Congresswoman Johnson Addresses The American Association Of College Nurses

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke with the American Association of College of Nurses during their annual advocacy day on Capitol Hill. As the first nurse elected to congress, she understands the importance of nurses and the nursing profession to this country. Congresswoman Johnson thanked them for all their continued hard work, and vowed to continue her support for the nursing profession while she is in Congress.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Leads Questioning On The Future Of The International Space Station

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing entitled, "Securing the Promise of the ISS - Challenges and Opportunities." The purpose of the hearing was to review NASA's plans for effectively maintaining and utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) through 2020, including how the agency will deal with resource and access constraints that limit the scientific utilization of the ISS. Testifying before the Committee were Mr. William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Ms. Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO); and Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (Ret)., Chairman of the International Space Station Advisory Committee.

The ISS is an unprecedented technological and political achievement to conceive, plan, build, operate, and utilize a large, multinational, research and operations facility in space. It is the culmination of more than two decades of effort by the U.S. and its Canadian, European, Japanese, and later, its Russian partners. Including its solar arrays, the ISS spans the area of a U.S. football field and weighs over 860,000 pounds. With the completion of the ISS's assembly in May 2011, the U.S. has a test bed for learning how to live and work in space over extended periods of time as well as a unique research facility capable of significant basic and applied scientific research. The ISS is the closest analogue for testing life support systems and other technologies to ensure they work in space and are reliable. A journey to Mars will require such robust systems. The Station is intended to support three main activities: scientific research, technology development, and development of industrial applications. It is also used for educational outreach.

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her opening statement, "While the road to its completion has been a long one, with many twists and turns along the way, the ISS stands as one of the engineering marvels of the modern age, and a testament to American ingenuity and perseverance. There is a lot one could say about the ISS, but I think the citation that accompanied the award to the ISS team of the 2009 Collier Trophy--one of the aerospace profession's premier awards--sums up what has been accomplished. That is, "the design, development, and assembly in space of the world's largest spacecraft, an orbiting laboratory, promising new discoveries for mankind and setting new standards for international cooperation in space."

She continued, "I would go further, and also note that it is an accomplishment that has had great inspirational value for our young people, as evidenced by the intense interest of our students in talking to the orbiting astronauts and in developing science projects that might fly on the Station. However, while we can talk about the promise offered by the ISS in enabling future space exploration as well as carrying out basic and applied research that can benefit life here on Earth, its success in fulfilling that promise is not assured. We will only realize its promise if NASA and Congress ensure that the necessary steps are taken to make the ISS a productive research facility and technology testbed."

Congress has provided direction to NASA to focus and plan for ISS's full utilization in terms of research and applications. The 2005 NASA Authorization Act designated the ISS as a national laboratory and directed NASA to seek increased utilization of the ISS for research by including other federal entities and the private sector through partnerships, cost sharing, and other arrangements. The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 required NASA to develop a Research Management Plan to be used to prioritize research activities and resources. And the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 extended the mission of the ISS by a minimum of 5 years, from 2015 to at least October 2020.

Congresswoman Johnson emphasized the importance of making the best use possible of the ISS over the remainder of its service life, "I understand the importance of trying to maintain uninterrupted access to the ISS, and I know that we will hear testimony today on some of the challenges in doing so. However, we should not forget that the purpose of cargo and crew transportation systems is to support the utilization of the ISS, not as ends in themselves. The reality is that the ISS is a perishable commodity, and "the future is now" in terms of utilizing this unique facility. While some may hope to extend its agreed-upon service life past 2020, we need to make sure that the 8 years that remain till the current end of the ISS program are used effectively to answer the research and engineering questions that can only be answered on the ISS. In short, we need clear, prioritized and integrated utilization plans from NASA, and we need to be assured that those plans are being carried out, both by NASA and by the independent ISS research management organization, CASIS, that was set up for that purpose."

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CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON RELEASED A STATEMENT OPPOSING THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2012

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON'S STATEMENT OPPOSING THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2012

“I oppose the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, because it represents a 3 month extension to the bill as opposed to a long-term reauthorization. States and municipalities need time to adequately plan their transportation projects, and these piecemeal extensions will not offer the certainty to see these projects through.

It has been more than a month since House Republicans reported their seriously flawed bill, and they do not have the votes to pass it. I have served on the Transportation Committee for 20 years, and up until now, the committee has worked in a bipartisan fashion to produce a sound and commonsense transportation policy.

Instead of voting on another extension, we should be considering the bipartisan Senate transportation bill. While I would prefer a longer reauthorization, the 2-year bipartisan Senate bill will provide the kind of investment in infrastructure and job creation that is desperately needed.”

President Obama Endorses Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

President Barack Obama Endorses Congresswoman Johnson


Friday, March 30, 2012 - President Barack Obama has endorsed Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in the newly drawn 30th Congressional District for her re-election.

“Congresswoman Johnson is a tireless champion for all of the 30th’s middle and working-class families,” said President Obama. “We’ve worked hard these last three years to bring meaningful, positive change to our nation, creating good jobs, good schools and a health care system that works for all of our citizens. We have made great strides, but there is much more to do. That is why we need her dedicated efforts back in Congress to continue the fight with me. I need you to cast your vote for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in the May 29, 2012 Democratic Congressional Primary.”

With so many working families in North Texas struggling to make ends meet, Congresswoman Johnson is focusing her campaign on the economic issues facing the families of the 30th Congressional District. The endorsement is a clear signal that the President values her partnership in the fight for jobs and economic progress.

“I am extremely humbled by the President’s endorsement,” Johnson said. “After a campaign focused on economic development and job creation, my first task back in Congress will be to work with the President and other members of Congress to get our economy back on the right track.”

“Republicans want to continue their agenda of working to take us back to their failed policies of the past,” Obama said. “We cannot let them succeed. Congresswoman Johnson has worked closely with me, Michelle and my Administration on crucial programs and policies that have made a real difference not only in North Texas, but across America. We need her wisdom, experience and her steady, ‘get-things-done’ style now more than ever.”

Congresswoman Johnson is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, former Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Congresswoman Johnson looks forward to working with the constituents of the new 30th District.

Congresswoman Johnson 'Welcomes' Mitt Romney's Visit To Texas with Sharp Critiques

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Democratic leaders participated in a conference call Tuesday to give Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney a "proper Texas welcome" before he arrives here tomorrow on a fundraising trip.

Romney initially planned to attend a noon fundraiser in Fort Worth Wednesday but ended up combining the event with an evening gathering in Dallas because of time constraints.

Congresswoman Johnson was joined by Congressman Charlie Gonzalez and State Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio. The Democratic leaders criticized Romney on issues ranging from his proposed budget to the Dream Act to immigration reform.

"Mitt Romney may think he can Etch a Sketch his way back from the extreme positions he has taken to pander to the far right wing of his party," said Congresswoman Johnson, alluding to a Romney aide's comment last week about offering more moderate views when the campaign shifts into general election mode. "No amount of shaking can make voters forget how out of touch Mitt Romney really is."

Congresswoman Johnson, a former chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, focused on Romney's embrace of the budget proposal issued by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Echoing oft-repeated Democratic attack points, she asserted that the Ryan plan, by turning Medicare into a voucher program, would boost costs for seniors, "end Medicare as we know it" and hurt the middle class, "all while giving massive tax cuts to the wealthiest and protecting taxpayer subsidies for oil companies and hedge fund managers."

"I was a nurse for a long time but we don't have to be a nurse to know that Romney-Ryan budget fails big time for Texas families," Johnson said. "It's shameful and its failed approach is very extreme."

"We thought it would be good ... to give him a proper Texas welcome," Johnson said.

Congresswoman Johnson is The Keynote Speaker at Department of Energy's Women's History Celebration

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was the keynote speaker at the Department of Energy’s 2012 Women’s history month celebration program. The theme was “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment” and Congresswoman Johnson spoke about the need for America to use “all of its brain-power” by encouraging women to enter S.T.E.M. careers. As the ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, & Technology & longtime advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math education (STEM), Congresswoman has worked tirelessly to promote this issue.



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Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Honors Women Pioneers & Trailblazers

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON PAYS HOMAGE TO FEMALE LEADERS FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

The month of March marks the celebration of Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment” In my video on EBONY.com, I recently expressed my admiration and gratitude to all the women trailblazers that have paved the way for women to reach new and amazing heights in our society.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson currently serves as the first African-American and the first female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She is also the first registered nurse in Congress. In honor of Women's History Month, she recorded this message honoring female trailblazers.

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Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Senate Transportation Bill and Urges Immediate Consideration

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson along with other Senior Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today joined with more than 80 Members of the House of Representatives to introduce the bipartisan job-creating Senate transportation bill that passed last week by a vote of 74 to 22 and called on House Republicans to abandon their partisan transportation bill and bring the Senate bill up for immediate consideration.

The Members introduced the Senate’s bipartisan “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)” (H.R 14), to move our Nation forward and create desperately needed jobs. The surface transportation authorization bill is by far the biggest jobs legislation Congress will consider this year. If House Republican leaders prevent the Senate bill from reaching the President before the March 31st expiration of highway program funding, Republicans will be responsible for devastating job losses across the Nation.

Unlike the House bill, which slashes funding and destroys 550,000 jobs, MAP-21 continues current funding levels, sustaining approximately 1.9 million family-wage American jobs. Under the Senate bill, the States will receive $3.8 billion more in highway construction funding than the House bill over the course of the next two years.

“The Senate passed a bipartisan transportation bill by an overwhelming majority. Instead of taking it up immediately, the House Republican leadership is using it as a bargaining chip to get the fanatical transportation devolutionists in line to support their job-killing transportation bill H.R. 7,” said U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. “The Senate bill isn’t perfect, but it is vastly superior to their House alternative. House leaders must stop with the pointless short term political posturing, pass the bipartisan Senate transportation bill, put millions of Americans back to work, rebuild the crumbling infrastructure in this country, and improve our nation’s economic competitiveness.”

At a time when 50 percent of our roads are in disrepair, 70,000 bridges are structurally deficient, and transit ridership was up a staggering 235 million trips last year, the Senate bill provides critical infrastructure upgrades in all 50 States. The Senate transportation bill maintains investments for highways and public transportation, consolidates and streamlines highway programs, strengthens safety, establishes a national freight program, and institutes performance measures and improves accountability for transportation infrastructure investments.

The Senate bill eliminates many of the gaping loopholes in current law “Buy America” requirements – loopholes that are being exploited by foreign competitors, like China, who are stealing American jobs. MAP-21 includes critical elements of Rahall’s “Invest in American Jobs Act of 2011” (H.R. 3533), and eliminates these loopholes to give American workers a fair shot.

Congresswoman Johnson Continues to Promote Next Generation of Global Leaders in Science and Math

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, met with students at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in Dallas to encourage students to pursue their studies in math and science.
Created nine years ago by the University of Texas at Dallas, the Eddie Bernice Johnson Lecture Series was named in honor of Congresswoman Johnson to expose Dallas-area high school students to future career opportunities in the math and sciences. Congresswoman Johnson introduced special guest John Manahan,Special Assistant to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.


“The most important aspect in keeping America globally competitive is the development of our young scientists. For those of you who continue your pursuits in math and science, you have the opportunity to be our next generation of global leaders,” remarked Congresswoman Johnson. “I invited John Manahan here today so that he can outline a practical and tangible plan on how to get there. I encourage you all to keep your goals in mind and strive towards success.”



John Manahan provided insight into his career in the military and his experience as a nuclear expert. He emphasized the key to succeeding in the science and math fields is to refine one’s problem solving skills. Dr. Bruce Gnade of the University of Texas at Dallas, Principals Alice Black and Jovan Wells of Townview Magnet Center, also addressed the students.

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center is one of the most diverse schools in the Dallas area. The school has received recognition at the state and national levels as one of America’s top high schools.

Two Years Later: The Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for Texas

This week marks the 2nd anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Despite some of the untrue messaging you may have seen or heard, the Affordable Care Act has done a lot of good in Texas. I encourage you to read the following article on the many ways Texas has benefitted from the passage of the Health Care Reform law.

For too long, too many hardworking Americans paid the price for policies that handed free rein to insurance companies and put barriers between patients and their doctors. The Affordable Care Act gives hardworking families in Texas the security they deserve. The new health care law forces insurance companies to play by the rules, prohibiting them from dropping your coverage if you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy because of an annual or lifetime limit, or, soon, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition.

All Americans will have the security of knowing that they don’t have to worry about losing coverage if they’re laid off or change jobs. And insurance companies now have to cover your preventive care like mammograms and other cancer screenings. The new law also makes a significant investment in State and community-based efforts that promote public health, prevent disease and protect against public health emergencies.

Health reform is already making a difference for the people of Texas by:

Providing new coverage options for young adults
Health plans are now required to allow parents to keep their children under age 26 without job-based coverage on their family’s coverage, and, thanks to this provision, 2.5 million young people have gained coverage nationwide. As of June 2011, 300,731 young adults in Texas gained insurance coverage as a result of the new health care law.

Making prescription drugs affordable for seniors
Thanks to the new health care law, 22,1395 people with Medicare in Texas received a $250 rebate to help cover the cost of their prescription drugs when they hit the donut hole in 2010. In 2011, 210,763 people with Medicare received a 50 percent discount on their covered brand-name prescription drugs when they hit the donut hole. This discount resulted in an average savings of $639 per person, and a total savings of $134,754,191 in Texas. By 2020, the law will close the donut hole.

Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay
In 2011, 2,208,969 people with Medicare in Texas received free preventive services – such as mammograms and colonoscopies – or a free annual wellness visit with their doctor. And 54 million Americans with private health insurance gained preventive service coverage with no cost-sharing, including 3,836,000 in Texas.

Providing better value for your premium dollar through the 80/20 Rule
Under the new health care law, insurance companies must provide consumers greater value by spending generally at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality improvements instead of overhead, executive salaries or marketing. If they don’t, they must provide consumers a rebate or reduce premiums. This means that 5,003,000 Texas residents with private insurance coverage will receive greater value for their premium dollars.

Scrutinizing unreasonable premium increases
In every State and for the first time under Federal law, insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more. Texas has received $1 million under the new law to help fight unreasonable premium increases.

Removing lifetime limits on health benefits
The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits – freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering from other chronic diseases from having to worry about going without treatment because of their lifetime limits. Already, 7,536,000 residents, including 2,771,000 women and 2,094,000 children, are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage. The law also restricts the use of annual limits and bans them completely in 2014.

Creating new coverage options for individuals with pre-existing conditions
As of the end of 2011, 4,029 previously uninsured residents of Texas who were locked out of the coverage system because of a pre-existing condition are now insured through a new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that was created under the new health reform law. To learn more about the plan available in Texas, check here.

Supporting Texas’s work on Affordable Insurance Exchanges
Texas has received $1 million in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of Affordable Insurance Exchanges.

$1 million in Planning Grants: This grant provides Texas the resources needed to conduct the research and planning necessary to build a better health insurance marketplace and determine how its exchange will be operated and governed. Learn how the funds are being used in Texas here.
Preventing illness and promoting health
Since 2010, Texas has received $38 million in grants from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the Affordable Care Act. This new fundwas created to support effective policies in Texas, its communities, and nationwide so that all Americans can lead longer, more productive lives.

Increasing support for community health centers
The Affordable Care Act increases the funding available to community health centers in all 50 states, including the 379 existing community health centers in Texas. Health centers in Texas have received $95.8 million to create new health center sites in medically underserved areas, enable health centers to increase the number of patients served, expand preventive and primary health care services, and support major construction and renovation projects.

Strengthening partnerships with Texas
The law gives states support for their work to build the health care workforce, crack down on fraud, and support public health. So far, Texas has received more than $180.5 million from the Affordable Care Act. Examples of Affordable Care Act grants not outlined above to Texas include:

$2 million for health professions workforce demonstration projects, which will help low income individuals receive training and enter health care professions that face shortages.
$150,000 to support teaching health centers, creating new residency slots in community health centers.
$2 million for the expansion of the Physician Assistant Training Program (PDF – 66 KB), a five-year initiative to increase the number of physician assistants in the primary care workforce.
$3.2 million for school-based health centers, to help clinics expand and provide more health care services such as screenings to students.
$1.8 million to support outreach to eligible Medicare beneficiaries about their benefits.
$191,000 for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, organizations run by and for families with children with special health care needs.
$2.8 million for disease demonstration projects,to test approaches that may encourage behavior modification among Medicaid beneficiaries and determine solutions.
$21.1 million for Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs. These programs bring health professionals to meet with at-risk families in their homes and connect families to the kinds of help that can make a real difference in a child’s health, development, and ability to learn - such as health care, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition.

Congresswoman Johnson's Statement on the Governor Perry's Decision to Forgo Millions of Dollars in Federal Funding for the Texas Medicaid Program

“This is a sad time for women in Texas. Despite a warning from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Governor Perry has elected to move forward with a State rule that restricts freedom of choice of health care providers for women enrolled in the Texas Medicaid Women’s Health Program. Now, because of petty partisanship, 130,000 women in Texas are losing their access to preventative health care, and Texas is losing $40 million in federal funding. These funds provide lifesaving treatments to women who would otherwise not have access. Because of the Governor’s reckless actions, there are women who simply will not receive the care they need, and illnesses like breast and cervical cancer will go undetected.
The Women’s Health Program was passed by the Texas legislature with bipartisan support, and was implemented during President George W. Bush’s time in office. This is not about abortion; this is purely about politics. Planned Parenthood clinics that are licensed providers of abortion care are separate, self pay entities that are not affected by policy changes in the Texas Women’s Health Program. Planned Parenthood is the single largest provider of care within the TexasWomen’s Health Program.

Despite these obstacles, I will continue to fight for increased access to quality health care for women in Texas.”

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON'S STATEMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE’S REJECTION OF THE TEXAS VOTER ID LAW

“Yesterday, the Department of Justice rightfully rejected a Texas state law that required voters to show photo identification before voting at the polls. The U.S. Department of Justice objected to Sections 9 and 14 of Texas Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) for not meeting its burden under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, and failing to demonstrate that the law will not have a discriminatory effect on minority voters. Sections 9 requires a valid form of photo identification to be presented before casting a ballot. Section 14 goes further to define acceptable forms of identification and SB 14 increases the penalties for any violations of these mandates.

I have been very vocal in my opposition to SB 14 on the grounds of it being discriminatory and unjust. Ultimately, this law would have disenfranchised minority voters, college students, seniors and low income voters. Hispanic voters would have been impacted the most, leaving more than 300,000 Texas Hispanic voters out of the election process.

I will stand with Americans who believe suppression of any voting rights particularly the elderly, minorities and youths are unfair. For that reason, I applaud the Justice Department’s decision to defend voter rights in Texas.”

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On Rick Perry’s Attack On Women’s Health Care In Texas

Congresswoman Johnson explains why the health and lives of women in Texas are under attack from Gov. Rick Perry’s new anti-family planning agenda with MSNBC's Martin Bashir. She also discussed the apparent "War on Women" that has the GOP targeting women's health rights in Texas and across the nation.

Bashir: When we talk about the right's war on women, it's not just rush limbaugh . it's happening on the front lines in state capitals across the united states . there's increasing concern that republican officials are using the excuse of tight budgets to carry out an take on birth control and the resources of planned parenthood . the biggest attack is underway in texas where close to 200,000 may find that access to breast examines and pap smears have been curtailed. joining me is eddie bernice johnson . i still haven't heard the right with any force renounce rush limbaugh . speaker boehner has been quiet. mitt romney seems incapable of condemning the man. do they think this will go away quietly?

Johnson: I think that's what they hope. i was one of the women that signed the letter to speaker boehner asking him to denounce this very un-american tiype of behavior. t something that we don't need in this country. this nation does not deserve it. i don't understand why he's still on television or radio. i would just say to the american people do not support miss advertisers. we don't need this.



Bashir: The new york times is reporting that 400,000 women in your state alone may one day have no access to basic health services . what is going on? you were a nurse. what is going on?

Johnson: As of april 1st , this year, there is a great possibility that a state with one of largest numbers of low-income women who only have access through planned parenthood and in locations our state for their mammograms and pap smears will be cut off off because our governor has demanded not to have any dollars flowing to planned parenthood . that is most -- just the most unthinkable thing i can think of. i don't know this governor anymore. i thought i did. i used to have some communication with him. we had some understanding. i don't know whether he's been hurt because he didn't get into the presidential candid si or nomination or what's going on. this is not the state to turn away these type of dollars for people who need it the most. you know what's also so interesting is that the same people that are against plann ened parenthood and family planning are the ones that are against the children once they are born. they do not want to do anything for them. i don't understand it. i really don't especially in a state that has so very many. the state puts up $1 for every $9 that the federal government spends and they are refusing those dollars.

Bashir: State auditors are saying the cost to medicare will go up if women are denied these essential services. if contraception prevents the necessity of an abortion and if it's much cheaper in the long run, what is the motivation for pursuing this? what is in governor rick perry 's mind?



Johnson: He says he's anti-abortion but these services are not about abortion. very few of these women that are looking for it. anybody that wants an abortion, will get it. this will not be a deterrent to abortion. people can avoid the need for abortion especially when they cannot afford another child. it's family planning .

Bashir: Indeed. congresswoman eddie bernice johnson , thank you for joining us.

Johnson: Thank you very much. i appreciate you continuing to put it before us.

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CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON ADDRESSES TRANSPORTATION POLICY MAKERS AT THE 5th ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONVENTION

Congresswoman Johnson recently addressed national, state, and local transportation policy makers at the 5th Annual Transportation and Infrastructure Convention. Congresswoman Johnson focused her remarks on the importance of maintaining and innovating our current transportation infrastructure in order to maintain the U.S.’s competitive edge.

“While our Interstate System is the greatest public works project in history, decades of use and ‘wear and tear’ have taken a toll, and we now have a system that is not only in great need of repair, but is incapable of accommodating the congestion and transportation needs of the 21st century. In order to maintain our Nation’s competitive edge, we need to have the kind of infrastructure and multi-modal transportation system that can move goods and people efficiently and safely. Our economic output and growth as a Nation depends on it,” stated Congresswoman Johnson.



Congresswoman Johnson also spoke about the need for innovation in both the vision and the financing of infrastructure projects. “The current Highway Trust Fund is an insufficient source for addressing our infrastructure needs, and we need to think outside the box in terms of coming up with new ways to fund infrastructure,” noted Congresswoman Johnson.



The 5th Annual Transportation and Infrastructure Convention is a forum for state and local officials and transportation experts to interact with national leaders to shape national transportation and infrastructure policy.

Congresswoman Johnson Addresses The National Urban League Young Professionals

Congresswoman Johnson addressed a group of National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) during their 9th Annual Legislative Policy Conference on Capitol Hill.



The National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP), together with the National Urban League held its 9th Annual Legislative Policy Conference (LPC) in Washington, D.C. March 6-8. Urban Leaguer’s from around the country joined civil rights, youth and community leaders in our nation’s capital, to discuss solutions to the challenges affecting communities that the Urban League serve. This year’s featured speaker at the Young Professional Conversation event was Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's Prophetic Words From 2002 On The Pending War In Iraq

As the 17th chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, she was a leading voice in opposition to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. During debate on the house floor, she stated:

"I am not convinced that giving the President the authority to launch a unilateral, first-strike attack on Iraq is the appropriate course of action at this time. While I believe that under international law and under the authority of our Constitution, the United States must maintain the option to act in its own self-defense, I strongly believe that the administration has not provided evidence of an imminent threat of attack on the United States that would justify a unilateral strike. I also believe that actions alone, without exhausting peaceful options, could seriously harm global support for our war on terrorism and distract our own resources from this cause."

Few Members of Congress had the foresight or courage of their convictions to voice their opposition at the time... Congresswoman Johnson had both the courage and the foresight.

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee Reviews Budget Request for NASA

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) began her opening statement by stressing the importance of NASA and the need for a sustainable, predictable path of growth. She said, "NASA is a critical part of the nation's research and development enterprise, as well as being a source of inspiration for our young people and a worldwide symbol of American technological prowess and good will. We need NASA to succeed. It almost goes without saying that NASA's success will depend not just on the amount of funding it receives, but also on whether it is given tasks that are executable, policy direction that is clear, and a funding environment that is more predictable than it has been in recent years."



The Administration's FY 2013 request would fund NASA at a level of $17.771 billion, a $58.6 million reduction from the FY 2012 appropriation and the lowest level for NASA since 2008. However, while the overall NASA budget thus takes a cut of about 0.3 % (with recission), the Administration's request does not spread the cut evenly across NASA's programs. That is, NASA's Science program is cut by $162.5 million, or about 3.2 % [despite increased funding for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)] from the FY 2012 appropriated amount; within the Science account, the funding for Planetary Exploration is cut by $309.1 million or about 21%; funding for Aeronautics research is cut by about 2 percent; funding for the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Multipurpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) is cut by over $300 million dollars [about 12.5%] ; NASA's Education program is cut by over $36 million [about 26%] and funding for the institutional needs of the agency [Headquarters and Centers] is cut by almost 5 %. The account that is increased the most in the NASA budget request is the Commercial Crew Program, whose budget would be more than double (from an FY 2012 appropriation of $406 million to a requested level of $830 million). In addition, the Space Technology account (which includes SBIR/STTR as well as technology R&D programs) would be increased by about $125.3 million (21.8%).



While sympathetic to the tough budget climate NASA currently faces, Democratic Members expressed concern about several areas of NASA's proposed budget including cuts to the successful Planetary Science Program, particularly to the Mars Exploration Program; cuts to the education programs; and the lack of credible cost and schedule estimates for the Commercial Crew Program, which takes on increased importance given the NASA Administrator's acknowledgement during the hearing that there had been a "sea change" in the primary objective of the Commercial Crew Program from one of transporting NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station to one of nurturing a commercial space industry.



"I think that the important role NASA plays in pushing innovation and in meeting daunting scientific and technological challenges argues for a bigger commitment to the agency than either the Administration or Congress is currently making. I fear that years from now, we are going to question why we didn't recognize how important it is to maintain our investments in research and innovation and to continue to provide the means to inspire our students even in challenging economic times," said Ms. Johnson. "That said, NASA's constrained funding makes it doubly important for us to make sure that the budget request before us is one that is well constructed and sustainable. Unfortunately, today's hearing has not relieved my concerns about the de facto priorities contained in this year's budget request."

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Action On A Jobs Creating Transportation Bill

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Urges Action On A Job Creating Transportation Bill

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Congresswoman Johnson is the Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and has been a leader in the fight for rebuilding our nations crumbling infrastructure and an outspoken advocate for infrastructure investment as a means to rebuild our economy.

Former President Clinton's Shares His Thoughts On Congresswoman Johnson and Her Leadership

'Eddie Bernice Johnson is the sort of person that I think we need in positions of leadership in the country and in our party. She cares about healthcare. She cares about giving everybody a chance, but she also understands how to run the store. She's fiscally responsible. She is committed to the global economy. She wants America to run toward it, not away from it. She's taken a lot of tough votes to stick with me when I tried to modernize this economy. When even members of our own party thought I was wrong, she always stood with me - sometimes when it wasn't easy. And she understands that if you want to really help working people, you also have to help business, too.' former President Clinton said.

Clinton went on to say, 'So I think the country would work better if everybody believed that you could be pro business and pro labor, pro growth, and pro environment, pro civil rights and pro individual opportunity. I think the country would work better..... I am telling you, she is a great Member of Congress.'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Participates In The Dedication Ceremony For Dallas' First Calatrava Bridge

The morning started off with a sunrise blessing at 6:50 a.m. and a performance by Cuicani In Xochitl, a Traditional Aztec dance group. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings began the inaugural dedication ceremony with an inspirational speech, referencing the symbolism of the bridge and how it will transform the lives of the citizens of Dallas. There was a togetherness that isn't always evident in Dallas. There was a sense of big possibilities and magical fortune, the latter helped along by both the well-heeled crowd and the spectacular weather.



The $182 million cable-stayed bridge, designed by internationally renowned Spanish artist, architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, connects Downtown Dallas to West Dallas over the Trinity River.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included three former Dallas mayors – Ron Kirk, now the Obama administration’s U.S. trade representative, Laura Miller, and Tom Leppert – as well as Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. Calatrava was also in attendance.


It was left to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson to perhaps offer the most moving statements of the night. She said that she sees the new bridge from her home and knowing that it connects parts of Dallas that have long been disconnected by the Trinity River "means more to me than anything that is said here tonight."



The pats on the back from the other politicians on the stage, she suggested, were nice. But by its very existence, the bridge achieves something that all the political talk can never do she said.

"I can see the bridge looking out the windows in my house," she said. "That's all the thanks I need."
Johnson said, "I spent all day yesterday in West Dallas, and the people are so pleased about finally feeling that they are connected. This is a structure that brings the city together”. Source Dallas Morning News

Thru her position as Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Congresswoman Johnson was instrumental in securing millions of dollars in vital federal funds for the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge as well as over 33 million dollars for the new Margaret McDermot bridge which will begin construction soon.

Dylan Ratigan MSNBC Interview w/ Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson speaks with Dylan Ratigan about the need to keep college education affordable and calls for transparency when determining where education dollars are going. Congresswoman Johnson also continues to advocate for increased S.T.E.M. education training so that American can remain competitive.



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Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Hosts Her 17th Annual Faith-Based Prayer Breakfast

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted her 17th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center – an affiliate of Baylor Health Care System. Joel Allison, President & CEO of Baylor Health Care System, offered remarks as well as several other key leaders in the healthcare and faith community.



At the Prayer Breakfast, Congresswoman Johnson addressed the pressing need to combat child hunger in Dallas. “With the current economic state of our country, the number of people struggling with poverty and hunger in America is on the rise. In Dallas County alone, there are nearly 200,000 food insecure children. As leaders of our faith community and those of us in public office, we cannot continue to let another child go hungry,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “ I want to tackle these issues on all levels. I am committed to shaping these policies that will protect and preserve programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and school breakfast and lunch programs to fight the ‘War on Poverty’.”



More than one hundred leaders in the faith-based community and social service organizations were in attendance to discuss the benefits of partnering with non-profit organizations and private entities to better serve their communities, and to provide resources to the underserved in the Dallas community. A diversity of faiths gathered at the breakfast including members of the Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities and others.

Congresswoman Johnson Advocates for Continued Infrastructure & Tech Research & Developement

Congresswoman Johnson speaks in House of Representatives to urge continued investments in infrastructure & high tech R&D. As the ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, & Technology, Congresswoman Johnson is a staunch advocate for technology & S.T.E.M. investments so that America can continue to lead in innovation on the world stage.

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Congresswoman Johnson’s Statement on the President’s Proposed FY2013 Budget

Congreswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson offered the following statement after the release of the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request:

“Investments in education and research and development (R&D) are critical to fostering innovation and maintaining our nation’s competitive edge. That is why I am pleased to see that the President’s budget places a strong emphasis on these areas. Our federal agencies have a long history of investing in research and education programs that return huge payoffs to the American people both in economic growth and societal benefits. The President’s budget request calls for an overall increase of five percent in non-defense R&D relative to the FY 2012 level of funding. Given the challenging fiscal environment we are confronting, this increase is a welcome reaffirmation of the President’s commitment to investments that will advance our knowledge, create new industries and jobs, give our children the grounding in science and technology they will need to succeed in a competitive world economy, and improve the quality of life of our citizens. I am particularly pleased with the continued investments in innovative technologies that run the gamut from advanced manufacturing to clean energy. Innovation is the key to creating jobs and spurring economic growth. The investments in clean energy will also help us move towards energy independence. In addition, the President and I agree that education must be a top priority and this budget request reflects that priority in concrete terms. It will help ensure that our students have the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills required for the highly technical, high-paying jobs of the future.

While there are specific elements of the budget requests of the agencies under the jurisdiction of our Committee that are going to require close scrutiny, I am encouraged by the President’s recognition that R&D and education play key roles in creating the jobs and economic growth that are critically important to long-term deficit reduction. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the weeks and months ahead to make sure that the appropriations passed by this Congress properly reflect the need to invest in our future.”

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON APPLAUDS WORKFORCE TRAINING AWARDS

Congresswoman Johnson recently announced that two companies that provide workforce training in the Dallas area, Workforce Solutions and Industrial Consultants LLC, will receive several million dollars in funding thru the Department of Labor to train highly-skilled employees.

Workforce Solutions will receive close to $5 million in funding. “This is fantastic news for the city of Dallas, which is home to nearly 175,000 high-tech jobs,” stated Congresswoman Johnson. “We need to encourage growth in the high-tech industries so that our country can have the talent necessary to become more innovative and compete globally. It is critical that we do all that we can to diversify our workforce in order to remain one of the most productive countries in the world.”

Forty-three grantees – partnerships between private and public entities – were awarded funding to provide education, training, and job placement assistance.

Congresswoman Johnson addresses NASA Symposium on STEM.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson addresses the Symposium on Supporting Underrepresented Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It took place at the NASA D.C. headquarters.

Getting more youth involved in STEM fields and developing careers in the STEM fields has been a career long passion of Congresswoman Johnson. As a national leader on STEM Education, and an ally of public and private and scientific enterprises, Johnson has worked closely with nonprofits and businesses, such as Texas Instruments, Dell, Microsoft and the Gates Foundation in order to bolster job creation and to improve STEM education opportunities and access.

Congresswoman Johnson Visits Israel, West Bank to Advance Women’s Leadership in Resolving Conflict

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently joined 14 leading women philanthropists and five other Members of Congress on a six-day mission (February 18-24) to Israel and the West Bank in order to enrich their understanding of the many factors that shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its prospects for resolution, and to hear firsthand about Israel and the region’s security concerns related to Iran.

Other members of Congress who made the trip were Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) who co-chaired the delegation, which also included Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Donna Edwards(D-MD), and Gwen Moore(D-WI).

The mission was co-sponsored by the J Street Education Fund (JSEF) and the Women Donors Network (WDN). This is JSEF’s third mission to the region with Members of Congress, and its first all-women delegation. It is the second mission to the region for WDN.

The aim of the mission was to enrich American political discourse by increasing the number of political and philanthropic women leaders empowered to advance bold US leadership in the region.

The delegation met with top-ranking members of the Israeli government and Knesset members from several parties, Palestinian government officials, and civil society leaders on both sides to get an in-depth, on-the-ground look at the state of the conflict, and to explore the American role in helping to facilitate a regional, comprehensive peace. The delegates traveled widely in Israel and the Palestinian Territory, examining the situation on the ground through the eyes of policymakers, political activists and the people living there.

In meetings with leading Israeli and Palestinian women in the governmental and non-governmental spheres, the delegation explored the possibility of building working alliances to advance the role of women in both countries in advocating for a two-state solution and security for Israel.

The J Street Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to inform policymaking and public discussion about the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to raise the visibility of mainstream pro-Israel, pro-peace voices within the American Jewish community, and to promote open, dynamic, and spirited conversation about how to best advance the interests and future of a Jewish, democratic Israel.

The Women Donors Network is also a 501(c)(3), an organization where progressive women philanthropists multiply their energy, their strategic savvy and their philanthropic dollars to build a more just and fair world.

Congresswoman Johnson's Op-Ed From The Christian Science Monitor On Why America Needs To Continue Manned Space Flight Programs

Fifty years ago this week, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn Jr. became the first American to orbit the Earth, inspiring generations of citizens and setting the nation’s human space flight program on a path to a successful moon landing a mere seven years later.

As ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring Mr. Glenn, who is also a former senator. Joining him as recipients of congressional medals were Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr., the crew of the first mission to land on the moon back in 1969.

Each of these individuals is a genuine national hero and worthy of our gratitude. They and the astronauts that preceded and followed them were willing to put their lives at risk – and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice – in order to push back the frontiers of knowledge and help our country achieve preeminence in space exploration.

Yet, America’s human space flight program – scaled back since the final space shuttle launch last July – has always been about much more than simply building rockets and space capsules and launching astronauts into space.

It is about inspiring people; it is about providing a peaceful and positive demonstration to nations around the world of American technological preeminence; it is about developing cutting edge technologies for human space missions that benefit our citizens and create new jobs.

It also motivates young people to pursue careers in science and engineering and advances knowledge generally.

The list of the fruits of investments in NASA that have become embedded in daily life is practically endless, whether they be as broad in scope as global satellite communications or as specific as smoke detectors, cordless power tools, digital mammography, body imaging, specialized formula for infants, and firefighter breathing systems. The Apollo and shuttle programs alone resulted in over 200 commercialized applications.

I know that some say: “The space race is over, we won it more than 40 years ago, and supporters of human space exploration are just captive to nostalgia.”

I disagree. We are in a new, equally demanding “space race” – a race to inspire young people to acquire the science and engineering skills they will need to compete for the jobs of the future; a race to develop the technologies that will not only help Americans explore space but also strengthen our economy and improve quality of life back here on Earth; and a race to maintain our leadership as a space-faring nation in the face of growing competitive challenges by other nations.

During a hearing before our committee last fall, Mr. Armstrong testified that by not continuing manned space flight, America jeopardizes its future science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, and I couldn’t agree more.

“A substantial current and long range threat is, and will be, the downward trend in engineering degrees granted in this country and the substantial increase in such graduates in other parts of the world,” said Mr. Armstrong.

He continued, “Public policy must be guided by the recognition that we live in a technology driven world where progress is rapid and unstoppable. Our choices are to lead, to try to keep up, or to get out of the way. A lead, however earnestly and expensively won, once lost, is nearly impossible to gain.”

There are also those who say: “It’s time to get the government out of space exploration – let the private sector do it.” Such a statement ignores the fact that the US human space flight program – and NASA in total – represents one of the most effective public-private partnerships in pursuit of challenging goals that this country has ever seen.

The facts are clear – almost 85 percent of NASA’s budget already goes to the private sector to provide the hardware, software, intellectual energy, and services that help NASA push back the space frontier.

Finally, there are those who say: “Times are tough. We can’t afford manned space flight right now.”

We can’t afford not to pursue a meaningful human space flight program. The amount of funding that would be saved if we would walk away from NASA’s human exploration program would have no significant positive impact on federal finances, but it would result in the loss of tens of thousands of good-paying, skilled jobs in the aerospace sector; would slow the development of advanced technologies that could wind up creating new jobs in the future; would forfeit American leadership in space; and would inevitably lead some of the best and brightest young minds to turn away from studying science and engineering.

In this week of celebrating John Glenn’s historic orbital flight, we would do well to ponder a statement that Eugene Cernan – the last man to date to walk on the moon – made when he testified at the same hearing as Armstrong:

“The space program has never been an entitlement, it’s an investment in technology, jobs, international respect, and geopolitical leadership, and perhaps most importantly in the inspiration and education of our youth.

“Now is the time to be bold, innovative, and wise in how we invest in the future of America. Now is the time to reestablish our nation’s commitment to excellence. It is not about space – it’s about the country.”

I could not agree more.

Congresswoman Johnson Defends Women's Rights to Contraception

Congresswoman Johnson says ‘I’ve never met a man that had the need for birth control’

Following Thursday’s walkout of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Obama administration's birth-control mandate, which featured a panel made up entirely of men, Democratic Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) said the incident demonstrated a lack of perspective on the issue of contraception.

Birth control “is not a male issue, it’s a female issue. I’ve never met a man that had the need for birth control.”

Johnson criticized the Oversight chairman’s choice of witnesses as a group of people who “don’t have a need to even consider these kinds of issues,” saying that the all-male panel demonstrated a “reprehensible disregard for women.”

Johnson was not the first Democratic woman to attack House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) after lawmakers walked out of the hearing. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) told reporters earlier in the day, “Imagine they're having a panel on women's health, and they don't have any women on the panel — duh!"

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CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON HONORS SIXTEEN WORLD WAR II VETERANS DURING NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS WEEK

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson honors Veterans with Doris “Dorie” Miller Commemorative Coin

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson paid tribute to sixteen World War II veterans at the Dallas Veteran Affairs Community Living Center in honor of National Salute to Veterans Week.

Congresswoman Johnson expressed her appreciation for their service and presented each World War II veteran with a Doris “Dorie” Miller Commemorative Coin. Doris Miller honorably served in the Navy during WWII and made his distinct mark in history during the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

“Dorie Miller is an American hero and I was privileged to know him as my neighbor in Waco, Texas,” stated Congresswoman Johnson. “The bravery displayed by Dorie Miller, a cook without weapons training who defended his country at Pearl Harbor, represents a true American veteran. It is because of him and these veterans I met this week, that we are able to enjoy our freedom in this country.”

The annual VA National Salute program began in 1978 when the VA took over sponsorship of a program started in 1974 by the humanitarian organization No Greater Love, Inc. VA Voluntary Service staff plan and execute local events and activities at VA medical centers. The National Salute is observed annually during the week of Valentine's Day, a day of caring and sharing which underscores the Salute's expression of honor and appreciation to inpatient and outpatient Veterans.

Congresswoman Johnson served as Chief Psychiatric Nurse for 16 years at the V.A. Hospital in Dallas before entering public service. She has been an unwavering advocate of our veterans and troops and she has fought tirelessly to preserve the benefits they have been promised, additionally she has worked for improved educational and job opportunities for veterans, expanded mental health care access for returning troops, and to rebuild and renovate V.A. and military hospitals.

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses The Health-Care Law's Contraception Mandate On MSNBC

Congresswoman Johnson discusses the Health-care Law's Contraception mandate on MSNBC with Martin Bashir. She expresses her opinion that this was a woman's issue and how the majority of all women use some form of contraception and discusses why Republicans in Congress have become relentless in their attacks on President Obama.



Bashir - Paul Ryan was sounding very do you think he believes the President is secretly wanting to cause the gridlock?

EBJ - He might believe that because it's at the point now where we don't know what the Republicans believe. It's a got you. Every issue is a got you where they find something to criticize the President on instead of taking care of the people. The whole focus of these Republicans is getting away to have a wedge against the President. They are not taking care of business .

Bashir - Do you think that's why they have chosen to jump on this contraception issue?

EBJ - Indeed.

Bashir You think this is another opportunity to attack the president?

EBJ - It's another opportunity to attack the President. Use an emotional issue to try to divide the President from some voters. We're talking about an insurance plan. We're not talking about church or faith. It does not force anything on anybody. It gives women the opportunity to have health care of their choice. It's so interesting that they focus on abortion. Abortion demand is at the lowest its been in modern history . It's really not about that issue. It's just another wedge issue to attack the President.

Bashir -Speaker Boehner says this is about the Federal government interfering in the consciences of American people . Do you have no sympathy at all for his position?

EBJ - I do not because I know it's false position to get the emotions of people. It's not real. If it was real thing, I think I could go along with it. We're talking about insurance coverage. Ask the women, if they want the health care coverage. Every time this issue comes up, it's always a male that brings it up who will never need an abortion. I hope that most women won't need an abortion, but it's an individual choice if there's a troubled pregnancy. It's not the choice of anyone else but the person or family and her doctor. It should not be a discuss here. This insurance coverage, it is not an religious issue. It's a family business issue. It has nothing to do with religion. We all have the freedom of religion . Uou know what, i don't hear anybody else talking about what's in insurance plans. The women of this nation want to be covered. They want to be covered whether or not they're working for a Catholic hospital. I am a product of a nursing school by Catholic college. I will always be grateful for that education. i'm a product of a Catholic church , but I do believe in individual choices. I think that I have no right to impose my choice on any other female.

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