Congresswoman Johnson Marks The Anniversary Of The 16th Street Bombing

Today marks the anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, a tragedy Martin Luther King Jr. called “one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetuated against humanity.” This day in history holds particular weight in the wake of the recent Charleston shooting and racial violence of the past year. Today, we honor all victims of racially motivated violence and reflect on the progress we have made in this country.

Congresswoman Johnson Cuts Ribbon At Paul Quinn College Student Run Agricultural Farm

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the student run agricultural farm at Paul Quinn College in South Dallas.

"I am proud of Paul Quinn and the initiative of these students," said Congresswoman Johnson. "This farm will supply the students and the community with many necessary fresh fruits and vegetables, and allow students to have a direct hand in uplifting their local community" she said to a gathering of university officials, students, community members and students.

Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell applauded the Congresswoman for helping the college to secure funding from the U S Department of Agriculture to expand the farm which is located on the college's former football field. Joe Leonard, the USDA Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, noted that the farm was an important part of the government 's interest and promotion of urban farming. This farm expansion by Paul Quinn is part of a larger national push to increase the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables to urban communities that have decreased access to these fresh food alternatives.

The farm already supplies local restaurants and community residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, said Elizabeth Wattley, the farm's manager. "Our students and community residents work together to make it a success. Among the farm's many customers are the Dallas Cowboys.”

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Support Of Nuclear Weapons Agreement With Iran

"After careful consideration I am in full support of the historic nuclear weapons agreement between the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran. The agreement is in the best interests of our country, our major allies in the Middle East, and the global community.

The agreement, which will face Congressional scrutiny, has won support from more than one hundred former American diplomats. These experienced Republicans and Democrats describe the deal, negotiated by Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, as a "landmark agreement." It would be irresponsible to reject this diplomatic movement towards stability and peace.

"Once properly implemented, this comprehensive and rigorously negotiated agreement can be an effective instrument in arresting Iran's nuclear program and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the volatile and vitally important region of the Middle East," the former diplomats wrote in a letter to the White House.

Twenty-nine top American scientists have also endorsed the deal, noting that it will "advance the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and can serve as a guidepost for future nonproliferation agreements." The group of scientists includes six Noble Laureates. In a letter to President Barack Obama, these experts pointed out that Iran was only "a few weeks away" from having fuel for nuclear weapons. The agreement would stop Iran's nuclear program, the scientists wrote.

Under the agreement, Iran agrees that it will not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The deal also includes a permanent ban on Iran's development of key nuclear weapon components and is based on four clear objectives, blocking the highly enriched uranium route, allowing no path to plutonium, intensive monitoring, and incentives for compliance.

Without the agreement there will be no restraints on Iran's nuclear program. There would more than likely be an arms race to acquire and develop nuclear weapons by various nations in the Middle East. Such a climate would not be in the best interest of our country, and certainly not in the best interests of the global community.

Currently 80 members of the House of Representatives and 34 members of the Senate have voiced their support for the deal. Lawmakers have nearly 60 days to review the agreement. If Congress votes to kill the deal, President Obama will use his veto power.

A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to override a Presidential veto. It is my firm belief that if this deal is not implemented the world risks devastating military conflict. I urge my Congressional colleagues to support the agreement."

Congresswoman Johnson Honors Labor Day & The American Worker

"Traditionally, Labor Day is a time in our country when we acknowledge the contributions to our economy and our way of life made by the American worker.  For some, it is a time of large parades, family picnics, football games and rest.

Congress recognized the necessity of having a holiday during which the activities of laborers were highlighted. In June of 1928, legislation was passed in Washington that signaled out the first Monday in September as a national holiday.

Labor Day has its origins in the late 1800s with the activities of union members and their leadership that demanded better working conditions, increased wages and union representation. More than twenty states recognized a day to “honor labor” before the Congress acted.

During Labor Day forums and meetings, a number of issues are considered by members of organized labor.  They include the unemployment rate, providing workers with a “livable wage” and closing the gap between the wages paid to women and those paid to men.

As a member of Congress, I have fought for the American worker. I have proposed legislation designed to close the “gender gap” in wages and have backed legislation that would increase the number of jobs in our economy and job training.

This year, Labor Day comes at a time marked by significant progress. According to the Department of Labor, there are approximately 138 million people who are employed in our country.  In July of this year, our economy created 215,000 new jobs.

The job growth in our economy has been steady.  July marked the 58^th consecutive month of job growth. The economy, according to many experts, is as healthy as it has been during the last 15 years. Yet, we still face a number of challenges.

It is vitally important that during our celebration, we remember those men and women who have not been able to find jobs due to a lack of opportunity or a lack of training. We must do all that we can to work collectively address the problems that impede the ability of every American to secure jobs that offer a livable wage and make it possible for families to feed and provide schooling for their children.

We must also remember that we have an obligation to prepare our young people for a 21^stcentury world of work, where an emphasis is placed on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM-related) academic disciplines.  To do less would be to fail them, and ourselves.

I will continue the fight to secure funding for STEM-related programs, just as I have done in the past.

I will continue to support legislation and policies that close the gender-based pay gap, support families and offer better training programs. I will continue my efforts to secure a “livable wage” for all American workers and honor the dignity and sacrifices of American workers." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

SOURCE _ DALLAS VOICE

Congresswoman Johnson Receives 'Friends Of The National Parks Award'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson received the Friend of the National Parks Award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The award recognizes Congresswoman Johnson’s votes during the 113th Congress that contributed to the protection and enhancement of America’s national parks. At a confirmed 100 voting record, Congresswoman Johnson voted favorably for all five legislative measures related to National Parks during the 113th Congress.

“It’s an honor to recognize Congresswoman Johnson for supporting our national parks on the floor of the House during the 113th Congress,” said NPCA President and CEO Clark Bunting. “As the 114th Congress works on policies and funding levels impacting our national parks, I look forward to working with Ms. Johnson to ensure national parks have safe roadways, are well maintained, and have the resources they need to thrive for their upcoming centennial.”

NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks Award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues. This year, NPCA tracked votes for three national park-related votes in the Senate and five in the House of Representatives. To receive the award, senators needed to vote in favor of national parks on at least two scored bills and representatives on at least three scored bills.

“It is an honor to receive the Friend of the National Parks Award, said Congresswoman Johnson. With sixteen national parks located throughout the state of Texas, I have first-hand knowledge of the tremendous benefits these pieces of infrastructure bring.  Moving forward, as it remains in the best interest of the American people, I will continue to support national park legislation in the 114th Congress.”