Congresswoman Johnson Responds To Paul Ryan's Attacks On Medicare And President Obama

"All week I have watched my colleagues from across the aisle at the Republican National Convention stretch and bend the truth in their favor. But after listening to paul Ryan's speech Wednesday night I must set the record straight.

It has been clear that for the past four years the top priority of the Republican Party has not been the American people but to make President Obama a one-term President. Now, during the heat of political embellishment, Congressman Ryan declares that Medicare is being threatened... What he failed to mention to the American people is that he not President Obama is the architect of the attack. Ryan has spent the better part of the last two years trying to end Medicare as we know it." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds Voting Rights Victory For Texas

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson applauds Voting Rights victory for Texas.

On August 28th. the United States Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the redistricting maps drawn by the Republican-led Texas legislature did not comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court found the U.S. Congressional and Texas State Legislature redistricting maps discriminated against minority voters

“This ruling is a huge victory for the state of Texas and for voting rights across our country. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, yet history has shown deliberate attempts to disenfranchise minority communities and bar them from voting at the polls,” stated Congresswoman Johnson.

“Our state is very diverse and it is becoming more so each year. This diversity should be reflected in the individuals that we send to the Texas State Legislature, and the United States Congress. All citizens, in Texas and throughout the U.S., should have equal voting rights and protection under the law.”

Under the Voting Rights Act, Texas and several other states with a history of discriminatory practices, must obtain “preclearance” from the Department of Justice or a declaratory judgment from the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia in order to implement any redistricting plans. ”

Since the 2000 U.S. Census, Texas’s population has grown by 4.3 million people. Latinos accounted for 65 percent of that growth, while 13.4 percent were black and 10.1 percent were Asian-American. It was argued that this growth was not represented in the new maps.

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks At The 15th Annual Transportation & Infrastructure Summit

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently presented the Eddie Bernice Johnson Award for Excellence in Transportation Leadership to Congressman Tom Petri, who represents the 6th District of Wisconsin. 

The Transportation & Infrastructure Summit was Congresswoman Johnson’s brainchild and she has been heavily involved in the Summit since its inception. Congresswoman Johnson also served on a panel with several other Members of Congress on issues facing the Nation’s transportation systems and what passage of the transportation bill would mean for Texas.

Congresswoman is the Senior Ranking Texan on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Congresswoman Johnson Issues Statement On The Passing Of Neil Armstrong

Congresswoman Eddie Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology issued the following statements upon hearing of the passing of Neil Armstrong.

Congresswoman Johnson said, "I was terribly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Neil Armstrong, a genuine American hero and an inspiration to countless people around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed and I think the best tribute we can give him is for this nation to continue to build on his legacy of exploration and to keep striving for excellence as he did throughout his life."

Congresswoman Johnson Delivers Remarks At The Bosnia Advisory Council Conference

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the Bosnia Advisory Council Conference in Washington. The Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Bosnian Americans and works to improve relations between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"History can repeat itself if we are not aware of it,' Congresswoman Johnson told the conference in her remarks assessing how far Bosnia and Herzegovina has come toward reconciliation since its war of independence ended 17 years ago. 'If we you stop paying attention to history,' she continued, "things do not necessarily move forward. They can start to roll back."

Johnson's warning was timely, given how the fractured nature of Bosnian society increasingly hampers the country's economic development and integration into the European Union and NATO. Congresswoman Johnson's interest in Bosnia was sparked by her travels there in the early 1990's as a member of a delegation led by U.S. President Bill Clinton, when she encouraged women to take a part in the peace negotiations.

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes the 77th Anniversary of Social Security

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice JohnsonJohnson recently recognized the 77^th Anniversary of Social Security and praised this successful program that helps provide a sense of security to America's seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Congresswoman Johnson said, “On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Social Security into law to provide seniors financial security after a lifetime of hard work.  With the enactment of this law, our Nation made a promise to guarantee the retirement security of American seniors.

Prior to Social Security, nearly half of our seniors lived in poverty and now less than 10 percent are impoverished.  Today, Social Security allows nearly 55 million seniors, Americans with disabilities, and widowers and their children the opportunity to live in financial security.

It is extremely disturbing to know that Republicans are working hard to halt these benefits for seniors, privatizing Social Security, and limiting economic stability. I will continue working with my Democratic colleagues to fight for the financial security of our Nation’s seniors and all Americans.”

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By Dallas Lighthouse For The Blind

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was recently honored by the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. She was recognized for her involvement with the organization as an AbilityOne Champion, which includes her efforts to promote opportunities for economic and personal independence of the blind and those with severe disabilities. Congresswoman Johnson spent the day with the organization, offered remarks, and toured the facility.  

“I humbly accept this honor for my work as an AbilityOne Champion, and will continue to support community oriented organizations through my work in Congress", Congresswoman Johnson said.

Congresswoman Johnson went on to say, “Since 1931, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind has provided unique employment opportunities and training to blind or visually-impaired individuals throughout North Texas. Your organization has established a proven method for creating jobs, bolstering local economies, and integrating those who are visually impaired into the workforce.”

Eddie Bernice Johnson On 'Trickle-Down Economics'

"The Republicans have been talking about 'trickle-down economics' since before Ronald Reagan. I don't know about you but I am tired of getting trickled down on." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Her 6th Annual Youth Summit & Diversity Dialouge

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently held her daylong 6^th Annual Youth Summit & Diversity Dialogue at Southern Methodist University. The summit provided a forum for students to explore diversity and cultural awareness programs and to participate in interactive breakout sessions.  Students between the ages of 13-17 from the Dallas Fort-Worth area were selected to participate in the summit.

“This year’s theme is Putting Our Signature on the Future. This summit is designed to foster diversity and stimulate dialogue on issues that will affect you, your classmates, and your communities. Everyone here in this room today has the potential to make real and positive change in their communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson.“As you become young adults, we will look to you to provide leadership, and to find solutions to the growing problems facing our world today.”

The day began with an opening ceremony where students heard from Dr. Gerald Turner, President of Southern Methodist University; Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS; and Sarosha Hansraj, Founder of Children Care for Children; Bonnie King,Regional Environmental Education Coordinatorof Environmental Protection Agency,  in addition to remarks from Congresswoman Johnson.

Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS, INC., who was featured on the CBS TV Series Undercover Boss, provided valuable professional leadership insights to include her very own “7 Steps to Success.”  At the conclusion of the summit, students incorporated Ms. Monson’s steps into the closing ceremony program.


Congresswoman Johnson and the panelists concluded the summit by encouraging the group to continue serving as young leaders in their communities and to engage in dialogue to foster an understanding of cultural differences on how best to promote a climate for social change. To culminate this experience, students from the summit will participate in a  service project at the Texas Discovery Gardens at the end of August.

Congresswoman Johnson Delivers Remarks At The Best Southwest Partnership's Legislative Breakfast

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the Best Southwest Partnership’s Annual TGIF Legislative Breakfast Series at the Methodist Charlton Medical Center.  The Legislative Breakfast Series provides an opportunity for constituents and interested parties to connect directly with their elected officials on the local, state, and national level.

“As most of you know, Congressional Members spend most of August in their districts. My time away from Washington allows me the chance to be here with you today,” said Congresswoman Johnson.
Congresswoman Johnson spoke about recent legislative activity on Capitol Hill.“I believe that the most significant legislative accomplishment in this Congress was the passage of the transportation bill. Investing in North Texas’ infrastructure brings with it both long and short-term gain. By building out our infrastructure we not only create thousands of good paying jobs, but we provide a platform to invest in our economic future. I am pleased to share that due to the passing of the transportation bill, Texas will receive more than $3 billion in highway formula funds.”

Congresswoman Johnson also discussed several additional programs and legislation that she has introduced in the areas of health care, manufacturing, and economic development in South Dallas/Dallas County.

The Best Southwest Partnership is 26 years old consisting of core cities and chambers of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, among others. 

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces The Fair Minimum Wage Act Of 2012

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined Congressman George Miller in introducing  The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012.

It has been three years since minimum wage workers saw an increase in their paycheck. The minimum wage was last raised by a Democratic Congress in 2007, this increase gave as many as 13 million workers a much needed pay raise after a decade stuck at $5.15 per hour.  Despite this, the real value of the minimum wage today buys less than it did in 1956. In addition, workers who rely on tips haven’t seen an increase in their wages since 1991.  The required pay for tipped workers, excluding tips, has been stuck at a paltry $2.13 per hour for 21 years. And, the federal minimum wage doesn’t automatically rise with inflation.

Congresswoman Johnson said, "I firmly believes it is time to raise the minimum wage."

The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 (H.R. 6211) will increase the minimum wage in three 85-cent steps, over three years, from $7.25 to $9.80 per hour. The rate will then be indexed to inflation each year thereafter. In addition, the legislation will increase the required cash wage for tipped workers in annual 85 cent increases, from today’s $2.13 per hour until the tip credit reaches 70 percent of the regular minimum wage. 

Congresswoman Johnson Celebrates The 47th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act

Congresswoman Johnson Celebrates The 47th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act.

"On Aug 6, 1965, 47 years ago today, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. Since the beginning of 2011, 176 restrictive bills regarding voting laws have been proposed in 41 states total and to date, 14 states have already passed restrictive voting laws. We must resist every effort to make it harder and more difficult for people to register and vote." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Eddie Bernice Johnson - A Champion of Civil Rights And The Beginnings Of A Political Career

Eddie Bernice Johnson grew up in Waco and moved to Dallas after graduating from Notre Dame, St Mary’s College of Nursing and took a job as a VA nurse. She got into politics after a trip to buy a new hat. She didn't buy the hat. Instead, she organized a boycott and took her first step into politics.

"I had just finished nursing school [at Notre Dame] in South Bend. My father worked for the V.A. in Waco, and two members of the same family couldn't work for the same federal facility, so I applied for a position in Dallas, and they accepted me.”

"When I showed up, they were shocked that I was black. They hadn't had any black professionals at all at that time in Dallas. Suddenly all the nurses residences were 'full' and the rest were 'under construction.' I found housing in a rooming house. That was very prevalent among blacks, because there were very few apartment buildings."

"In Waco I had never witnessed the kind of extreme separatism I did here. In Waco they had 'Colored' and 'White' signs all over, and there was a history of lynchings. But, in Dallas, the overt racism immediately became clear.”

"After beginning work at the V.A. I was planning a trip back to South Bend for a friends wedding. I was going by train, and I wanted a small collapsible hat to put on my head. We were always raised to buy quality. My parents taught us that, even if you couldn't buy much, you should buy the best, so I went to one of the best stores downtown, A. Harris."

"I learned in just a very stark shock that I could not try the hat on. I never experienced that in Waco. We could try on clothes. I found that Black women in Dallas could not try on shoes. People tried them on for you, or they would measure your foot and guess your size."

"That was the first realization, I had never experienced anything like that, even in Waco. But it was that way everywhere in Dallas."

In 1957, determined to change the status quo, Eddie Bernice Johnson along with Yvonne Ewell, Imelda Brooks and Marion Dillard formed a group called '50 Sensitive Black Women' .The group, whose sole purpose was to integrate downtown Dallas, first met at Maria Morgan YWCA and began to organize a boycott of downtown Dallas stores including Sanger Harris, Neiman Marcus, and H.L. Green among others. 

"It taught me that unity can make a difference. We bought cameras and took pictures for the newspapers of people that patronized stores we were boycotting. Eventually stores closed." 

The boycott went on for over five years until on July, 26, 1961 over 49 stores, restaurants and theaters in Downtown Dallas were finally desegregated.

Congresswoman Johnson Joins Her Democratic Colleagues In Celebrating 47 Years Of Medicare

Congresswoman Johnson joined her Democratic colleagues recently to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Medicare & Medicaid being signed into law passed. The event commemorated this monumental legislation, and to show appreciation for all that these two programs have done for Americans over the years.  


Congresswoman Johnson opened by saying, "Each time I think about Medicare, and think about its history, it is no surprise the hard time we did have passing the Affordable Health Care Act. To think that Truman put this idea before the Congress and it took twenty years for it to pass. It took the election of Lyndon Johnson who brought in a major majority to the Congress that got it passed."


Congresswoman Johnson went on to say, "We do have something to celebrate, Medicare has been good for this nation just as the new Affordable Health Care Act will be. It is ironic that everything that is going to be good and set in stone for the people is always hard to achieve and its hard to keep."


Watch Video

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks At The United States Institute Of Peace

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently spoke at the United States Institute Of Peace. She spoke about the role of women in world peace, and her work with various peace initiatives around the world.


In her remarks Congresswoman Johnson said "I really do believe that the majority of the people on this planet want to see a culture of peace in the world, and it seems like such a big thing to accomplish that sometimes it can be discouraging because you are not sure you see the results as you move along."


Congresswoman Johnson went on to discuss the role of women in peace negotiations saying, "Just add women around the table... get women at the negotiating table and we will see a difference."

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Congresswoman Johnson Joins Democratic Leadership In Pushing GOP Leaders On Looming Sequester Cuts

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined other Senior Democrats in pushing GOP leaders to replace the looming sequester cuts with a bipartisan bargain on deficit reduction.

In a letter sent to Speaker Boehner and all the GOP committee heads, Congresswoman Johnson and her fellow lawmakers urged the Republicans to start 'immediate negotiations' on 'a balanced deficit reduction plan' that would prevent automatic sequester cuts from taking effect next year.

The letter read, "We all agree that a sequester starting in January 2013 is not in the country's best interest and is not the best way to assure responsible deficit reduction, the American people want us to work together to avoid unnecessary economic uncertainty at this crucial time in our recovery..... Failure to reach an agreement would have devastating consequences for our economy, small business and the middle class."

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks At St Mary's College, Educating Tomorrow's Global Women Leader's Program

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke with students from Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Mongolia, and Burma, as well students from St. Mary’s College during the Educating Tomorrow’s Global Women Leaders program. The initiative was hosted by St. Mary’s College. 

Congresswoman Johnson has been a leading voice on Women's Rights throughout her career in public service. She continues to work to empower young women from around the world to take on leadership roles and serve their communities and countries.

Eddie Bernice Johnson on War and Peace....

"We can't go all over the world killing people because we disagree with them." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Holds Hearing on Drought, and Emphasizes The Need to Better Understand Climate Change’s Role

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and  the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a legislative hearing to examine the state of drought forecasting, monitoring, and decision making and the role of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).  The Committee also discussed draft legislation to reauthorize the NIDIS Act of 2006.  Testifying before the Committee were:  Director of NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System, Dr.Roger S. Pulwarty; Oklahoma Water Resources Board Executive Director, Mr. J.D. Strong; University of California at Irvine Professor, Dr. James Famiglietti; City of Indianapolis Mayor, Mr. Gregory Ballard; and Maryland Farm Bureau President, Ms. Patricia Langenfelder.

Congresswoman Johnson and her fellow Democratic Members expressed concern over the extreme drought conditions that are afflicting large parts of the U.S. and stressed the critical role of NIDIS in understanding drought and its impacts.  In addition, Democratic Members highlighted the importance of considering the role of climate change when discussing drought, the increased need for proactive water management and planning, and the need for the development of better prediction and forecasting models.


Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson said in her opening statement, “In my own home State of Texas, over the last few years, scant rainfall and high temperatures have conspired to wreak havoc on the economy…Given the potential for massive economic damage, we need to recognize droughts for what they are – an extreme weather event – and design policies accordingly…Just as we design policies, programs and infrastructure to make predictions and limit the impacts of other extreme weather events, we should strengthen our capacity to do the same for droughts.  One tool at our disposal is NOAA’s NIDIS program.  In its six years of existence, NIDIS has already provided important seasonal and long-term drought information that has aided countless communities in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of drought.” 

“We cannot have a comprehensive approach to drought research and mitigation without exploring the potential linkages with a changing global climate.  While I will be the first to urge caution in jumping to conclusions about the present-day impacts of a warming planet, I know that climatologists around the world are coming to a much better understanding of this complex relationship.  We should leave the science to the scientists.  To play politics and categorically deny the linkage between climate change and extreme weather is both irrational and irresponsible.  Policymakers at every level have a duty to protect public welfare, and ignoring the realities of climate change simply leaves us less-informed and ill-prepared for catastrophic events such as droughts and floods,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson went on to say after the hearing, “The NIDIS program is an essential part of understanding and preparing for drought.  The witnesses’ testimony will be helpful as we prepare to reauthorize the NIDIS Act of 2006 and seek to make NIDIS a more effective and useful system.”

Congresswoman Johnson On BET Network's 'The Congressional Confidential Series'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently filmed with BET Network for their new show "The Congressional Confidential Series." 


Congresswoman Johnson spoke  about her extraordinary life of public service, the importance of the Congressional Black Caucus and about the need to improve S.T.E.M. education if the United States is to remain competitive.

Congresswoman Johnson Issues Statement on the Passing of Dr. Sally Ride

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology,  issued the following statement after hearing that Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, had died.

"I am profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Sally Ride. She was inspiration to all of us, especially young women. Beyond her work at NASA, she provided distinguished service on a number of important national advisory commissions. At the same time, I believe one of her most lasting influences was through the work she did to interest our young girls in science and technology. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts A Telephone Town-Hall Meeting Focusing On The Affordable Healthcare Act

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recently held a telephone town-hall meeting to answer constituent questions about the affordable healthcare act.

"I would like to thank the 6500+ plus constituents that were on the telephone town-hall tonight. I appreciate all of the participants, all the questions that you asked, and all those that just listened in. I am sorry I was not able to address every question, but I am here to serve you. If you have any specific questions or specific issues or casework, please contact my Dallas office at 214-922-8885. Any other questions also feel free to call my D.C. office at 202-225-8885. And again, for more answers about the Affordable Care Act and what it means to YOU... simply go to www.Healthcare.gov As Always, it is my honor and pleasure to serve the constituents of the 30th district of Texas."

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Two Bills To Invest In Water Resources and Create A White House Intitive On Water Policy

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has introduced legislation to require $300 million in new federal research into the energy-water nexus and to create a new White House initiative on water policy.

“Water availability and quality are essential for public health and a strong economy,” Rep. Johnson said in introducing her legislation on the House floor. “But demands for and threats to these resources are growing.”

“Whether it is billions of dollars in lost revenue for our agricultural sector or reduced electric reliability due to low cooling water supplies for power plans, the country is already feeling the impacts of reduced water availability and quality,” she added.

Her proposals are contained in two bills, both of which were immediately referred to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

One measure, The Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2012 (H.R. 5827) focuses attention on the energy-water nexus — the energy required to provide reliable water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies.  The legislation would direct the Secretary of Energy to include water considerations in the Energy Department’s energy research and to minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and utilize nontraditional water sources.

The legislation would authorize $300 million over five years for this research and an additional $10 million to fund a new Energy-Water Architecture Council to help coordinate and promote better energy and water data collection.

The second bill, The Coordinating Water Research for a Clean Water Future Act of 2012 (H.R. 5826) would elevate the importance of water research by creating a National Water Research and Development Initiative at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The goal is to increase the federal government’s role in coordinating federal water research activities to identify and address changes in water use, quality, supply, and demand.

“We applaud Rep. Johnson’s efforts to address crucial issues of water use, particularly regarding the important energy-water nexus,” said Mary Ann Dickinson, president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.  “The relationship and interdependence of water and energy are all too often forgotten in research and policy decisions.”

Congresswoman Johnson is the Former Chair of the House Subcommittee On Water Resources and the Environment, she is also the author of the landmark Water Resources Development Act of 2007.

Congresswoman Johnson Visits With Texas Girl Scouts

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson visited with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas recently at the University of Texas-Dallas. Congresswoman Johnson, a girl scout herself, spoke to the girls as they participated in the week long “ College Journey” program meant to inspire and encourage the girl scouts to pursue a college degree and explore different careers.

Congresswoman Johnson Congratulates Friends of the Dallas Public Library For Receiving The National Endowment For The Arts Grant

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)recently announced a $15,000 grant for the Friends of the Dallas Public Library through the agency’s “Big Read” initiative, which is designed to “restore reading to the center of American culture.” The funds will enable the library to host Big Read projects, where people can come together to explore literature from the United States and around the world. The Friends of the Dallas Public Library will use these funds for the reading of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

“Promoting literacy is absolutely critical for our youth, and the Big Read initiative will help to spur interest among our Nation’s children and their families,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “I am pleased to see these funds going towards such an important cause here in Dallas.”

The NEA Big Read grant will go to 78 organizations across 30 states, totaling $1 million.

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Legislation To Create Forensic-Science Standards To Prevent Wrongful Convictions

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Senator Jay Rockefeller have introduced legislation that would establish Federal Grants to help create forensic-science standards, in an effort to help reduce wrongful convictions based on flawed forensic results.

“To ensure justice is being served, we want law enforcement and forensic practitioners to work alongside scientists and researchers to make sure that forensic evidence stands up to scientific rigor,” said Congresswoman Johnson .

The Forensic Science and Standards Act would provide $200 Million over the next 5 years in grants to boost forensic science research, and nearly $100 Million in that same period that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would use to develop standards in the field.

Congresswoman Johnson Signs The Petition Opposing Defense of Marriage Act

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has signed a brief to the Supreme Court opposing the Defense of Marriage Act (widely known as DOMA) .

Congresswoman Johnson was one of only four of the state’s nine Democratic House members joined the “friends of the court” brief. other members joining  were Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Charlie Gonzalez of San Antonio.

As expected, none of the Texas Republicans were among the 130 signers of the brief. 

The Supreme Court is deciding the case of Karen Golinski v. Office of Personnel Management, a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act.

The brief exercises the view that gay men and lesbians are an “identifiable minority group,” and that “Congress’s treatment of gay men and lesbians illustrates that this group has been unable to prevent harmful laws or achieve desired policy results that directly impact their lives.”

President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder came to the conclusion last year that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional, and announced the Department of Justice would stop defending it in specific court cases.

“Gay men and lesbians are a historically disfavored minority that has often been targeted for legislative action based on stereotypes and bias, making it inappropriate for courts to grant laws like DOMA the same presumption of validity afforded to most acts of Congress,” the petition states.

Congresswoman Johnson is an original co-sponsor of the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and a member of the House LGBT Equality Caucus.

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Reacts to NOAA’s “2011 State of the Climate” Report

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in coordination with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), released the “2011 State of the Climate” report that details global climate indicators, notable weather events, and other data collected by environmental monitoring stations and instruments on land, sea, ice, and sky.  It includes details on a number of extreme weather events such as the deadly tornado outbreaks in the U.S. and the extreme drought in Texas.  Also released was an article published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that examines the potential linkages between climate change and the extreme weather events of 2011.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology,  said, “I welcome the release of the ‘2011 State of the Climate’ report.  It provides a comprehensive set of climate and weather data that illuminates the significant climate change trends occurring around the globe.  This report highlights the importance of continuing the nation’s investment in climate and weather research and monitoring.”

The peer-reviewed report was compiled by 378 scientists from 48 countries.  It used 43 climate indicators to track and identify changes and overall trends to the global climate system, such as greenhouse gas concentrations, cloud cover, and sea level rise.  Each indicator includes thousands of measurements from multiple independent datasets.  Highlights from the report include that warm temperature trends continue; greenhouse gases continue to rise; arctic sea ice has been below average since 2001; ozone concentrations are at their lowest since records began in 1979; and sea surface temperature and ocean heat content both rose.

“The report released Tuesday provides a clear reminder that we need a better understanding of both the global climate and the type of extreme weather we experienced in 2011, including the severe drought we suffered in my own state of Texas.  As last week’s storms demonstrated, we continue to face such extreme events.  From the deadliest tornado year in more than half a century, to the unprecedented heat wave this month, we have been facing severe, life-threatening, and record-breaking weather events across the country at what seems to be an increasing rate.  We need to redouble our efforts to determine the extent to which climate change may also be contributing to the extreme weather events that have been occurring globally,” added Congresswoman Johnson.

Congresswomen Johnson Addresses Violence Against the Homeless

Congresswoman Johnson , the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, and the National Coalition for the Homeless, hosted a briefing on violence against the homeless. The goal of the briefing was to raise awareness about the violence facing homeless men, women, children, veterans, elderly, and the disabled.


“Protecting some of the most vulnerable people in this Nation should be a top priority of this Congress,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Raising awareness is just one component of finding a comprehensive solution to that not only protects the homeless from violence, but also reduces the total number of people living on the streets.”


The panel included experts from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, law enforcement, a former victim of violence.


Congresswoman Johnson is one of four co-founders and co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. Congresswoman Johnson has also authored legislation to include hate crimes against homeless individuals in the uniform hate crimes statistics collected by the Department of Justice. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Congresswoman Johnson Joins MSNBC's Martin Bashir To Discuss Republicans Pursuit Of Voter ID Laws

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined MSNBC's Martin Bashir and chastises Republicans for pursuing Voter ID laws for the primary purpose of defeating President Obama.

MB: good afternoon.

EBJ: good afternoon.

MB: lawmakers in texas must know that up to 25% of african-americans in this country do not have access to a valid form of i.d. and given that there are investigations intovoter fraud produced virtually no evidence whatsoever, is this law simply designed to disenfranchise black and other minorities?

EBJ: well, indeed it is. we all recognize it is astonishing that there can be stories to deny it. we all know if you have lived  as long as i have or less, you know that if your skin is black or brown or you have a spanish is your name, the -- conservatives would rather you not vote. and it is coming up this year when we have president obama is up for re-election and when you look at how he got elected and he was truly elected, not selected the way the previous president was, you could tell that young people voted heavier than ever before. they are going after the college aged kids to make sure they cannot use college i.d. with a picture and making it difficult for them to even vote and the seniors, people 45 to 85, vote heavily and voted heavily. they are going after them. and for us to try to act as if we don't recognize this shows that we don't know what is going on. the interesting thing is that they do not expect us to acknowledge and recognize most of us have been through this before.

MB: yes.

EBJ: we have known about jim crowe in this country.

MB: mitt romney never mentioned voter suppression , voter i.d. or even the mits of voter fraud today. could it be that he agrees with the republicans' state representative from pennsylvania who said this? listen to this, ma'am.

Video of Republican State Rep: voter i.d., which is going to allow governor romney to win the state of pennsylvania , done.

MB: that's an outrageous admission and disgraceful and yet it would appear mr. romney rather likes that.

EBJ: yes, it is an honest assessment. it is very clear why they are doing this now. they do not want president obama to win re-election. and it is so ironic that this has been a civil rights fight all of my existence in this country. and yet, today, the 21st century , we are still fighting poll tax. had get it, give it to us by charging us to vote or passing some kind of unconscionable test, or they are putting it out you have to have a very strictly identifiable voter i.d. and you can have a driver's license but if you are on a college campus that address is not there, it is not valid. so they are trying to make sure that young people and minorities do not vote. and just as simple as that for it to be any other explanation, it has taken all of the rest of us who are affected by this as fools.

MB: yes. i want to play for you what mitt romney said on where else but fox news a short time ago in response to his being booed and at his mention of wanting to end the affordable care act , he was speaking before the naacp . take a listen.

Video of Mitt Romney: we expected that, of course. you know, i'm going to give the same message to the naacp that i give across the country which is that obamacare is killing jobs.

MB: the implication of that answer, if i may suggest it to you, ma'am, is that he went to the naacp in order to provoke that kind of reaction. he knew it was coming. that's what he just said.

EBJ: you know, the interesting thing is romney does not even know who he is. he changes with every audience. it is so interesting he would try to be bold enough to present this as a sound idea when he was governor, he was one of the few states that brought up and made sure that a law of this sort was passed. now it is the worst thing that ever happened. let me tell you, you can talk about it killing jobs. i don't believe it for any type of chance. pit also -- keeps from killing people. people can survive with health care . and everybody born needs health care .

MB: congresswoman johnson from texas , thank you so much.

EBJ: thank you very much.