Congresswoman Johnson Celebrates The Grand Opening Of Klyde Warren Park

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson delivered remarks at the grand opening of Dallas' newest landmark, Klyde Warren Park, the 5-acre deck park built over the recessed freeway in the center of the city.

The park is intended to promote sustainability, create pedestrian-friendly space in the center of the city, and enhance quality of life downtown. It will have a positive economic impact by boosting surrounding real estate development, increasing property values and increasing city tax revenue. The increased foot traffic should be catalytic for the surrounding arts institutions and street-level business opportunities. The 5.2-acre park will create an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in downtown Dallas. The Park includes a performance stage, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children’s park, great lawn, water features, an area for games and much more.

The $110 million needed to build the park was raised by a partnership of Dallas business leaders and public officials. The money raised includes $16 million in Federal Stimulus funds that Congresswoman Johnson was instrumental in securing for the project.

"People are ready to make our city more beautiful and more useful," Congresswoman Johnson said about the partnership with private donors. "I'm very proud of my city for it's can-do spirit."

Congresswoman Johnson Marks The Tenth Anniversary Of The Help America Vote Act

“As we mark the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the Help America Vote Act, which was signed into law on October 29, 2002, we must continue to ensure for a trustworthy and accessible voting process for the citizens of this nation.  During this election, the voting process has come under attack.  It is our duty as Members of Congress to make certain that the voting process is without blemish, especially after the election fiasco in Florida in 2000.

The Help America Vote Act is instrumental in making sure ballots are counted accurately, making it easier for military personnel to vote, and ensures that polling places are accessible to those with disabilities.  It created the Election Assistance Commission, which helps states transition to modern voting machines.  The Act enforced the use of provisional ballots for those whose eligibility is questioned and who would have been turned away.  In addition, the Act included provisions such as creating a uniform, nationwide voter registration database to protect against fraud, and help military service members to vote while abroad.  Even though this legislation has created positive changes to our voting system, we must take the next steps to protect voter access.

In May, civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) led House Democrats in introducing the Voter Empowerment Act, legislation that will further highlight the issue of a secure voting system.  I firmly support this legislation because it makes sure all eligible voters can cast their ballots without the risk of being turned away.  It bans unlawful purging of voter rolls, and cracks down on deceptive practices that discourage voters from turning out.  The Voter Empowerment Act will ensure that the gains we have made as a Nation in the name of expanding voting rights for all Americans will remain intact.  I urge the House leadership to bring the Voter Empowerment Act to the House Floor for a vote to guarantee voter security and to continue to push for stronger voting rights.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Visits The 126th Annual State Fair Of Texas

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently visited the 126th annual State Fair of Texas and had the honor of meeting the ROTC team from W.T. White High school. 

Congresswoman Congratulates Alameda Heights Outreach Foundation

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson welcomed  Dallas Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman Tennell Atkins and other dignitaries to celebrate the Alameda Heights Outreach Foundation for receiving a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for the organization’s Dallas YouthBuild program.

Congresswoman Johnson Reaffirms Her Commitment To Public Transportation

Congresswoman Eddie  Bernice Johnson joined  passengers & workers for nationwide ‘National Transit Voter Week’ to mobilize riders to vote & draw attention to importance of safe and reliable public transportation.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently supported National Transit Voter Week by joining passengers, transit workers and advocates at a rally at DART West End Transit Center and took a ride on DART to mobilize riders to vote and draw attention to the vital role public transportation plays in the Dallas economy.

Congresswoman Johnson, a Senior Texan on the House Transportation Committee, spoke at the rally pledging her support for funding for mass transit.  

“Many of my constituents really rely on public transportation to get to and from work, the doctor, school, shops, and other daily tasks. Mass transit keeps our community moving, which is critical for businesses throughout our region. That’s why I strongly support funding that will ensure that we will continue to have safe, reliable mass transit here in Dallas and in communities like ours across the nation,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) held this event as a part of an ongoing Get Out the Vote campaign to encourage transit riders to vote on November 6, and to highlight transportation issues in this election.

Congresswoman Johnson & Congressman Frank Visit Cathedral Of Hope And Address Group From Youth First Texas

Retiring Rep. Barney Frank toured Cathedral of Hope and met with members of Youth First Texas for an hour-long discussion at the Interfaith Peace Chapel on Monday.

Frank was in town for a fundraiser for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

“I’m not campaigning myself this year,” Frank said. “And Eddie Bernice Johnson is enormously respected in Congress.”

Frank predicted that within 20 years, there will be full LGBT equality. He said several things have changed recently paving the way. States that have passed marriage equality have seen no impact on anyone else’s marriage. The head of the Marine Corps who opposed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” said he was wrong and that repeal had no negative impact the military. And younger people are less likely to oppose equality and their support should continue as they age.

He said that the anti-LGBT faction has tried to divide the African-American caucus to stop their support of LGBT equality.

But Rep. Johnson said, “We know what it’s like to be treated unfairly.”

Frank said the black caucus is better on LGBT issues than the gay members.

“Not the openly gay members,” he said, politely declining to name any of his colleagues as closeted.

A Booker T. Washington student asked if his perception of Congress was correct.

“The far right seems to have gotten angrier and moved more to the right,” the student said.

Johnson joked it was “because our president is so black.”

Frank said, “Bob Dole, even Dan Quayle, weren’t like that. They see the country slipping away from them. This is not the country they grew up in. You’re certainly right. They’re angrier.”

But Frank believes the tea party is losing strength. He thinks many will be defeated in the upcoming election and that the label has become a negative in most places.

Frank, who was first elected to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1972, three years after the Stonewall Rebellion, said he rode in Boston’s second Pride parade.

Ari Emanuel, brother of Chicago mayor Rahm and basis for the character of Ari Gold, the William Morris agent in Entourage, contacted Frank about representing him after he retires at the end of this year.

Frank plans to write. His first book will probably be about LGBT equality. And he plans to lecture.

“What I’ve been doing for free, I’ll be getting paid for,” he joked.

Frank commented on marriage equality not being an issue in the election or mentioned in the debates.

“The majority of voters have someone close to them who is gay or lesbian,” he said.

Speaking about their surroundings, Johnson said she enjoyed coming to Cathedral of Hope, which she called “an accepting and peaceful environment.”

She contrasted that to some other churches she’s experienced and blamed teen suicide on a “lack of understanding.”

She mentioned Chris Crowe, a young, gay member of her staff who passed away last year after heart surgery, calling him a “delightful individual.”

Frank said Crowe “had an impact on other staff, too.”

Frank told the youth from YFT they deserved their equal rights.

“I’m not asking anyone to be grateful for the progress we’re making,” he said.

He told them a story of a man who was shot in the neck. Other people said he was lucky he wasn’t shot in the head. The person recovering from the neck wound said, “Well, I think people who weren’t shot are luckier.”

Article by David Taffet - Dallas Voice

Congresswoman Johnson Addresses NAACP Texas 76th Annual Convention

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson discussed Texas redistricting at the 76th annual NAACP Texas Convention in Corpus Christie.
She discussed her central role in the various court cases on redistricting, and the Supreme Court decision that eventually ruled against the Republican drawn districts. Congresswoman Johnson vowed to continue to fight for two additional seats in North Texas saying, 'The demographic results from the census demand not one but two additional seats in North Texas, and the people deserve to be able to elect Representatives who are responsive to their needs and desires."

Congresswoman Johnson's Accomplishments & Leadership Recognized By Women's Action For New Direction

WAND/WiLL recognizes the accomplishments of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30). Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is serving her 10^th term representing the 30^thCongressional District of Texas. WAND would like to recognize Congresswoman Johnson for her work on the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) and the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2012 (WPS). The NAP states that the US will "institutionalize a gender-responsive approach to its diplomatic, development, and defense-related work in conflict affected environments," and will work to increase women's rights and "substantive participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, transitional processes, and decision making institutions in conflict-affected environments." Congresswoman Johnson has created a women’s peace initiative called “A World of Women for World Peace.” She has said, “Through this initiative, I have worked tirelessly to bring attention to those on the forefront of the peace movement. Whether meeting with international delegations or hosting events on Capitol Hill, such as this one, I hope to bring conflict resolution to our dialogue. The goal for this discussion was to provide a foundation for how my colleagues and I can best support the implementation of the National Action Plan.”

Congresswoman Johnson started “A World of Women for World Peace” in 2001 to 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. She said, “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 cannot merely be measured with statistics or dollars. The real faces of war 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.”

WAND was proud to join Congresswoman Johnson in co-sponsorship of a Congressional Roundtable on the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) in June 2012, which was moderated by WAND Executive Director Susan Shaer. Additional co-sponsors included Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO), the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and US Section. Featuring first ever US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer, the program focused on the role of women in peace-building and conflict prevention.

Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Johnson has earned the reputation of being a stateswoman who is dedicated to improving U.S. foreign relationships and policies. In December 2010, Congresswoman Johnson was elected as the first African-American female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. From 2000 to 2002, she was the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education where she emphasized education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. She works tirelessly towards improving human rights around the globe. Congresswoman Johnson’s acclaimed initiative “A World of Women for World Peace” has been nationally and internationally recognized. Congresswoman Johnson is widely recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Congress. She is credited with originally authoring and co-authoring more than 150 bills that were passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. She also has a long-standing reputation for providing excellent constituent services.

WAND/WiLL is proud of our long association with the Congresswoman, beginning with her membership in the Women Legislators’ Lobby when she served in Texas’ state house. We look forward to continuing to work with her as she gathers support for the Women, Peace, and Security Act.

-Bronwen Raff, Communications and Development Inter - Tufts University Class of 2013

www.wandactioncenter.org/2012/10/18/in-profile-congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On The Energy-Water Nexus Study

 The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a capping report that summarizes the findings of five previous reports on the interdependencies between energy and water. GAO was asked to identify key energy-water nexus issues that Congress and federal agencies need to consider when developing and implementing national policies for energy and water resources.  The report titled “Energy-Water Nexus:  Coordinated Federal Approach Needed to Better Manage Energy and Water Tradeoffs,” was requested by Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson

GAO has found that while water and energy are inextricably linked and mutually dependent, with each affecting the other’s availability, energy and water planning is typically “stove-piped”, with development of one resource often proceeding with little or no consideration for the other.  GAO concluded that coordination among governmental and nongovernmental entities is key to improved planning, and that uncertainties that affect energy and water must be considered in setting federal policies related to these resources. Furthermore, GAO found that developing effective policies that address the energy-water nexus will be continue to be challenging without better and more comprehensive data and research. 

Congresswoman Johnson said of the report, “I appreciate the GAO’s work on this issue.  This and previous GAO reports on this topic highlight the interconnected and sensitive relationship between our increasingly scarce water resources and energy development and consumption.  Water availability and quality are essential for public health and a strong economy, but demands for, and threats to, these resources are growing.  Because virtually all forms of energy production rely on water - and some production processes actually leave large volumes of water virtually unusable by our communities - getting the balance right between the need for energy, the need for water to produce that energy, and the need for water to serve our communities and other non-energy economic sectors is challenging.  Some technologies and practices exist to help strike a better balance, and others will certainly be developed, but progress will be slow without better-coordinated planning, more comprehensive data, and a deeper commitment to research.  That is why earlier this year, I 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, and I hope that we can see progress on this issue in the 113th Congress.”

Source: GAO Report & Committee on Science, Space & Technology Release

Congresswoman Johnson On KNON's LAMBDA Weekly

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined KNON's LAMBDA Weekly Radio Show today to discuss the 2012 Election, Redistricting, Healthcare Reform, and her personal history as a civil rights and political icon.

KNON's LAMBDA Weekly is the oldest radio program in the nation providing news, information and interviews of interest to the LGBT Community, and is hosted by David Taffet, Patti Fink, and Lerrone Landis.


Listen to the podcast at www.knon.org/programs/lambda-weekly

Congresswoman Johnson Receives The Endorsement Of National Association Of Social Workers

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received the endorsement of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for her continued commitment to the well being of individuals, families and communities

NASW recognized Congresswoman Johnson's work in advancing legislative priorities on critical issues, which include protection for vulnerable members of society (including children and senior citizens), expanded focus on mental health issues, and the recruitment and retention of more social workers to address society's needs.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives A Perfect Score On LGBT Equality From HRC

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's annual Equality Scorecard.

Members of Congress are scored on their co-sponsorship of Employment Non Discrimination Act, Respect for Marriage Act, Domestic Partners Benefit Obligation as well as the Tax Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act which would end the unfair taxation of domestic partnership health benefits and the Uniting American Families Act which would treat binational same-sex couples the same as those who are recognized as legally married.

Congresswoman Johnson recognizes bullying of LGBT students is a national problem and that the federal government has a key role to play and we must continue to build support for the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). Congresswoman Johnson supports passage of a fully inclusive ENDA, repeal DOMA, and expanded funding and treatment for HIV/AIDS. 

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On Burdensome Healthcare Costs Under the Ryan Medicare Plan

Congresswoman Ryan's plans for Medicare would affect seniors in the 30^th Congressional District of Texas.

Congressman Ryan introduced a budget, supported by presidential candidate Mitt Romney and House Republicans, which would effectively make the current Medicare system unrecognizable. The plan turns Medicare into a voucher system, increasing premiums and costs for seniors while making them fully dependent on private insurance companies.  Under the Ryan Plan, seniors will no longer be assured coverage and affordability of Medicare.   Americans, who have contributed to Medicare throughout their life, will no longer be guaranteed just compensation after they retire.

If implemented in the 30^th District, the Ryan plan will:

• Increase prescription costs for 4,600 Medicare beneficiaries who enter the Part D donut hole, forcing them to pay an extra $42 million for drugs over the next decade.
   
• Eliminate new preventive care benefits for 71,000 Medicare beneficiaries.
   
• Force 71,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in traditional Medicare to pay thousands of dollars more in premiums to remain in traditional Medicare after Medicare becomes a voucher program.
   
• Reduce coverage for 11,600 Medicare beneficiaries who rely on Medicaid to supplement their Medicare coverage, potentially denying them over $410 million in health benefits.
   
• Jeopardize nursing home care for 1,400 district residents whose expenses are paid by Medicaid.

The Ryan plan would have severe consequences for the seniors of the 30^th District, and I refuse to support a policy that breaks the promises I have made to them. However, the Affordable Care Act lowers the costs of prescription drugs for seniors, offers vital preventive services for seniors, and extends the program by almost a decade.  Therefore, I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to protect seniors from the Ryan plan, while advocating for the continued implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Congresswoman Johnson On Civil Rights

"The law of the land must protect every American’s Civil Rights, and we must continue to value every American life in law and in practice." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On The Supreme Court Arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

 Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently commented  on the oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin before the Supreme Court.

"Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, in what has become the first challenge to using race as a factor for college and university admissions since the court upheld this practice in 2003.  The holistic approaches currently utilized during the evaluation of college applicants are again being brought into question despite years of proven practice to take race into account to achieve diversity."

"Diversity in higher education helps to strengthen our education system and our Nation, and equips students from all different backgrounds with the skills needed to compete in today’s global economy.  A decision by the Supreme Court to overturn legal precedent recognizing diversity as a compelling interest would curtail the ability of schools to tailor their admissions policies, and negatively impact our children’s future.  Understanding the gravity of this decision and the importance of diversity in educational institutions, I have joined my colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of the University of Texas at Austin’s existing admissions policies to diversify and enhance its student body."

"While it may be months before a final decision is reached, the potential consequences of an unfavorable ruling cannot be overemphasized.  The outcome of this ruling could undo decades of effort by higher learning institutions to create a richer and more integrated learning environment for students.  I trust that the Supreme Court will uphold precedent that equal opportunity in higher education is one pathway to success that we must preserve for all Americans."

Congresswoman Johnson's Record Of Leadership On Science & Technology

“Our nation’s global leadership depends on its ability to innovate scientifically and technologically.” – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Science and Technology Braintrust

For 20 years, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has chaired an annual forum with audience of more than 300 students, teachers, and policymakers to gather and discuss ideas on how to improve research and educational opportunities for young people.

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

In December 2010, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was elected by her Congressional peers as the first black and first female to lead the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Founding Member of the House Diversity and Innovation (D&I) Caucus

In 2007, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson founded the House D&I Caucus; a bi-partisan group of more than 60 Members of the House of Representatives who promote increased diversity in STEM.

Founding Member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus

In 2008, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson founded a Congressional caucus to promote the interests of historically black colleges and universities and other higher-education institutions classified as predominantly black. The caucus was formed in order to create a bipartisan dialogue in Congress that will focus on the legislative priorities of our nation’s HBCU’s.

A Proven Record of Advancing America’s Science and Technology Infrastructure

Throughout Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s 20 year tenure on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, she has introduced and amended dozens of bills to pass significant legislation; most importantly the America COMPETES act which she co-authored.

Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Technology Taskforce

Congresswoman Johnson was appointed to serve as chair of the CBC taskforce which oversees science policy. She played a leading role in developing CBC legislative priorities for the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 and led a Tri-Caucus letter asking the Senate to retain diversity provisions in the 86$ billion dollar bill.

Eddie Bernice Johnson Lecture Series in Science and Technology

For over 20 years, the Eddie Bernice Johnson Math and Science lecture series has been sponsored annually by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). As a leader in promoting science and math education nationally, UTD Dallas sponsors this annual lecture series in order to broadcast prominent speakers in the fields of science and technology to Dallas-area high school students.

Links, Incorporated

Congresswoman Johnson was appointed to serve as Links Incorporated’s National Leader for STEM. Links, Incorporated, is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946 with more than 12,000 professional women of color in 270 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Scientific Advisor to Commission for the Building Engineering and Scientific Talent

With former Congresswoman Connie Morella, Congresswoman Johnson advised the Building Engineering and Scientific Talent (BEST) Commission. BEST was a national campaign for identifying and sharing best practices in building a stronger, more diverse technical workforce.

An Active National Member of Scientific Associations

During Congresswoman Johnson’s tenure in Congress, she has partnered with the National Academy of Engineers (NAE), the National Society of Women Engineers (NSWE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in efforts to increase scientific output in the United States by raising methods and standards in order to prepare stronger educators and students.

Led Congressional Perspective on the “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” Report

Congresswoman Johnson served as a lead voice on the release of the historic “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” report. Conducted by the National Academies and chaired by Dr. Norm Augustine, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” was the catalyst for legislation to invigorate innovation in America.

Recognized by the American Chemical Society, AAAS, the National Society of Women Engineers and other Scientific Organizations as a Leader in Science Policy

Over the years as an engaged Member of Congress on Science policy, Congresswoman Johnson has been humbled to receive numerous recognition from top scientific organizations for her role in the lawmaking process.

An Ally of Public and Private Partnerships

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has worked closely with nonprofits and businesses, such as Texas Instruments, Dell, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and the Gates Foundation in order to bolster job creation.

International Voice on Science Policy

Congresswoman Johnson has spoken at international venues and has worked with top scientists and lawmakers around the world to address international science policy

Congresswoman Johnson Receives An A+ For Her Work For The 99%

Congresswoman Johnson has earned an A+ on The Institute for Policy Studies  “Inequality Report Card” for the 112th Congress.

The IPS Report Card evaluates how well Members of Congress do in supporting legislation and measures to narrow America's widening economic divide. The report is based on 40 legislative actions taken over the past two years that relate to inequality.

Congresswoman Johnson was praised as 1 of only 14 House Members who “did the most to narrow America’s economic divide over the past 2 years". 

Congresswoman Johnson Fights For American Jobs

"As many Americans continue to face tough economic times, House Democrats and I remain strongly committed to legislation that creates jobs by helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the middle class succeed. However, while I have the utmost respect for my colleagues across the aisle, inaction and opposition from House Republicans has caused progress in this legislation to be slow-moving at best.

For example, to create a thriving middle class, House Democrats have supported legislation to extend tax cuts to Americans making under $250,000 a year. Republicans on the other hand are threatening to let everyone’s tax cuts expire unless tax cuts are extended for the wealthiest two percent of Americans as well.

House Republicans have also thwarted President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which was sent to Congress a year ago. If passed, the act would create more than 1 million American jobs and tax cuts that allow small businesses to grow and hire. My Democratic colleagues and I strongly support this bill. Meanwhile, Republican leadership has refused to bring American Jobs Act initiatives to the floor, while simultaneously failing to develop a comprehensive jobs plan of their own.

These instances highlight how House Republicans’ failure to compromise hinders economic growth and job creation. I will continue to fight to reach a compromise with House Republicans to bring economic stability to American families and small businesses."

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On September Jobs Report

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement on the U.S.  Department of Labor’s September employment report:

“I am very pleased to learn that the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent and that 114,000 jobs were added in September. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest since President Obama took office and this is a strong indication that our economy is on the right track towards improvement.

House Democrats and the President are working hard to provide tax cuts for working families, to invest in small businesses and manufactures. While we are headed on the right track, there is still more to be done to bring security to American families who are struggling in our economy.

I will continue working with my House colleagues to ensure that all Americans have access to the American Dream.”

35 Years Ago Today Eddie Bernice Johnson Is Appointed The Regional Director Of The Department Of Health Education And Welfare By President Carter

35 years ago on September 30th, 1977 Eddie Bernice Johnson took the oath as Regional Director of the Department of Health Education & Welfare, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. Johnson was selected by President Carter because of her strong record of advocacy for workers, families and children while serving in the Texas House of Representatives.