Congresswoman Johnson Applauds NASA's Successful Test Of The Orion Exploration Crew Vehicle

NASA conducted its Exploration Flight Test-1 of the Orion exploration crew vehicle, which launched this morning aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The unmanned flight test lasted approximately four and a half hours and ended with a successful splashdown of Orion in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. The test, which sent the Orion capsule more than 3,600 miles above the surface of the Earth, will provide valuable data that will allow NASA to validate key design features of the spacecraft and test its performance in the unforgiving environment of space. Orion, along with the Space Launch System, will provide America with new deep space exploration capabilities that will take astronauts far beyond the International Space Station. Orion’s next flight will be an uncrewed mission around the moon, and is scheduled to launch aboard the SLS during Exploration Mission-1 by 2018.

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “I want to congratulate NASA, the United Launch Alliance, and the Orion contractor team led by Lockheed Martin on an outstanding flight test of the Orion crew capsule. The Orion spacecraft will be an essential element of America’s human space flight capabilities and will allow our astronauts to explore far beyond low Earth orbit. Today’s test flight was a critical step in the development of Orion, and the invaluable data it yields will help us continue to develop the technology and infrastructure necessary to land a human on Mars. It was the hard work and devotion of NASA employees and contractors from hundreds of businesses across the country that made today's success possible, and it demonstrates that America's best days in space exploration still lie ahead of us."

Congresswoman Johnson Supports EPA's Proposed New Standard For Ozone

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed new standard for ozone, the pollutant that causes smog. The proposal would lower the current standard of 75 parts per billion to a standard in the range of 65-70 parts per billion, while taking public comment on a level as low as 60. According to the EPA analysis, “strengthening the standard to a range of 65 to 70 ppb will provide significantly better protection for children, preventing from 320,000 to 960,000 asthma attacks and from 330,000 to 1 million missed school days. Strengthening the standard to a range of 70 to 65 ppb would better protect both children and adults by preventing more than 750 to 4,300 premature deaths; 1,400 to 4,300 asthma-related emergency room visits; and 65,000 to 180,000 missed workdays.”

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said the following.

“Scientific evidence supports a lower standard for ozone than we currently have and as a country, we need to ensure that we have clean air to breathe. As someone who has been in the public health field, I am keenly sensitive to the problem poor air quality can have on the health of our citizens, especially the young and the infirm.  Air quality-related illnesses have very real and destructive effects on the economy – on the order of hundreds of billions of dollars annually - and the benefits for reducing those effects will be seen throughout the country. As someone from Texas, I am acutely aware that this is a very complex and contentious regulatory issue.  However, I want to point out that for almost every major environmental action we have heard from opponents that it will decimate the American industrial base and result in irreparable economic disruption, only to see the power of American innovation quickly leave these cynics and pessimists in the dust.  In fact, there is much more evidence showing that jobs are created and the economy expands following the passage of major reforms.  For example, the U.S. economy grew by 64 percent in the years following passage of the Clean Air Act. I also want to emphasize that the Clean Air Act provides states with time to meet the standards. Depending on the severity of their ozone problem, areas would have between 2020 and 2037 to meet the standards. I look forward to working with the Administration and the public to guarantee we have a healthy environment and a healthy economy for years to come.”

Congresswoman Johnson Observes World AIDS Day.

“Today marks the 26th annual observance of World AIDS Day. Over the years, countless lives, both foreign and domestic, have been lost as a result of this illness. AIDS is a global epidemic which requires a global response in order to ensure better lives and access to care and treatment. In memory of the lives lost and in honor of those living with HIV and AIDS, we must reflect upon and acknowledge the ongoing work that is required to combat this epidemic across the globe.

As a member of Congress and registered nurse committed to the advancement of modern medicine and better access to healthcare despite origin or income level, I believe this can be achieved through the following:

•Increased access to the full range of healthcare services;

•Robust support for domestic and global health programs – including those that focus on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and reproductive healthcare;

•Greater investment in sex education in the U.S. and around the world;

•Protection of the Affordable Care Act; and

•Advancing the health and human rights of all people.

The world we want is possible and I will continue to make these issues a priority during my time in Congress. December 1st marks World AIDS Day, in light of this year’s theme ‘Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation,’ I encourage my colleagues and each of our communities to stand in support of an AIDS-free world.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

World AIDS Day, designated 1 December every year since 1987, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

Congresswoman Johnson Reelected As Ranking Member Of House Committee On Science Space & Technology

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was elected by her colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to continue as Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for the 114th Congress. 

Ranking Member Johnson said the following.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology over these past two Congresses, and I am eager to continue to work with my colleagues on the Committee. Though the 113th has been a tough Congress for the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I truly hope that we can find room for bipartisan agreement on many of the issues the Committee will face in the 114th.

“I firmly believe it is time that this Committee recommit to ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in science and innovation. Our investments in R&D and STEM education, whether in basic research, energy technology innovation, aeronautics and space exploration, manufacturing, climate science, or any of the other important elements of our nation’s R&D and innovation enterprise are far too important to let them fall victim to partisan bickering.”

Ms. Johnson was first elected Ranking Member in December 2010, becoming the first African-American and the first female Ranking Member of the Committee.  She joined the Science, Space, and Technology Committee as a freshman Member of Congress in 1993.

Committee Members are expected to be assigned in January.

Congresswoman Johnson Highlights National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

Congressional Homelessness Caucus Co-Chairs Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement highlighting National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is held the week before Thanksgiving. 

“Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that can affect individuals and families of all backgrounds,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “It is an issue that transcends all Congressional districts or political boundaries, and can severely impact the lives of individuals and families indefinitely. In addition to the difficulties homeless individuals face on a daily basis, homelessness has also put tremendous financial pressure on municipalities all across the United States, as the state provides police and medical assistance to individuals left to fend for themselves on the streets. While steps taken by the Federal Strategic Plan have been extremely positive, there is more that Congress can do.”

“This Thanksgiving as many of us prepare to spend the holiday with family let us not forget the millions homeless individuals and families that will go hungry with no home to call their own,” said Congressman Hastings. “Each year, we set aside the week before the Thanksgiving to mark National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Though progress has been made in reducing hunger and homelessness, we must remain diligent to ensure that every American has access to the most basic human needs. The issue of homelessness is exacerbated by the high rate home foreclosure and socio-economic difficulties faced by many of our working poor. I will continue to work to bring renewed attention to the ending hunger and homelessness in America, through outreach, advocacy and creation of public policy to protect this venerable population. Collectively, the Congressional Homeless Caucus will continue to make progress in ensuring that all Americans have food to eat and permanent shelter over their heads.”

ABOUT: National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held each year the week before Thanksgiving. This is a time for us all to start to think about what we are thankful for, and a perfect time to share our compassion with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. This year, National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held from November 15-23, 2014.