Congresswoman Johnson & Congressman Frank Visit Cathedral Of Hope And Address Group From Youth First Texas

Retiring Rep. Barney Frank toured Cathedral of Hope and met with members of Youth First Texas for an hour-long discussion at the Interfaith Peace Chapel on Monday.

Frank was in town for a fundraiser for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

“I’m not campaigning myself this year,” Frank said. “And Eddie Bernice Johnson is enormously respected in Congress.”

Frank predicted that within 20 years, there will be full LGBT equality. He said several things have changed recently paving the way. States that have passed marriage equality have seen no impact on anyone else’s marriage. The head of the Marine Corps who opposed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” said he was wrong and that repeal had no negative impact the military. And younger people are less likely to oppose equality and their support should continue as they age.

He said that the anti-LGBT faction has tried to divide the African-American caucus to stop their support of LGBT equality.

But Rep. Johnson said, “We know what it’s like to be treated unfairly.”

Frank said the black caucus is better on LGBT issues than the gay members.

“Not the openly gay members,” he said, politely declining to name any of his colleagues as closeted.

A Booker T. Washington student asked if his perception of Congress was correct.

“The far right seems to have gotten angrier and moved more to the right,” the student said.

Johnson joked it was “because our president is so black.”

Frank said, “Bob Dole, even Dan Quayle, weren’t like that. They see the country slipping away from them. This is not the country they grew up in. You’re certainly right. They’re angrier.”

But Frank believes the tea party is losing strength. He thinks many will be defeated in the upcoming election and that the label has become a negative in most places.

Frank, who was first elected to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1972, three years after the Stonewall Rebellion, said he rode in Boston’s second Pride parade.

Ari Emanuel, brother of Chicago mayor Rahm and basis for the character of Ari Gold, the William Morris agent in Entourage, contacted Frank about representing him after he retires at the end of this year.

Frank plans to write. His first book will probably be about LGBT equality. And he plans to lecture.

“What I’ve been doing for free, I’ll be getting paid for,” he joked.

Frank commented on marriage equality not being an issue in the election or mentioned in the debates.

“The majority of voters have someone close to them who is gay or lesbian,” he said.

Speaking about their surroundings, Johnson said she enjoyed coming to Cathedral of Hope, which she called “an accepting and peaceful environment.”

She contrasted that to some other churches she’s experienced and blamed teen suicide on a “lack of understanding.”

She mentioned Chris Crowe, a young, gay member of her staff who passed away last year after heart surgery, calling him a “delightful individual.”

Frank said Crowe “had an impact on other staff, too.”

Frank told the youth from YFT they deserved their equal rights.

“I’m not asking anyone to be grateful for the progress we’re making,” he said.

He told them a story of a man who was shot in the neck. Other people said he was lucky he wasn’t shot in the head. The person recovering from the neck wound said, “Well, I think people who weren’t shot are luckier.”

Article by David Taffet - Dallas Voice

Congresswoman Johnson Addresses NAACP Texas 76th Annual Convention

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson discussed Texas redistricting at the 76th annual NAACP Texas Convention in Corpus Christie.
She discussed her central role in the various court cases on redistricting, and the Supreme Court decision that eventually ruled against the Republican drawn districts. Congresswoman Johnson vowed to continue to fight for two additional seats in North Texas saying, 'The demographic results from the census demand not one but two additional seats in North Texas, and the people deserve to be able to elect Representatives who are responsive to their needs and desires."

Congresswoman Johnson's Accomplishments & Leadership Recognized By Women's Action For New Direction

WAND/WiLL recognizes the accomplishments of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30). Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is serving her 10^th term representing the 30^thCongressional District of Texas. WAND would like to recognize Congresswoman Johnson for her work on the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) and the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2012 (WPS). The NAP states that the US will "institutionalize a gender-responsive approach to its diplomatic, development, and defense-related work in conflict affected environments," and will work to increase women's rights and "substantive participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, transitional processes, and decision making institutions in conflict-affected environments." Congresswoman Johnson has created a women’s peace initiative called “A World of Women for World Peace.” She has said, “Through this initiative, I have worked tirelessly to bring attention to those on the forefront of the peace movement. Whether meeting with international delegations or hosting events on Capitol Hill, such as this one, I hope to bring conflict resolution to our dialogue. The goal for this discussion was to provide a foundation for how my colleagues and I can best support the implementation of the National Action Plan.”

Congresswoman Johnson started “A World of Women for World Peace” in 2001 to bring greater visibility to the women who are victims of war and aggression, and the women who facilitate peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building activities in their communities. She said, “We must look at the human and economic costs of war to realize just how urgently we need to actively pursue peace. The costs of war cannot merely be measured with statistics or dollars. The real faces of war are torn and displaced communities, women suffering the ravages of rape and widowhood, children with missing limbs and orphans without the hope of education and healthcare.”

WAND was proud to join Congresswoman Johnson in co-sponsorship of a Congressional Roundtable on the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) in June 2012, which was moderated by WAND Executive Director Susan Shaer. Additional co-sponsors included Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO), the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and US Section. Featuring first ever US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer, the program focused on the role of women in peace-building and conflict prevention.

Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Johnson has earned the reputation of being a stateswoman who is dedicated to improving U.S. foreign relationships and policies. In December 2010, Congresswoman Johnson was elected as the first African-American female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. From 2000 to 2002, she was the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education where she emphasized education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. She works tirelessly towards improving human rights around the globe. Congresswoman Johnson’s acclaimed initiative “A World of Women for World Peace” has been nationally and internationally recognized. Congresswoman Johnson is widely recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Congress. She is credited with originally authoring and co-authoring more than 150 bills that were passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. She also has a long-standing reputation for providing excellent constituent services.

WAND/WiLL is proud of our long association with the Congresswoman, beginning with her membership in the Women Legislators’ Lobby when she served in Texas’ state house. We look forward to continuing to work with her as she gathers support for the Women, Peace, and Security Act.

-Bronwen Raff, Communications and Development Inter - Tufts University Class of 2013

www.wandactioncenter.org/2012/10/18/in-profile-congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On The Energy-Water Nexus Study

 The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a capping report that summarizes the findings of five previous reports on the interdependencies between energy and water. GAO was asked to identify key energy-water nexus issues that Congress and federal agencies need to consider when developing and implementing national policies for energy and water resources.  The report titled “Energy-Water Nexus:  Coordinated Federal Approach Needed to Better Manage Energy and Water Tradeoffs,” was requested by Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson

GAO has found that while water and energy are inextricably linked and mutually dependent, with each affecting the other’s availability, energy and water planning is typically “stove-piped”, with development of one resource often proceeding with little or no consideration for the other.  GAO concluded that coordination among governmental and nongovernmental entities is key to improved planning, and that uncertainties that affect energy and water must be considered in setting federal policies related to these resources. Furthermore, GAO found that developing effective policies that address the energy-water nexus will be continue to be challenging without better and more comprehensive data and research. 

Congresswoman Johnson said of the report, “I appreciate the GAO’s work on this issue.  This and previous GAO reports on this topic highlight the interconnected and sensitive relationship between our increasingly scarce water resources and energy development and consumption.  Water availability and quality are essential for public health and a strong economy, but demands for, and threats to, these resources are growing.  Because virtually all forms of energy production rely on water - and some production processes actually leave large volumes of water virtually unusable by our communities - getting the balance right between the need for energy, the need for water to produce that energy, and the need for water to serve our communities and other non-energy economic sectors is challenging.  Some technologies and practices exist to help strike a better balance, and others will certainly be developed, but progress will be slow without better-coordinated planning, more comprehensive data, and a deeper commitment to research.  That is why earlier this year, I introduced two pieces of clean water research legislation, H.R. 5826, the Coordinating Water Research for a Clean Water Future Act of 2012, and H.R. 5827, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2012.  Both bills aim to ensure that the nation will have access to clean and reliable water supplies for future generations, and I hope that we can see progress on this issue in the 113th Congress.”

Source: GAO Report & Committee on Science, Space & Technology Release

Congresswoman Johnson On KNON's LAMBDA Weekly

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined KNON's LAMBDA Weekly Radio Show today to discuss the 2012 Election, Redistricting, Healthcare Reform, and her personal history as a civil rights and political icon.

KNON's LAMBDA Weekly is the oldest radio program in the nation providing news, information and interviews of interest to the LGBT Community, and is hosted by David Taffet, Patti Fink, and Lerrone Landis.


Listen to the podcast at www.knon.org/programs/lambda-weekly

Congresswoman Johnson Receives The Endorsement Of National Association Of Social Workers

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received the endorsement of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for her continued commitment to the well being of individuals, families and communities

NASW recognized Congresswoman Johnson's work in advancing legislative priorities on critical issues, which include protection for vulnerable members of society (including children and senior citizens), expanded focus on mental health issues, and the recruitment and retention of more social workers to address society's needs.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives A Perfect Score On LGBT Equality From HRC

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has received a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's annual Equality Scorecard.

Members of Congress are scored on their co-sponsorship of Employment Non Discrimination Act, Respect for Marriage Act, Domestic Partners Benefit Obligation as well as the Tax Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act which would end the unfair taxation of domestic partnership health benefits and the Uniting American Families Act which would treat binational same-sex couples the same as those who are recognized as legally married.

Congresswoman Johnson recognizes bullying of LGBT students is a national problem and that the federal government has a key role to play and we must continue to build support for the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). Congresswoman Johnson supports passage of a fully inclusive ENDA, repeal DOMA, and expanded funding and treatment for HIV/AIDS. 

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On Burdensome Healthcare Costs Under the Ryan Medicare Plan

Congresswoman Ryan's plans for Medicare would affect seniors in the 30^th Congressional District of Texas.

Congressman Ryan introduced a budget, supported by presidential candidate Mitt Romney and House Republicans, which would effectively make the current Medicare system unrecognizable. The plan turns Medicare into a voucher system, increasing premiums and costs for seniors while making them fully dependent on private insurance companies.  Under the Ryan Plan, seniors will no longer be assured coverage and affordability of Medicare.   Americans, who have contributed to Medicare throughout their life, will no longer be guaranteed just compensation after they retire.

If implemented in the 30^th District, the Ryan plan will:

• Increase prescription costs for 4,600 Medicare beneficiaries who enter the Part D donut hole, forcing them to pay an extra $42 million for drugs over the next decade.
   
• Eliminate new preventive care benefits for 71,000 Medicare beneficiaries.
   
• Force 71,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in traditional Medicare to pay thousands of dollars more in premiums to remain in traditional Medicare after Medicare becomes a voucher program.
   
• Reduce coverage for 11,600 Medicare beneficiaries who rely on Medicaid to supplement their Medicare coverage, potentially denying them over $410 million in health benefits.
   
• Jeopardize nursing home care for 1,400 district residents whose expenses are paid by Medicaid.

The Ryan plan would have severe consequences for the seniors of the 30^th District, and I refuse to support a policy that breaks the promises I have made to them. However, the Affordable Care Act lowers the costs of prescription drugs for seniors, offers vital preventive services for seniors, and extends the program by almost a decade.  Therefore, I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to protect seniors from the Ryan plan, while advocating for the continued implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Congresswoman Johnson On Civil Rights

"The law of the land must protect every American’s Civil Rights, and we must continue to value every American life in law and in practice." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On The Supreme Court Arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

 Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently commented  on the oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin before the Supreme Court.

"Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, in what has become the first challenge to using race as a factor for college and university admissions since the court upheld this practice in 2003.  The holistic approaches currently utilized during the evaluation of college applicants are again being brought into question despite years of proven practice to take race into account to achieve diversity."

"Diversity in higher education helps to strengthen our education system and our Nation, and equips students from all different backgrounds with the skills needed to compete in today’s global economy.  A decision by the Supreme Court to overturn legal precedent recognizing diversity as a compelling interest would curtail the ability of schools to tailor their admissions policies, and negatively impact our children’s future.  Understanding the gravity of this decision and the importance of diversity in educational institutions, I have joined my colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of the University of Texas at Austin’s existing admissions policies to diversify and enhance its student body."

"While it may be months before a final decision is reached, the potential consequences of an unfavorable ruling cannot be overemphasized.  The outcome of this ruling could undo decades of effort by higher learning institutions to create a richer and more integrated learning environment for students.  I trust that the Supreme Court will uphold precedent that equal opportunity in higher education is one pathway to success that we must preserve for all Americans."

Congresswoman Johnson's Record Of Leadership On Science & Technology

“Our nation’s global leadership depends on its ability to innovate scientifically and technologically.” – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Science and Technology Braintrust

For 20 years, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has chaired an annual forum with audience of more than 300 students, teachers, and policymakers to gather and discuss ideas on how to improve research and educational opportunities for young people.

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

In December 2010, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was elected by her Congressional peers as the first black and first female to lead the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Founding Member of the House Diversity and Innovation (D&I) Caucus

In 2007, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson founded the House D&I Caucus; a bi-partisan group of more than 60 Members of the House of Representatives who promote increased diversity in STEM.

Founding Member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus

In 2008, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson founded a Congressional caucus to promote the interests of historically black colleges and universities and other higher-education institutions classified as predominantly black. The caucus was formed in order to create a bipartisan dialogue in Congress that will focus on the legislative priorities of our nation’s HBCU’s.

A Proven Record of Advancing America’s Science and Technology Infrastructure

Throughout Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s 20 year tenure on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, she has introduced and amended dozens of bills to pass significant legislation; most importantly the America COMPETES act which she co-authored.

Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Technology Taskforce

Congresswoman Johnson was appointed to serve as chair of the CBC taskforce which oversees science policy. She played a leading role in developing CBC legislative priorities for the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 and led a Tri-Caucus letter asking the Senate to retain diversity provisions in the 86$ billion dollar bill.

Eddie Bernice Johnson Lecture Series in Science and Technology

For over 20 years, the Eddie Bernice Johnson Math and Science lecture series has been sponsored annually by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). As a leader in promoting science and math education nationally, UTD Dallas sponsors this annual lecture series in order to broadcast prominent speakers in the fields of science and technology to Dallas-area high school students.

Links, Incorporated

Congresswoman Johnson was appointed to serve as Links Incorporated’s National Leader for STEM. Links, Incorporated, is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946 with more than 12,000 professional women of color in 270 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Scientific Advisor to Commission for the Building Engineering and Scientific Talent

With former Congresswoman Connie Morella, Congresswoman Johnson advised the Building Engineering and Scientific Talent (BEST) Commission. BEST was a national campaign for identifying and sharing best practices in building a stronger, more diverse technical workforce.

An Active National Member of Scientific Associations

During Congresswoman Johnson’s tenure in Congress, she has partnered with the National Academy of Engineers (NAE), the National Society of Women Engineers (NSWE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in efforts to increase scientific output in the United States by raising methods and standards in order to prepare stronger educators and students.

Led Congressional Perspective on the “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” Report

Congresswoman Johnson served as a lead voice on the release of the historic “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” report. Conducted by the National Academies and chaired by Dr. Norm Augustine, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” was the catalyst for legislation to invigorate innovation in America.

Recognized by the American Chemical Society, AAAS, the National Society of Women Engineers and other Scientific Organizations as a Leader in Science Policy

Over the years as an engaged Member of Congress on Science policy, Congresswoman Johnson has been humbled to receive numerous recognition from top scientific organizations for her role in the lawmaking process.

An Ally of Public and Private Partnerships

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has worked closely with nonprofits and businesses, such as Texas Instruments, Dell, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and the Gates Foundation in order to bolster job creation.

International Voice on Science Policy

Congresswoman Johnson has spoken at international venues and has worked with top scientists and lawmakers around the world to address international science policy

Congresswoman Johnson Receives An A+ For Her Work For The 99%

Congresswoman Johnson has earned an A+ on The Institute for Policy Studies  “Inequality Report Card” for the 112th Congress.

The IPS Report Card evaluates how well Members of Congress do in supporting legislation and measures to narrow America's widening economic divide. The report is based on 40 legislative actions taken over the past two years that relate to inequality.

Congresswoman Johnson was praised as 1 of only 14 House Members who “did the most to narrow America’s economic divide over the past 2 years". 

Congresswoman Johnson Fights For American Jobs

"As many Americans continue to face tough economic times, House Democrats and I remain strongly committed to legislation that creates jobs by helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the middle class succeed. However, while I have the utmost respect for my colleagues across the aisle, inaction and opposition from House Republicans has caused progress in this legislation to be slow-moving at best.

For example, to create a thriving middle class, House Democrats have supported legislation to extend tax cuts to Americans making under $250,000 a year. Republicans on the other hand are threatening to let everyone’s tax cuts expire unless tax cuts are extended for the wealthiest two percent of Americans as well.

House Republicans have also thwarted President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which was sent to Congress a year ago. If passed, the act would create more than 1 million American jobs and tax cuts that allow small businesses to grow and hire. My Democratic colleagues and I strongly support this bill. Meanwhile, Republican leadership has refused to bring American Jobs Act initiatives to the floor, while simultaneously failing to develop a comprehensive jobs plan of their own.

These instances highlight how House Republicans’ failure to compromise hinders economic growth and job creation. I will continue to fight to reach a compromise with House Republicans to bring economic stability to American families and small businesses."

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On September Jobs Report

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement on the U.S.  Department of Labor’s September employment report:

“I am very pleased to learn that the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent and that 114,000 jobs were added in September. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest since President Obama took office and this is a strong indication that our economy is on the right track towards improvement.

House Democrats and the President are working hard to provide tax cuts for working families, to invest in small businesses and manufactures. While we are headed on the right track, there is still more to be done to bring security to American families who are struggling in our economy.

I will continue working with my House colleagues to ensure that all Americans have access to the American Dream.”

35 Years Ago Today Eddie Bernice Johnson Is Appointed The Regional Director Of The Department Of Health Education And Welfare By President Carter

35 years ago on September 30th, 1977 Eddie Bernice Johnson took the oath as Regional Director of the Department of Health Education & Welfare, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. Johnson was selected by President Carter because of her strong record of advocacy for workers, families and children while serving in the Texas House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Johnson Congratulates Research Scientists On Their Groundbreaking Accomplishments

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson , Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science Space & Technology congratulated honorees at the ceremony for the first annual Golden Goose Awards was held. The awards, originally conceived by Congressman Jim Cooper (D-TN), were created to highlight seemingly obscure research efforts supported by federal funds that have resulted in economic and societal benefits.

Dr. Osamu Shimomura, Dr. Martin Chalfie and Dr. Roget Tsien were honored for their discovery of green fluorescent protein while seeking to identify why jellyfish grow green. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has led to advances in genetics, cell biology, and a better understanding of cancer and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Dr. Eugene White, Dr. Rodney White, Dr. Della Roy and the late Dr. Jon Weber were honored for their work in developing bone grafts from coral found in tropical oceans.

Congresswoman Johnson praised the accomplishments of the awardees.

“At a time when some question the value of federal investments in this type of research, these awardees demonstrate how federally funded science research can and does yield unexpected results with immeasurable benefits to the American economy and to the American public as a whole. Perhaps no one person embodies this more than Dr. Charles Townes, the inventor of laser technology.  The enormous economic and societal implications of laser technology are obvious to all and though they may not be as well known yet, the research discoveries of the other recipients have also touched the lives of people across the world. The Golden Goose Awards are a reminder to us all that the value of the science cannot be judged by the title of a grant proposal alone.  I congratulate the awardees and thank them for their important work.”

The awards were supported by: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the Breakthrough Institute, the Progressive Policy Institute, the Task Force on American Innovation, the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, The Science Coalition, United for Medical Research, the American Chemical Society, the American Mathematical Society and the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On STEM Education On OpenGov TV

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson discusses STEM Education on OpenGov TV.

"I have been very hard nosed about looking for every opportunity to help minorities and women every step of the way." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Opengov.tv

Congresswoman Johnson's Braintrust Drives Students Toward STEM - Politics 365

As we enter the Digital Age, the need to fill the millions of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) jobs will be vital.  Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that this will be an important feat for the entire nation, the need for more racial diversity in the STEM fields is an even greater problem to solve for communities of color.

During the highly acclaimed Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2012 Legislative Conference, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), a longtime proponent of STEM education and the ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, chaired her four-hour long signature Science & Technology Brain Trust to encourage and increase minority youth awareness, interest, and participation in STEM-related education and careers.

“All during my career, the message has been ‘we need more women and minorities involved,’ and you know at some point in my life, that might have been to make it look diverse, but now it is essential because there is a growing population,” the Congresswoman said. “If we’re going to remain on the stage of the world, we got to produce the talent.”

At the event moderated by Harvard University graduate and renowned actress Tatyana Ali, the audience, filled with students from Washington, D.C.’s McFarland Middle School and Luke C. Moore Academy High School, among others, listened to three panels of STEM role models who shared their personal journeys, inspirations, initiatives, and passions for STEM.

Some of the panelists included WRC-TV Meteorologist and Atmospheric Scientist Veronica Johnson; NASA Astronaut Stephanie Wilson; educators Birdette Hughey and Joe Isaac; former Howard University Hospital Director of Literacy for Children and daughter of Dr. Charles Drew, Bebe Price; Shell Oil Company’s Workforce Development Initiative Lead Mike Alvarez; and Google’s Jordan Lloyd Bookey.

Article From Politics-365

Congresswoman Johnson Is Honored At The 2012 STEM Champions Reception By Open Gov TV

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was recently honored by Open Gov TV for her work in STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at the STEM Champions Reception.  Congresswoman Johnson was awarded the prestigious STEM Champion Award for serving as an innovative  leader and advocate for increasing diversity in the STEM fields.

“It is an honor to receive the STEM Champion Award and I thank Open Gov TV for recognizing my work in STEM Education,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

“As the Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have worked hard to ensure that all Americans have equal opportunities and exposure in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The purpose of the STEM Champions Reception was to foster dialogue on how urban America can reduce the wealth gap and participate in the 21^st century global economy.

Congresswoman Johnson Sponsors 'Uniting American Families Act - 2012'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is a co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) 2012.  Congresswoman Johnson knows that keeping families together is a goal worth fighting for.  UAFA allows lesbian and gay individuals the same opportunity as different-sex, married couples to sponsor their spouse or partner for citizenship purposes.  Under current law, same-sex, bi-national couples are forced to make the decision to either leave the country they love or divide their family. Congresswoman Johnson is also a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, and the Tax Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, and the repeal of Defense of Marriage Act. 

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 2012 Science & Technology Braintrust

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently hosted her 2012 Science & Technology Braintrust, Changing The Tide. This years panel which was held at the Washington Convention Center and included Dr. Aziza Baccouche, Veronica Johnson, Herman Hill, Susan Gonzalez, Dr. Irving McPhail, Stephanie D. Wilson, Capt. Barrington Irving, Alfonzo Porter, Birdette Hughey, Bebe Price and Jordan Bookey. The Braintrust panel discussed the role of celebrities, community leaders, and mentors in encouraging youth in the 21st century.

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Voting Rights In Washington

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was joined by fellow Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge) at a Voting Rights panel in Washington. The discussion covered various aspects of The Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for minority voting rights in America, and the challenges we face in several states if new Voter ID Laws are implemented.

"We are committed to making sure all Americans are aware of the different changes in state voting laws and voter I.D. requirements." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Governor Perry's And The Republican's 'War On Women'

On August 21, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction that had barred Texas from enforcing its ban against Planned Parenthood’s participation in the Women’s Health Program, a Medicaid program that provides health screenings and family planning services to more than 100,000 low-income and uninsured women.

As a non-practicing registered nurse, and a Member of the United States Congress representing the 30th District of Texas, I am appalled by the reckless agenda of Republican lawmakers who insist on blocking women’s access to basic, preventative health care services under the pretext of defunding abortion. Abortion is not the issue here – it is a political distraction from the critical issue of providing health care to women. As Governor Perry knows well, those Planned Parenthood health centers that participate in the Texas Women’s Health Program are financially and legally separate from Planned Parenthood health centers that provide abortions. Yet he continues to score cheap political points at the expense of the wellbeing of women in Texas.

For more than 75 years, women in Texas have relied on Planned Parenthood for access to vital services such as life saving cancer screenings, annual exams, and health education information. Planned Parenthood is the single largest provider of care within the Women’s Health Program, providing health care to 52,000 women in Texas.

By barring Planned Parenthood from the Women’s Health Program, the burden of care will shift to other health care centers across the state, many which do not have the capacity to absorb the new patient load. This dilemma will surely leave thousands of Texas women without care, and further burden a health care system that is already stretched too thin.

It is no secret that Texas’ health care system is in a state of emergency. According to an annual report recently released by the federal Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Texas has the worst health care system in the Nation, ranking number one for the percentage of uninsured residents. Texas was also rated worst in the Nation in caring for breast cancer patients under age 70. Women in Texas have the third-highest rate of cervical cancer in the United States, a form of cancer which, if found early through annual screenings, is highly curable.

With alarming figures such as these, Governor Perry and Republican lawmakers in Texas should be working overtime to create and implement policies that strengthen and protect the health of women and their families; instead they are doing the exact opposite. In 2011, Governor Perry slashed two-thirds of the budget for women’s health care services, leaving 160,000 low income women without access to health care. Immediately after the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, Governor Perry publicly stated he would not implement the law’s Medicaid expansion provision, which would have provided millions of low-income Texans with health insurance.

As a woman, a mother, and an experienced health care provider, I believe that healthy women result in healthy families and healthy communities. I urge Governor Perry and Republican lawmakers in Texas to set aside politics and put the health of women and their families first.

Congresswoman Johnson's op ed appeared in The Dallas Weekly

Congresswoman Johnson Commemorates The 11th Anniversary Of 9/11

Today, Members of Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol in remembrance of the victims of the  September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement in recognition of 9/11:

“Eleven years ago today, America was forever changed.  Today, we pause to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives and the loved ones who are still impacted by the devastating terrorist attacks on our Nation. We come together to reflect on their memory and the memory of the brave first responders who sacrificed their lives’ to save their fellow Americans.

This day is never easy and eleven times we have recognized this day in reflection and remembrance of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost. We are deeply indebted to the members of our Armed Forces who stand ready to protect us from future terrorist attacks.

The strength of the American people has never been tested so greatly, yet our perseverance and resolve has never been greater. We must always continue to honor the lives lost and the families affected.  9/11 will always remain in our hearts and in our prayers.”

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds 5,700 Transportation Sector Jobs Added In August, 2012

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is pleased to note that the transportation sector added 5,700 jobs in August as the U.S. unemployment rate ticked down to 8.1 percent.

As Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Congresswoman Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for investment in our nation's transportation and infrastructure needs as a means to create good paying jobs for Americans. She is the author of numerous bills that have created transportation and infrastructure sector jobs that have put Americans back to work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed employment in the transportation sector increased from 4,379,700 in July to 4,385,400 last month.

The transportation sector employment numbers were up from 4,301,000 in August of 2011.

The sector with the highest number of gains in transportation, according to the BLS, was transit and ground passenger transportation, which had 438,300 jobs in August, compared to 433,300 jobs in July.

The largest number of jobs gains in transportation was in trucking, where 1.351 million people were working, compared to 1.350 million in July.

The bureau found employed in the aviation industry ticked down slightly, going from 458,600 in July to 457,000. Rail companies employed 230,700 people in August, compared to 233,000 in July. 

Eddie Bernice Johnson On Science & Technology

EBJ on Science and Technology

"Our nation's global leadership depends on its ability to innovate scientifically and technologically." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson