Congresswoman Johnson Joins CSPAN's Washington Journal To Discuss Immigration And Highway Trust Fund

Congresswoman Johnson recently joined CSPAN's Washington Journal and spoke about the impact of the influx of unaccompanied immigrant children from Central America on her state and the nation. She discussed the bipartisan, bicameral bill that two fellow Texans were working on that would allow these children to be sent back to their countries of origin, and President Obama’s $3.7 billion request to deal with the situation. Other topics included the House-passed deal to fund the Highway Trust Fund.

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Congresswoman Johnson Leads Bicameral Effort To Resolve International Adoption Crisis

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson led the House and Senate in a bipartisan effort to involve the Obama administration in more than 900 adoption cases that are currently suspended by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Congresswoman Johnson, along with House colleagues, Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Trent Franks (R-AZ), and Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and James Inhofe (R-OK), have sent President Obama a letter detailing this crisis and urging the President to intervene directly with the DRC.

“We must do everything we can to unite these children with their adopted families,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “While many American families have completed all of the necessary legal processes, they are still unnecessarily separated from their adopted children. The decision by the DRC is devastating to the American families and the children, many in poor living conditions and medically fragile, while stuck in the DRC.”

In September 2013, the DRC suspended the issuance of exit permits for children adopted by any foreign parents, reportedly due to concerns about suspected malfeasance in the local DRC adoption process and lack of information about the well-being of adopted children after they arrived in their new homes. In advance of the first ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in August, the letter urges President Obama to use this event and the time leading up to it as an opportunity to press DRC President Kabila for a just and expeditious resolution for these children and their American families.

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was honored by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) for her years of work to improve transportation nationwide.  During this third annual “Women Who Move the Nation Awards” ceremony, she was recognized as the “United States Legislator Honoree.”  The event brought hundreds of minority transportation officials together to discuss the future of  the transportation industry in this country and what COMTO can do to ensure maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals.

“The movement of goods and services is the lifeblood of this country.  It is so vital that we have all the brightest minds and hardest workers at the table to help push the transportation industry forward,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I am doing everything I can to make sure America regains its innovation edge in transportation.”

COMTO was founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University to provide a forum for senior-level minority professionals in the transportation industry. The organization encompasses individuals, organizations, transportation agencies, and non-profits that represent every facet of the transportation sector with chapters all over the country.   The “Women Who Move the Nation Awards” was moderated by MSNBC’s Karen Finney and featured a keynote address by Rev. Jesse Jackson.    

Congresswoman Johnson Meets With President Obama To Discuss Border Crisis

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson met with President Barack Obama and a group of local elected and religious leaders to discuss the recent humanitarian crisis spurred by the influx of more than 52,000 unaccompanied children along the border during the President’s visit to Dallas today. Congresswoman Johnson offered the following statement after leaving her meeting with the President:

“I want to thank President Obama for taking the time to address this pressing issue with us.  We all had a very productive conversation with the President regarding this recent increase of unaccompanied children crossing our southwestern border.  He has assured us that he is concentrating the full power of his Administration behind finding the correct solution for this growing humanitarian crisis.

President Obama is in constant communication with authorities on the ground along the entire border and understands the gravity of this situation.  He has asked us in Congress to work with him by approving emergency aid to deal with this mass migration and its effects.  I applaud Dallas leaders and the wonderful citizens from my district who have responded compassionately to the vulnerability of these unaccompanied children and recognized the urgent need to provide safety, food and shelter to these children to combat the dangers of wide-spread physical and sexual exploitation of children from these countries.  I look forward to working with the president and city leaders as we join forces to ensure these children are treated humanely while they are in within our borders while simultaneously seeking a permanent solution that aims to reunite these children with their families while still respecting our laws.”

Congresswoman Johnson Marks Anniversary Of The Ratification Of The 14th Amendment

"Today marks the 146^th anniversary of the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, which reconstituted the fabric of American life and law following the Civil War. The Fourteenth Amendment extended the cloak of citizenship to former slaves and expanded equal protection under the law, not only to African Americans, but to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Of the three reconstructive amendments following the Civil War, the Fourteenth is often the most echoed due to the wide range of liberties it protects. To African Americans the Fourteenth Amendment is a beacon of hope stemming from the most reflective and significant constitutional moments of our American history. To our neighbors who risk their lives and freedom to stand on American soil, the bright light and brilliance of the American dream continues to draw those in search of liberty, justice and equality. I remain convinced that, as was true in 1868, American citizens will denounce political contradictions that grant liberty and justice to all but the poor and will compel Congress to act so that new constitutional principles can emerge that will meet the needs of our ever-changing society." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Discusses The VA Scandal On MSNBC's The Reid Report

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Congresswoman Johnson Marks 50th Anniversary Of Civil Rights Act of 1964

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson recognized the 50th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.  President Lyndon Johnson signed this historic law, the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, on July 2, 1964.  

“It could be argued that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the most significant law in this nation’s history – by finally banning discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin,” Congresswoman Johnson said.  “This 50th anniversary is a time to remember the debt all of us owe to the courageous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s – many of whom were beaten and some of whom died in their fight for justice.  Their struggles and efforts culminated in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act.”

The landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 helped bring an end to the Jim Crow era – banning discrimination in public places.  Before the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, many public facilities in regions of the country were still segregated.  The Act also banned discrimination in employment.  In addition, it provided a long-awaited enforcement mechanism for the integration of schools.

“Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 represented enormous progress, more progress is still needed,” Congresswoman Johnson stated.  “For example, there could be no better way to mark this 50th anniversary than for Congress to pass a revised, renewed, and strengthened Voting Rights Act.”

The Voting Rights Act has been responsible for much of the progress made in recent decades to outlaw discriminatory voting practices.  And yet, unfortunately, in June 2013, in a 5-4 decision in Shelby County v Holder, the Supreme Court significantly weakened the Act by invalidating one of its key sections.  In response, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced a bipartisan compromise bill – the Voting Rights Amendment Act – which provides an effective, modern, flexible and forward-looking Voting Rights Act for today. 

“I call upon Members on both sides of the aisle to continue the bipartisan tradition of supporting civil rights and pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act,” Congresswoman Johnson concluded.  “This action would be in the spirit of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and would continue to help America to better live up to our creed that all individuals are created equal.”

Congresswoman Johnson Calls For Renewal Of Voting Rights For All Americans

"Today marks the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s destructive and naïve decision to invalidate section four of the Voting Rights Act – the landmark law that protects the most fundamental right in our democracy: the right to vote.

It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to remove obstacles to voting, to ensure every citizen has the right to vote and every vote is counted as cast. 

• In too many places across the country, we have seen efforts to deny Americans their right to be heard at the ballot box;
• We cannot tolerate voting discrimination, in any form, anywhere.

We need a VRA for today. It is time for Congress to come together and revise, renew and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.

• The Senate is moving forward, but the House refuses to act.

The choice is clear: advance the Voting Rights Amendment Act and reaffirm the most basic right in our democracy; or refuse to act, or delay, and enable the darkest forms of discrimination." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Leads Prominent Political Figures Honoring Legacy Of Lyndon B. Johnson On 50th Anniversary Of 1964 Civil Rights Act

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus, honored the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress.  This event was centered around the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Members of Congress, prominent political leaders of the Johnson administration, noted presidential historians, and civil rights leaders gathered to discuss the legacy of President Johnson and how he was able to use his office and influence to secure the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“It is often heralded that victory has many fathers. That is especially true when we look back upon the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” said Congresswoman Johnson as she addressed the crowd. “Men, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson, both had a great deal of power, and they used it to reshape our nation. President Johnson used the full power of his office to address the injustices of discrimination in American by advancing two of the most significant legislative endeavors in this Nation’s history: passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”

The event centered on a panel discussion that featured Congressman John Lewis, the last living speaker at the March on Washington, former Texas House of Representatives Speaker, Ben Barnes, as well as authors and Johnson historians, Nick Kotz and Todd Purdum.  The panel discussion was moderated by one of President Johnson’s top advisors and former CNN President, Tom Johnson. 

Remarks and reflections on President Johnson and his efforts were also given by several prominent political figures including, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim Clyburn, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.  The event was attended by hundreds of guests that included several members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Congressional Black Caucus. 

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Annual Youth Crime Prevention Summit

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted nearly three hundred elementary and middle school students at her annual Youth Crime and Prevention Summit. The summit featured speakers from the Dallas Police department, community activists, and representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers.

“A successful life will require that you do well in school; that you follow the rules of our society, and that you obey the law” Congresswoman Johnson told the young people who gathered at the Dallas Youth World Center, a faith-based, non-profit organization that acts as an after school home for young people in Dallas. “There are times when you must study and not play. You must commit time to your school work to reach all the goals that you have set for yourselves.”

“We believe in feeding the minds and the hearts of young people,” said Darla Shirley, the pastor who oversees Youth World. “We have been in the community for more than 30 years, and we intend to remain here as long as there is a young person that needs our assistance.”

Dallas Police Chief David Brown implored the young people to be good citizens, telling them that the police officers were their allies. “Young people are our future,” Chief Brown said. “We must do all that we can to assist them and keep them on the right path.”

Dallas Community activists Anton Lucky and Reverend Omar Jahwar, the founder of Vision Regeneration, a well-known youth intervention group in Dallas were joined on a panel by Albert C. Zapanta from the North Texas Crime Commission and Eric Pedersen, from the Corps of Engineers. Each of the panelists spoke to the young people  about alternatives to getting into trouble on the streets this summer.

“You must decide, today, that you want to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem,” Reverend Jahwar told the young people. “Each of you has a promising future, and you must make the best of it.”

Congresswoman Johnson: 'The Quest For Racial Justice In U.S. Goes On'

Next Wednesday we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a historic event and achievement that should be commemorated with great pride, humility and deference for the brave men and women whose blood and tears watered the soil of our nation’s democracy.

Oftentimes, when we look back in celebration of the Civil Rights Act, we focus on the heroism, leadership, vision and selflessness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King’s contributions were unparalleled. But it is often noted that victory has many fathers. That is especially true when we look back upon the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This legislative feat would not have been possible without the contributions of many great men and women, black and white, Democrat and Republican, whose names are not heralded by history.
Growing up in the Jim Crow era, Lyndon Johnson had a political career that depended on his understanding of and respect for convention. His campaign to end discrimination defied conventional wisdom. Because he was from the South, he was believed to be inherently racist, like so many of his mentors.

But Johnson had a servant’s heart. His first job after college was as a teacher in a school attended by Hispanic children and in a town stricken by poverty. This experience awakened in him a strong belief that helping minorities would benefit all Americans, spiritually and economically.
During a time when the nation was deeply divided and racism served as our deadliest act of terrorism, herculean efforts were required to choose the side of morality.

During his first 20 years in Congress, Johnson opposed civil rights legislation because the political machine that sent him to Washington was powered by the wealth and power of Southern racism. But as Johnson watched the foundation of this great nation disintegrate through the grief and anger resulting from Southern horrors such as lynching; the brutal murder of four little girls in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing; the devastating assassination of President John F. Kennedy; and the mayhem known as Bloody Sunday, he could no longer ignore his moral and spiritual duty to do what his spiritual and moral conscience demanded.

Fifty years ago, when he succeeded in his mission, we were fighting for the right to vote, for economic opportunity, financial security for our retired seniors and health care for the poor. It is almost unbelievable that we are fighting for the same rights today. We cannot be complacent and revel in victory. We have to remain vigilant to ensure that we do not travel backward.
In the 1960s, our nation was marked by moments of crisis: war, poverty and mass social injustice; today we find ourselves in a comparable state. We met the challenges then. It is time we rise to that challenge once more.

Despite the current climate, when it seems hopeless, when it is especially risky to challenge racism and sexism, when it appears that we are fighting a lost cause, we must remember that it is patriotic duty to continue the fight. We must fight to honor the legacy of those who fought for us. It is time for elected officials and community leaders to fulfill our duty as soldiers for justice. It is time for you, as citizens, to fulfill your duties by voting.


I will leave you with the words President Johnson spoke in December 1971, during his final public address: “We have proved that great progress is possible. We know how much still remains to be done. And if our efforts continue, and if our will is strong, and if our hearts are right, and if courage remains our constant companion, then, my fellow Americans, I am confident we shall overcome.”

Source: Waco Tribune

Congresswoman Johnson And Congressional Homelessness Caucus Host Briefing On 'Violence Against The Homeless Accountability Act'

The Congressional Homelessness Caucus, co-chaired by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Congressman Alcee Hastings, in conjunction with the office of Congressman John Conyers hosted an important briefing on violence against America’s homeless individuals. The briefing was held to bring awareness to and provide support for H.R. 1136, the Violence Against the Homeless Accountability Act of 2013.

Since 1999, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has documented more than 1,437 acts of violence against homeless individuals, 375 of which were fatal attacks.  Congresswoman Johnson proposed this legislation to amend the Hate Crime Statistics Act to include crimes against the homeless in the crime data collected by the Attorney General.

“Violence against homeless individuals is a problem that has no boundaries.  It is a threat to our homeless men, women and children of all backgrounds.  Until we have a sound understanding of the scope and nature of the problem, we will remain unable to develop targeted solutions or draft comprehensive reform.  Today's briefing is a solid step towards increased awareness of the problem.  We must continue to take deliberate steps toward ending violence against our homeless population.”

During the briefing, a clip was shown from Storied Streets, a documentary on the rash of violence against the homeless. Director, Tom Morgan spoke about the film and the stories from around the country that he investigated.  Actress and activist, Susan Sarandon, an advocate for homeless individuals, spoke at length about the atrocities and violent attacks homeless individuals face.  Sarandon also discussed many of the factors that can contribute to homelessness. Panelist, David Pirtle spoke at length about his time being homeless and the many acts of violence he personally survived.  Pirtle now works with the National Coalition for the Homeless.    

Congresswoman Johnson Pleased By House Passage Of NASA Reauthorization Act 2014

The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 4412, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2014, and S. 1254, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2013.

H.R. 4412 authorizes funding for one year and provides policy direction for NASA. 

Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), said of the bill, "This Act has come a long way from its original state nearly a year ago when the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on which I serve as Ranking Member passed a different version of the bill on a party-line vote--a departure from the Committee's traditional bipartisan approach to NASA. However, much has changed since that time, and I want to recognize the efforts of the Committee leadership, including Chairman Lamar Smith and especially Space Subcommittee Chairman Steven Palazzo and Ranking Member Donna Edwards, for their dedication and willingness to work together with me to achieve this bipartisan Committee-passed bill, H.R. 4412, the NASA Authorization Act of 2014. While this is not a perfect bill, especially in terms of its short duration and lack of meaningful funding guidance, the bill in its present form includes many important policy provisions that help guide the future of NASA at a critical time for our space program."

Space Subcommittee Ranking Member, Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), said, "NASA is recognized across the world as a symbol of our greatness as a nation and for leadership in science and technology. In Maryland, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center supports more than 15,000 civil service and private sector jobs, including highly skilled occupations such as engineers, technicians, mathematicians, and scientists. NASA also collaborates extensively with Maryland's high-tech business sector. These collaborations encourage the expansion of the skilled workforce that has made Maryland a leader in research and technology and grown our state's economy. The NASA Authorization Act of 2014 builds on the bipartisan support that Congress has given NASA as a multi-mission agency with programs in space and Earth science, aeronautics, human spaceflight, and exploration. This bill provides important policy direction that will strengthen our nation's space program in Maryland and across our country. I look forward to Senate action and getting this bill to the President for his signature." 

S. 1254 reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act.  Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when colonies of algae grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The bill maintains and enhances an interagency program led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which will be responsible for promoting a national strategy to help communities understand, predict, control and mitigate freshwater and marine HAB and hypoxia events; enhancing, coordinating, and assessing the activities of existing HABs and hypoxia programs; providing for development of a comprehensive research plan and action strategy, including a regional approach to understanding and responding to HAB events; and requiring an assessment and plan for Great Lakes HABs and hypoxia.

Ms. Johnson said in her statement on S.1254, "Harmful Algal Blooms can have serious economic and public health effects. Shellfish beds along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Coasts are often closed during a major event to protect the public from significant respiratory distress, shellfish poisoning, and other illnesses. The economic impact these closures can have on the shellfish industry and tourism is quite large. A single event can cost a coastal community tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue.  And while NOAA and the research community have made great strides since the establishment of this program the need for continued research and tools to lessen the impact of these events is greater than ever before. More accurate and efficient tools for detecting toxins, early warning of blooms, better predictions of bloom movement, methods for controlling outbreaks, and the development of local and regional partnerships will all allow for a more effective response."

Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) said, "Authorization for the programs under the Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Control Act expired in 2010, so this reauthorization is long overdue. The rapid overproduction of algae can have devastating effects on aquatic plants and animals as well as on human health.  For coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems and communities that depend on fishing and tourism to sustain their economies, the effect of algae blooms is a threat to their livelihood. The cost of these blooms has been estimated to be around $82 million dollars each year, a significant hit to the economy in areas that are still struggling to recover."

Ms. Bonamici continued later during her statement on the House floor, "The bill before us today...will not only improve coordination, but also assess the program's activities to ensure that we are prepared for these events and are able to respond in an effective manner. This will become increasingly important as coastal populations increase and changes in the environment, such as warmer water temperatures, have the potential to alter the growth, toxicity, and geographic distribution of algal blooms."

Congresswoman Johnson Mourns Passing Of Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou, award-winning writer, poet, and civil rights activist, died at age 86. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of the life and contributions of Dr. Maya Angelou:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the literary icon, Maya Angelou. She dedicated her life to the empowerment of others through her inspirational poetry and sophisticated literary works.

Maya Angelou was a trailblazer for women and poets around the world. She worked as a civil rights activist, alongside both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, to help usher in historic change throughout the nation. As a newly elected Member of Congress, I had the great honor of being present during her reading of “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. She was the first African American woman to have that honor, and the first poet, since Robert Frost, to read at an inauguration in more than three decades. These are testaments to the extraordinary impact she had on American society.  

Today, we lost a great teacher, mentor, leader and American. Maya Angelou’s creative works and poems are timeless. Her influence will be felt for generations to come.  We will continue to revisit and reflect upon her words for years to come.”

Congresswoman Johnson Recognizes Memorial Day

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day:

“President John F. Kennedy said it best... “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it remembers… The men it honors.”

Memorial Day is a time our nation pauses to remember and honor the more than 1 million heroic men and women who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country in the name of freedom and democracy.

For their bravery, their sacrifices, and their selflessness, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. Today, we salute the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who secured our futures by sacrificing their own. Without the brave efforts of all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, our country would not live so freely. We honor our fallen heroes for their acts of valor and heroism. They empower our country to remain the lighthouse of democracy throughout the world.

Today, as we visit national cemeteries, attend barbeques and engage in other activities, we will pray for our slain heroes and the loved ones they left behind. May God Bless our Veterans and may God Bless America.”

Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Legislation To Combat Illegal Practice Of Adoption 'Re-Homing'

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, along with Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin, introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the disturbing issue of “re-homing” unwanted adopted children using private Internet forums. H.R. 4704 would expand the scope of the existing Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which operates under the Department of Justice, to include the illegal transfer of children.

Once the Reuters investigation of re-homing broke last year, Congresswoman Johnson saw this as an immediate area that needed to be addressed. Families involved in this unregulated and underground practice connect through internet groups. These networks make dubious or outright illegal arrangements to give away their adopted children to strangers, often across state lines, with little or no legal documentation, and in some cases, with forged or fake documents.

“The practice of illicit re-homing must stop. Many vulnerable children are hurt by this practice,” said a concerned Congresswoman Johnson. “We must empower the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with strong legislation to combat these heinous acts. Legal adoption is a judicious process that ensures the careful vetting of prospective families and homes fit for a child. The Illegal transfer of children completely undermines this process and puts too many children and families at risk.”

In addition to the direct harm to children, re-homing abuses have also lead countries to suspend adoptions by parents in the United States. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hundreds of approved inter-country adoptions are being suspended, partly, because reports of abuse and re-homing have surfaced.

“In order to ensure that the United States is a safe place for children adopted internationally, action is required,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Law enforcement must be able to find and prosecute these offenses, and we must put a stop to the underground market for children whose adoptive parents have decided they no longer wanted them. Every child deserves to be legally placed in a loving home.”

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On Allegations Of Misconduct At Dallas Veterans Administration Health Care System

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement concerning the allegations of misconduct in the Dallas Veterans Administration Health Care System:

“ I am pleased that the incidents involving the Phoenix VA Health Care System are finally receiving national attention and that the president has appointed Rob Nabors, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, to investigate the allegations of employee misconduct and the manipulation of VA patient wait-times. This is laudable. But I would urge Mr. Nabors to cast a wider net. My staff and I have been working on similar VA issues within the Dallas VA Health Care System for more than 5 years. Recently, I was made aware of allegations that the VA staff in Dallas was instructed to destroy appointment records. It has been difficult to get VA staff to step forward in light of recent claims related to an institutional culture of retaliation within the VA.

It is the job of elected officials to speak up and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I take these allegations very seriously. I have contacted the VA’s Office of Inspector General and requested that they investigate allegations that the VA ordered its staff at the Dallas VA to destroy appointment records.

This entire situation is heartbreaking. I worked at the VA Hospital in Dallas for 15 years, and I loved my work and the people I was privileged to serve. I am also aware of the culture there and how hard-working and loyal the employees there are. They should be protected. Their leaders should not force them to choose between being able to feed their families and carrying out a public trust. More importantly, the tens of thousands of veterans who depend on the VA for their care should be protected. I care very deeply for every Veteran who risked their life and health to serve our country. The VA health care officials should as well. As a nation, we should stand with a united voice and call for the protection of those who risk life and limb to protect us.

I am calling for the VA’s immediate action to improve the speed and quality of health care provided to our country’s heroes. I am calling for an immediate, independent, objective review of the Dallas VA. If these allegations are true, corrective actions should be swift.”

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Sixth Annual Bosnian Women's Day On Capitol Hill

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted the Sixth Annual Bosnian Women’s Day on Capitol Hill. This year, Bosnian Women’s Day focused on addressing the global issue of human trafficking. The event was held in conjunction with the Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACBH), a non-profit organization in Washington D.C. that advocates on behalf of Bosnian Americans and for a united, multi-ethnic, and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). 

“I am so glad we have so many people in attendance that are interested and engaged in this issue,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I want to thank the Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina for their leadership and continuing efforts on ending trafficking. We started this Bosnian Women’s Day event to bring women to the table in the peacemaking efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

This year’s presenters are extensively involved in studying and advocating against human trafficking around the world. Professor Tanya L. Domi was responsible for breaking the story of the United Nations human rights investigation that uncovered extensive human trafficking in post war BiH. The story was later made into the major motion picture The Whistleblower.  Professor Domi discussed the complex system of human trafficking and how prevalent it was in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina. Activist Martina E. Vandenberg, Esq. of the Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Center chronicled her experience during the past 20 years representing victims of trafficking and rape in both immigration, criminal, and civil cases. Her work has led to the passage of major international legislation against human trafficking.

“Human trafficking must be stopped, it is a war we must win,” Congresswoman Johnson said as she addressed the crowd.

Congresswoman Johnson Honors Congressman James Oberstar

It was a great honor to sit on the House Transportation Committee when Jim Oberstar was its chairman.

Chairman Oberstar, who passed away Saturday, served on the committee from the beginning of his congressional career in 1974 until he left Congress in 2011.

He was a personal mentor and a devoted friend to me. Even more important, he played a critical role in nearly every piece of transportation legislation enacted into law during his tenure. Transportation programs, railways, highway, water infrastructure, the Coast Guard and maritime projects all have the imprint of Chairman Oberstar on them.

Of particular significance to North Texas was a victory he helped orchestrate in 2007. President George W. Bush had vetoed a water resources bill that contained funds for repairing infrastructure in Dallas necessary to prevent serious damage if the Trinity River flooded. It was Chairman Oberstar, despite being absent from the chamber because of surgery, whose passion fueled our efforts to lead a bipartisan movement that culminated in Bush’s veto being overridden.

Chairman Oberstar was a thoughtful policymaker — one who spoke six foreign languages fluently — and his impact on transportation and infrastructure issues reached beyond the shores of our country.

While chairman, he appointed me to chair the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. With that appointment, I became the first woman and the first African-American to head the subcommittee. I learned much of what I know about the difficult and arduous issues that the committee concerns itself with while serving under the leadership of this man, who was one of the most thoughtful and fair-minded committee leaders in congressional history.

Minnesota sent Chairman Oberstar to Washington for 18 terms, and his long tenure afforded him exceptional power and influence. An unwavering Democrat, he was nonetheless able to work with members on both sides of the aisle. His personal friends included Democrats and Republicans alike.

He credited his way of doing business and his ability to work with others of divergent views to his mother, a former factory worker, and his father, a mine union organizer who devoted much of his time to fighting for worker safety and increased wages.

Chairman Oberstar never lost the common touch. He believed that at the core of the American economy were the people who needed to travel safely each day from their homes to their places of employment and back. Those people needed safe roads, tunnels, highways, bridges and modes of transportation that they could rely upon.

He worked very hard to ensure that safety. And for that, all Americans, whether they knew him or had never uttered his name, owe Chairman Oberstar a tremendous debt of gratitude. He served all of us, and he served us with distinction and grace. May God rest his soul.

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Congresswoman Johnson Embraces National Climate Assessment

A White House report issued Tuesday that calls for urgent steps to address climate change fell flat with congressional Republicans.

House Science Chairman Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, called it “a political document intended to frighten Americans into believing that any abnormal weather we experience is the direct result of human CO2 emissions.  In reality, there is little science to support any connection between climate change and more frequent or extreme storms.”

But the senior Democrat on the panel, Dallas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, embraced the White House analysis.

“The scientific debate over climate change is over and the impacts are growing more evident in the lives of every American,” she said. “As a Texan, I have seen the impacts myself with severe drought and record temperatures.  These conditions impact our agriculture economy, human health, water supplies, and the livelihoods of many citizens. In addition, these changing conditions are destroying ecosystems both on land and in the ocean.”

Rolling out the report, John Podesta, a top adviser to President Barack Obama, said that climate denial in Congress poses an obstacle to much-needed action that would save lives and property, and mitigate damage from increasingly extreme droughts and other weather events.

“You see a very real challenge. I think the entire lineup of the House Science Committee on the Republican side voted relatively recently to deny the fact that climate change was even happening,” Podesta said. “So hopefully this report — they might review it and it will change their minds. But we’ve got a challenging context on Capitol Hill.”

The third National Climate Assessment was widely expected to generate pushback from the right.

At the White House, press secretary Jay Carney unequivocally denied that the report is intended to scare anyone.

“No,” Carney said. “The purpose of the third national climate assessment is to provide information in a form that is understandable and comprehensive for Americans across the country to use and review, so that they can better understand the effects of the changing climate on their regions.”

“It’s happening now. That is the bottom line … of this assessment,” he said.

Smith, chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, warned that the climate report is meant to lay the groundwork for “costly and unnecessary regulations and subsidies.”

The report points to the 2011 drought in Texas and Oklahoma – more than 100 days over 100°F – as evidence of the unusual and damaging weather extremes that a changing climate has already entailed.

“Rates of water loss were double the long-term average, depleting water resources and contributing to more than $10 billion in direct losses to agriculture alone,” the report says.

Water will become scarcer. And the report warns of increasingly damaging storms in coming years: “The expected rise in sea level will result in the potential for greater damage from storm surge along the Gulf Coast of Texas.”

“Observed climate-induced changes have been linked to changing timing of flowering, increases in wildfire activity and pest outbreaks, shifts in species distributions, declines in the abundance of native species, and the spread of invasive species,” the report says. Warming could lead to an increased population of the black ratsnake, for instance.

Smith rejected the findings, asserting that they’re based in part on selective use of facts.

“The White House today released a report claiming that changes in regional U.S. weather can be attributed to manmade climate change. The climate is changing due to a number of factors, including human contributions and natural cycles. But the administration’s report includes unscientific characterizations on the connection between severe weather events and climate change and fails to explain the absence of warming over the last 15 years,” he said.SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 14 Annual 'A World Of Women For World Peace' Conference

On Saturday, May 3, 2014, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted the 14^th annual ‘A World of Women for World Peace’ conference in Dallas, Texas.  There were 200 local citizens, peace activists, and community leaders in attendance.

Every year, hundreds of international peace activists, politicians, and local citizens gather in Dallas to share solutions on how to increase the role of women in bringing peace to areas of conflict and political unrest across the globe. Congresswoman Johnson began ‘A World of Women for World Peace’ to bring greater visibility to victims of war and conflict and to recognize women who are promoting non-violent conflict resolution within their communities.

“I knew that there was something I had to do to prevent the loss of human life,” Congresswoman Johnson said explaining why she began the peace conference. “I turned to women who are natural peacemakers. I know that women have a unique ability to connect to both sides of any conflicts, because they are the mothers; they are the wives, and they are the daughters of the soldiers who are losing their lives in battle. Women can have a powerful influence on the peacemaking process when they are brought to the table.”

This year’s conference featured an esteemed international panel of peace activists. Presenters included Abigail Disney, international peace activist and executive producer of the internationally acclaimed miniseries , Women, War, & Peace, who is also the granddaughter of Walt Disney Company’s founder, Roy Disney.

Additional presenters included: Dr. Dilshad Dayani of World Women Global Council; Rais Bhuiyan of World Without Hate; Saudi Arabian princess and international women’s rights activist, Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel; Judy Chen Hsieh, a television executive and peace activist in Asia, as well as Dilshad Dayani, the founder of the World Women Global Council, a peace advocacy group. WFAA TV 8 anchor, Shon Gables served as moderator.  

“My faith dictated to me that I should attempt to save the life of the man who tried to kill me,” said Rais Bhuiyan, a native of Bangladesh, who was left for dead after being shot by a white supremacist after September 11, 2001 attacks.

Bhuiyan, who pleaded with officials for clemency for the man who left him sightless in one eye, was one of four “global peacemakers” who spoke to the conference attendees.

“Women perform quiet and patient work to resolve wars and conflicts around the world… {and} have a special concern for seeing a peaceful world. One of the things that we have never tried is listening to women in our efforts to prevent war and conflict,” said Abigail Disney.

Congresswoman Johnson And Committee On Science Space & Technology Hold Hearing On Future NASA Mars Mission

For the past several years, there has been a widespread feeling in the space community, difficult to articulate but nonetheless quite real, that America's space program is adrift. Following the cancellation of U.S. plans to return to the moon and the retirement of the space shuttle, and with no obviously meaningful goal ahead, there is a clear sense that our space program lacks purpose and direction.

Lately, however, there has been a renewed "buzz" in the space community around the question of whether the United States should carry out the first human flyby mission to Mars in 2021. A particularly favorable planetary alignment makes such a mission possible at that time, and then not again until the 2030s. This early opportunity to gain experience toward the goal of human exploration of Mars and the value of such a mission as an inspirational kick-start to what is widely seen as a rather moribund national civil space policy have been attractive to many. Contrariwise, the difficulty of readying the hardware required by 2021 and the many unknowns that will inevitably be faced by the crew that must fly the mission are equally daunting to many others. Nonetheless, the goal is so challengingly tempting that in February it was the subject of a special hearing convened by House Science Committee Chairman and champion U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, "Mars Flyby 2021: The First Deep Space Mission for the Orion and Space Launch System?"

Much was said at that hearing, but a particularly insightful comment was offered by U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, in her opening remarks. She offers her own answer to the question posed in the hearing topic: "no," because with our present development plans, this would not only be the first deep-space mission for Orion and SLS, but the first mission. More important, she then goes on to pose several questions of her own, questions that make plain what must be remedied about our nation's civil space policy: "However, I think this hearing does provide a good opportunity to again stress that we need a clear, thoughtful road map for our nation's human-exploration program. Successive NASA Authorization Acts have made clear that Congress believes that Mars is an appropriate goal for our nation's human spaceflight activities. It's time for NASA to tell us how they intend to achieve that goal. What technologies will be needed, what sequence of intermediate destinations should be pursued and why, and what are the risks that will need to be addressed?"

Exactly so. But rather than being an impediment to the mission, these are precisely the questions for which Mars Flyby 2021 can focus our nation and our space agency on that which is needed to provide the answers. And yes, we need to answer these questions and many more, but doing so starts with the decision to take the first steps. But unlike the situation in the time of Apollo, what faces us for Flyby 2021 are not questions of fundamental feasibility but rather are matters of routine engineering development, well within our capability to pursue.

A commitment to the first human mission to Mars would provide just the impetus we need as a nation to address the political and technical issues that are the present day roadblocks on our path to Mars and, later, beyond. The goal is near enough to require action rather than talk, yet far enough to be attained without undue pressure on the budget. It offers a clear and sorely needed pass-fail test of American resolve - this particular goalpost cannot move, and is not subject to political reinterpretation. The questions we have to answer to give ourselves the best chance for mission success are precisely the questions that must be answered before humans will ever walk the surface of Mars. For these reasons and more, the congresswoman's questions should be seen not as reasons to stay, but as reasons to go.

In its largest sense, the overarching purpose of U.S. civil space policy must be to make America the world's pre-eminent space-faring nation. No lesser goal is worth the effort, risk and expense of the enterprise, and no greater goal is needed. We cannot and must not try to "go it alone"; great nations must embrace alliances and partnerships. But our nation should settle for nothing less than partnering from the front as humankind undertakes to explore and develop what President John F. Kennedy first called "this new ocean."

It is absolutely true that we need "a clear, thoughtful road map for our nation's human exploration program." No single mission or destination can provide that road map or can fully embody our space policy or the strategy by which it is carried out. But such a mission can be on that road; it can exemplify that strategy and policy, it can be a goal that "will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills," as Kennedy said of the lunar goal in 1962.

Mars Flyby 2021 could fill exactly this role on our way to the space frontier. And realistically, we will spend just about as much money at NASA if we are bold as we will if we remain timid. So, let's use that money to be bold - again.

SOURCE: Houston Chronicle

Congresswoman Johnson Mourns The Passing Of Former Congressman James Oberstar

Today former U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar, former representative of northeastern Minnesota for 36 years, passed away in his sleep. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who served with Congressman Oberstar for 18 years in the House of Representatives, issued the following statement on his passing:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of my dear friend Congressman Jim Oberstar,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “Jim was a giant on Capitol Hill. He was a committed and caring champion for Minnesota and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an excellent bipartisan leader that was deeply respected in the halls of Congress. I learned a lot serving with him on the Transportation and Infrastructure committee. He helped me bring so many transportation jobs and economic opportunities to Texas through his committed leadership as chairman of the committee.”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jean and all his children and grandchildren. My thoughts also go out to the people of his district and the state. Today Minnesota lost one of its greatest leaders.”

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 22nd Annual Military Academy Day

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson held her 22nd Annual Military Academy Day on Saturday, April 26th at Duncanville Senior High School in Duncanville, Texas.

“Being a part of our country’s military is high calling. It will prepare you for a great future,” Congresswoman Johnson said while addressing nearly 150 high school students aspiring to join one of the country’s five service academics. “The future of America’s standing in the world will be decided by the men and women who attend institutions where they receive an exceptional education and military training.”

Students in attendance met graduates of the military academies and representatives of the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Joined by their parents, the students learned that an education at the academies was paid for by the federal government. Graduating students are commissioned officers in the armed series and must serve as officers.