Congresswoman Johnson To Host Annual World Of Women For World Peace Conference

Congresswoman Johnson will host her annual conference: A World of Women for World Peace to bring a greater visibility to women who are victims of war and aggression and women who promote peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building activities in their communities. This year’s conference will address the Israel-Palestine peace process and promote a discussion of new ideas for a lasting solution to the conflict. The event will be held at UNT Dallas College of Law on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Mission Of The March For Science

Today, science advocates, educators, supporters, and scientists are taking a stance in defense of science, scientists, and evidence-based policymaking that have been under attack, and marching on the National Mall in Washington, DC, in addition to hundreds of satellite marches across the globe.
 
Earlier this week, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), along with all of the Democratic Members of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology introduced H.Res. 273, supporting the principles and goals of the March for Science.
Ranking Member Johnson the following statement.
 
“Though I am disheartened by the fact that there currently is a need to defend the ‘vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies, and governments,’ I am thrilled to see such a large and diverse group of people passionate about science, invested in the future of scientific discovery, and committed to the need for science-based policy making.
 
“Many areas of scientific study have come under pernicious political scrutiny over the past several years, from climate change research to research grants with ‘silly’ or odd sounding titles. There have even been instances of scientists being bullied because of their research. Unfortunately, this trend has worsened over the past several months. Budget plans proposing major cuts to our science agencies; the continued denial of climate change by senior figures in the Administration; and the attempted silencing of federal scientists, among many other anti-scientific actions, are all alarming, unacceptable, and will do serious long term damage to our nation if they continue.
 
“Science shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I hope that Members on both sides of the aisle are supporting all of the goals of today’s march.
 
“I am proud to have the opportunity to participate in the March on Science in Dallas, TX and support their official mission, which ‘champions robustly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity.’" - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

SOURCE: SpaceRef.com
 

Congresswoman Johnson Receives The 2017 Literacy Champion Award By Reading Is Fundamental

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson received the 2017 Literacy Champion Award from Reading is Fundamental (RIF), recognizing her commitment to early childhood literacy.

“RIF’s Literacy Champion Award recognizes the remarkable contributions of individuals in the field of children’s literacy. RIF is committed to creating collaborative relationships with advocates who share our goal of ensuring all children have access to the fundamental building blocks they need to succeed,” said Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental.

“We are thrilled to honor Representative Johnson for her ongoing commitment to families in need, leadership in the community, and her continued support of RIF and strong education programs like the U.S. Department of Education’s Innovative Approaches to Literacy program in promoting the life-changing power of literacy.”

Since its inception in 2012, Congresswoman Johnson has led the congressional effort to sustain funding for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, which provides high-quality literacy training to children that need it. The program has granted over 120 awards to areas across the country, including the DFW Metroplex. This year, the Congresswoman garnered the support of 146 of her colleagues from both sides of the aisle, marking the highest level of congressional support that the program has ever received.

“I am honored to be recognized by such a charitable organization as Reading is Fundamental. While I appreciate this recognition, the true champions of literacy are our nation’s librarians, educators, and literacy advocates, including our partner organizations Reading is Fundamental, Reach Out and Read, and the American Library Association,” said Congresswoman Johnson. Their selfless work inspires me, and supporting the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program is my way of helping. I am proud to stand with so many of my colleagues in support of early childhood literacy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Passage Of Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act

Climate and weather are not fundamentally partisan concerns—they affect all of our constituents, regardless of their party affiliation.  The bill we are considering today, which is the culmination of more than four years of bi-partisan compromise and negotiation, demonstrates what can be accomplished if we work together to address the concerns of our constituents.

"Weather affects all of us each and every day. It is a constant presence in our lives. Extreme weather events, which are becoming more severe and more frequent, are damaging lives and property in my home state of Texas, across the continental U.S., and all the way to the islands of Hawaii.

Sadly, the devastation caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather incidents has become a far too familiar occurrence for far too many Americans. It should go without saying that we need to help Americans avoid and cope with these potentially devastating events, by utilizing the very best weather forecasting and warning capabilities.

In that regard, the National Weather Service and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research at NOAA play a central role in protecting the lives and property of every American.  H.R. 353 will help accelerate innovation that NOAA can make use of, turning cutting-edge weather research into essential weather forecasting tools and products; tools that forecasters can then use to protect American lives.

The legislation improves collaboration and cooperation within NOAA, and removes barriers that exist between the weather research community, our nation’s forecasters, and the private-sector weather enterprise. Improving these relationships will strengthen the accuracy and timing of our weather predictions and ultimately will save lives and make our communities safer.

H.R. 353 also reauthorizes NOAA’s tsunami warning activities. Communities along our western coasts are particularly impacted by the threat of tsunamis. While this bill reauthorizes tsunami warning and research activities at NOAA, it does so at a level far below current Agency spending. Such a cut makes little sense.  Even in a tough fiscal climate, we should be wary of cuts to programs that negatively affect our ability to protect American lives and property from natural disasters.

I want to applaud Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici for her fight to retain funding for these programs at their current level, and hope that we can work together with our colleagues to maintain current tsunami funding when it comes time for appropriations.

Mr. Speaker, strengthening our resilience to severe weather events is both vital and necessary to strengthen our nation’s economic security. H.R. 353 will advance our weather forecasting capabilities, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Congressional Award Texas Ceremony

Congresswoman Johnson hosted the 2017 Congressional Award Texas Ceremony for youth who have exhibited a willingness to voluntarily help others in the community, while reinforcing their own strengths in areas of personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration in their communities. The event was held at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. This is the first time that the ceremony has been held in Dallas.

Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College, delivered the keynote address and offered an inspiring message about unity and servant leadership to the award recipients and all in attendance. “In this time and in this era we need leaders who understand that it is more important than ever to love something greater than yourself,” said Dr. Sorrell. “You are responsible for leading those who agree with you, and those who don’t agree with you. If you are going to stand up and hold yourself out to be a leader, then you are doing it not just for the group who sits next to you, you are doing it for those people you may never meet, that you may never see, who exist in neighborhoods that you may never travel, but they need you too.”

Before the presentation of medals and certificates, Congresswoman Johnson spoke directly to the award recipients on stage. In her remarks she encouraged each of the young men and women to not limit themselves with labels, and challenged them to overcome every obstacle and any circumstance.

“Let me assure you, you can start from anywhere, and work to get to any place you want to get to, and this nation offers that opportunity,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “You have to make the most of your opportunities and the opportunities are there.

I applaud you for coming this far and I applaud you for loving your country enough to do something positive. But I challenge you to love your country enough to give it your very best because it will be the results of your giving, that will determine how great this nation really is. You have a part to play, you have a responsibility.”

Background:

The Congressional Award is promoted throughout the country by Members of the House who share with their constituents a unique opportunity to provide today’s youth with the tools they need to thrive as adults. It is the United States Congress’ first and only award specifically for young Americans between ages 14 to 23. The award is non-partisan, voluntary, non-competitive, and accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

Congresswoman Johnson Announces Formation Of Texas Maritime Caucus

"The mission of the Caucus is to promote Texas ports and waterway districts, illustrate the importance of the ports and waterways to areas of the state and nation beyond the Gulf of Mexico, and advocate for changes in current law to facilitate optimal import and export of cargo and the transportation of passengers. The group plans on making ports a national conversation.

“It is a great opportunity to work with my colleagues across the aisle to launch the Texas Maritime Caucus. I believe that this Caucus will allow us to discuss and arrive at effective policy solutions to raise awareness around Texas ports and the economic value they bring to our nation,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

“I’m hopeful that under the Trump Administration we will get regulations out of the way so we can get moving and improve our ports,” said Rep. Farenthold. “President Trump’s commitment to infrastructure and deregulation will be good for our ports.”

“A Texas Maritime Caucus is long overdue. Together with the Caucus, our House colleagues, and the President, we aim to improve infrastructure, cut back regulations, and focus on the importance of maritime transportation and trade,” said Rep. Weber.

“American manufacturing is coming back, and Texas is ready to lead the way. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration and my colleagues in Congress to make sure that our ports, harbors, and waterways are able to maximize their potential. This Caucus, as well as the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will play a critical role in those efforts, and I am honored to serve as a member of both,” said Rep. Brian Babin.

The Texas Transportation Commissioner applauds the Caucus’ efforts.

“The maritime industry plays an integral role in the operation of our state’s freight system,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III. “With a concentrated effort in advancing maritime operations, Texas stands ready to embrace continued positive economic development opportunities facilitated by this industry – more than 1.5 million jobs and $368 billion in economic value in our state in 2015. We look forward to working with the Caucus to raise awareness of Texas ports’ breadth of activity, resources, and importance to the national economy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Background:

Maritime transportation and associated facilities have always been an important component of the State of Texas’ transportation system.  The state has 270 miles of deep draft channels along with 11 deep draft public ports.  There are also 750 miles of shallow draft channels and more than 9 shallow draft public ports.  Nearly one out of five vessels over 10,000 dead weight tons calling on US ports are served by Texas ports.  With the deepening of the Panama Canal and the expected increase in worldwide waterborne trade, Texas waterways are projected to move over 766 million tons by 2030.

With the large number of seaports and miles of inland waterways, these gateways account for more than 17 percent of Texas’ gross state product, making it one of the country’s largest maritime states.  In addition to affecting the employment of nearly one million Texans, the ports help to generate over $135 billion annually in economic activity and approximately $5 billion in tax revenue.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Congressional Forum On Civil Rights Under Trump Administration - First 100 Days

Members of Congress who have championed civil rights held a forum on Thursday titled “Civil Rights Under the Trump Administration-The First 100 Days.” Witnesses covered a range of issues highlighting the troubling trend of the Administration pulling back federal enforcement of civil rights protections, including non-discrimination protections for the transgender community.

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Representative Cedric Richmond (D-LA) hosted the forum, and were joined by House Committee On Science Space & Technology Ranking Member Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Representative Al Lawson (D-FL), Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), and Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL).

Several witnesses and Members of Congress spoke about the recent Trump Administration actions attempting to dismantle transgender rights. Gavin Grimm, a transgender student who is the plaintiff in the landmark ACLU case G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board, told the packed room about his fight to be treated fairly at his school after his school board mandated that he not be allowed to use the boys’ restroom. He also spoke about the administration’s withdrawal of guidance outlining protections for transgender students and the message that the move sent to transgender young people--that the leader of our country doesn’t care about protecting them from discrimination.

Catherine Lhamon, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, was instrumental in creating the transgender student guidance. The guidance, which was issued in 2016, simply clarified schools’ obligations to protect transgender students under Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in educational programs. She spoke about how damaging it was to transgender young people to remove the guidance. She also decried the appointment of Roger Severino to lead the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services, noting that the only experience he has with civil rights in healthcare is his vocal opposition to the vital transgender non-discrimination protections included in the Affordable Care Act.

Roy Austin, former director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity under President Obama, spoke about the disproportionate levels of bullying and violence that transgender people face on a daily basis.

Witnesses also focused on a recent announcement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the Justice Department would be backing off of efforts to reform local police departments. They talked about the administration pivoting away from enforcement of voting rights and fair housing rules, and several touched on law enforcement profiling of religious minorities and dangerous new immigration policies.

It is clear that in its first few months, the Trump Administration has worked to undermine the civil rights advancements our nation has developed over the past six decades. HRC will continue to stand with our coalition partners across the civil rights community to fight against every attempt to dismantle our rights.

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Trump To Consult Congress Before Taking Action In Syria

“On April 6, 2017, without the authorization of Congress, President Trump ordered airstrikes in Syria as a response to the recent horrific use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad.  Although the United States does not support the actions and treatment of Bashar al-Assad, President Trump and his Administration must first consult with Congress to develop a comprehensive strategy that clearly states the United States’ intent in interactions with Syria. We have a larger issue that needs to be addressed and one night of attacks does not end the continuous troubles seen in Syria.”

“The Administration needs to work with Congress in finding a solution to handle the humanitarian crisis that continues to devastate Syria and find a way to protect the Syrian people from continuous violence.  Our country should not force an escalated situation by putting innocent lives at risk.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson