Congresswoman Johnson To Host Dallas Hunger Summit

"It is egregiously shameful that in this country of economic and agricultural abundance nearly 50 million citizens and their children go to bed hungry, not having eaten properly during the day nor secured the necessary food nutrients that will keep them well and prevent premature death.

In North Texas more than 750,000 people live in circums

tances where there is not enough food to feed themselves or their families.  Eighteen percent of our state’s citizens live below the poverty line. That number includes one of every four children. Nearly ninety percent of the children who attend Dallas public schools are eligible for the free or reduced lunch programs.

The problem has been long-standing. While a member of the Texas legislature I introduced legislation that mandated feeding children from low income families.  Hunger and a lack of nutrition have been seminal issues in my life as an elected official.

In the fall of this year, a number of non-profit organizations that fight hunger in Texas will participate in the Dallas Hunger Summit that I will host in an effort to address and bring about a resolution to the issue of hunger. I am working with these groups closely for the success of this event.

Vitally important organizations such as the Texas Hunger Initiative, the North Texas Food Bank, Good Indeed, Feed3, the Dallas Baptist Association, the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and Get Healthy Dallas are willing and selfless partners in this crucial effort.

The hunger summit will be a collaboration between government, businesses and nonprofit entities to consider ways in which we can reduce the suffering caused by hunger in Texas and throughout our nation.

Hunger is an economic issue as well. Employees who have not eaten sufficiently are not able to perform well at their places of employment. Hungry children do not do well academically in school.  Studies have proven that well-fed children have higher test scores than those who are confronted with not having sufficient food to eat. There is even a relationship between aberrant behavior and inadequate food.

The coming together of these various organizations is a necessary step in our battle against hunger. Collectively we will be able to do so much more to confront the problem which presents itself as a moral dilemma for our state and our nation." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Shares Concerns & Urges Action On Global Warming

Congresswoman Johnson shared her concerns about global warming and called for action in an Earth Day op ed in Capitol Hill's newspaper, The Hill.

“With Earth Day upon us, I would just like to note a few of the things we have learned in the past several years – the Earth is warming, sea ice is disappearing, the glaciers are receding, the oceans are acidifying, and sea levels are rising. We know all of this from climate science.  And all of this will impact every single person on this planet.

The work being done at NASA, NOAA and other agencies is providing the crucial data that our nation will need to move forward on this critical issue, yet some would have us stop climate science research across the federal government.

Hiding our heads in the sand will not solve anything, and it certainly won’t stop the Earth from warming. I know that some still question whether climate change is real, but in reality we are now beyond that question. The overwhelming majority of scientists agree that it is real and it is happening.

To be fair, in trying to understand a phenomenon of this magnitude, the job of science will never be done. It will continue to evolve. We must always keep looking for new answers, replacing opinions with data, and projections with observations. We must continue to innovate in how we predict, measure, prevent and adapt to climate change. That is the nature of science and of our stewardship of our planet.

We in Congress have to acknowledge that we are not the experts, and that allowing partisan politics to skew the scientific understanding of climate change is cynical, short-sighted, and, by definition, ignorant. I implore my colleagues to recognize the value of research, and resist efforts to defund and destroy the very scientific community that will give us answers. We may not agree as to where the uncertainties within climate science lie, but we can all understand that vast and avoidable uncertainties will remain if you stop the progress of climate science.

This may be the scientific and policy challenge of the millennium, and we have a responsibility to the nation and the world to lead. 

A former colleague of mine, Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C.), eloquently conveyed his dismay at the recklessness of climate skepticism by comparing it to the diagnosis of a sick child - if 98 doctors prescribe one treatment, and 2 doctors prescribe a different treatment, who are you going to follow? We don’t cure a disease by refusing to test for it, calling the doctor a liar, and refusing to consider any treatment.

We have two choices when it comes to global climate change: we can allow our scientists to continue to conduct extensive research and improve our knowledge of this phenomenon, or we can just wait to watch it happen and hope for the best. Our climate is changing, that fact is irrefutable. This Earth Day should serve as a rallying call for increased investment in ground-breaking climate science. Climate change is an issue that impacts everyone on this Earth, and we owe it to our children and our grandchildren to do all we can to address it.” – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson is the ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

The Hill

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses Gun Violence With Roland Martin On Washington Watch

Congresswoman Johnson was joined by NAACP's Steven Hawkins & Khary Lazarre-White of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Sol  on Washington Watch with host Roland Martin to discuss the efforts to change gun laws to help curb the GunViolence epidemic that is plaguing our communities.

" We must call upon the American people to not to stop the pressure... the American people must make sure their voices are being heard. We cannot walk away from this fight, there are to many lives being lost- Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

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Congresswoman Johnson Opposes GOP Attempt To Shut Down National Labor Relations Board

Congresswoman Johnson has voted against the Republican effort to shut down the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

“Instead of focusing on job creation and efforts to strengthen on our economy, Republicans are supporting a bill that will gut the NLRB and prevent them from enforcing American labor laws,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

Under the bill, H.R. 1120, the NLRB would not be permitted to issue any new decisions, enforce existing decisions, or advance any rulemaking in preventing and remedying unfair labor practices or defending the right of employees to join a union and bargain collectively with their employers. 

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Financial Literacy Act Of 2013

Congresswoman Johnson has introduced the National Financial Literacy Act of 2013.    The bill would require that federal financial supervisory agencies establish minimum standards for community-based financial literacy programs in order to be eligible for consideration as a qualified community-based financial literacy program.  The bill would also allow a tax credit to small businesses for 35% of the expenses paid or incurred for providing qualified continuing financial education to their employees.

“Financial literacy is essential to preserving the economic well being of individuals and families.  I am introducing this legislation in order promote increased understanding and awareness of the consequences of financial decision making.  By increasing financial literacy, we contribute to economic stability in the U.S. and provide the needed tools for the middle class to thrive.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 5th Annual Bosnian Women's Day

Congresswoman Johnson hosted her 5^th Annual Bosnian Women’s Day in conjunction with the Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“I have had the privilege of traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the Bosnian War, and I realized that with women involved, peace could be achieved,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I know what it takes to bring change, and the road is long and arduous, but you must continue to move forward.”

The keynote speaker was the Ambassador of Bosnian and Herzegovina to the United States Jadranka Negodic. Ambassador Negodic spoke of her challenges of ensuring women have a seat at the table during peace negotiations.

Ambassador Negodic noted, “We must encourage women’s ambitions and help them advance to the next stage.  Young Bosnian women must be the change they want to see. You are the best advocates for your country.”

Diana Sehic, President of Rights for All, a non-governmental organization based in Sarajevo, Bosnia, spoke on her efforts to encourage women to pursue political office.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen improvement, but we still need support from the international community,” said Ms. Sehic.

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.

Congresswoman Johnson Receives Education Award From National Urban League

The National Urban League has awarded Congresswoman Johnson the “I Am Empowered” Award for Education.  Congresswoman Johnson was recognized for her dedication and leadership, and for her commitment to encouraging students to pursue STEM education.  

“It’s an honor to receive this award from the National Urban League. For more than a century, the National Urban League has worked tirelessly in their efforts to promote equality and empowerment for all Americans. I am truly honored to be among such extraordinary leaders and civil rights activists. ” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads efforts with its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, the National Urban League has 95 affiliates serving 300 communities, in 35 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide.

Congresswoman Johnson Reintroduces Advancing Innovative Manufacturing Act

Congresswoman Johnson has introduced H.R. 1421, the Advancing Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2013, to accelerate research, development, and innovation in advanced manufacturing and improve the competitiveness of American manufacturers.  The legislation is very similar to H.R. 6081, the Advancing Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2012, introduced by Ms. Johnson in the 112^th Congress. H.R. 6081 was not taken up by the Republican Majority.

The legislation is part of the House Democrats’ “Make It In America” agenda, a plan to support job creation today and in the future by encouraging businesses to make products and innovate in the U.S. and sell to the rest of the world. 

Congresswoman Johnson said, “American manufacturing is a critical part of our economy, employing more than 11 million Americans in high-paying jobs, accounting for 60 percent of all U.S. exports, and contributing over $1.7 trillion to the Nation’s gross domestic product in 2010.”

She continued, “The AIM Act of 2013 will help revitalize American manufacturing by focusing on advanced manufacturing.  The bill will help to ensure our manufacturing sector is the most sophisticated and innovative in the world, using the newest transformative technologies and the most efficient methods and processes.  By doing this, we can regain our global leadership in manufacturing, create jobs, and increase our national security.”

To ensure that the United States is the global leader in advanced manufacturing, the AIM Act of 2013:     

·         Establishes a program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to foster the creation of public-private research consortia –led by industry– focused on identifying the long-term, critical precompetitive manufacturing-related research needs of particular sectors, developing research roadmaps, and sharing the cost of conducting the identified research.
 

·         Creates a pilot program at NIST for small and medium-sized manufacturers to conduct research and development (R&D), explore the technological potential of a concept, and position themselves to successfully commercialize a new product, process, or technology. 

·         Establishes a pilot program at the Department of Commerce to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with vouchers to acquire R&D or innovation expertise to enable them to be more competitive. 

·         Authorizes a grant program at the National Science Foundation to provide funding to community colleges to reform and expand advanced manufacturing education through activities such as the development of curricula, faculty professional development, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing centers that will serve as models and provide leadership in advanced manufacturing education.  

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Congresswoman Johnson Launches Small Business Series To Assist Homeless Veterans

Congresswoman Johnson recently launched her small business series to assist homeless veterans in the Dallas area. The purpose of the series is to inform homeless veterans about the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program and provide them with the tools they need to apply for assistance. 

“No veteran should ever come home from war and be homeless.  I have traveled all over the world and there is no place else that allows the freedoms and opportunities like the United States. We are afforded this luxury because of the sacrifice and skill of our men and women in uniform, and we should all be there for them when they return home.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

note: Congresswoman Johnson served as Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas before being elected to public office.

Congresswoman Johnson Supports Paycheck Fairness Act

Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year. 

“It’s time for us to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure that women are receiving equal pay for equal work,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Equal pay is not simply a woman’s issue – it’s a family issue.  When women earn less money, it means they have less for the basic needs of their families. Republicans need to stop playing politics and help pass this critical Paycheck Fairness Act.”

In 2008 and again in 2009, the Democratic-led House succeeded in passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, but in both Congresses, Senate Republicans blocked the measure.  Similarly, in 2012, Republicans in both the House and Senate voted to block the bill. 

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds President Barack Obama’s BRAIN Initiative

“I applaud President Obama’s Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which is designed to help researchers and scientists find innovative ways to treat, cure, and prevent brain disorders. As Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have championed investment in research and development to maintain our international leadership in medicine and technology.

In my congressional district, the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brain Health has been conducting cutting-edge research on the brain for over a decade. The scientific discoveries made by the Center for Brain Health have been transformative, and I look forward to greater federal support for this important line of research. The President’s major new initiative has the potential to transform our understanding of the human mind and take us leaps and bounds forward in our endeavor to treat veterans with traumatic brain injuries, children with autism, or the more than 5 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer’s.”

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Texas Governor Rick Perry to Participate in Medicaid Expansion

“I am very disappointed by Governor Rick Perry’s statement today that he will continue to reject Medicaid expansion in Texas. In refusing additional Medicaid funding, Gov. Perry is denying millions of Texans access to life-saving health insurance, a decision that would save taxpayers, hospitals, and local governments millions of dollars in costs spent caring for the uninsured. Medicaid expansion is particularly urgent for Texas, which is ranked first in the number of uninsured residents in the country.

Medicaid expansion is expected to increase Texas’ economic output by $67.9 billion in the first four years, improve the public’s health by increasing access to preventive care, and, most importantly, save the lives of 8,400 Texans every single year. By opting out of the Medicaid expansion, Gov. Perry is forcing local governments and taxpayers to pay for his political opposition to the Affordable Care Act. I urge the Governor to stop playing petty politics, and make the economically sound decision to expand Medicaid. I remain open to working with the Governor, the Administration, and the Texas delegation in Congress to support a Medicaid expansion that will benefit all Texans.”

Congresswoman Johnson Applauds HUD Grant Awarded To The City of Dallas

“I’m very pleased the City of Dallas will receive $11,750,000 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. This funding will allow the City of Dallas to assist the Hamilton Atmos Limited Partnership to finance the rehabilitation of the Atmos Lofts, a mixed-use, mixed income residential development in the Dallas central business district. Through the Section 108 Program, we will continue our efforts to effectively expand access to affordable housing in the Dallas area.”

During Phase II, the Partnership will convert three vacant office buildings into 123 rental housing units, and 9,500 square feet of ground floor retail and parking garage and ground level parking.

City of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said, “We want to thank the Department of Housing & Urban Development for understanding the vision and needs we have for our Downtown area. The Atmos project is a $30 million dollar investment which simply would not have been possible without HUD leveraging funds with the City of Dallas. We are excited to be able to provide the citizens of Dallas with new housing and retail opportunities in the Downtown Area. And, we are especially pleased to be able to repurpose the former Lone Star Gas building at 301 S. Harwood which had been vacant for a number of years.”

Congresswoman Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure 

Congresswoman Johnson Highlights The Benefits Of Affordable Care Act For Texas

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which highlights the number of people in Texas that are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. March 23rd is the third anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act.

"Millions of Texans, including many of my constituents, are already seeing lower health care costs and receiving better insurance coverage," said Congresswoman Johnson. "I will continue to oppose Republicans' efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and work with my Democratic colleagues to ensure that this important law continues to be implemented effectively." Congresswoman Johnson continued.

The new report shows that the health care law has already provided:

- No lifetime limit on health insurance coverage for 7,536,000 residents of Texas, including 2,771,000 women and 2,094,000 children. The health care law prohibits insurers from placing a lifetime limit on coverage. In the past, lifetime limits on coverage have forced some families to declare personal bankruptcy.

- Lower drug costs for 206,304 seniors in Texas.The health care law makes prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare more affordable. It does this by gradually closing the gap in drug coverage known as the 'donut hole.' Because of this provision, in 2012 alone, 206,304 seniors in Texas saved over $140.2 millionon their drugs - an average of $680 per senior.

- Free key preventive services for 5,198,000 Texans. The law requires many insurance plans to provide coverage with no deductible or co-pay for a number of preventive health services like flu shots, annual wellness visits, mammograms, Pap smears, and colon cancer screenings. Because of this provision, 5,198,000 Texans now have access to these preventive services at no cost.

- Coverage for 357,000 young adults in Texas, who would otherwise be uninsured. The health care law requires health insurers to permit parents to retain coverage for their children until their 26th birthday. As a result, 357,000 young adults inTexas have gained health insurance through their parents' plan.

- Rebates from insurance companies benefiting 1,516,721 consumers in Texas. Under the health care law, insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premiums on medical care and quality improvement - rather than on CEO pay, profits, and administrative costs. Insurance companies that fail to meet this standard must pay rebates to their customers. Last year, 1,516,721 consumers in Texas benefited from $166,975,840 in rebates from their insurance companies.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Her 10th Annual Math & Science Lecture Series

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, hosted her 10^th Annual Math and Science Lecture Series at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center located in Dallas, Texas.

“The students are the future, and the Nation is depending on them,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “In order to remain globally competitive, we must have more students interested in the STEM fields.”

The University of Texas at Dallas created the Eddie Bernice Johnson Math and Science Lecture Series in honor of Congresswoman Johnson. Each year Dallas-area high school students are exposed to  the best and brightest minds in mathematics and science. They are urged to seek training that will prepare them for career opportunities in those fields.

This year the keynote speaker was Dr. Cynthia McIntyre, the Senior Vice President at the Council on Competitiveness. Dr. McIntyre spoke about her early experiences in STEM and about the conference she started for Black physics students.

“Don’t limit yourself by not taking risks,” said Dr. McIntyre. “Take a risk and do the interesting thing. Take the opportunities and maximize them for your benefit.”
Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center has received recognition at the state and national levels as one of America’s top high schools.

Congresswoman Johnson Opposes The Ryan-Republican Budget

Congresswoman Johnson recently voiced her opposition to the Ryan-Republican Budget.

“The Ryan-Republican budget does nothing to address the needs of the American people.  Families all across this country are depending on us to work together to both create jobs and reduce the deficit.   House Republicans have consistently refused to address the top priorities of the middle class, and they continue to produce these same failed policies that are not moving the country forward. The American people deserve better. Our budget needs to reflect the ideals and values of all American families and I will only support a plan that does just that.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

The House passed the Ryan-Republican budget by a vote of 221-207. For the third year in a row, all House Democrats voted against the Ryan-Republican budget.

Congresswoman Johnson & House Committee On Science Space Technology Examine Threats From Space

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing titled, “Threats from Space:  A Review of U.S. Government Efforts to Track and Mitigate Asteroids and Meteors, Part 1,” to hear testimony on the roles and responsibilities of agencies in detecting, tracking, and monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs), including those that are potentially hazardous; the resources, technologies and methods used; and coordination between government agencies or organizations.  Testifying before the Committee were The Honorable John P. Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP); Gen. William L. Shelton, Commander of the U.S. Air Force Space Command; and The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Part 2 of the Committee’s examination of NEOs will be held by the Subcommittee on Space in early April.

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson said in her opening statement, “There is increasing scientific evidence that impacts by large asteroids and comets have had profound consequences for life on Earth at various times in the past, even contributing to mass extinctions. While such events are very rare, they obviously can cause untold damage, and are not something we want to have happen if we can avoid it. I think it is our increased scientific understanding of Near Earth Objects and their potential to impact the Earth that has led Congress to take this subject seriously in recent years.”

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has led the establishment of U.S. policy on dealing with potentially threatening near-Earth objects since the 1990s. Congress has issued direction to NASA to survey, monitor, and characterize potentially hazardous objects and to meet stated goals and timelines. NASA’s NEO program and survey has been implemented in response to the Congressional mandates. In addition, the 2008 NASA Authorization Act included direction on the establishment of a lead agency for protecting the planet and on initiating international dialogue in response to the threat of a hazardous near-Earth object headed for Earth.

Witnesses and Democratic Members discussed a number of issues including the importance of international cooperation when dealing with NEOs; which agency would have overall responsibility for protecting the U.S. from NEOs; the challenge in establishing the cost effectiveness of investing in detection or mitigation; and the impact of the sequester on the U.S.’s ability to effectively make progress on addressing these issues and emergency response.

Source Committee On Science Space & Technology

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces The STEM Opportunities Act

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science Space & Technology, has introduced H.R. 1358, the STEM Opportunities Act of 2013. The legislation combines two bills that Ms. Johnson had introduced in past Congresses, the Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act and the Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Act.

Congresswoman Johnson said, "Many reports over the past decade have found that it is critical to our Nation's economic leadership and global competitiveness that we educate and train more scientists and engineers. In the meantime, research shows that women and underrepresented minorities, who by 2050 will comprise more than 50 percent of our population, are disproportionately lost at every transition point in their STEM studies and research careers. As a Nation, we cannot afford to continue hemorrhaging so much talent." 

The legislation would require the National Science Foundation (NSF) to collect more comprehensive demographic data on the recipients of federal research awards and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities (while protecting individuals' privacy); promote data-driven research on the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM so that policy makers can design more effective policies and practices to reduce barriers; develop, through the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), consistent federal policies for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child, and consistent federal guidance to grant reviewers and program officers on best practices to minimize the effects of implicit bias in the review of federal research grants; require NSF to develop and disseminate guidance to universities to aid them in identifying any cultural and institutional barriers limiting the recruitment, retention, and achievement of women and minorities in research careers and developing and implementing current best practices for reducing such barriers; require OSTP to develop and issue similar guidance to all federal laboratories; and authorize NSF to award grants to universities to implement or expand research-based practices targeted specifically to increasing the recruitment and retention of minority students and faculty.

Ms. Johnson said of the legislation, "We did much more than just staple two bills together. We solicited fresh input from governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and completely overhauled some of the provisions that have been around for a while to better reflect today's needs and opportunities. The result is a more comprehensive bill that attempts to systematically address the full suite of issues facing both female and minority STEM researchers, from work-life balance policies, to campus climate, to better data collection, to recruitment and retention practices. We also expanded the bill to include not just researchers at universities but also researchers at our federal laboratories. Finally, we significantly strengthened the research components of this bill to increase our understanding of the trajectory of women and minorities in STEM research careers."

She continued, "I hope we can make this a bipartisan bill and move it through this Congress. Making sure we are engaging all of the talent of this country in STEM degrees and careers should not be a partisan issue."

"The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME), an organization representing 38 corporations and 50 universities, salutes Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson for the introduction of the STEM Opportunities Act of 2013," said Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail, President and CEO of NACME. "We remain optimistic that the Bill will get the attention of lawmakers in the present Congress and within the Administration. The continued underrepresentation of African American, American Indian, and Latino women and men in STEM education and careers represents 'the New American Dilemma.' The failure to resolve this dilemma threatens U.S. competitiveness and our quality of life."

"We are pleased to see legislation that will support equal educational access for women interested in STEM careers," said Alyse Stofer, president of the Society of Women Engineers. "Creating environments where women and other underrepresented minorities have the opportunity to contribute genuinely is the key to creating diversity that fuels innovation.

Source - www.Spaceref.com

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces the Violence Against the Homeless Accountability Act of 2013

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has introduced the Violence Against the Homeless Accountability Act of 2013 (VAHA).  VAHA includes bias-motivated attacks against homeless individuals as a category within the uniform crime statistics collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the purposes of hate crimes reporting.

Current federal hate crimes reporting standards categorize hate crimes as a crime where a victim is selected based on his/her actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

“Before we can solve the problem, we must understand the problem,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “This legislation is desperately needed if we are to send the message that homeless individuals are not out of sight and out of mind.”

“As it stands today, we must rely on third-party organizations to track the severity and scope of attacks on our homeless.  These organizations simply do not have the resources to collect complete data.  VAHA would put the resources of the federal government behind the collection of reliable data on violent attacks against homeless individuals all across the country.”

The Violence Against the Homeless Accountability Act of 2013 has gained the support of twelve original cosponsors, and is endorsed by the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Congresswoman Johnson Calls For Executive Order Protecting LGBT Workers

Congresswoman Johnson sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to sign an executive order requiring federal contractors to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their nondiscrimination policies.

The letter indicates that 43 percent of gays and lesbians and 90 percent of transgender people have experienced workplace discrimination.

“Our request begins with a simple premise,” the letter said. “It is unacceptable that it remains legal to fire or refuse to hire someone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.”

In February, 37 senators sent Obama a similar letter.

The executive order would expand one signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, which has been expanded several times to include contractors and subcontractors doing more than $10,000 in business with the federal government. Categories currently covered are race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

While an executive order does not replace a comprehensive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, it would cover everyone but it would extend nondiscrimination protections to more than 16 million workers.

Some states have enacted workplace protections, but it remains legal to fire employees for their sexual orientation in 29 states and for their gender identity in 34 states including Texas.

During his 2008 campaign, Obama said he would sign such an order. Since then he has backed off that pledge saying he would prefer the legislative solution of ENDA.

Source Dallas Voice