Congresswoman Johnson Receives Dallas County AFL-CIO 2018 Primary Endorsement

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received the endorsement of Dallas County AFL-CIO in the 2018 Democratic Primary.

AFL- CIO weighed many factors in this endorsement including Congresswoman Johnson's experience, knowledge of issues, legislative accomplishments, and commitment to advancing the shared goals of working men and women of the United States.

"I am proud to have received the endorsement of Dallas County AFL-CIO in the 2018 Democratic Primary. I look forward to continuing our work together to build an economy that works for all Americans." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Compassion On Syrian Refugee Crisis

“As a result of horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France and Beirut, Lebanon last week, many elected officials in the United States are demanding that we stop admitting refugees fleeing Syria. While this rhetoric is disheartening and disappointing, we are facing a global refugee crisis that requires a global response. With 60 million people displaced, the United States must do its part to help protect and resettle vulnerable families and children who are fleeing violence and persecution.

“In Dallas, we have always shown our compassion to those who seek safety. I refuse to slam the door on a small fraction of the world’s Syrian refugees. In fact, 184 Syrian refugees have already been placed in Texas and we will certainly welcome more. While we must continue to ensure that screening procedures are able to properly vet those seeking political asylum in this country. I refuse to turn my back on the children and families who are fleeing the atrocities in their homeland and that is not the answer to defeating terrorism. Instead, we must show compassion by promoting peace and diplomacy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Source: Dallas Voice

Congresswoman Johnson Named As Conferee On Transportation Bill

Lawmakers in the House moved quickly to appoint conferees to a potential conference on highway funding with the Senate after passing a $325 billion transportation package on Thursday morning. 

Both chambers are hoping to meet ahead of a Nov. 20 deadline for renewing federal road funding that is currently set to expire on that date. 

Leaders in the House appointed 16 Republicans and 12 Democrats to sit in on the forthcoming negotiations with the Senate, including Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who are the top ranking lawmakers on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 

“This is an outstanding, hard-working group of Members,” Shuster said in a statement.  “I am confident that we will be able to take the strong House bill approved today, resolve any differences we have with the Senate’s position, and produce a final measure that improves our nation’s infrastructure and reforms our transportation programs.”

The highway bill that was approved by the House on Thursday calls for spending $261 billion on highways and $55 billion on transit over six years. The legislation authorizes highway funding for six years, but only if Congress can come up with a way to pay for the final three years. The bill was approved in a 363-64 vote.

The Senate passed a similar piece of legislation that contained three years' worth of guaranteed highway funding in July, and lawmakers in the upper chamber have said they are eager to get to conference. 

"Today the House of Representatives gave strong bipartisan support for a long-term surface transportation bill, which enables us to move forward to conference so we can work out our differences and get this legislation to the President’s desk by Thanksgiving," said Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who are the top ranking Republican and Democrat, respectively, on the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. 

"Businesses, labor, states, and local communities are depending on us to pass a consensus-based, bipartisan bill which provides funding certainty that will enable them to modernize our nation’s highways, bridges, and transit systems," the Senate duo continued. "We are also pleased that this bill provides the opportunity for increased investment in our aging infrastructure.”

Other Republican highway bill conferees announced on Thursday by the House include Reps. John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.); Sam Graves (R-Mo.); Candice Miller (R-Mich.); Rick Crawford (R-Ark.); Lou Barletta (R-Pa.); Blake Farenthold (R-Texas); Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio); Jeff Denham (R-Calif.); Reid Ribble (R-Wis.); Scott Perry (R-Pa.); Rob Woodall (R-Ga.); John Katko (R-N.Y.); Brian Babin (R-Texas); Cresent Hardy (R-Nev.) and Garret Graves (R-La.). 

Source: The Hill

Congresswoman Johnson's and Congressman Murphy's Op-Ed On Their "Helping Families In Mental Health Crisis Act"

It is a cycle we all know too well: a breaking news alert of an incident of mass violence in a small town or on a college campus, closely followed by reports of the perpetrator's history of mental illness. Political leaders are quick to tweet prayers to the victims' families, and rail over laws on mental health or gun control. But no tangible commitments are made or action taken, and the legislative effort is soon forgotten. A month or two later, CNN cuts into programming to go live to the scene of another tragedy. In the meantime, American families wonder if their children are even safe - at school or in any other public place. They want to know why lawmakers aren't taking action.

While the vast majority of individuals with serious mental illness are non-violent, we have learned that many individuals who committed mass violence lacked the treatment they needed and deserved. In many instances, perpetrators of mass violence sought mental health treatment prior to turning to aggression. But oftentimes, because of federal barriers and archaic regulations, access was either denied or even unavailable, and their illness went untreated.

Federal policy is to blame for the shortage of psychiatric beds, leaving individuals with serious mental illness nowhere to go. These men and women in need of medical care are cast aside, left alone on a park bench, locked up in a jail cell or left in the shadows of a homeless shelter, where their illness only worsens.

Our mental health system is in crisis, and it has been for several decades. To say otherwise is offensive to the millions of American families and caregivers who have been trapped in a cruel system that shut them out as their loved ones deteriorate. While the federal government spends approximately $130 billion each year on mental health, basic services are not available for patients in need of care. Further, despite a decrease in the number of lives lost to HIV/AIDS, stroke, heart disease and cancer, suicides and suicide attempts are climbing.

Together, we have worked on a bipartisan crisis mental health bill to provide millions of Americans treatment before tragedy. As a psychologist in the Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps and a nonpracticing registered nurse who specialized in psychiatry, we have authored H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, a critical piece of legislation that reforms our broken mental health system so that our population with serious mental illness can access critical psychiatric care in a time of crisis. This bill would make the necessary criminal justice and health-care system reforms to enable these individuals to access treatment before they become violent.

The Helping Families In Mental Health Crisis Act empowers parents and caregivers to access care before a mental health condition becomes a mental health crisis; fixes shortages of inpatient beds; helps reach underserved and rural populations; expands the mental health workforce; drives evidence-based care; provides alternatives to institutionalization; integrates primary and behavior care; increases physician volunteerism; advances critical medical research; and puts teeth into the existing parity laws that require health insurers to cover mental health and substance abuse care in the way they cover physical health care.

Quite simply, this legislation provides us the needed tools to save lives. Every person has a right to treatment, and a right to be well. Our bill not only has widespread bipartisan support, it has also garnered endorsements from nearly every police and mental health organization in this country. Expressing our grief and condolences are important and should happen, but millions of Americans deserve more than these gestures. In moments like this, leaders take action. We urge every congressman and congresswoman to join us in supporting the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. The time is now.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Release Of Research On Innovative Programs To Address Mental Health System

“As the nation continues to realize the tragic consequences of a deficient mental health care system, NIMH has been diligently searching for solutions for patients with schizophrenia. Innovative programs and key research at NIMH are being utilized across the country to transition from a crisis-centered model to an approached focused on early psychiatric intervention. The results clearly demonstrate that patients not only benefit from these programs, but they are more likely to recover and live a highly fulfilling life.”

The briefing presented results from the NIMH-funded Recovery After Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) study and called for our nation to move from a crisis-driven mental health system to an early response system. Researchers, physicians, and patients involved in the RAISE program shared their findings and stories on the benefits of treating patients through a coordinated array of evidence-based specialty care early in the course of their illnesses.

Given the current state of our mental health care system, early preventative care is critical to ensure that our population’s mental health needs are met and that future tragedies are avoided. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, a bi-partisan bill co-sponsored by Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA), will allow effective preventative care like RAISE to be implemented in communities across the country.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives 100% Score From Humane Society Of America

“I am honored to have received a score of ‘100’ from the Humane Society Legislative Fund and the Humane Society of the United States for the votes I have submitted in favor of animal welfare during the first session of the 114th Congress. I am committed to putting policies in place that protect animals from all forms of abuse and cruelty, and will continue to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals for the rest of this Congress and beyond.”

The preview scorecard analyzes members’ votes on key legislation affecting animal welfare thus far in the 114th Congress, including, but not limited to, House Resolution (H.R.) 3268, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, and H.R. 2822, an amendment to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The PAST Act allows for harsher punishments for “soring,” a painful process used on Tennessee horses to give them higher gaits for horseshows, and H.R. 2822 removes political riders from the ESA, thus ensuring endangered species are protected because of sound science, not ignored because of political disagreements.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has voted for every piece of legislation identified by the Humane Society Legislative Fund thus far in the 114th Congress. The official scorecard will be released in January, after the first session of this Congress concludes.

Congresswoman Johnson Supports EPA's Efforts To Cut Methane Emissions

"The EPA recently proposed to reduce methane emissions from one of its largest sources -- the oil and gas industry. Methane is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its greenhouse gas effects and as such, cutting methane emissions is critical to addressing climate change. This proposal is one piece of the broader effort we need to ensure our children and grandchildren have a healthy environment and vibrant future in the face of climate change.  

As a Texan, I know both the importance and the impact of oil and natural gas development in this country.  Our economy has relied on fossil fuels to power our manufacturing base, our transportation and agricultural sectors, and more.  And, for the foreseeable future, the country will continue to develop these resources and technologies to achieve our energy, economic, national security, and, in some cases, our environmental objectives. However, we must acknowledge that the development of any fossil fuel resource can have significant negative environmental impacts. Those impacts affect the very oceans we fish, the air we breathe, and the water we drink.  These too have real economic value that needs to be protected.  While few people get rich from clean air and water, as a former nurse I know that everyone benefits from a healthier environment.   

Some will say that EPA regulations are killing the economy and jobs, and that this proposal won’t make any real difference in addressing climate change, and that industry and the state of Texas do not need the federal government to tell them how to protect public health and the environment.  As much as some might wish for a world where big environmental issues are addressed voluntarily by industry or through the workings of the free market, or through individual state regulations, it just does not work that way.  

These methane regulations will not only benefit our public health and environment, but they will be a boon for industry as well. Currently, the oil and gas industry emits enough methane pollution into the air to heat more than 6 million homes each winter. Once implemented, these regulations will curb and prevent this waste, allowing the oil and gas industry to capture and sell more of its own product. 

Tackling methane pollution will also create high-quality jobs in a growing domestic manufacturing and service sector supporting common sense and cost effective methane control technologies. States like my home state of Texas, which has the highest concentration of facilities in the country, stand to benefit from future growth associated with this industry. 

As the ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology I have heard from countless experts about the risks associated with climate change. Record temperatures, an increase in heavy rain events, and rising seas are a few examples of what Americans are confronting now and can expect to see more frequently in the coming years. The scientific evidence shows we cannot afford to wait, but must act now if we are to stand a chance of lessening the impacts of climate change.  

Leaders in the faith community have also been calling on us to address climate change. In his recent encyclical, Pope Francis noted that climate change “represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity” and that the poor will be disproportionately affected by its impacts. Pope Francis also stated that “there is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced.” 

We need to listen to our scientists, to our religious leaders, and to the American people by supporting broad-based national policies that will cut greenhouse gas emissions, because acting on climate change is not only an environmental imperative, but both a near-term and long-term public health and economic imperative as well." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Johnson has represented Texas’s 30th Congressional District since 1993. She is ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, and sits on the Transportation Committee.

SOURCE: THE HILL

Congresswoman Johnson Votes To Avoid Government Shutdown

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson voted to pass a 10-week continuing resolution that will keep the federal government funded until December 11, 2015. This stop-gap measure included funding for Planned Parenthood and was supported by all the Democrats in the House of Representatives. Upon the passage of this resolution, Congresswoman Johnson made the following statement:

“While I am pleased that we avoided a complete shutdown of the federal government that would have cost our economy billions of dollars as it did in 2013, these recurring short-term funding measures are not cause for celebration. My Republican colleagues are bracing to put this country through another unnecessary crisis in December. This is unacceptable. We must have a long-term budget solution that allows for all the government agencies, employees, and contractors to continue to work and be compensated for their dedicated service to the citizens of America. The Republican leadership in Congress must stop jumping from man-made crisis to man-made crisis. We are putting our economy and the wellbeing of this country at unnecessary risk. Enough is enough.”

SOURCE: Focus Daily News

Congresswoman Johnson Remarks On Resignation Of Speaker Boehner

I find little joy in the announced resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, as a member and as its speaker, of Congressman John Boehner, who for the last five years has been third in line to the presidency.

A decent and honorable individual, Speaker Boehner and I have worked together during our shared tenure in Congress. Over the years we have developed a close, productive working relationship. We worked together to benefit the American people, not simply special-interest groups.

Speaker Boehner announced his departure one day after a joint session of Congress warmly received a message from Pope Francis. During his address, Francis talked about the shallowness of human conflict and outlined the damage that it does to individuals, to families, to nations and to the world.

Those watching Speaker Boehner during the address could see that he followed each word that the pope uttered and was deeply moved by the substance of his argument and the magnanimity of his presence.

He said he was resigning because he had grown increasingly weary of the infighting and bickering in his own party and that he wanted to avoid another period of “prolonged leadership turmoil.” Those in his party who oppose the speaker, many of them relatively new to Washington, have repeatedly challenged his conservatism. His voting record clearly demonstrates that he is a passionate conservative.

Unlike Speaker Boehner and other reasonable members of Congress, his opponents (mostly supported by the tea party) do not understand that good politics has been and shall continue to be the result of prudent political compromise. This is something the speaker understands and has attempted to convey to those who stood in the shadow of his leadership.

In the end, Speaker Boehner decided that it was better to engage in thoughtful reflection and prayer than in constant and divisive political fratricide. Deeply moved by the pope’s request that he stop and pray for the pontiff, Speaker Boehner has chosen a higher road than those who would take great delight in his personal and professional destruction.

I extend my best wishes to Speaker Boehner and his family as he leaves the halls of Congress. The American people owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his service to our country.

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Congresswoman Johnson's Op-Ed On Clean Power Plan

It is often forgotten that the Clean Air Act was signed into law in 1970 after passing Congress by a strong bipartisan vote. By enacting this landmark legislation, the federal government took a stand for public health and against air pollution, a move that was heralded on both sides of the aisle and applauded by the American people because it put the public’s interests first. In the decades that followed, we saw substantial economic growth while enjoying a cleaner environment. The fight to protect our environment didn’t end in 1970 though. President Obama is continuing this effort with the Clean Power Plan, which aims to transform the way we produce energy. Unfortunately, just as has been the case with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Power Plan is not short on detractors.

The same cast of characters that cried foul and predicted the end of American competitiveness in 1970 is making the same exaggerated cries today about the Clean Power Plan. This posturing is both shortsighted and ill-founded.

I hear from some of my Republican colleagues that if the United States cuts its carbon emissions, it will have no impact on the global temperature or sea level rise. Yet, that is not the reality. Any effort to reduce emissions will have an impact, and through our leadership we can challenge other nations to do the same. As we heard from Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has accepted this challenge and is introducing a cap-and-trade program that will undoubtedly spur innovation and economic growth from one of our key competitors. The world’s top carbon emitter is now stepping up along with many others around the world. We are not alone. Rather, we are leading the effort to solve the greatest environmental challenge of this generation.

I am proud of the work the Environmental Protection Agency is doing. The agency’s top priority is to protect the health of the public and the planet, and I commend them for staying true to their mission in the face of unfounded and hyperbolic criticism.

So what are the facts? The Clean Power Plan is projected to save American families nearly $85 on their annual energy bill in 2030. It will grow the solar and wind energy industries and make major advancements in energy efficiency across our economy. A notable co-benefit of the Clean Power Plan comes in the form of lives saved. A cleaner energy sector will reduce premature deaths due to power plant emissions by 90 percent in 2030. In addition, fewer asthma attacks in children, fewer missed school days and fewer sick days at work will ultimately lead to a more productive workforce and population.

Scientists have made it abundantly clear to lawmakers and industry leaders alike that climate change is here and we must work together to deal with it. Without transforming our energy sources or reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we will not be able to address the looming challenge of climate change. The issue of addressing climate change should not be relegated to partisan bickering on the campaign trail or be restricted to academic discussions. This will affect us all, and we all should be concerned.

Leaders in the faith community have also been calling on us to address climate change. When Pope Francis spoke before a joint session of Congress last week, he called for “a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.” He went on to state, “I am convinced that we can make a difference, and I have no doubt that the United States — and this Congress — have an important role to play.”

The Clean Power Plan is one piece of the broader effort we need to undertake to ensure a healthy environment and vibrant future for our children and grandchildren. We need to listen to our scientists, to our religious leaders and the American people and support broad-based national policies that will cut carbon pollution, because acting on climate change is not only an environmental imperative, but a public health and economic one as well.

SOURCE: The Hill

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.” 

Congresswoman Johnson Receives Lifetime Infrastructure Champion Award

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was presented with the “Lifetime Infrastructure Champion Award” at the Irving Transportation & Water Summit, an event hosted by the City of Irving on Aug. 20. The Summit was attended by approximately 300 state officials, infrastructure administrators, business leaders and private citizens from throughout the state of Texas.

“North Texas has become a model for infrastructure and transportation in our country,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I learned early in my congressional career the importance of a strong infrastructure and transportation system. I know how much, not only the people in District 30, but those throughout the state of Texas, rely on well-maintained highways and bridges. I also know how important it is for the state of Texas to meet the demands of businesses and residents, who rely on various modes of transportation.  As a member of Congress, I will continue to fight for the funding required to meet the needs of the people of Texas. Good highways lead to good jobs for people, and better jobs lead to a better economy for Texas.”

During the presentation of the award, Michael Morris, the Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments noted: “Congresswoman Johnson has done more to promote quality transportation and infrastructure than anyone else in North Texas…The work of Congresswoman Johnson has improved the lives of all people who reside in North Texas. Our quality of life exists because of her efforts.” 

The DFW Metropolitan Area is the largest regional economy in Texas, representing roughly 25 percent of the State’s economy.  By the year 2025, the region is expected to attract nearly three million new residents and over two million new jobs.  Congresswoman Johnson emphasized that securing adequate transportation funding to ensure the North Texas region will be able to sustain its economic growth will remain a top priority.

Congresswoman Johnson has been a champion for Texans throughout her distinguished career as a Member of Congress.  Since her election to Congress in 1992, she has been widely recognized in Washington as a skillful and effective legislator.  Because of her seniority in the U.S. Congress, she has been able to leverage her experience to benefit the 30th Congressional District.  She is the senior Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and has fought hard to ensure that North Texas’ transportation system is responsive to all residents. She has championed the development of an efficient and integrated transportation (multimodal, intermodal, pedestrian, and bicycle) system that is critical in maintaining the region’s quality of life and economic vitality.

Source: North Dallas Gazette

Congresswoman Johnson Announces 23 Million Grant For DFW Airport

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced that DFW Airport was awarded $23 million in grant funds by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The funds granted will be used for necessary taxiway/runway rehabilitation and maintenance efforts during an upcoming phase of structural updates to DFW Airport.

“The announcement of this grant award is great news for DFW Airport and the Dallas region,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “These much needed updates are vital to airport infrastructure, and will have long-term benefits for the economy and the DFW community at large. As one of the busiest airports in the world, federal grants like these are important for preserving this airport’s reputation as a global gateway and securing its rightful place as a leader in providing transportation worldwide.”

Following Congresswoman Johnson’s announcement Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport shared congratulatory remarks. “Congresswoman Johnson has been instrumental in the growth and development of DFW,” said Mr. Donohue. “She understands that DFW Airport is a major asset for our region. She continues to be an advocate.”

Congresswoman Johnson is the senior member from the state of Texas on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and serves on the Aviation Subcommittee. 

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Reversal Of Decision On Dallas Urban League

United States Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, who represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas and one of only two African American women in the Texas delegation, issued a strong letter of support for the Urban League of Greater Dallas & North Central Texas. That letter was delivered to the National Urban League which is attempting to “disaffiliate” the Dallas organization.

Rep. Johnson sent a letter last week to Marc Morial, the President and CEO of the National Urban League. Her comments praised the work of the local organization to correct the financial course of the Dallas Urban League, and it expressed confidence in the new administrative and board leadership now in place.

The letter states:

“The disaffiliation of the chapter could have a devastating impact on hundreds of non-profit organizations…..I am confident that the current leadership has the experience and vision to move the organization forward.”

Rep. Johnson’s call for a reversal of the national organization’s decision follows the issuance of a formal appeal sent to the national organization. The process forward is unclear.

“We formally asked for an appeal,” said Terry Woods, President of the Urban League of Greater Dallas & North Central Texas, and now we are awaiting a response to our demand for a fair, thorough process of evaluating all that Dallas has accomplished to turn this organization around. In fact, we discovered the problems that National should have uncovered.”

Woods thanked Rep. Johnson for her letter.

“We live in a period of time when a lot of elected officials won’t take risks,” said Woods. “Our Congresswoman, Eddie Bernice Johnson, personifies leadership, and we are grateful, on behalf of those we serve, for her commitment to the important work we are doing in the Dallas region.”

Source: Dallas Weekley

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Court Decision Regarding Texas Voter ID Law

“Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the restrictive Republican-backed Texas voter ID law violates section two of the Voting Rights Act. As a result of the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County vs. Holder, Texas, a state with a long history of discriminatory voting practices, was empowered to implement stricter voter ID laws that infringed upon the constitutional rights of minority, poor, and elderly Texans.

The right to vote is fundamental to our democratic system of government, and it is strengthened when every citizen can freely exercise his or her right to participate. The Fifth Circuit’s ruling recognizes the discriminatory effect of Texas’s laws and highlights the need to remedy the harmful impact of the Shelby decision. The court affirmed the striking difference the law has on minority voters who are not able to obtain the identification needed to vote.

In Texas, while many are able to vote with a handgun license, countless others are unable to do so with a college or student I.D. This is unacceptable. As such, I urge my colleagues to move forward on passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. This piece of legislation will restore the voting rights protections that were stripped away by the Supreme Court’s ruling and guard against further attacks on fundamental voting rights.

As we look forward to tomorrow’s celebrations in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we must renew our commitment to fight for democracy by advancing the protection of the right to vote.” Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Keynote Speaker At Opening Of Progressive National Baptist Convention

Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act, a key piece of civil rights legislation that was gutted by a Supreme Court decision in 2013.

Hundreds of clergy from around the country gathered in Dallas this week for the Progressive National Baptist Convention. They say the fight for voting equality and fairness at the polls continues to this day.

“We want the Congress to know, and the world to know, that everyone deserves the right to vote,” said convention attendee Kip Banks.

Dallas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a featured speaker Thursday at the convention. She spoke of her pride in seeing the Voting Rights Act signed, which determined that many southern states needed federal approval before they could change voting laws due to patterns of discrimination.

Two years ago, a Supreme Court decision struck down key provisions in the law. Many Congressional democrats like Johnson have been fighting ever since to put them back in.

“There’s momentum with the Democrats, it’s a struggle with Republicans,” Johnson said. “We have not been able to get it out of committee. It’s really a puzzle as to why.”

Pastors at this conference said it's difficult for minority and poor citizens to get to polling locations, and it's a struggle to add polling places on college campuses and in poor urban areas.

“Some people think there's not a problem," Johnson said. "But if you're African-American, you know that there is a problem. And the problem should be corrected. And we will not stop until it is."

“The 2016 election is around the corner, tonight is the first Republican debate," Banks said. "For us, there's no reason to turn the clock back."

Federal appeals court Wednesday struck down Texas' voter ID law, saying it was discriminatory. Many of the convention-goers say that's a perfect example of why the fight for equal voting rights continues to this day.

Source: NBC5