Congresswoman Johnson Urges Immediate Extension Of Federal Unemployment Insurance

With 1.3 million Americans losing all of their federal unemployment insurance on Dec. 28, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today urged an immediate extension of the program. House Republicans in mid-December blocked an effort by Democrats to extend the program before the Dec. 28 cut-off, which leaves 64,294 individuals in Texas without any unemployment insurance even as the rate of Americans who have been out of work for longer than six months remains near historic highs.

“At a time when families should be coming together to celebrate and enjoy the holidays, hundreds of thousands are seeing their entire lifeline cut-off because of the efforts of House Republicans,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Americans deserve better at a time when our economy continues its recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Speaker Boehner must allow the House to vote so we can extend this vital relief for people who worked hard, played by the rules, and lost their jobs through no fault of their own.”

The federal unemployment insurance program – formally called Emergency Unemployment Compensation – took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as the economy continues its recovery. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, far higher than during previous recessions. On average, nationwide, the program provides about $300 a week to recipients.

Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth locally and throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Congresswoman Johnson Denounces The Failure Of The Republican Led Do-Nothing Congress

“We are now at the end of 2013 and, under the leadership of the House Republicans, this year turned out to be one of the least productive in Congressional history. This was clearly illustrated during their biggest failure of leadership, causing the shutdown of the government that put another drag on the economy.

They catered to the Tea-party and the most irresponsible extremes of the Republican party with those 46 votes to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act. Instead the American people got no action on bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. Republicans failed to complete action on a five-year farm bill. They took food off the table for the millions of working families that needed SNAP benefits to make it in these hard times. There was no action on extending critical unemployment insurance for the million people who will see their benefits cut off over the holidays. There was no action on sensible background checks for gun purchases. No action on ending discrimination in the workplace. No pay raise for hard-working American families by increasing the minimum wage. The congressional Republicans simply failed to bring any meaningful action on jobs or job creating bills to the table.

It is time to overcome the dysfunction that has plagued Congress.  I remain ever hopeful that in the New Year, Republicans in the House will turn a new leaf and join Democrats to take bipartisan action on the issues crucial to the American people – growing the economy, strengthening the middle class, and creating jobs.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Reflects On The Life Of Nelson Mandela

"Nelson Mandela was more than the president of a nation. He was a gift from God to all of humanity. The world, from South Dallas to South Africa, is better because this man lived, and gave all that was within him to improving the human condition. He understood the concepts of love and redemption, and lived them each day of his life.

It was those two principles that allowed him to invite his former prison guard to be his guest at his inauguration as the first democratically-elected president of South Africa, after being imprisoned and denied his freedom for 27 years.

When many in the world believed that his country would descend into a racial war, it was President Mandela who pronounced that South Africa would become a “rainbow nation,” in which prejudice and vengeance would become prehistoric relics of the past.

Over the years I had the opportunity to work with President Mandela. He was a humble man who made everyone in his presence feel special and worthy. Like so many that knew him, I have shed my tears now that this global giant has passed.

President Mandela refused to hate even those who called for his arrest and execution. When asked how he managed not to loathe those who once tried to kill him, he said that hatred was a luxury that leaders could not afford.

The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, President Mandela was a successful lawyer before becoming a political activist in a South Africa that denied basic human rights to everyone except whites.

It would have been easy for him to turn his back on the conditions in his country and become a prosperous professional, distancing himself from the underprivileged and the poor. But there was something different inside of Mandela that said that no man is whole unless all men are whole. And thus he embarked on a life of struggle for fairness and equality. It caused him pain and separation from his family, but he was willing to pay the price.

Ultimately, President Mandela brought about a new order in South Africa, and in the world. There are few world leaders, including the president of our country, whose lives have not been touched by his example. He did not surround himself with the trappings of wealth. Social change was his objective.

Yes, there are still vast gaps between the wealthy and the poor in South Africa, just as there are in other countries in the world. Yet, the life and example of President Nelson Mandela has provided us with a roadmap, a light and a vision that, if we choose wisely, will improve conditions in the world for all people.

Thank you President Mandela for all that you did, for the life that you lived and the example that you set. Now go and take your well deserved eternal rest!" - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Mourns The Death Of Nelson Mandela

“Today the world mourns the loss one of its greatest heroes.  President Nelson Mandela was truly a beacon of hope and an inspiration not only to the people of his country, but to the entire world.  I am so sad to hear of his passing, and I pray for the people of South Africa as they grieve over the loss of Mandela. 

I have been fortunate to not only meet, but work with Nelson Mandela during my career. I have been able to draw inspiration and guidance from the examples he has set. He was the ultimate “uniter” that not only brought an end to apartheid in South Africa, but served as an example for many nations on how to peacefully bring about democratic change.  I am grateful to have known and learned from this great man and I will keep his family and country in my prayers.”

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes World AIDS Day

“Today, around the world, we take a moment to reflect and recognize World Aids Day. Each year since 1988, we commemorate those who have died and show our support for those living with HIV and AIDS. 

While numerous scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is still destructive and that there is no cure. There is still a critical need for funding, research, and education in our country and abroad.

The passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and Stewardship and Oversight Act (PEPFAR) is encouraging because of the necessity of an international response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic. Eleven years ago, I initiated the first round of PEPFAR talks with President George W. Bush while I was the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

As we embark on another reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, it is imperative that we remain diligent in the battle against AIDS. I will continue to do what is necessary to engage in this fight to promote public health around the world. I urge my colleagues fight this battle and to join me as we recognize World AIDS Day.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson