Congresswoman Johnson Issues Statement in Response to Injunction Delaying Implementation of Overtime Rule

“I strongly disagree with Judge Mazzant’s decision to delay the implementation of this important rule to bring fair pay to everyday white-collar workers,” Congresswoman Johnson said.  “The Overtime Rule represents the culmination of an intensive rule-making process that was conducted in order to harmonize our labor laws with the 21st Century by including more workers under the protection of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  More than 40 years ago, 62 percent of full-time salaried workers were covered under the FLSA.  Today, that number is closer to just 7 percent of full-time salaried workers.  This is unacceptable.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Judge Mazzant’s ruling is the fourth time in the past 21 months that a federal judge in Texas has issued an injunction against one of President Barack Obama’s executive orders.  The U.S. Department of Labor will need to appeal the decision with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals if it seeks to overturn the decision.

In September, Congresswoman Johnson voted against the deceptively-named H.R. 6094 – the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, which would have delayed implementation of the Overtime Rule for six months.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Applauds Congresswoman Johnson and Significant Victory For Mental Health Reform

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) applauds a significant victory for the mental health community with the passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of HR 34, the 21stCentury Cures Act.

HR 34 will improve mental health care in America and reduce the unnecessary incarceration of people living with mental illness. The bill, which incorporates key provisions from the "Helping Families in Mental Health Act" (HR 2646) that passed the House in July, represents a new level of Congressional commitment to improve mental health care in our nation. This bipartisan effort will advance solutions to the mental health and substance abuse crisis that exists in communities across our country.

"One out of five Americans experience a mental health condition each year and at least half of them do not get the care they need," said NAMI Chief Executive Officer Mary Giliberti. "Mental illness affects everyone – individuals, family members, veterans, first responders. We applaud the passage of HR 34 as a solid start to advancing mental health care for all Americans and call on the U.S. Senate to swiftly follow with a strong bipartisan vote to send this legislation on to the President."

HR 34 incorporates advances that have the potential to shift mental health care in the right direction by breaking down barriers for individuals and families to access mental health services, expanding the availability of evidence-based practices and focusing on outcomes. HR 34 will also improve integration and program coordination across multiple federal agencies that serve people with mental illness and remove discriminatory impediments to mental health care.  Finally, HR 34 addresses the needs of people with mental illness who become entangled in the criminal justice system. 

Every year, NAMI hears firsthand, through thousands of calls to our HelpLine and other communications, from people who are struggling with their mental health and accessing care they need and deserve. HR 34 is an important step to address this crisis – which is illustrated by work force shortages, lack of community based services and hospital beds, and the highest suicide rates in 30 years.

"NAMI congratulates the U.S. House of Representatives for their significant efforts to improve mental health care in our country. We are particularly grateful to Representatives Tim Murphy (R. PA) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D. TX) for their tireless leadership and advocacy to get this important legislation passed.  Congress has clearly heard the hundreds of thousands of messages from NAMI advocates and members of the mental health community who never faltered in their call for improving programs and removing federal barriers to mental health care," Giliberti said.

About NAMI

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Congresswoman Johnson Leads Congressional Delegation to Taiwan

President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of November 21 with a delegation led by US Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, the president welcomed and thanked the group. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the post-election political situation in the United States, and on the state of Taiwan-US relations.

In remarks, President Tsai noted that Congresswoman Johnson had come to Taiwan this past May to attend her inauguration. The fact that Congresswoman Johnson has come a second time this year constitutes a show of recognition and support for Taiwan’s democratic accomplishments, for which the president is very grateful.

The president pointed out that Congresswoman Johnson has worked for many years to raise the status of women. In 2001 she founded the “A World of Women for World Peace Conference” to bring greater visibility to the women who are victims of war and aggression, and the women who engage in the peace movement. The president also expressed hope to engage in in-depth cooperation with Congresswoman Johnson on gender issues so that Taiwan can become a major base for promoting women’s rights in Asia.

Noting that the US had just carried out presidential and congressional elections on November 8, President Tsai congratulated Congresswoman Johnson on her recent election to a 13th consecutive term. She stressed that the US Congress in recent years has passed numerous legislations supporting Taiwan, and Congresswoman Johnson is one of many friends to Taiwan in the Congress who have played an important role in securing the passage of such legislations. President Tsai also said she was thankful for the fact that friends in the US have always come forth at critical junctures to emphasize the importance of Taiwan-US friendship, and she expressed hope that Congresswoman Johnson can continue to lend her great influence to support Taiwan’s participation in the international community.

President Tsai indicated her firm belief that the new US administration and Congress will continue to fulfill its commitment to the security of Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Taiwan and the US will certainly build on the excellent existing foundation to continue interacting closely on security, economy, and culture. And Taiwan will continue to contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

And finally, President Tsai reiterated that although Taiwan may find itself in a difficult position internationally, we nevertheless will do everything we can to make concrete contributions to the world.

Congratulations Congresswoman Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Her Start In Politics With NBC

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Her Start In Politics With NBC 5 as part of the series Different Shades Of Texas

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Her Start In Politics

Congresswoman Johnson - A Trailblazer In Politics

Congresswoman Johnson recently sat down with NBC 5's Kristi Nelson as part of the series Different Shades of Texas 

Congresswoman Johnson's Interview - A Trailblazer In Politics

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement On Nation's Report Card On Science: 2015

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the National Center for Education Statistics released the 2015 national and state-level science results for 4th and 8th graders and national results for high school seniors, known as the Nation’s Report Card. Over the course of three months, students were assessed on their understanding of subjects including physical science, life sciences, and Earth and space sciences, and were measured on how well they applied scientific principles.

“We have known for years that students are performing at ‘basic’ levels in many subjects including science. The most recent Nation’s Report Card shows that we are still making only limited progress with students. Furthermore, the achievement gap between white and minority and between poor and affluent students continues to be a problem.

“We need to recognize that investing in children’s education is a crucial investment in the country’s long term economic growth and competitiveness. We should be focusing on the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math courses in schools, professional development for teachers, and teacher training for advanced placement courses. This year’s Report Card is another reminder that much remains to be done to help our children succeed.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Ratification Of Paris Climate Agreement

Recently a gathering of European nations voted and formally signed the Paris Climate Agreement. This addition brought the count to 74 countries that have ratified the accord--accounting for 58.82% of global emissions; officially exceeding the number of countries and percentage of emissions required for the pact to take effect.   

“I am excited and proud that the Paris climate agreement has received enough support to take effect. This pact presents a significant opportunity for our nation to take a leading role, working in coordination with the international community, to address the threat of man-made climate change. It is my hope that the ratification of this agreement will not only be the impetus for new initiatives to promote responsible environmental policy worldwide, but that it will also help usher in an age of innovation in the fields of agriculture, energy, technology, and conservation. It is only with the cooperation of every nation that we can address the most serious environmental challenge in human history, and if we work together we can leave this planet a better place for our children and grandchildren.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Honors America's Veterans

“Today is a special day every year when all Americans pause to celebrate and commemorate the selfless sacrifices of the men and women that have served in our Armed Forces,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Veterans Day is our time to remember and reflect on the generations of citizens that have put on the uniform of a solider, marine, sailor, airman, or Coast Guardsman.”

“This Veterans Day, let us not forget the promise we have made to our veterans to uplift and support them when they leave the battlefield. As a Member of Congress, I carry the responsibility of protecting and caring for our veterans and their families with me each and every day. We must continue to work to improve veteran healthcare, maintain veteran education benefits, and ensure our veterans have the economic opportunities here at home once they transition out of active duty.”

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans come at a steep price that the men and women of our Military, past and present, have paid for us all.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Re-Elected To United States House Of Representatives For A Thirteenth Term

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has been re-elected to the United States House of Representatives for a thirteenth term. Congresswoman Johnson defeated three candidates and prevailed with 79% of the vote.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be re-elected to represent the people of the 30th congressional district of Texas. I want to thank every person that came out to the polls today and all the thousands of voters across my district that voted early. I’m so proud of our record turnout in early voting this year. During my time as an elected official, I have always been focused on serving my constituents first and foremost. The people of this district have shown a great deal of faith in me and they have recognized the hard work that I do on behalf of them. I, along with my staff in both the district and in Washington D.C., will continue to put the people of the 30th district of Texas first in this new Congressional session.”

“During the next term my primary focus will be on representing the needs and the interests of my district and my constituents. I currently serve as the Ranking Member on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. During the next term I plan on fighting to ensure that America doesn't take a step backward as a leader in technology and innovation. I will continue to fight for investments in scientific research, STEM education, and closing the digital divide. As the most senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will keep working to ensure that Texas remains a leader in the transportation industry. Our district is a transportation hub for not just the State of Texas, but the entire country. I will continue to work to bring federal resources to this area that will help to keep our local transportation industry as an innovative model for the rest of the country.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson  

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By Trinity River Authority

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was honored by the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) Board of Directors at TRA’s regular board meeting on Oct. 26 for her efforts and support toward pursuing federal legislation that will make the water resources of Joe Pool Lake, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, more available for use in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The Senate and the House of Representatives each passed a version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which reduced TRA’s interest obligation related to the construction of Joe Pool Lake, which will go a long way toward using the lake to benefit and enrich the North Texas area. “The process that led up to today has taken years of effort by Rep. Johnson and her staff,” said Kevin Ward, TRA’s general manager. “TRA is grateful for her leadership.”

Congresswoman Johnson Receives 100% Score From Humane Society

Congresswoman Johnson has received a 100% score from The Humane Society for her support of and leadership on legislation that protects the well being of animals.

"I am pleased to have received a 100% score from the Humane Society of America and I applaud their leadership on a variety of animal welfare issues." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Receives 100% Score From Leadership Conference On Civil & Human Rights

Congresswoman has received 100 % voting record from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. 

Members of Congress were graded on their voting record and demonstrated leadership on crucial civil rights protections including--equal pay, sexual assault in the military, education, voting rights, immigration, health care, transportation.

Texas Association of Realtors Endorses Congresswoman Johnson

The Texas Association of Realtors and TREPAC announced the slate of candidates receiving its support in the November general election.

Texas Association of Realtors Chairman Leslie Rouda Smith commended Congresswoman Johnson for her commitment to protecting private-property rights.

"The Texas Association of Realtors supports Congresswoman Johnson because she is committed to protecting the rights of Texas property owners at the state and federal level," Smith said.

Dallas Morning News Endorses Congresswoman Johnson

U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson is the kind of career politician whose strongest work is done in committee rooms away from the spotlight.

This effort has resulted in a long resume of accomplishments that warrant voters in the 30th Congressional District to return her to Washington for a 13th term. Challengers, Republican Charles Lingerfelt, Libertarian Jarrett R. Woods and Green Party candidate Thom Prentice, have no public service experience and are not ready for this job.

Johnson's seniority and clout helped her secure billions of federal dollars for North Texas for the Trinity River Project, mass transit, highways, bridges, flood control, road repairs and medical research. Plus, she is passionate about improving mental health and increasing federal funding for women pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math education. She backed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which put her at odds with some traditional union supporters. And as a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, she advocated for climate change legislation and dollars for scientific research. Johnson, 80, is also working with other North Texas lawmakers and the Army Corps of Engineers to repair Lewisville Lake dam.

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Dallas' Union Station To Be Renamed For Congresswoman Johnson

The Dallas City Council voted Tuesday to rename Union Station to honor longtime U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

The transit station will now be called Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station. The renaming coincides with Union Station's 100th anniversary.

The council's unanimous vote came after several council members took turns praising Johnson, a Dallas Democrat and the first woman and first black representative from Dallas. 

"She was a pioneer," Mayor Mike Rawlings said. "She is a heroine of Dallas like few have ever been."

Southern Dallas council members Erik Wilson and Casey Thomas proposed the renaming. Wilson has said former Mayor Ron Kirk, for whom the city renamed the Continental Avenue Bridge this year, suggested the idea.

Wilson said Tuesday that Johnson has been "a pillar" for Dallas and excelled in Congress when it was time to "bring home the bacon." Johnson's advocacy for transportation and Dallas Area Rapid Transit made the renaming especially fitting, he said.

Thomas said he has long watched Johnson from afar and has recently gotten to know her personally.

"I've come to admire her even more for her passion, her diligence," he said.

Council member Rickey Callahan said Johnson, who had served as a state legislator before she was elected to Congress in 1992, is a Dallas mainstay and deserved the honor.

"It was almost impossible to remember when we didn't know the name Eddie Bernice Johnson," Callahan said.

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Texas Schools To Test For Lead In Drinking Water And To Address Problems

"During the past year, the nation has watched a tragedy unfold in Flint, Mich., where the drinking water was severely contaminated by lead. Since kids returned to school last month, it's important to know that lead in drinking water is also a major problem in schools across the country, including right here in Texas.

Lead exposure, especially for children, can cause very serious health problems, including decreased bone and muscle growth, damage to the nervous system and kidneys, and developmental delays. In adults, lead exposure can cause kidney failure and high blood pressure.

Lead exposure from drinking water is not a new issue. Historically, lead was used in water mains, service lines, and plumbing fixtures, including in schools built before 1986. Over time, the lead leaches out of the pipes and fixtures and into the water coming out of the taps. Thirty years ago Congress banned the installation of lead pipes after research showed how exposure to lead can be dangerous, especially for children and pregnant women.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control agree there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood, but water utilities are required to take action only when lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion in 10 percent of test results.

Lead poisoning is irreversible. But is also preventable. If there is any place we should be preventing lead exposure, it should be in the place where our kids spend most of their time. Yet many school districts across the country have now confirmed lead contamination in schools' drinking water. In Texas, as of July, 28 out of 116 schools tested were found to have unsafe lead levels. 

Some school districts are taking action to get lead out of drinking water. Fort Worth Independent School District began testing drinking water at its 140 schools in June and posted the results online. They are now working to replace hundreds of drinking fountains that are more than 30 years old, eliminating some risk of lead contamination. In Houston and Dallas, all schools will be tested for lead by the end of the year.

All Texas schools should regularly and properly test their water for lead. Schools should post test results online in a timely manner so parents know immediately if their kids are at risk. Schools should be up-front with parents, letting them know that there is actually no safe level of lead in water — even if test results are below levels that trigger mandatory action. Ripping out lead pipes and replacing fixtures is the ultimate solution, but in the meantime, schools need to ensure that kids have safe drinking water right away by installing filters on drinking fountains or providing bottled water.

Testing and replacing lead pipes and fixtures will cost money, and the federal government should provide assistance to our schools. Fortunately, Congress is working to do just that. The Senate version of the Water Resources Development Act would distribute $4.8 billion for national water infrastructure management, including $220 million to address the Flint crisis; a grant program offering $300 million to replace lead pipes; and a new $20 million federal grant program for schools to test for lead. Congress should quickly approve this funding, and the Texas Legislature should match it with state funds in the spring.

 Children spend a significant portion of their young lives at school. We owe it to them to keep them safe from toxic chemicals that may impede their learning and harm their health." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Congresswoman Johnson Joins Congressional Black Caucus Members At Department Of Justice

Congressional Black Caucus members spoke to reporters at the Department of Justice about a letter they wrote to Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling for an investigation into the deaths of African Americans in police-involved incidents. Congresswoman Johnson joined CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield, and members of the CBC at the U.S. Department of Justice to address the systematic surveillance and profiling of African Americans by law enforcement in communities across the country:

“The Congressional Black Caucus is outraged and deeply troubled with the dozens of unlawful police shootings taking place all across America involving unarmed African American men, women and children,” said CBC Chairman Butterfield. “Tensions are very high in our country, and violence does not lead to justice. We urge Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the Department of Justice to aggressively pursue investigations, indictments and prosecutions through the Office of Civil Rights, against any and all law enforcement officers who harm or kill innocent, unarmed African Americans.  There must be a national standard regarding the use of lethal force, and the Congressional Black Caucus will not rest until fairness and justice have been brought to the victims, families and communities who have suffered at the hands of law enforcement.”

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Energy - Water Nexus Legislation

“I first want to thank my friend, Mr. Cartwright, for joining me in introducing this legislation, which calls attention to the critical link between energy and water and instructs the Department of Energy to ensure due consideration of water issues in its research, development, and demonstration programs.

“As we all know, especially those of us who represent Texas and other southwestern and western states, water is a very valuable and at times rare commodity nowadays. We have experienced crippling droughts in recent years, so it is vital that we do as much as possible to use this commodity wisely. However, not many people are aware of the importance of water to energy generation and, similarly, the crucial role that energy plays in the delivery of safe, sanitary water to our constituents.

“The Energy and Water Research Integration Act is a proactive measure that takes into account recent studies produced by the Department of Energy and the Electric Power Research Institute, both of which have highlighted how closely connected energy production and water usage are. This bill encourages research into energy technologies that would improve and minimize the use of water in energy production, and also establishes a mechanism for federal agencies to work with state and local governments and other stakeholders to advance our understanding of what is known as the ‘energy-water nexus.’ In addition, the bill requires a regularly updated strategic plan to guide these efforts. These provisions are important, positive steps towards using our limited resources in the most efficient and effective way possible.

“I would like to commend the Department of Energy for taking substantive action on this issue in recent years under the leadership of Secretary Moniz, but I certainly do not want us to take any step backward as we move on to the next Administration. This bill will ensure that activities to address the energy-water nexus remain a priority within the Department, and provide additional tools to better guide these efforts well into the future.

“I should also note that the legislation Mr. Cartwright and I are introducing has a bipartisan pedigree – the widely respected former Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and fellow Texan Mr. Ralph Hall joined me in introducing this bill in the 113th Congress. All the more reason that I believe all of my colleagues should support it. Working together, we can continue to demonstrate a bipartisan commitment to research and development in this vital area.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Selected As Conferee For Major Energy Legislation

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was appointed as a member of the conference committee of lawmakers selected to reconcile the House and Senate versions of major energy legislation.  Ranking Member Johnson will be negotiating the portions of the legislation that fall under the Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s jurisdiction, primarily research, development, and demonstration activities carried out by the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The House Amendment to the Energy Policy and Modernization Act of 2016 – S. 2012 would gut R&D related to clean energy and to electricity delivery and reliability - precisely the R&D that will help secure our nation’s energy future. In addition to these harmful cuts, there are a number of concerning policy provisions in the House bill. For example, it would bar the results of any DOE-supported fossil energy R&D activity from being ‘used for regulatory assessments or determinations by Federal regulatory authorities.’ This could essentially ban the EPA or FERC from using the most up-to-date research results when they set rules to protect our air, land, and water and prevent health hazards to our children and the elderly associated with fossil fuel use.”

“The portion that falls under the Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s jurisdiction is identical to the energy portion of the Majority’s COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, a partisan bill that could cause grievous and lasting harm to U.S. scientific leadership and economic competitiveness.

“As conferee, I will do everything I can to push back against these irresponsible cuts and policy provisions. It is my hope that we can work in a bipartisan, bicameral manner on a bill that will help us take advantage of promising opportunities and help us face our energy and environmental challenges in the coming years.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement on Republicans’ Wrong Way Anti-Science Economic Agenda

“It is glaring that for an agenda that talks about a ‘better way to grow our economy’, it says not one word about investing in the R&D that spurs innovation. Perhaps this is not surprising in light of the fact that this year, the Republican budget plan would cut non-defense discretionary programs to irresponsibly low levels; this account includes funding for basic research, energy technology innovation, aeronautics and space exploration, manufacturing, climate science, and any of the other important elements of our nation’s R&D and innovation enterprise. The facts are clear.  Research and education lead to innovation.  Innovation leads to economic development and good paying jobs and the revenue to pay for more research. This agenda is not the way to create an America that is confident in its future wellbeing and competitiveness.

“Of course, the majority of this ‘economic agenda’ calls for making it harder for the federal government to issue and enforce the very regulations that are designed to protect the health of the American people and the environment. This agenda actually says that ‘methane emissions from those [oil and gas] wells have been kept under control’ while we’re still trying to come to terms with just how bad the Aliso Canyon methane leak, the largest methane leak in U.S. history, was. It calls for weakening the federal government’s role in implementing clean water regulations, though we’re still reeling from the lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan. And, it calls for the repeal of regulations that deal with climate change, including the Clean Power Plan, while the U.S. and rest of the world works to honor the commitment recently made to address our most serious environmental challenge.

“As an aside, I was surprised to see the Harvard Six Cities Study dredged up again in this report. It’s emblematic of the Republican war on science that they continue to question one of the most world renowned health studies conducted by distinguished scientists at one of our Nation’s premier scientific institutions. In their bizarre attempt to question whether air pollution is unhealthy, the Republicans on our Committee tried to acquire the personal health information of thousands of American citizens who participated in this, and other, health studies. Disappointed that doctors wouldn’t turn over the confidential medical files of more than 8,000 adults and 14,000 children in six U.S. cities to politicians for no legitimate scientific reason, the Republicans decided to try through their ‘Secret Science Reform Act’ to ban EPA from using these crucial studies.

“As I said when we considered the secret science bill in the House earlier this year, this is a bill that would force a public health agency to ignore science. Legislation like the Secret Science bill makes me fear that what we now have is a Majority party which ignores science, ignores public health, and ignores environmental damage—all for the sake of the polluting industries who have endorsed the Majority’s actions. Now I don’t begrudge these companies for supporting legislation that helps their bottom lines. It’s to be expected. What concerns me is that this Congress no longer looks at industry’s requests with a critical eye. We simply rubber stamp them, without any regard for our nation’s scientific experts, health experts, or environmental experts and their concerns.

“There is nothing new and certainly nothing better in this ‘Better Way’ economic agenda. It is simply more of the same tired Republican talking points – anti-regulation, anti-science, pro-pollution at the expense of public health.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member, House Committee On Science Space & Technology

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Celebrates the Bipartisan Passage of the ‘Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis’ Act

“H.R. 2646 is a demonstration of more than three years of collaboration between not only myself and Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA), the sponsor of the bill, but the many other members and organizations that came to the table to offer feedback, suggestions, and at times criticism. The end result is a bill that remains focused on enabling the most severely mentally ill to access the treatment they desperately deserve while allowing their family and caregivers to help them along the way.”

This legislation contains several necessary provisions including the establishment of an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. It eases our nation’s chronic shortage of psychiatric beds and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to clarify confusing HIPAA rules surrounding mental health patients. The legislation also increases grant programs that have proven results in helping individuals with serious mental illness gain access to treatment like Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Assertive Community Treatment.

As two of the few mental health providers serving in Congress at this time, Congressman Murphy and I have always been focused on the need of the severely mentally ill. While the homeless and prison populations are particularly vulnerable to mental illness, they are the individuals that get the least amount of attention and access to mental health services. Through our work, we have gained a deep understanding of patient needs. Right now, those needs are not being met. I am hopeful that this bill will be a framework to help us move the needle forward on mental health treatment in America. We still have a long way to go, but the passage of this legislation is certainly a big step forward.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Honors The 51st Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act

“Fifty one years ago, President Johnson signed into law one of the greatest guardians of American democracy, the Voting Rights Act. Since the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court three years ago, voters throughout our country have seen more restrictive voting laws. Right here at home in Texas, we have seen the elderly, minorities, and students blatantly disenfranchised by restrictive voter ID laws.” 

  “ We in Congress have a responsibility to ensure our democracy does not take a step backward, and we must start by renewing the Voting Rights Act. Too many people throughout the history of our Nation have given their lives to ensure the right to vote for every American. I join my Democratic colleagues in calling upon House Republican Members to support bipartisan legislation to fully restore the protections of the Voting rights Act. Free and fair elections, where every person’s vote counts, are the foundation our democracy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks Out Against Donald Trump's Dangerous Rhetoric

"This Election Day, America faces a simple choice between two individuals. While Donald Trump and his employees were busy denying apartments to minority applicants, Hillary Clinton was fighting to desegregate schools so that all students, no matter their ethnicity, had an equal opportunity to a quality education. While Donald Trump questions the motives of a federally appointed judge due to their ethnicity; Hillary and I promote the idea of diversifying professions where minorities are underrepresented. And while Donald Trump has the nerve to propose a religious ideological test for individuals wishing to enter the United States; Citizens across this country including Secretary Clinton and myself believe that immigrants can contribute to move our country forward, regardless of their religion.

Over the past thirty years, I have come to know Secretary Clinton and have had the opportunity to work with her on a range of issues such as civil rights, health care, immigration, and environmental protection. She has a long track record of demonstrated leadership on many issues and is hands down the most qualified candidate to ever seek the presidency. Her hard work and list of accomplishments speak for themselves. For these reasons, I am proud to endorse Secretary Clinton for President.

Simply put, Donald Trump fails to exemplify anything that makes America great; instead, he promotes the same hateful rhetoric of white supremacists and right-wing extremists. Secretary Clinton on the other hand provides us an opportunity to build on the hard work of President Obama and continue to make this country greater. As a diverse nation we can and should only go forward Please join me in supporting Hillary Clinton for President." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson's Mental Healthcare Bill Would Move Assistance To Families During Mental Health Crisis

By now, many of us are informed with a tragic story of Jeff Cornick, who suffered from bipolar commotion and strangled himself in his jail dungeon on his 46th birthday.

Why didn’t Cornick get a diagnosis he desperately needed? He was involuntarily committed 3 times in a final several years of his life. But, on release, Cornick would fundamentally never follow by with his medical appointments and eventually turn into psychosis that once again compulsory hospitalization or resulted in another confront with a police. His final confront with a rapist probity complement left behind a family.

The many comfortless partial of Cornick’s story is that he is not an curiosity in America’s mental health system.

There are scarcely 10 million other Americans who also onslaught with critical mental illness, including critical depression, bipolar commotion and schizophrenia. Many of them are also going untreated, ensuing in incarceration, violence, homelessness and sometimes, like in Cornick’s case, genocide — a list of sorrows is long.

For years, a series of mentally ill prisoners in America has consistently climbed. In Iowa, there are scarcely 3 times some-more people behind bars than receiving diagnosis in a hospital. But this creates sense; a state usually has 10 percent of a beds necessary to accommodate a needs of a race with critical mental illness — among a misfortune ranking in a United States.

It was good documented that Cornick had mixed encounters with military officers before his final detain in 2015. This is not odd for people with critical mental illness, though infrequently a formula of these encounters are tragic. It has been widely reported that people with untreated critical mental illness are 16 times some-more expected to be killed after being stopped by military than other individuals. Those with a critical mental illness series usually 1 in 50 people, though paint during slightest 1 in 4 deadly law coercion encounters

Meanwhile, a check to assistance a millions of Americans who also humour is stalled in Congress since Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, a member of a House Energy and Commerce Committee, is refusing to join more than 180 bipartisan co-sponsors, including Rep. David Young, R-Iowa.

Introduced by Reps. Tim Murphy and Eddie Bernice Johnson, a Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015 focuses reforms where they are indispensable a many by fostering evidence-based care, augmenting a series of psychiatric beds and lenient caregivers underneath HIPAA remoteness laws.

The law would assistance forestall unnecessary pang by those with mental illness behind bars by ensuring that people who need diagnosis get it before they turn caught in a rapist probity complement by compelling assisted outpatient treatment — a module proven to revoke hospitalization, homelessness and bonds while obscure a costs of caring for people with critical mental illness.

SOURCE: Des Moines Register

Congresswoman Johnson Played By Cicely Tyson On "House Of Cards"

Cicely Tyson plays Doris Jones, a new character on the popular Netflix series House of Cardsthat is loosely based on U.S. Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson.

In the show, the character of Claire Underwood, played by Dallas native Robin Wright, plans to run for the 30th District seat — represented in Congress by Johnson in the real world — and thinks she can persuade Jones to support her candidacy when Jones retires.

In the real world, Johnson has held the District 30 seat since 1993, when it was created through redistricting. Johnson, now 80, won her 2016 primary in a landslide.

No spoilers here, but the fictional Claire Underwood might learn a lesson from Barbara Caraway, Johnson’s primary opponent in real life. Claire, you’re not getting the endorsement.

And some advice to Miss Tyson: EBJ may be 80, but try keeping up with her. She’s non-stop energy who never shows her frustration over serving on the science and technology committee with people who don’t believe in science. OK, she shows a little frustration. OK, draw it out of her and she has hysterically funny stories about them.

SOURCE: Dallas Voice, David Taffet

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 13th Annual Eddie Bernice Johnson Math & Science Lecture Series

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted the 13th installment of the University of Texas at Dallas’ “Eddie Bernice Johnson Math and Science Lecture Series” at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in Dallas, Texas. This lecture series was started by the University of Texas at Dallas in an effort to expose Dallas-area high school students to career opportunities, and accomplished professionals in the disciplines of math and science.

“We’re not here today just to get you out of class or entertain you for an hour,” Congresswoman Johnson told the gathered students. “We’ve come today with a particular request from each of you. We are seeking your commitment to Science and Math, because we need you. Our nation needs your talent and your brain power. We need students from your diverse backgrounds, unique life experiences and creative prowess to ensure that our nation remains globally competitive.”

High school students at Townview were able to hear and learn from two of NASA’s bright and rising coming stars. Astronaut Tyler Hague, a member of 2013 NASA astronaut class, spoke to the students about his journey to becoming an astronaut and telling the students that they could follow him and others into the space program. "Your personal journey begins where you start, and each of you can go anywhere," said Astronaut Hague. "Dream big and don't give up."

The keynote address was given by Vanessa Wyche, the Assistant Director of Technical and Management Integration for Johnson Space Center. She also shared her career journey with the students. Assistant Director Wyche explained why STEM is so integral for high school students and for the pursuit of careers in the future.

"I decided that I wanted to pursue a STEM career when I went to college," said Vanessa E. Wyche. " I worked on the space shuttle and helped to assemble the space station. Our country needs the minds and talents of students such as you so that we can continue the exploration of space which is vital to our nation's future growth and development."