Congresswoman Johnson Joins Her Colleagues Supporting International Human Rights Defense Act

 In the wake of President Barack Obama’s commitment in the State of the Union to defend the human rights of the LGBT community, Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-California) today introduced bicameral legislation to affirm that LGBT human rights are a foreign policy priority for the U.S. government.

Originally introduced last year, the International Human Rights Defense Act would direct the State Department to make preventing and responding to discrimination and violence against the LGBT community a foreign policy priority and devise a global strategy to achieve those goals.

The legislation would establish a Special Envoy position in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to coordinate that effort.

More than 80 nations around the world have laws that criminalize homosexuality, prohibit public support for the LGBT community, or promote homophobia. In seven countries, homosexuality is punishable by death.

Specifically, the International Human Rights Defense Act directs the Department of State to:

* Make preventing and responding to discrimination and violence against the LGBT community a foreign policy priority and devise a global strategy to achieve those goals.

* Coordinate efforts to promote international LGBT human rights with local advocacy groups, governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector.

* Create the position of “Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Peoples” in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, which will be responsible for all inter-bureau and inter-agency coordination of the United States government’s efforts to defend human rights for the LGBT community internationally.

* Continue to include a section on LGBT international human rights in the annual State Department Report on Human Rights.

The legislation is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates For Youth, American Jewish World Service, Human Rights First, Freedom House, Equality Federation, Council for Global Equality, Anti-Defamation League, Global Justice Institute, Metropolitan Community Churches, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, PFLAG National, Transgender Law Center, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, and International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

Congresswoman Johnson Reflects On NASA's Day Of Remembrance

“We remember the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia with great sadness. I am humbled by their heroism, which truly did help further the cause of exploration and discovery. I am so grateful for the contributions of all of our astronauts and the entire NASA family for all that they do to continue America’s leadership in space. This day also serves as a reminder that space is hard and that safety needs to remain our priority in all our human spaceflight activities.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson On The Importance Of Funding Scientific Research

"Recently, a group of scientists announced the discovery of a new powerful antibiotic that they say has the potential to reduce deaths from dangerous infections.

An estimated 75,000 people die each year from hospital-acquired infections, but new antibiotics are rarely introduced because it is simply not profitable for the private sector to do basic research and development work. The type of public health breakthrough announced by the scientists can only occur when the federal government supports scientific research.

As the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I have been fortunateover the years to meet with a wide range of individuals in academia, industry, and government. A common area of agreement among them is that federal investment in fundamental research leads to new discoveries,technologies and products.

One has only to look at information technology companies such as Texas Instruments, Apple, and Google, among others, to understand the path from fundamental research to economic growth and job creation.

One of the most important pieces of legislation to move through Congress in recent years, the America COMPETES Act, was based on recommendations from a 2005 National Academies’ report raising the alarm that our scientific and technological building blocks were eroding at a time when our global competitors were gaining strength.

The America COMPETES Act of 2007 (reauthorized in 2010) included significant increases in the researchbudgets of our core science agencies to ensure that our nation remained the world’s scientific and technical global leader, and to strengthen American competitiveness through sustained investments in science, innovation and science education.

In a federal address in 1988, President Reagan said, “…although basic research does not begin with a particular practical goal, when you look at the results over the years, it ends up being one of the most practical things government does…It is an indispensable investment in America’s future.” I agree with the late president. Federal support for scientific research should not be a partisan matter, rather an American matter.

Unfortunately, our nation’s competitiveness continues to be compromised by cuts to our research and development funding through efforts in Washington to starve our federal budget. As I often tell my colleagues, we are eating our seed corn.

I will do everything in my power to continue the work to reaffirm America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation. Our national security, way of life and future prosperity are inextricably intertwined with our commitment to keeping research and development among our nation’s top priorities." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On President Obama's State Of The Union Address

On “America’s College Promise Proposal:”

“I support President Obama and the “America’s College Promise Proposal.” As the cost of a four-year degree rises, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for all students to seek higher education in a formidable and economical manner. This new initiative grants those who believe college is not an option, an opportunity to grow one step closer to reaching their goals in higher education without a significant monetary cost.  Whether previous deterrents were related to economic, social, or academic reasons the new proposal grants interested students the ability to benefit from higher education. Through the introduction of this new proposal, the hope is that they are compelled to continue on to a four-year institution.”

On Affordable Homeownership:

“While homeownership in the United States is recovering, more must be done to build a robust and fair housing system that promotes the American Dream of owning a home. While it is true that our housing market is rebounding, home values are rising and home sales are increasing we must continue to strive for more. The goal should be restoring the true value of homeownership and to rebuild communities hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis.”

On Raising the Minimum Wage:

“The President’s remarks during this evening’s address highlighted growing issues with America’s existing Minimum Wage. As it stands today, minimum wage earners are not positioned to sustain a livable income. I agree with the President. This is not acceptable, one cannot live on $15,000 or less a year, as policymakers we must be proactive in changing it. However, in order to implement and sustain these needed changes for the future, it is imperative that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle be open to working together to create a version of America where all citizens can achieve the economic security they deserve.”

On Early Childhood Education:

“Investing in early childhood education is a smart investment for families, communities, and the nation. I support President Obama’s decision to make these investments in the future of our young people.  Early childhood education is a critical piece of the education puzzle that we must all be willing to invest in. No child should be a victim of academic inequality, and it is our duty to ensure that this cycle does not continue. I believe programs proposed by the Obama administration are essential for equalizing education standards amongst all people. Providing an opportunity for every child to begin their education in the best possible environment will result in a brighter future for all children regardless of socio-economic background.”

On Clean Energy Reform:

“The time to ensure American energy independence by investing in clean energy is now. I enthusiastically support the President’s Climate Action Plan to position the United States as the global leader on the critical issue of climate change. We know that the Earth is warming; sea ice is disappearing; glaciers are receding; oceans are acidifying, and we are bearing the brunt of more frequent and severe weather incidents. Evidenced-based science and peer-reviewed research has proven well beyond the point of debate that America must meet the challenges ahead and fulfill our moral obligation to future generations. We must aggressively tackle climate change, invest in robust research and innovation of renewable energy sources. We must also drastically reduce our reliance on foreign oil and fossil fuels. These initiatives are essential to our national security and the health of our shared global community.”

On Tax-Reform Legislation:

“I firmly believe that this Congress needs to enact fiscally sound, long-term tax reform legislation to encourage further growth of our economy. American families and businesses deserve fairness from their tax system and enacting long-term reforms will make this possible. This will help us get our fiscal house in order and restore the chance for everyone to achieve the American Dream.”

On Immigration Reform:

“While the President took action on immigration several weeks ago, I commend his continued push for a comprehensive immigration system. The first lady’s decision to include a DREAMer as one of her honored guests this evening, as well as the President’s Executive Order on immigration are, testaments to the importance this administration places on immigration. We must continue to be proactive on the issue of immigration. Many individuals come to our great nation looking for opportunities of a better life. I believe that we must have a responsible pathway to citizenship for these hardworking individuals, while continuing to protect our borders. This Congress, must come together to create a plan that is truly comprehensive.”

On High-Tech Innovation:

“As the United States continues to become deeply immersed in the culture of high-tech innovation, we must be strategic in preparing the future workforce. I am a strong supporter of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. We must implement educational policy that increases the number of students graduating in STEM fields. Our country has a demand for high-skilled workers, and we must provide the resources our students need to excel in these innovative careers. Our emphasis in STEM subjects must continue in order to ensure that the United States remains competitive on the global stage.”

On Medical Research:

“I agree with the Presidents in his notion to invest federal dollars in our medical research agencies so that they can each perform the vital work that helps us discover causes, treat disease, and find cures. These agencies not only help to save lives, they also provide high-paying jobs that we must keep here in this country.”

On Veterans Issues:

“As a former VA nurse, and the only to serve in Congress, I understand well the unique demands and medical needs that our Nation’s veterans require in terms of patient care. While I am pleased with the progress the VA has been able to achieve since last year’s unspeakable wait time scandals, there is still far too much work to be done. We must continue to be tenacious in ensuring that we keep our promise to the brave men and women that risk their lives abroad to protect our freedoms here at home.”

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces STEM Opportunities Act Of 2015

Congresswoman Johnson has introduced the STEM Opportunities Act of 2015. The legislation is similar to legislation she has introduced several Congresses in a row, including H.R. 1358 in the 113th Congress.

 

Ms. Johnson said, "The evidence keeps mounting that it is critical to our Nation's economic leadership and global competitiveness that we educate and train more scientists and engineers. A wave of retirements is about to hit many of our industries and government agencies that employ scientists and engineers, and we are likely to face acute shortages in certain sectors in particular. In the meantime, research shows that women and underrepresented minorities, who by 2050 will comprise more than 50 percent of our population, are disproportionately lost at every transition point in their STEM studies and research careers. Despite years of talking about such disparities and even taking steps in an effort to address them, underrepresentation of women and minorities remains high in most STEM fields. As a Nation, we cannot afford to continue hemorrhaging so much talent."

 

H.R. 467 would require federal agencies that fund scientific research to collect more comprehensive demographic data on the recipients of federal research awards and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities (while protecting individuals' privacy); promote data-driven research on the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM so that policy makers can design more effective policies and practices to reduce barriers;  develop, through the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), consistent federal policies for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child, and consistent federal guidance to grant reviewers and program officers on best practices to minimize the effects of implicit bias in the review of federal research grants; require the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop and disseminate guidance to universities to aid them in identifying any cultural and institutional barriers limiting the recruitment, retention, and achievement of women and minorities in research careers and developing and implementing current best practices for reducing such barriers; require OSTP to develop and issue similar guidance to all federal laboratories; and authorize NSF to award grants to universities to implement or expand research-based practices targeted specifically to increasing the recruitment and retention of minority students and faculty.

 

Ms. Johnson said of the legislation, "In developing this legislation, we solicited extensive input from governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to ensure that the guidance and requirements reflect today's needs and opportunities. The result is a bill that attempts to systematically address the full suite of issues facing both female and minority STEM researchers, from work-life balance policies, to campus climate, to better data collection, to recruitment and retention practices. The bill includes not just researchers at universities but also researchers at our federal laboratories. Finally, the bill includes research components to increase our understanding of the career trajectories of women and minorities in STEM research careers."

 

In 2014, Ms. Johnson also joined Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) in asking the GAO to review the current state of demographic data collection and policies to promote inclusion at a number of federal science agencies. That study is currently underway and should be completed in 2015.

 

Ms. Johnson continued, "The GAO study will give us a much better starting point from which to identify and address unjustified disparities in data collection and inclusion policies across our federal agencies. Based on what we've heard so far, I expect the final report will unambiguously reinforce the need for this legislation. I hope we can make this a bipartisan bill and move it through this Congress. Making sure we are engaging all of the talent of this country in STEM degrees and careers should not be a partisan issue."

 

Original cosponsors include Katherine Clark (D-MA); Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); Mark Takano (D-CA); Marc Veasey (D-TX); Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA); Mike Honda (D-CA); Zoe Lofgren (D-CA); Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR); Louise Slaughter (D-NY); Danny Davis (D-IL); Donna Edwards (D-MD); and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). The bill is also been endorsed by several organizations:

 

"In order for the US to remain a leader in the STEM fields, it is crucial to fully engage the entire STEM talent pool and make sure that everyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity, is able to fully participate at all levels," said Karen Horting, CEO of the Society of Women Engineers. "We must embrace and encourage all women and underrepresented minorities who have a passion for these fields and do what we can to support them, remove obstacles and maximize their contributions to the nations STEM needs. H.R. 467 offers crucial provisions towards this end by supporting research on the participation of women, increasing awareness of implicit bias, promoting best practices and encouraging accountability through data collection."

 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers President J. Robert Sims said, "By improving the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the STEM workforce, the U.S. can leverage the diversity of these individuals to fuel the innovation necessary for our global competitiveness, as well as meet the challenges of a changing world."

 

"My organizationNational Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME) recently celebrated four decades of progress in leading the national effort to increase the representation of successful African American, American Indian, and Latino women and men in engineering education and careers," said Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail, President and CEO of NACME. "Since 1977, the percentage of all engineering degrees earned by underrepresented minorities has dramatically increased from 5.7% to 13.4%. Yet, this metric pales in comparison to the growing percentage of underrepresented minorities in the U.S. population. Much work remains to realize NACME's vision of an engineering workforce that looks like America. This is why NACME salutes Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson for the introduction of the STEM Opportunities Act of 2015. This Bill must get the attention and support of the Congress and the Administration if our great nation is to retain its preeminence in innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship in STEM." 

Congresswoman Johnson Outlines Priorities For New Congress

"The new session of Congress provides an exciting opportunity to renew the focus on resolving the numerous challenges we face in our Congressional district, and in our nation.During this session, I will pursue a number of legislative issues and policy concerns that aredesigned to advance educational opportunities for our children, improve technology and innovation, create jobs, increase access to high quality healthcare and safeguard every individual’s right to participate in the democratic process.

I hold sacred the public trust that comes with serving my constituents, and value greatly the partnership wehave established to build a better society. As your partner, it is both prudent and fair that I keep you informed about my activities in Washington.

In my role as ranking member on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, I will continue my efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. I believe it is crucialto the future of our economy, and will allow our nation to remain a leading innovator in this area. In order to do so, our students must be well-educated in these subjects.

As a veteran member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I will propose and support legislation that addresses unsafe and severely dated infrastructure in our country. I will continue my efforts to improve our roads, airports, seaports, harbors and railroads.

Approximately 11 million Americans, many of them veterans of our armed services, suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Unfortunately, our country lacks adequate treatment options for these men and women. I am fully committed to legislation that will provide the mentally ill with the type of treatment that they so desperately need and deserve.

In addition to improving the types of treatment and availability of healthcare, I will reintroduce the National Nurse Act. This critical piece of legislation will designate the Chief Nurse Officer, an existing position in theU.S. Public Health Service, as the National Nurse for Public Health. The person who assumes this role will work with healthcare officials to address health disparities and establish goals for improving our nation’s public health.

I will continue to co-chair the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, which focuses its efforts on ending homelessness, and establishing guidelines that protect individuals and families that find themselves without proper shelter." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Reintroduces National Nurses Act Of 2015

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Congressman Peter King (R-NY) reintroduced the National Nurse Act of 2015 in the 114th Congress. The National Nurse Act works to move preventative health forward by designating the acting Chief Nurse Officer as the National Nurse for Public Health. This position would provide a publicly visible nurse leader who would function alongside the Surgeon General and collaborate with health care leaders to address health disparities, set goals to improve the health of Americans, and raise the profile of the entire U.S. Public Health Service.

Chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity pose the greatest threat to the health of Americans and our nation's economy. Nurses provide key services for the prevention and management of these conditions, and this legislation is necessary to support further work needed to promote prevention, improve outcomes, and guide national, state and local efforts in addressing the nation's health. With approximately 3,100,000 registered nurses, nursing represents the single largest component of the health care profession. Each day, each and every nurse is positioned to move the nation toward improved public health.

“We firmly believe that designating the Chief Nurse Officer as the National Nurse for Public Health is a common sense, cost-effective step toward improving the health and wellness of our great country,” said Congresswoman Johnson. Health care professionals are poised to lead the national movement toward improving public health, and the National Nurse for Public Health would provide the uniting voice and leadership to do so.

U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Community Policing Summit

The protests, tensions, and rally cries for community policing change across the county are catching the attention of many lawmakers, policy makers, and police.

The issues and circumstances fueling protests since officer-involved deaths in Ferguson, New York, Cleveland and other cities was the major topic at the Texas Congressional Community Policing Summit on Thursday.

"The public has really been disturbed," said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Johnson hosted the Summit at the University of Texas at Arlington, with her colleagues: Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Marc Veasey, and the Texas State Conference of the NAACP.

"The attitude generally that I'm getting feedback from in the country is fear of out-of-control police." said Congresswoman Johnson.

Several police agencies, lawyers, community and civil rights groups gathered for the Summit. The goal, according to organizers, was to discuss the tensions in hopes of coming up with strategies for change. They hoped to find ways to create partnerships for community policing.

"Without dialogue, then you are left with trying to come up with solutions by yourself," said Chief Will Johnson of Arlington Police Department.

Some panelists discussed the need for improved data collection in police departments and diversity in recruiting. Chief Deputy Marian Brown discussed challenges of cultural diversity training for law enforcement programs.

"The training is only as good as the content that is given in the training," said Brown. "So, what we've been discussing is how to make our content more substantive, if you will, so that we can further reach our community."

The Congress members say they plan to share the ideas and strategies discussed during the Summit with their colleagues and the White House Task Force.