President Obama Praises Congresswoman Johnson For Her Leadership On Trade

"The President commends Members of Congress who took important steps this week to ensure that the United States can negotiate and enforce strong, high-standard trade agreements that are good for American workers and our economy. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, workers and businesses in Texas will have more opportunity to compete and win in markets both at home and abroad. With bipartisan support from Congress, Trade Promotion Authority will help America write the rules of our new, global economy so more hardworking Americans can get their products to market. And with Trade Adjustment Assistance, vital support like job-training and community college education will now be available to more than 100,000 workers per year.

In voting with the president on TPA, Johnson went against the wishes of the labor unions. We’ll see how that impacts her going forward. Johnson has not said whether she is seeking re-election in 2016." - White House Spokesman Josh Earnest

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Passage Of Trade Priorities And Accountability Act

“International trade has not only had a positive impact on our national economy, it is also a strong economic driver in my district. In fact, Texas leads the nation in exports and jobs directly linked to them”.

In 2014, Texas exported $289 billion in goods and led the nation in manufacturing exports by a large margin. During 2013, the metropolitan area of Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington exported $27.6 billion in goods to the rest of the world.

Establishing Trade Promotion Authority will give President Obama the tools he needs to negotiate free and fair trade agreements across the globe. I strongly urge the Senate to send this legislation to the President’s desk.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement On The Charleston Shootings

“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the disheartening news regarding last night’s shooting in Charleston, SC. My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors and loved ones of the victims of this tragedy at the historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church. Among the victims was Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, pastor of the church and a dynamic state senator. A faithful public servant, his impact on parishioners is purely evident today as members of the Charleston community band together in solidarity.

I stand in solidarity with the church congregation, the friends and family of those affected, and the community of Charleston during this very difficult time. There is absolutely no place for this level of hatred against peaceful worshippers in a religious sanctuary. Though we can find solace in the perpetrator’s recent capture, it is my hope that justice for this heinous crime be swift. 

For generations, this church has been a beacon of hope for African Americans who have endured years of racial strife in South Carolina. I am confident that this resilient community will come together once again to overcome this senseless tragedy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Parkland Hospital Honors Congresswoman Johnson

The new garden surrounding the Parkland Women and Infants Specialty Health (WISH) Center was named for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson at a ceremony held last weekend.

“Congresswoman Johnson has helped to make Dallas what it is today,” said Debbie Dudley Branson, a local Dallas attorney and chair of the Parkland Board of Managers. “The Parkland community is grateful to you for your lifetime commitment to public health. Your name will forever be associated with one of the finest public hospitals in the country.”

Parkland Foundation President and CEO David Krause said, “Congresswoman Johnson has been a steadfast advocate for Parkland, and I am delighted that the promenade is being named for her.”

Healthcare has always been a priority to Johnson. She is trained as a nurse and began her career working at the V.A. Hospital in Dallas. As a state senator, she crafted the first HIV legislation in Texas.

“I am both proud and humbled to be recognized by the naming of such a beautiful space that will be used to provide a place of serenity to the women and children who will be the work they do here, and this is an extraordinary honor,” Johnson said.

The largest hospital in Dallas County, Parkland had more than one million patient visits last year. The new Parkland Hospital is scheduled to open Aug. 20 in Dallas’ medical district. It will be an 865-bed facility.

Source: Dallas Voice, David Taffet

Congresswoman's Statement On The Passing Of Former Speaker Of The House Jim Wright

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Former Speaker of the House James ``Jim'' Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6th at the age of 92. Speaker Wright served in Congress for more than three decades and left an indelible legacy as chairman of the House Public Works Committee. He was elected by his peers as Speaker in 1987.



Jim Wright was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of a traveling salesman. He was educated at Weatherford College and the University of Texas at Austin. Jim Wright dedicated his life to serving the public. He bravely served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying combat missions in the South Pacific. Subsequently, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1946. He served as mayor of Weatherford, Texas from 1950 to 1954. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1954 and was reelected 16 times.

Speaker Wright was a visionary who served the people of Fort Worth and this nation well. He is deserving of this tribute. Because of his leadership, the House experienced one of its most prolific periods. Speaker Wright demonstrated his skill as a political leader and master legislator by shepherding extraordinarily complex legislation through the House. He understood that the business of legislating and good politics required great skill in the art of compromise.

Speaker Wright never backed down from a challenge, and even after leaving office, he continued to serve the public diligently. I was always able to consult with Speaker Wright regarding difficult legislation, and he never failed to provide 

thoughtful and principled insight.

Our country has lost one of its finest statesmen, and I have lost a close personal friend whose wisdom, dignity and knowledge of the legislative process was unquestionably enviable. He is among the most influential Speakers in the history of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, Jim Wright is an unforgettable public servant and leader. A man fueled by passion and concern for others, he set the bar high for his successors. He is survived by his wife, Betty and four children. I stand today to honor Former Speaker of the House, Jim Wright, and to thank him for his work in service to the people of Texas and throughout this great nation. He left a powerful legacy that will live for generations." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Remembers Former Speaker Jim Wright

“Speaker Wright understood that good politics was the art of compromise and believed that fairness was reached when the interests of all concerned parties were considered. I was able to consult with Speaker Wright whenever I had to consider complex legislative issues. He was always thoughtful and took a principled stand, even in difficult circumstances.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Trans Pacific Partnership Trade Is Good For Dallas

During the coming months, Congress will be asked to consider the most comprehensive and ambitious trade deal of our time. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is one of the cornerstones of President Barack Obama’s trade agenda. It seeks to improve the U.S. economy and those of eleven other countries.

Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam are dependent upon the comprehensive and high-standard free trade agreement.

Some of these countries lack minimum labor, environmental, and humanitarian standards, all of which President Obama and his chief negotiators strive to address and enforce in the TPP deal.

Before TPP or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) can be considered by Congress, a trade promotion authority (TPA) bill must be passed.

TPA bills outline Congressional guidance to the administration on trade policy and establish requirements for trade agreements. Many refer to TPA as “fast track” because trade agreements would be sent to Congress for an up-or-down vote with no amendments allowed.

Essentially, this gives the administration the power to negotiate trade deals without Congressional input. Prior TPA bills have established the fast-track measure; however, a TPA bill currently under consideration includes language that enables Congress to reject the fast-track process if 60 Senators decide that the president ignored negotiating objectives mandated by Congress.

Arguments against fast-track certainly have had some validity.

However, lawmakers in Congress have shown commitment to a TPA bill that includes a strong measure of Congressional oversight.

A free-trade agreement would only help our economy. In 2014, more than 1.1 million American jobs were directly supported by manufactured goods and exports.

In fact, Texas leads the nation in exports and jobs directly linked to them. In 2014, Texas exported $289 billion in goods, and led the nation in manufacturing exports by a large margin.

In 2013, the metropolitan area of Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington exported $27.6 billion in goods to the rest of the world. In past trade agreements, Texas’ main exports were from the oil and gas industry.

The economic expansion of Texas has made our state successful with agricultural exports, such as beef, veal and plant products, while manufacturing exports now include electronics, chemicals, and machinery and transportation equipment.

The Dallas economy depends on free and fair trade. With four out of five of Dallas’ top export markets covered by TPP (Canada, Mexico, Singapore) and T-TIP (Netherlands), the North Texas export market is integral to any strategy that aims to grow the economies of Dallas and Texas.

These free trade agreements will undoubtedly help the U.S., and enhance a global commitment by our partner nations to improved labor, environmental, and humanitarian standards.

As we negotiate two of the largest trade deals in our history, we must consider the positive impact that international trade has on our state economy, as well as on our national economy and the global economy.

SOURCE: North Dallas Gazette

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement On Trade Promotion Authority Without Trade Adjustment Assistance

“After a series of contentious debates regarding the future of trade, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act but passed the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Act. Despite yesterday’s passage of the Trade Preference Extension Act, which provided an alternative finance mechanism to ensure that no cuts to Medicare would result from the passage of TAA, the House failed to muster support for this critical piece of legislation that would have provided much needed protection for American workers.

To be clear, throughout this entire trade policy debate, I have been vehemently opposed to any cuts to Medicare, but the passage of TPA without TAA leaves displaced workers with no safety net. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act would have provided wide-ranging benefits for our nation’s economy by providing employment and training services to increase the skills of displaced workers and boost their future earning potential. After today’s vote, they are left with no protections.

I urge my colleagues to protect America’s workforce and pass the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act when the House reconsiders the trade package next week.

Moving forward, I will continue to support trade policies that aim to ensure sustained economic growth and job creation for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the state of Texas and the United States of America.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman Murphy Introduce Mental Health Crisis Act

Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), along with co-sponsor Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), introduced a new version of his 2013 legislation Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, H.R. 2646. The Bill is designed to break down barriers to care, clarify privacy standards, expand behavioral health parity and reform outdated programs.

The new version includes a new HHS leadership post, assistant secretary for mental health and substance-abuse disorders, and establishes a national mental health policy laboratory to develop new models of care. It also provides for additional psychiatric hospital beds, promotes telepsychiatry for underserved and rural areas, authorizes an early intervention program for people with or developing schizophrenia, focuses on suicide prevention and incentivizes states to provide alternatives to institutionalization. It would also promote the use of health information technology to better coordinate care with primary-care physicians.

Congresswoman Johnson Marks The 52nd Anniversary Of The Equal Pay Act

“Today marks a critical moment in our nation’s history when President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 into law 52 years ago. In 2015 millions of women across the country have become integral parts of our workforce, helping to bolster our nation’s economy through the work they complete every day.

However, unlike their male counterparts a vast majority of these women only earn 78 cents on the dollar in comparison to their male counterparts. By the same token, this number decreases significantly when minority women are taken into account. At present African American women earn only 64 cents on the dollar, while Latina women earn only 56 cents on the dollar in comparison to their white counterparts.

This is not right and this is not representative of the progress women and families have made. America is known as the ‘land of opportunity,’ and not simply opportunity for the few but opportunity for all. As a woman in Congress, I have seen the biases and hardships women face firsthand. As one of the few black women in Congress and one of the longest serving, I have seen at great length how each of these components effect our work.

Americans deserve equal pay for equal work and I will continue to make this concept a priority while serving in Congress.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Reacts To North Texas Flooding

"Much of the state has experienced heavy rainfall and damaging floods during this past week, and additional rain is expected in North Texas over the weekend. Texans are resilient, and I am confident that a great sense of community will cause the people of District 30 to come together and support those in need, particularly those with disabilities, senior citizens and the homeless, who may find themselves in difficult situations during this time.

My office has already been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the City of Dallas and other local, state and federal officials to ensure a timely and well-coordinated response.  If you are in need of help, please call 311 for non-emergency situations and 911 in the event of an emergency. I will offer my assistance in any way possible to the constituents of my district who are impacted over the weekend. " Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds New Clean Water Rules

“The Clean Water Rule announced by President Obama, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers today, restores vital protections for streams and wetlands that provide drinking water for millions of Americans. These vital and necessary protections against the pollution of water are critical in sustaining the people of America and our environment. 

Through their tireless efforts, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have created a strong rule for the betterment of our country. As it stands, the final rule provides a clear understanding of the jurisdictional waters covered by the Clean Water Act, ensuring that the American people have access to clean and safe water for both their families and communities.

It is my belief that we must continue to do everything possible to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure.  American families deserve transparency, and I will continue to support efforts that move us toward greater accountability and increased transparency.” Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Travels To East Africa With CARE

A group of Congresswomen traveled to Malawi and Kenya with the global poverty-fighting organization CARE to see how the U.S. government is empowering the next generation of mothers and girls.

The delegation was led by CARE’s President and CEO, Helene D. Gayle marking her last congressional trip with CARE after nearly a decade of service. Dr. Gayle was joined by Ambassador Deborah Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator & U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) co-anchored the trip. Other participants included Reps. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX).

The delegation was joined by other influential leaders from the U.S. Department of State, Center for Strategic and International Studies and the General Mills Foundation. The five-day trip highlighted the role U.S. investments in women and girl’s empowerment has played in building healthier, stronger and more resilient communities.  This Learning Tour comes at a critical time as Congress debates the International Affairs Budget.

Despite some socioeconomic progress, both Kenya and Malawi continue to struggle with high rates of poverty, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS infection and maternal and child mortality. The trip started in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, where the delegation witnessed how investing in women and girls results in higher educational attainment, expanded economic resources and healthier families.

The second half of the trip explored the challenges meeting high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, particularly among adolescent girls and pregnant women. In Kenya, the delegation focused on programs that showed the positive impact of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes Memorial Day

“Each year on Memorial Day, we pause to honor the courage of the brave men and women of our armed forces, who fought and died to protect our freedoms. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for their bravery, sacrifice and selflessness. Today, we pay tribute to the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who secured our futures by sacrificing their own. Without their efforts, our country would not serve as the beacon of hope and example for democratic principles to the rest of the world.  

As we reflect this Memorial Day, be sure to take a moment to give thanks for our fallen patriots and the families who shared them with us.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman Hoyer, "GOP Wrong On Science"

We are writing in response to Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith’s (R-Texas) op-ed “If everything is a priority, nothing is” (May 18).

He asserts that the U.S. must prioritize certain types of scientific research over others. He is correct that if the U.S. falls behind in technology and innovation, our nation’s economic competitiveness will suffer — Americans will see fewer opportunities and a lower standard of living. Disinvestment across the board in the sciences would shortchange the future of our country and its people. 

The chairman, however, is wrong about the way in which research should be prioritized. Politicians should not make ideologically driven cuts to particular areas of investigation with which they disagree, such as clean energy, climate research or the social sciences. Instead, research priorities should be set through the constantly evolving deliberation and debates within the scientific community and at the individual grant level about the areas that need further investigation. It is the National Science Foundation’s well-proven, scientific merit-review process, in which trained experts select the highest quality proposals across all fields of science and engineering, that ought to guide how we invest.   

Politicians, most of whom do not possess the same scientific or technical expertise, are ill-equipped to predict where the next breakthroughs are most likely to occur. Substituting our judgment for that of scientists would likely result more in missed opportunities than in new advances for American science and innovation.   

The chairman is also wrong about the need to “rebalance the scales” at the Department of Energy by shifting funding for clean energy research into fossil fuels and nuclear research and development. This is simply another false choice. We need to continue pursuing an all-of-the-above energy strategy if we are to tackle our nation’s energy challenges. 

At the core of the original America Competes Act, passed with strong bipartisan support, was a strategy of increasing our competitiveness through sustained investment in research and development and in science, technology, engineering and math education. It focused on making prudent investments today so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy a higher standard of living than the one we have enjoyed thanks to the investments of preceding generations. Because the chairman’s reauthorization bill abandoned those principles, we had no choice but to oppose it, and were not alone in doing so. Seventy-four organizations from the scientific community, representing more than 300 universities, scientific societies, businesses and professional organizations, also publicly opposed this bill. 

Setting priorities is essential, and that is why we in Congress must do our part by making it a priority to invest in the totality of our innovation enterprise. The future of our country, its economic competitiveness, and its people’s well-being depend on it. 

From Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Washington, D.C. 

SOURCE: The Hill

Congresswoman Johnson Meets With Eugene McDermott Scholars In Washington

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson met with the Eugene McDermott Scholars from the University of Texas at Dallas to discuss the importance of research, STEM education, and to provide an overview of the legislative process.

As the Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology committee, Congresswoman Johnson centered much of her conversation on the growing importance of STEM education. “The U.S. has a demand for high-skilled workers, and the job of my colleagues and I is to provide the resources our students need to excel in these innovative careers,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The McDermott Scholars program was founded by Mrs. Margaret McDermott, the widow of Texas Instruments Founder, Eugene McDermott, in honor of his work to promote education. Through its programming, McDermott Scholars are provided with rigorous and personalized education, as well as intensive extracurricular activities. More than 40 of students in the existing cohort are National Merit Scholars, and over 20 served as their high school's valedictorians.

During the subsequent Q&A session, one student asked “If Democrats and Republicans were as combative as they seem on television?” To which Congresswoman Johnson replied, “we all have our disagreements from time to time, but it rarely leaves the floor, bipartisanship is one of the most important components of an effective congressional body, and I make a conscious effort to keep this in mind at all times.”

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 12th Annual Math & Science Lecture Series

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MIHA), held the 12th Annual “Eddie Bernice Johnson Math and Science Lecture Series” at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas, Texas. The brainchild of Congresswoman Johnson and the University of Texas at Dallas, the lecture series was created in an effort to expose Dallas-area high school students to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In addition to exploring career opportunities, the lecture series allows students to engage with accomplished professionals in the disciplines of math and science.

This year, Congresswoman Johnson hosted special guest aviation hero, Barrington Irving. At the age of 23, Mr. Irving became the first African-American pilot to fly solo around the world. “This event has allowed me share my educational and motivational message with students. Through my work, I want to show them that understanding the value of STEM education and pursuing a career in such an exciting industry can provide a means toward achieving their dreams – much in the same way that I did,” said Mr. Irving.

As the Ranking Member on the House Science, Space and Technology committee, Congresswoman Johnson is firmly dedicated to exposing students to pathways toward prosperity in STEM education. “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 have always been a strong supporter of STEM education. The U.S. has a demand for high-skilled workers, and we must provide the resources our students need to excel in these innovative careers. This is what I hope to achieve through the Math and Science Lecture Series each year” said Congresswoman Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 23rd Annual Academy Day

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson held her 23rd Annual Academy Day at DeSoto High School. In addition to over one hundred students in attendance, representatives LTJG Darnell Talbert of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; CDR Gini Mattson of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Captain Christopher Wallace of the U.S. Air Force Academy; Major Benny Barrett of the U.S. Naval Academy; Major Andrew Yang of the U.S. Military Academy; and Dr. David Harris, Superintendent, DeSoto ISD. Additional speakers and guests included various ROTC officers from District 30 schools, City of DeSoto Mayor, Carl Sherman, and a special guest performance from the DeSoto High School A Cappella Choir.

Academy Day provides an opportunity for interested students to gather detailed information about the five U.S. Service Academies. Historically, congressional appointments from District 30 have been low compared to surrounding districts. However, due to recent initiatives implemented by Congresswoman Johnson, District 30 had seven congressional appointments this year—its largest class to date.

This year’s appointments include: Michael Mauricio (Dubiski High School), Stephanie Vigen (South Grand Prairie High School), Elizabeth Vigen (South Grand Prairie High School) attending The United States Naval Academy; Bryce Samuel (Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy), Emiliano Gonzalez (Jesuit College Preparatory School), Andrew Ortiz (Duncanville High School) attending The United States Military Academy; and Austin Gula (Duncanville High School) attending The United States Air Force Academy.

“Our nation’s service academies provide students with a first rate education without the expenses of the traditional university system” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I encourage all college bound students to fully explore the vast opportunities our country’s service academies provide. U.S. Service Academies are consistently ranked above Ivy-League schools in STEM subjects and provide a tuition-free education with guaranteed employment upon graduation.”

Congresswoman Johnson Highlights Lupus Awareness Month

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined fellow Congressional Lupus Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to recognize Put on Purple day for lupus awareness.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. The chronic disease can affect nearly any part of the body including the skin, lungs, heart, joints, kidneys, and brain. On average, it takes six years for a lupus diagnosis from the first onset of symptoms. This is because lupus is known as the “great imitator,” mimicking many other illnesses and no single test can diagnose a patient.

“We must do more to ensure that Americans understand lupus, its severity and its symptoms,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Research shows that nearly two-thirds of the public knows little or nothing about lupus beyond the name. Despite the widespread prevalence of lupus, medical research has remained underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.”

The Congressional Lupus Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Tom Rooney (R-FL), William R. Keating (D-MA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). The caucus seeks to build awareness for this chronic condition and simultaneously work to increase funding for research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus.

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes National Nurses Week

Each year, from May 6th to May 12th, Americans across the country observe National Nurses Week. As the first registered nurse elected to the U.S House of Representatives, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced the National Nurses Week resolution today in recognition of nurses across the country.

"This week, we honor the work of nurses and acknowledge the contributions they make every day to our health care system. They staff hospitals, nursing facilities, schools, and even private homes. Nurses not only provide essential care to their patients, but they are also health innovators. They lead the way in the research and development that yields breakthrough treatments and improves the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses.

Nurses provide premier leadership in preventive and public health. No matter the certification, each nurse is important each day to each patient. Help me celebrate National Nurses Week by recognizing the nurses in your community and nationwide."

Congresswoman Johnson continues to be a leader in the fight for expanding recognition and empowerment of nurses throughout the nation. During the 114th Congress, she introduced the National Nurse Act of 2015 with Congressman Peter King (R-NY). This act would designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as the "National Nurse for Public Health." The National Nurse for Public Health would function alongside the Surgeon General and focus on promoting health, improving healthcare literacy, and reducing health disparities.

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes Cinco De Mayo

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of Cinco de Mayo:

"Today marks an historic moment in Mexican history that is shared by millions of people in Mexico and by others in the United States and throughout the world. Cinco de Mayo presents all of us with a significant opportunity to celebrate and recall the valor and triumph of the Mexican Army over French forces 153 years ago.

The 5th of May has served as an opportunity to honor the proud history of our Mexican neighbors and to acknowledge the contributions that generations of Mexican descendants have made to the United States. Their meaningful and rich heritage is an essential part of the American mosaic.

As a member of Congress who represents a diverse congressional district, I am proud to salute those who valiantly fought to defend the Mexican government, and its people. As an ardent supporter of immigrant families in Texas and throughout our country, I will continue to support measures that urge compassionate and common sense solutions to our existing immigration system.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, and the thousands of immigrant families that have helped to shape our nation, let us renew our determination to work in a bi-partisan fashion to achieve comprehensive immigration reform that honors the heritage, the history and the values that represent the American dream."

En Español:

Congresista Johnson Reconoce Cinco de Mayo

Washington, DC - (05 de mayo 2015) - Hoy, la congresista Eddie Bernice Johnson emitió la siguiente declaración en observancia del Cinco de Mayo:

Hoy se marca un momento glorioso en la historia de México y en la vida de las familias mexicanas en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Cinco de Mayo nos da la gran oportunidad para celebrar y recordar el valor y el triunfo del ejército mexicano sobre las fuerzas francesas hace 153 años.

Desde ese día, 05 de mayo ha servido como una oportunidad para honrar a la orgullosa historia de nuestros vecinos mexicanos y reconocer las contribuciones que las generaciones de descendientes mexicanos han hecho a los Estados Unidos. Su herencia significativa y diversa es una parte esencial del mosaico americano.

Como tejana y la representante de un distrito del Congreso que es rico en su diversidad, me siento orgullosa de honrar a los héroes que lucharon para defender su país contra los invasores franceses. Ese mismo espíritu está vivo hoy en la comunidad mexicana.

Como un ardiente partidario de las familias inmigrantes en Texas y en todo nuestro país, voy a seguir apoyando medidas que urgen soluciones de sentido de compasión y comunes a nuestro sistema de inmigración existente.

En honor del Cinco de Mayo, y las miles de familias inmigrantes que han ayudado a dar forma a nuestra nación, renovemos nuestra determinación de trabajar de manera bipartidista para lograr una reforma migratoria integral que rinde homenaje a la herencia, la historia y los valores que representan el "sueño americano ".