinton, when she encouraged women to take a part in the peace negotiations.

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes the 77th Anniversary of Social Security

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice JohnsonJohnson recently recognized the 77^th Anniversary of Social Security and praised this successful program that helps provide a sense of security to America's seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Congresswoman Johnson said, “On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Social Security into law to provide seniors financial security after a lifetime of hard work.  With the enactment of this law, our Nation made a promise to guarantee the retirement security of American seniors.

Prior to Social Security, nearly half of our seniors lived in poverty and now less than 10 percent are impoverished.  Today, Social Security allows nearly 55 million seniors, Americans with disabilities, and widowers and their children the opportunity to live in financial security.

It is extremely disturbing to know that Republicans are working hard to halt these benefits for seniors, privatizing Social Security, and limiting economic stability. I will continue working with my Democratic colleagues to fight for the financial security of our Nation’s seniors and all Americans.”

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By Dallas Lighthouse For The Blind

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was recently honored by the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. She was recognized for her involvement with the organization as an AbilityOne Champion, which includes her efforts to promote opportunities for economic and personal independence of the blind and those with severe disabilities. Congresswoman Johnson spent the day with the organization, offered remarks, and toured the facility.  

“I humbly accept this honor for my work as an AbilityOne Champion, and will continue to support community oriented organizations through my work in Congress", Congresswoman Johnson said.

Congresswoman Johnson went on to say, “Since 1931, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind has provided unique employment opportunities and training to blind or visually-impaired individuals throughout North Texas. Your organization has established a proven method for creating jobs, bolstering local economies, and integrating those who are visually impaired into the workforce.”

Eddie Bernice Johnson On 'Trickle-Down Economics'

"The Republicans have been talking about 'trickle-down economics' since before Ronald Reagan. I don't know about you but I am tired of getting trickled down on." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Her 6th Annual Youth Summit & Diversity Dialouge

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently held her daylong 6^th Annual Youth Summit & Diversity Dialogue at Southern Methodist University. The summit provided a forum for students to explore diversity and cultural awareness programs and to participate in interactive breakout sessions.  Students between the ages of 13-17 from the Dallas Fort-Worth area were selected to participate in the summit.

“This year’s theme is Putting Our Signature on the Future. This summit is designed to foster diversity and stimulate dialogue on issues that will affect you, your classmates, and your communities. Everyone here in this room today has the potential to make real and positive change in their communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson.“As you become young adults, we will look to you to provide leadership, and to find solutions to the growing problems facing our world today.”

The day began with an opening ceremony where students heard from Dr. Gerald Turner, President of Southern Methodist University; Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS; and Sarosha Hansraj, Founder of Children Care for Children; Bonnie King,Regional Environmental Education Coordinatorof Environmental Protection Agency,  in addition to remarks from Congresswoman Johnson.

Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS, INC., who was featured on the CBS TV Series Undercover Boss, provided valuable professional leadership insights to include her very own “7 Steps to Success.”  At the conclusion of the summit, students incorporated Ms. Monson’s steps into the closing ceremony program.


Congresswoman Johnson and the panelists concluded the summit by encouraging the group to continue serving as young leaders in their communities and to engage in dialogue to foster an understanding of cultural differences on how best to promote a climate for social change. To culminate this experience, students from the summit will participate in a  service project at the Texas Discovery Gardens at the end of August.

Congresswoman Johnson Delivers Remarks At The Best Southwest Partnership's Legislative Breakfast

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the Best Southwest Partnership’s Annual TGIF Legislative Breakfast Series at the Methodist Charlton Medical Center.  The Legislative Breakfast Series provides an opportunity for constituents and interested parties to connect directly with their elected officials on the local, state, and national level.

“As most of you know, Congressional Members spend most of August in their districts. My time away from Washington allows me the chance to be here with you today,” said Congresswoman Johnson.
Congresswoman Johnson spoke about recent legislative activity on Capitol Hill.“I believe that the most significant legislative accomplishment in this Congress was the passage of the transportation bill. Investing in North Texas’ infrastructure brings with it both long and short-term gain. By building out our infrastructure we not only create thousands of good paying jobs, but we provide a platform to invest in our economic future. I am pleased to share that due to the passing of the transportation bill, Texas will receive more than $3 billion in highway formula funds.”

Congresswoman Johnson also discussed several additional programs and legislation that she has introduced in the areas of health care, manufacturing, and economic development in South Dallas/Dallas County.

The Best Southwest Partnership is 26 years old consisting of core cities and chambers of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, among others. 

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces The Fair Minimum Wage Act Of 2012

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined Congressman George Miller in introducing  The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012.

It has been three years since minimum wage workers saw an increase in their paycheck. The minimum wage was last raised by a Democratic Congress in 2007, this increase gave as many as 13 million workers a much needed pay raise after a decade stuck at $5.15 per hour.  Despite this, the real value of the minimum wage today buys less than it did in 1956. In addition, workers who rely on tips haven’t seen an increase in their wages since 1991.  The required pay for tipped workers, excluding tips, has been stuck at a paltry $2.13 per hour for 21 years. And, the federal minimum wage doesn’t automatically rise with inflation.

Congresswoman Johnson said, "I firmly believes it is time to raise the minimum wage."

The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 (H.R. 6211) will increase the minimum wage in three 85-cent steps, over three years, from $7.25 to $9.80 per hour. The rate will then be indexed to inflation each year thereafter. In addition, the legislation will increase the required cash wage for tipped workers in annual 85 cent increases, from today’s $2.13 per hour until the tip credit reaches 70 percent of the regular minimum wage. 

Congresswoman Johnson Celebrates The 47th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act

Congresswoman Johnson Celebrates The 47th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act.

"On Aug 6, 1965, 47 years ago today, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. Since the beginning of 2011, 176 restrictive bills regarding voting laws have been proposed in 41 states total and to date, 14 states have already passed restrictive voting laws. We must resist every effort to make it harder and more difficult for people to register and vote." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Eddie Bernice Johnson - A Champion of Civil Rights And The Beginnings Of A Political Career

Eddie Bernice Johnson grew up in Waco and moved to Dallas after graduating from Notre Dame, St Mary’s College of Nursing and took a job as a VA nurse. She got into politics after a trip to buy a new hat. She didn't buy the hat. Instead, she organized a boycott and took her first step into politics.

"I had just finished nursing school [at Notre Dame] in South Bend. My father worked for the V.A. in Waco, and two members of the same family couldn't work for the same federal facility, so I applied for a position in Dallas, and they accepted me.”

"When I showed up, they were shocked that I was black. They hadn't had any black professionals at all at that time in Dallas. Suddenly all the nurses residences were 'full' and the rest were 'under construction.' I found housing in a rooming house. That was very prevalent among blacks, because there were very few apartment buildings."

"In Waco I had never witnessed the kind of extreme separatism I did here. In Waco they had 'Colored' and 'White' signs all over, and there was a history of lynchings. But, in Dallas, the overt racism immediately became clear.”

"After beginning work at the V.A. I was planning a trip back to South Bend for a friends wedding. I was going by train, and I wanted a small collapsible hat to put on my head. We were always raised to buy quality. My parents taught us that, even if you couldn't buy much, you should buy the best, so I went to one of the best stores downtown, A. Harris."

"I learned in just a very stark shock that I could not try the hat on. I never experienced that in Waco. We could try on clothes. I found that Black women in Dallas could not try on shoes. People tried them on for you, or they would measure your foot and guess your size."

"That was the first realization, I had never experienced anything like that, even in Waco. But it was that way everywhere in Dallas."

In 1957, determined to change the status quo, Eddie Bernice Johnson along with Yvonne Ewell, Imelda Brooks and Marion Dillard formed a group called '50 Sensitive Black Women' .The group, whose sole purpose was to integrate downtown Dallas, first met at Maria Morgan YWCA and began to organize a boycott of downtown Dallas stores including Sanger Harris, Neiman Marcus, and H.L. Green among others. 

"It taught me that unity can make a difference. We bought cameras and took pictures for the newspapers of people that patronized stores we were boycotting. Eventually stores closed." 

The boycott went on for over five years until on July, 26, 1961 over 49 stores, restaurants and theaters in Downtown Dallas were finally desegregated.

Congresswoman Johnson Joins Her Democratic Colleagues In Celebrating 47 Years Of Medicare

Congresswoman Johnson joined her Democratic colleagues recently to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Medicare & Medicaid being signed into law passed. The event commemorated this monumental legislation, and to show appreciation for all that these two programs have done for Americans over the years.  


Congresswoman Johnson opened by saying, "Each time I think about Medicare, and think about its history, it is no surprise the hard time we did have passing the Affordable Health Care Act. To think that Truman put this idea before the Congress and it took twenty years for it to pass. It took the election of Lyndon Johnson who brought in a major majority to the Congress that got it passed."


Congresswoman Johnson went on to say, "We do have something to celebrate, Medicare has been good for this nation just as the new Affordable Health Care Act will be. It is ironic that everything that is going to be good and set in stone for the people is always hard to achieve and its hard to keep."


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Congresswoman Johnson Speaks At The United States Institute Of Peace

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the United States Institute Of Peace. She spoke about the role of women in world peace, and her work with various peace initiatives around the world.


In her remarks Congresswoman Johnson said "I really do believe that the majority of the people on this planet want to see a culture of peace in the world, and it seems like such a big thing to accomplish that sometimes it can be discouraging because you are not sure you see the results as you move along."


Congresswoman Johnson went on to discuss the role of women in peace negotiations saying, "Just add women around the table... get women at the negotiating table and we will see a difference."

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