Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Passage Of Water Resources Development Act 2013

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson applauds the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013, a bipartisan bill that authorized Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to America’s ports, waterways, and projects. The legislation included flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees, and issues related to environmental restoration. The measure was designed to increase investments in improving the nation’s ports, by calling for an increase in the percentage of revenues collected each year through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund spent on harbor projects. The legislation authorized nearly a billion dollars for enhancing Texas ports and waterways and provides for an assessment of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

“As the Senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cosponsor of this legislation, I supported this legislation but that doesn’t mean I will stop working on those provisions that weaken environmental protections and the ability of the public to participate in streamlining provisions of the bill. 

As Co-Chair of the Texas Maritime Caucus, I have supported language in this bill to increase commercial navigation capabilities for Texas’ ports and waterways. I am excited about Texas’ ports and the role that they play in cultivating the Texas economy, the National economy, and the global economy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 passed with overwhelmingly bi-partisan support by a vote of 417 yeas to 3 nays.

Congresswoman Johnson On The Business Of Legislating Sensible Policy

"In my years of public service I have been able to accomplish many goals and objectives. Many of them have come about with the support of people who did not look like me, who did not believe what I believe and who were members of a different political party. We were able to work with one another and understand our differences because we respected each other, and had concern for the larger good. As a diverse nation we can move forward. I have always believed that the larger our tent, the greater the opportunities for all people. It is my hope that we can put the politics aside, and get down to the business of legislating sensible policy for the American people." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Cites Benefits Of Affordable Care Act For Veterans

"On October 1, 2013, the new Health Insurance Marketplace opened as part of the Affordable Care Act implementation. While the Affordable Care Act is designed to provide quality and affordable health insurance to people, the Veterans Affairs health care program remain viable options for those who qualify for those benefits. The VA health care program, the Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA), and the Spina Bifida health care program all meet the minimum essential coverage requirement under the new health care law.

With VA Health Care programs, there is still no enrollment fee, monthly premium, or deductibles. Many veterans will still have no out-of-pocket costs and can still use Medicare, TRICARE, or private insurance under the VA’s program. Those who remain uninsured, including veterans, starting in 2014 will have to pay either a flat fee or a percentage of their taxable income depending on which amount is higher.

Since a number of my constituents are veterans, it is important that they are aware of all of their health insurance options. Nationally, 1.3 million non-elderly veterans do not have health insurance which means one in every ten of those veterans is uninsured. I fully encourage our veterans to seek the care that they deserve and to fully utilize their earned health care benefits.

Also at play is the option of Medicaid as health insurance coverage. Many of these uninsured veterans also qualify for Medicaid. Though Medicaid expansion in Texas would inevitably help low-income veterans and civilians, VA health care benefits and the new Marketplaces are certainly an important piece of our nation’s health care coverage puzzle.

The Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, has already positively impacted many of my own constituents. In my district, 10,100 young adults now have health insurance through their parents’ health plan. More than 4,000 seniors received discounts on prescription drugs worth approximately $5.6 million. More than 124,000 people – including 26,000 children and 54,000 women – now have access to free preventive services through their health insurance coverage. About 48,000 children cannot be denied health insurance based on a pre-existing condition. With the recent implementation of the Marketplaces, up to 204,000 uninsured people in my district will have access to coverage.

Veterans may also choose to enroll in Marketplace options provided by the Affordable Care Act that could lower the cost of their health insurance. Uninsured spouses of veterans who do not have access to VA benefits can also enter the Marketplace to access quality health insurance with eligibility for financial assistance.

It is my hope that veterans take advantage of the myriad of options available through the Affordable Care Act and the VA. Ensuring that our veterans have access to various services such as routine and preventive care, dental care, vision care, and emergency services is very important to me. I will work tirelessly to make sure that my constituents are aware of their options. For more information about the Marketplace, go to healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. For more information about VA health care benefits, go to va.gov/health or call 1-877-222-8387." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson is the most senior Congressional Democrat in Texas and the Ranking Member on the Committee on Science, Space, & Technology

Source: Dallas Weekly

Congresswoman Johnson Signs Discharge Petition To Reopen Government

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson signed a petition to reopen the government. This special Congressional procedure, known as a discharge petition, allows a majority of members to bypass Speaker Boehner and force an up or down vote on a bill to reopen the government. The federal government has been closed since October 1, 2013, and Republican leaders have repeatedly refused requests from Democrats and some Republicans to pass a funding resolution without controversial items and reopen the federal government. 

“We must get the United States government re-opened so we can continue to provide the critical services this country needs. I joined my Democratic colleagues to sign the discharge petition that will allow a vote on a bill to reopen the government,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “This shutdown is hurting people throughout Texas and threatens the country’s economy.  I am urging my Republican colleagues to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship to end this crisis by signing onto the discharge petition.”

The government shutdown has hurt the middle class and our economy, and will get worse as it continues.  Costing taxpayers up to $300 million a day, it has stopped critical loans to small businesses and slowed the processing of veterans disability claims. The shutdown has prevented NIH from taking new patients and halted life-saving medical research and stalled much-needed housing loans for American families.

The discharge petition for H. Res. 372 would allow an up or down vote on a clean continuing resolution, providing funding through November 15 at a compromise level requested by Speaker Boehner. This discharge petition only needs a majority of House members to sign on and does not require any action by the Republican leadership.

Discharge petitions have been proven successful in the past in bringing up legislation for consideration.  

·         According to a Congressional Research Service study, seven discharge petitions have received 218 signatures over the last 30 years. And in all seven cases, the majority party agreed to bring the measure to the House floor.

·         12 measures were allowed to be brought to the House floor even before the discharge petition reached the full 218 signatures. 

Congresswoman Johnson Issues Statement On The Passing Of Astronaut Scott Carpenter

"I noted with sadness the passing of Scott Carpenter.  As a member of Project Mercury, Scott Carpenter was a pioneer of the space program, one of the first seven Americans selected to enter space, and the second American to orbit the Earth.  The missions carried out by Scott Carpenter and the Mercury astronauts remind us of the perilous risks and profound rewards of space exploration. These heroes serve as an inspiration to all of us.

"Scott Carpenter always advocated for a robust space program.  He once said when referring to the Mercury 7, 'We stand here waiting to be outdone.'  I believe that the best way we can honor his legacy is to continue to invest in our space program and build on that legacy of exploration." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson is the Ranking Member of the House Committee On Science, Space & Technology

Congresswoman Johnson Condemns 'Extreme Right Wing' Over Government Shutdown

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson condemned members of the “extreme right wing” of the Republican Party for holding the nation “hostage” during the government shutdown because they oppose the Affordable Care Act.

“They have an extreme dislike for President Obama, and are willing to do anything to halt the effectiveness of his presidency,” Johnson wrote in a statement to the suburban Dallas Focus Daily News on Friday.

“Their behavior is not political, it is personal!”

The Congresswoman went on about the huge impact the shutdown has on the nation. She complained of hundreds of thousands of furloughed employees, damage to businesses relying on government contracts, and harm to veterans and hospital patients. Even the American food supply in danger, she said, due to the suspension of food inspections. Overall, Johnson stated, the shutdown is doing “severe” damage to the economy’s recovery.

“There are reasonable members in both political parties who would vote to open the government tomorrow if a bill was allowed to come to the floor of the House, ” Johnson wrote, “But the extremists are making all types of threats and insisting that such a vote not take place.”

Johnson argued that a majority of the American people voted for President Obama in 2012, and by doing so, they showed support of Obamacare, his signature health-care initiative.

Source: Houston Chronicle - Texas On The Potomac

Congresswoman Johnson Marks The 12th Anniversary Of The War In Afghanistan

“Today marks the 12th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan.  This is now the longest war in American history, and has cost our country billions of dollars and thousands of lives.  The brave men and women of our armed forces have borne a very heavy burden during this lengthy conflict. President Obama has vowed to bring an end to this war and has begun the drawdown our troops in Afghanistan. 

“As this war winds down, we must be ready to assist with the transition of the thousands of new veterans that are returning home.   Many veterans come home with severe disabilities that make it challenging for them to integrate into civilian life.  These heroes deserve the best care available, and in order to ensure they receive that care I recently signed on as an original cosponsor of the Veterans’ Independent Living Enhancement Act.  This bill will remove the cap on the number of veterans eligible to participate in the Independent Living Program which provides services to veterans to maximize their independence.  We must continue to care for the men and women that have paid the heaviest price to keep our country safe.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson On Health Care And The Government Shutdown

As the government is shut down for yet another day, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who spoke to a group of about 50 small business owners last week at a forum to discuss the Affordable Health Care Act released a statement saying "Today, hundreds of thousands of federal employees though out the country, including more than 50,000 Texans did not go to work today and face uncertainty on when how they will pay their bills during this crisis. On what should be a great day for America, with the opening of the new health insurance market places, members of the extreme wing of the Republican party are playing the blame game on who is at fault for the federal government shutdown.”

Johnson says since she was elected by the constituents of the 30th district to govern responsibly and with the best interests of the American people, she will do so "I was not elected to hold the American people or our economy hostage when our political parties disagree.”

She also said that along with her staff in Washington D.C. and Dallas, she will continue to work hard to serve the people of Texas throughout the shutdown and support the healthcare law as well.

"Starting today, the healthcare law will allow my constituents looking for coverage to purchase affordable, quality health insurance through the new online marketplace. This new online marketplace provides a very simple way to get health insurance that will meet your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget at any income level. Though the government has shut down, the Affordable Care Act will continue,” she says.

At the affordable healthcare forum that Congresswoman Johnson spoke at late last week, the third in her small business series, she had noted at the time that health care is indeed an extremely important topic for the forum series for a number of reasons.

"With the public being inundated with increased attention and overwhelming information, Congresswoman Johnson wanted the facts of this law addressed by the experts, as well as provide a forum to the public where their specific concerns could be answered,” her staff reported.

In the coming weeks the public will also learn more about the benefits of this program and Congresswoman Johnson says that there must be a collective effort of outreach throughout Dallas and North Texas. Personally, her office has reached out to area chambers, churches, small businesses, community organizations and other elected officials to promote this effort.

In last week’s presentation Johnson also emphasized that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. The ACA contains a number of provisions that help to slow the growth of health care costs and insurance companies must also publicly disclose and justify premium rate hikes of 10 percent or more.

As well, Johnson says the majority of small businesses will not be affected by the new employer shared responsibility rules, which take effect in 2015. Johnson pointed out that, in fact, businesses with fewer than 50 full-time or equivalent employees are not even subject to the same rules "that’s 96 percent of our businesses,” she said.

And, for those businesses with 50 or more employees, the majority already provide coverage that meets the health care law requirements anyway.

As she welcomed attendees, Congresswoman Johnson also mentioned the Super Sunday campaign sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is a partnership with the faith-based community that will designate the second Sunday of each month from October to December 2013 as an enrollment Sunday for congregants to sign up for health insurance through the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

The purpose of this initiative is to promote assistance and resources from regional agencies to include the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Community Council of Greater Dallas.

As well, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also ramping up its education and outreach efforts for America’s small businesses on the Affordable Care Act too. In coordination with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, Business Forward, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the campaign will help small employers learn more about how to take advantage of the Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP), part of the Health Insurance Marketplace that opens October 1.

SHOP is designed for small employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees. On their own or with the help of an agent, broker, or other assister, small employers will be able to compare price, coverage, and quality of plans in a way that is easy to understand.

"In recent years, the number one concern for many small businesses has been the increasing cost of health insurance premiums,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Many who would like to offer insurance to their employees have faced few choices, high administrative costs, and skyrocketing premiums when an employee gets sick.”

"Since the passage of the health care law, Small Business Majority has been committed to working with policymakers, local chambers of commerce, business organizations and others to educate small business owners about the Affordable Care Act,” said Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority John Arensmeyer.

"With open enrollment and full implementation right around the corner, we've upped our efforts to get entrepreneurs the information they need to best take advantage of the law’s small business provisions. Small business owners have been waiting for decades for something to rein in premium costs. This is our chance to help get them some relief.”

Employers buying health insurance through the SHOP Marketplace may also qualify for a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help defray their premium costs. Hundreds of thousands of small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time-equivalent employees have already received a tax credit of up to 35 percent of their contribution to employees’ health insurance premiums. Beginning in 2014, this tax credit will be worth as much as 50 percent of the employer’s contribution to premiums and will be available only to those purchasing coverage through the SHOP.

The SHOP offers small employers quality brand name health insurance plans and lets them make side-by-side comparisons when choosing a coverage option that is right for their business. In addition, starting in 2014, small employers have additional protections in the insurance market, including that no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

It was at the beginning of the year that Congresswoman Johnson launched the small business series with the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, which combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In June, Congresswoman Johnson hosted her second forum to promote voluntary efforts in strengthening the role of women business owners within the community, and provide education, financial or managerial assistance to enhance women’s business ownership.

With an idea that small businesses are the backbone of American economy as well as a key factor to strengthen the economy and create jobs, the Small Business Series is a program designed to provide current and aspiring small business owners the educational and operational resources necessary for managing successful small businesses. 

Source: Focus Daily News

Congresswoman Johnson Works To Develop A Culture Of Peace

When Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30) became the first woman in state history to lead a major Texas House committee, the Labor Committee, her supporters knew this would not be the only barrier this Texas native would break.

Johnson, who graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1956 with a degree in nursing, was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972. She said her first stint running for office in the Texas State House was largely motivated by timing in her home state and the support of community organizers.

“In Texas that year, it was considered the year of the women,” Johnson said. “We had outstanding female candidates for governor, and it was really seen as the year of encouragement. That encouragement extended to my community, and I was pushed torun.” 

After a successful stint in state office, Johnson said President Jimmy Carter appointed her in 1977 to serve as regional director of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare because he recognized her advocacy for workers, children and families. 

“I left the administration after President Carter was defeated, and I remained active in the community,” Johnson said. “I had many people suggesting that I get into office again, so that is the reason I ran for the State Senate.”

In 1986, Johnson said she was elected a Texas state senator, becoming the first female and African American from the Dallas area to hold this office since the Reconstruction. In 1992, she retired from the state senate because she was encouraged to run for Congress.

Johnson began her term in the House of Representatives in January 1993. 

‘Confident about the
education I received’

Although she said she does not believe Saint Mary’s as a whole prepared her for a career in politics, she said the College allowed her to feel confident about her educational background.

“I think it is important that anyone who decided to run for office have a good educational background,” Johnson said. “I feel very confident about the education I received at Saint Mary’s and am very proud of everything I achieved there.”

As the first nurse elected to the House of Representatives, Johnson said her background in psychiatric nursing gave her the skills to work well with people.  

“The main thing I learned in nursing was the importance of paying attention to detail,” Johnson said. “With this career and training, I developed a strong habit of doing homework and a focus on planning, which I believe has helped me throughout my political career.”

Johnson, who serves on the Committee of Science, Space and Technology, said her background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields gave her the knowledge and ability to contribute to discussion on the committee’s legislation. From 2000 to 2002, she was the ranking member of the subcommittee on Research and Science Education. While on the subcommittee, she said she emphasized education in STEM disciplines.

“I really think it is time for America and American women to understand that all professions should be, and for the most part are, open to women,” Johnson said. “Many of the professions that require very strong background in STEM courses have been dominated by males, but we need all the brain power that we can muster to meet the challenges of a globalsociety.” 

Because of the many strong role models present at the College, Johnson said she was exposed to a strong commitment to social justice on both domestic and international levels.

“I had excellent role models among the various nuns, and, of course, we had some professors that were not of order, but the idea of that commitment to people, to the nation, was very impressive,” Johnson said. “Students from all over the world were welcomed, and I think that because of this, I had a very rich experience at Saint Mary’s.”

 Commitment to peace

As an African-American woman in the political sphere, Johnson said she has experienced discrimination.

“Sometimes I’ve wondered whether I should identify first as an African American or as a woman,” Johnson said. “I have certainly felt and experienced discrimination along the way. I have tried my best to not allow it to get in the way, but rather attempt to practice ways in which I may help those who are prejudice understand that we all — for the most part — want the same things.”

Having been involved with several different caucuses, Johnson said she believes all are calling out for peace and equality. 

After experiencing the 2001 terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., the congresswoman said she felt she had to do something to reduce war and violence in the world.  In order to do so, she believes women have a very special role as peacekeepers in the world.

“Throughout my time in office, I have seen the faces of war firsthand in Bosnia and the Congo,” Johnson said. “After 9/11, I decided I needed to do something, however small, to try to develop a culture of peace in the world.

“I had seen on the cover of Newsweek magazine two boys from Liberia who were 12 and 14 years old all dressed in war gear with machine guns, and I just thought enough was enough.”

Johnson said in 2001 she founded the “A World of Women for World Peace” initiative, which includes conflict resolution programs for women and girls of all ages. By using several different avenues, including radio, travel and Skype, Johnson said she has been able to communicate with women across the world.

“I have learned that, generally speaking, people all over the world really do want peace, even when leadership in those countries seem like they are just there for war, the majority of the people, for the most part, scream out for peace,” Johnson said. “So what I try to do is touch the women to make sure they can speak up and gain leadership positions in those countries to focus on peace and conflict resolution. These women can promote respecting differences instead ofwar.”

Going back

Although it has been years since Johnson attended Saint Mary’s, she said she still goes back for reunions and has periodically served on different boards, one of which is the board of the Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL).

Over the past two summers, CWIL has hosted a State Department-sponsored program titled “Study of the United StatesInstitute.” The program brings international women to Saint Mary’s for four weeks of intensive training on women’s leadership. The institute concludes in Washington, D.C. 

Johnson said she had the opportunity to meet the young women studying at the institute in July 2012 and July 2013.

“I was impressed with the questions [the women] asked, and I thought it was an excellent example of how internationally, women can be connected, how to encourage networking and how we can work to fit into this global society that we are in,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she is thankful for her experience at the College and stays in touch with other Saint Mary’s alumnae in Congress, particularly, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, U.S. representative for the Virgin Islands.

“[Congresswoman Christensen] and I meet up sometimes,” Johnson said. “We know the experience of Saint Mary’s. … A little while back, Father Hesburgh was in D.C. and honored for an award, and we were excited to tell him we were from Saint Mary’s.” 

Source: Notre Dame Saint Mary's College Observer

Congresswoman Johnson And House Democrats Demand Clean Continuing Resolution

Congresswoman Johnson and her Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives stood united today to demand a vote from speaker John Boehner on a "clean" Continuing Resolution that would fund the different branches of government. 

"We want a resolution that deals with funding the government, and nothing else." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Speaker Boehner And Republican Members Of Congress To End Government Shutdown

“Hundreds of thousands of federal employees throughout the country, including more than 50,000 Texans did not go to work today and face uncertainty on when and how they will pay their bills during this crisis.  On what should be a great day for America, with the opening of the new health insurance market places, members of the extreme wing of the Republican party are playing the blame game on who is at fault for the federal government shutdown.  I was elected by the constituents of the 30^th district to govern responsibly and with the best interests of the American people. I was not elected to hold the American people or our economy hostage when our political parties disagree.

“I, along with my staff in Washington D.C. and Dallas, will continue to work hard to serve the people of Texas throughout this shutdown.  Starting today, the healthcare law will allow my constituents looking for coverage to purchase affordable, quality health insurance through the new online marketplace. This new online marketplace provides a very simple way to get health insurance that will meet your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget at any income level. Though the government has shut down, the Affordable Care Act will continue.

“The only pathway forward is for the Republicans responsible for the shutdown to abandon their reckless strategy of pushing for the repeal, defunding, or delay of the Affordable Care Act at any cost to our country.  I urge Speaker John Boehner and Republican members of Congress to end the shutdown by working with Democrats to pass a clean funding bill that gives us the time we need to craft a long term budget agreement.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson