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