Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be joined by my colleague on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Ranking Member Lucas, Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Waltz, and numerous other colleagues in introducing the Surface Transportation Research & Development Act of 2021. Every day, Americans depend on our outdated transportation infrastructure to access essential goods, to connect with friends and family, and to move their products across the country. I applaud President Biden for his ambitious plans to update the nation's transportation systems. I am still hopeful that Congress can come to bipartisan agreement on infrastructure. In any such agreement, we must not lose sight of the critical role of research and development in our transportation future. We must be dedicated to making significant investments in R&D, in partnership with local and state governments and the many nongovernment stakeholders, to successfully develop the technologies and systems that will make transportation safer, more equitable, more efficient, and more sustainable. The Surface Transportation Research & Development Act of 2021 authorizes the Department of Transportation's (DOT) surface transportation research, development, and demonstration programs through fiscal year 2027. The legislation supports long-term, high-risk research across all modes of surface transportation. It increases the funding available to all tiers of the University Transportation Centers program and updates the UTC program to better tackle complex crosscutting transportation challenges, like cybersecurity and sustainability. The bill also supports research to ensure our entire transportation infrastructure remains resilient to natural disasters, extreme weather, and climate change impacts. By creating resilient transportation infrastructure centers of excellence, the bill would support the development of new materials, maintenance standards, and workforce development to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The bill also reauthorizes the Road Weather Centers of Excellence, which were last funded in 2009. The bill would enable DOT to better plan for the future of surface transportation research, through more regular and focused strategic planning and the establishment of a surface transportation research and development advisory committee. It would fund research to increase understanding of the role that autonomous trucking may play in the future movement of freight as well as its social impact. It ensures that DOT supports research and technology development that meets the needs of smaller metro areas. These and other investments in transportation research, development, and demonstration in this legislation are necessary to support a safe, resilient, equitable and sustainable transportation future. As the Chairwoman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a senior Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the priorities outlined in this bill for transportation innovation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. Just four months ago, the nation stood still as the Capitol of the United States--the very beacon of our democracy--was attacked by a violent and armed mob of insurrectionists. Seeking to interrupt, even prevent, the proceedings to certify the result of the 2020 General Election, these insurrectionists descended upon our capital city inspired by the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and leaders in the Republican party. What then transpired on January 6 will be recorded as one of the darkest days in the history of our nation and of democracies everywhere. The halls of the Capitol remain littered with remnants of the attack. Shattered glass panes, broken furniture, and missing statues now define the building--none of which compare to the trauma and fear still lingering in the minds of Members, aides, press, and support staff alike. Three officers of the U.S. Capitol Police Force lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured during the hours-long siege. That is why the establishment of this bipartisan commission is necessary, Mr. Speaker. Composed of both Republicans and Democrats, it would explore the events that led to the attack, the security failures at the Capitol complex, and the corrective measures necessary to prevent it from ever happening again. Members of the commission would be experts in the fields of law, security, and intelligence. They would be thorough in their investigation, wide in their scope, and united in their mission to uncover the truth. Those who oppose the commission as part of an effort to write off what happened, or to simply ``move on,'' clearly don't understand what is at stake. The same hatred that drove the insurrectionists that day is still alive and well--even present here in this body. If we fail to address, review, and reflect on what happened on January 6th, I fear that this hatred will go unpunished, and therefore remain prevalent in our society and in the Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of the legislation and hope for its immediate consideration in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous disruptions to the scientific enterprise. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held two hearings to explore the challenges and learn what is needed to help the scientific community recover. Researchers and their students were kept away from the lab, significantly slowing progress on the research and limiting opportunities for mentoring. Research facilities were shuttered and conferences cancelled. Travel restrictions resulted in missed field campaigns and kept international students from joining their research groups on campus. These setbacks affected researchers and students across all scientific disciplines. Women and historically underrepresented groups were particularly affected. While the full cost of the pandemic in terms of lost research is not yet known, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that NIH alone lost $16 billion of research and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) put the figure at $3 billion for NSF-funded research. I am deeply concerned that these disruptions will have long-lasting consequences for the research ecosystem. One of the most urgent challenges we face is the potentially irreversible loss of research talent. The financial pressures of the pandemic forced many universities to institute hiring freezes for faculty positions. The STEM faculty job market contracted as much as 70 percent in 2020. Early career researchers are the most vulnerable to this contraction, even if it is not permanent. Too many are currently in limbo. After years of hard work and an enormous investment of resources to train these scholars, we simply cannot afford to let them slip through the cracks. If we are to keep ahead of our global competitors and ensure our security and prosperity, we must act now to mitigate a loss of human capital that would take decades to recoup. The Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act provides a bridge to help recent Ph.D. graduates stay on their chosen career path as they weather this turbulent period. The legislation establishes a two-year, $250 million agency-wide early career fellowship pilot program at NSF. This will enable two cohorts of 1,600 fellows working in all STEM disciplines to carry out their research at the U.S. institutions of their choosing. More than 30 organizations have endorsed H.R. 144. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas for joining me in introducing this bill and bringing it to the House Floor. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both bodies to see it enacted and funded quickly.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was proud to join Ranking Member Lucas in introducing his Rural STEM Education Research Act. Access to high-quality STEM education has too long been place-based. For students who grow up in rural areas of this country, even in states that boast some of the world's best research universities, a STEM career may seem unattainable. Many rural students have never met a practicing scientist or engineer. Their teachers often struggle with limited resources for the STEM curriculum. It is unlikely that their schools have well equipped science laboratories that may provide hands- on experiences that are known to inspire scientific curiosity and a love of STEM at an early age. The nearest science museum may be too far for a field trip, if the district can even afford to transport them. And broadband access remains an urgent challenge. Yet we know with certainty that talent for science has nothing to do with one where is born, any more than it has to do with the color of one's skin or one's gender. Our country is filled with smart young people from all backgrounds who may one day contribute to our science and innovation leadership. In fact, we need them to contribute to our science and innovation future if we are to continue to compete on the global stage and develop solutions to our most pressing challenges. But these young people must first see it as a possibility for themselves, and that starts with access to high-quality STEM education and hands-on research experiences in their local schools. The Rural STEM Education Act provides for research and development to increase access to STEM education opportunities in rural schools and to provide teachers with the resources they need to teach more effectively. The bill also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a prize competition to advance research and development of creative technologies for expanded broadband access. This bill further provides for assessments of Federal investments in rural STEM education to be conducted by the National Academies and the Government Accountability Office. H.R. 210 is a good, bipartisan bill. I am pleased that the House passed it today along with a series of other bills focused on growing, diversifying, and strengthening our STEM workforce for the future. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Lucas and colleagues in both bodies to enact all of these bills.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, our economic competitiveness and national prosperity depend in large part on our capacity to lead the world in science and innovation. We need a STEM workforce that is equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of today's industries and make breakthrough discoveries that will launch future industries. We are having a spirited debate in Congress about how best to position ourselves to maintain our leadership position in science and innovation, especially with respect to China. In debating how much we invest, at what agency, and in what form, we cannot lose sight of a key advantage of ours--our diversity. Research provides compelling evidence that diversity unlocks innovation, yet we have failed to fully leverage the diverse talent available to us. Of particular concern is the underrepresentation of women and minority researchers in STEM faculty positions. According to the National Science Foundation's recently released report entitled, Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, women hold only 25 percent of full professor positions in STEM. The numbers are even more striking for faculty in racial and ethnic minority groups. Black STEM faculty represent only 2.5 percent of full professors across all science disciplines, while only 4.6 percent of full professors are Hispanic. In some fields, the disparity is particularly stark. Women make up only 19 percent of full professors in computer science and 11 percent in engineering. The number of Black and Hispanic professors in computer science are so small, they cannot be reported without compromising their privacy. In engineering, 2.5 percent of professors are Black and 4.3 percent are Hispanic. This lack of diversity in the academic workforce is holding us back. It is critical to ensure STEM faculty resemble the students they are teaching. When students see someone who looks like them in a career they want to pursue, they are more likely to see it as an achievable goal. Diversity of perspectives also advances research and leads to new lines of inquiry. Without diverse STEM faculty, we cannot grow the STEM workforce and advance the research and innovation we need to take on the pressing challenges ahead and to compete around the world. The STEM Opportunities Act would empower Federal agencies and universities to identify and lower barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, minorities, and other groups underrepresented in STEM studies and careers. The bill promotes an evidence-driven approach to these challenges. It requires agencies to collect comprehensive demographic data on the grant review process and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities. The bill supports research on participation and career trajectories and the implementation of best practices for increasing the recruitment and retention of minority students and faculty. This bill also pushes Federal agencies to do more to ensure all researchers have a fair shot at receiving funding for their work. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is directed to develop consistent federal policies for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities. The bill also requires 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. It requires OSTP to develop guidance for universities and Federal laboratories to aid them in identifying any cultural and institutional barriers limiting the recruitment, retention, and achievement of underrepresented groups in academic and government STEM research careers, and in developing and implementing current best practices for reducing such barriers. I have been working on a version of this legislation for nearly 15 years. I thank Ranking Member Lucas for joining me last Congress, and again this Congress, in making this a bipartisan bill. I also thank the 25 organizations and institutions that have endorsed this legislation. After the year we have just gone through, it is undeniable that science, and scientists, are critical to ensuring we are poised to handle the challenges ahead. We must act now to ensure we have the STEM workforce we will need. The STEM Opportunities Act is an important step in that direction. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both bodies to get this legislation over the finish line.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the United States is facing grave challenges on many fronts. We are only beginning to emerge from a global pandemic, with the outlook still uncertain. Our critical infrastructure, our Federal agencies, and companies across all sectors are being hacked. We are racing to mitigate the destructive effects of climate change. Our economic competitiveness is threatened as competitors like China invest heavily in science and technology. To solve these problems, we need a cadre of trained scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of what we know and what we can achieve. So far, we have led the world in science and innovation with a STEM workforce that does not come close to representing the diversity of our nation. When a Black woman, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, is at the center of developing the mRNA vaccine that is helping us conquer the pandemic, we treat it as exceptional, instead of expected. If we maintain such a narrow perspective on who should be a scientist, if we continue to leave behind so much of our nation's brainpower, we cannot succeed. The good news is, we have highly successful models for increasing the diversity of STEM graduates. Minority serving institutions have long played a critical role in training and educating students of color in STEM fields. Student bodies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) are the most diverse in the nation. These and other minority serving institutions (MSIs) offer access to STEM education and a pathway to research or other STEM careers to students who might otherwise have limited opportunities. MSIs employ tailored initiatives, policies, and practices that meet students where they are, academically, financially, and socially, while moving students toward higher levels of academic achievement. For instance, HBCUs play an outsized role in educating African American STEM graduates. While HBCUs make up only 3 percent of the nation's colleges and universities, they graduate 32 percent of African American students earning bachelor's degrees in the physical sciences, 29 percent in mathematics, and 27 percent in the biological sciences. One quarter of African Americans with STEM PhDs earned their bachelor's degree at an HBCU. MSIs have a proven track record of recruiting, retaining, and graduating underrepresented minority students with STEM degrees. However, more investment and outreach is needed to enable MSIs to fully realize their potential to contribute to the STEM workforce. The MSI STEM Achievement Act provides for increased transparency, accountability, and accessibility of Federal STEM education and research funding for MSIs. The bill directs the Government Accountability Office to compile an inventory of programs targeted to MSIs and make recommendations for how agencies can increase competitiveness of MSIs in such programs. The bill also supports research on the challenges and successes MSIs have had in contributing to the STEM workforce, including support for MSI Centers of Innovation to help scale up successful practices pioneered at MSIs. Finally, the bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to issue policy guidance for Federal science agencies to improve outreach to MSIs in order to increase awareness of and competitiveness in agency funding opportunities. I want to thank Rep. Waltz for joining me in introducing this bipartisan legislation. I also want to thank the 24 organizations and institutions that have endorsed H.R. 2027. MSIs have charted a course to developing the diverse STEM workforce we need to ensure continued leadership in science and innovation. Let us empower these institutions, and others, to build on that success. I look forward to seeing a companion in the Senate and working with my colleagues in both bodies to get this legislation enacted.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1447, the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats, or COAST, Research Act of 2021. I also rise in support of H.R. 2533, the National Estuaries and Acidification Resarch, or NEAR, Act of 2021. These two bipartisan bills supporting ocean acidification research passed the House under suspension last Congress. The oceans have absorbed excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. The resulting rise in ocean acidity levels has been shown to cause harm to marine life. Organisms like oysters, clams, and corals have difficulty building their shells and skeletons in more acidic environments. Higher acidity also alters the behavior of some fish. Ocean acidification threatens the vitality of our coastal economies. We need to get ahead of the problem of ocean acidification before it causes even greater economic harm. Congresswoman Bonamici's COAST Research Act reauthorizes and updates the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act. The bill supports the ocean acidification program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. The bill has several updates to improve the text from last Congress, with bipartisan agreement. This year marks 10 years of ocean acidification research at NOAA. This next decade will be crucial for further understanding the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. We must pass this crucial legislation to help support federal efforts to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies. Congressman Posey's NEAR Act would require a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This study would examine the impact of ocean acidification and other stressors in estuarine environments. I thank Congresswoman Bonamici for her leadership on this issue and Congressman Posey for his bill. I thank Ranking Member Lucas and our staffs for working together to prepare these bills for Floor passage. Finally, I thank the numerous experts who helped inform the development of both bills. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass these two bipartisan bills through the House. I look forward to working with the Senate to pass strong ocean acidification legislation into law. I also want to include in the Record several letters of support we have received for H.R. 1447 from outside groups. Ocean Conservancy, Washington, DC, May 17, 2021. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Bonamici: On behalf of Ocean Conservancy, I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 1447, the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2021, and to urge your colleagues to vote to pass the legislation when it is considered on the House Floor. Americans depend on a healthy ocean, and ocean acidification threatens millions of jobs and livelihoods, cultures, and ways of life, from the Pacific Northwest's shellfish industry to Florida's coral reef tourism. The COAST Research Act will strengthen our nation's investments in ocean and coastal acidification, and we encourage Members of Congress to stand with coastal communities, businesses, and our marine environment by passing this important legislation. From coast to coast, ocean acidification is having a broad range of impacts on the health of our ocean and coastal communities. Economically and ecologically important regional species are suffering. Ocean acidification has attributed to dissolving the shells of young Dungeness crab, an economically valuable fishery in the Pacific Northwest, with additional research suggesting that acidification also impacts the crab's ability to navigate their environment. Corals, such as the corals off the coast of Florida, grow more slowly under acidification and are less likely to recover from breakage or loss. However, ocean acidification is not the only stressor facing our ocean, and the combination of impacts can be more detrimental to our marine environment. Ocean acidification, when combined with increased ocean temperatures for example, have shown the ability to impact the reproductive success of Pacific herring, more than either change alone. Since the first detrimental impacts of ocean acidification in the Pacific Northwest in the mid-2000s, when acidification caused widespread larval shellfish death in the region, researchers and coastal industries have faced the reality of an increasingly acidic ocean head-on. Oregon State University researchers studying Netarts Bay, the initial hotspot for documented ocean acidification impacts on the Pacific oyster, have uncovered the complex interactions among local circulation and biological activity, which is now informing local shellfish farmers of when to begin particular activities. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, ocean and coastal acidification has had extensive biological and socioeconomic impacts and research is accelerating to find ways to offset those harms. In 2009, Congress recognized the urgent need for federal investments in ocean acidification research and monitoring, and subsequently passed the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act of 2009. FOARAM established the federal government's work on ocean acidification by creating the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program and an interagency working group on ocean acidification. Much of our knowledge and understanding of ocean acidification that has emerged in the last decade can be credited to the federal funding authorized by FOARAM. The law's authorization, however, expired in 2012, and there are changes that can be made to further improve our ability to understand acidification in the open ocean as well as in the coastal zone. As the ocean continues to absorb carbon dioxide and the ocean continues to acidify, we must take action to protect our communities and wildlife from the impacts of acidification. The COAST Research Act will help our nation and coastal communities better prepare for the effects from ocean and coastal acidification, strengthen investments in research and monitoring, increase our understanding of the impacts acidification has on our communities and bring together ocean stakeholders to guide research and monitoring. Thank you for your leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with you to craft solutions for our changing ocean environment. Sincerely, Reggie Paros, Director, Government Relations, Ocean Conservancy.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, the Tulsa-Greenwood Massacre was a mass killing targeting Black Americans in one of the prosperous Black communities in the country. As we approach its 100th anniversary, we must reflect on the events and beliefs that led to those fateful days in late May of 1921, its place in our nation's history, and its lasting impacts on the Black community. Founded and built by former slaves, freed by the ratification of the 13th amendment, the Greenwood District was a true testament to the American Dream. The district was defined by its entrepreneurial spirit and success and offered newly-freed men and women the chance to make a name for themselves and their families. But their success was being followed closely by those who wished otherwise--those who were looking for any opportunity to materialize their resent. And in the face of baseless allegations of a crime committed by a Black man, that hatred resulted in what is now known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. The massacre resulted in the deaths of over 300 Black men, women, and children and left around 9,000 more without homes or a source of income--not to mention the immeasurable impact left on generations of Black Americans. As Members of Congress, we stand here in the Capitol of the United States, itself built by slaves who are largely forgotten, with a unique opportunity to take action. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of Congresswoman Jackson Lee and Senator Warren's resolution to recognize the forthcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and condemning past and present efforts to downplay its significance. It is critical that Congress take this step not only to honor the lives and legacies of those lost but also to encourage education about the massacre and the role white supremacy played in its inception. Madam Speaker, today we recommit ourselves to fight the ever-present racism and unjust violence against Black Americans. We do so on the shoulders of those that came, fought, and suffered before us in the hope that one day the American Dream is accessible to all--regardless of race.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of two pieces of legislation, H.R. 2862, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act, and H.R. 2981, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021--both of which make critical investments to support suicide prevention efforts nationwide. Rising suicide rates across the country, and especially in my home state of Texas, represent a growing concern in our communities. According to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Texas suicide rates have risen nearly 26 percent since 2000--and are the second leading cause of death for Texans aged 15 to 34. The cost of inaction on this issue is too high, and that is why I am encouraged that we are voting on these pieces of legislation today. H.R. 2862, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act, will direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a national suicide prevention campaign. This campaign would include advocacy for an effort that I led last Congress, which would redesignate the National Suicide Prevention Hotline as a three-digit 9-8-8 number. This effort, which would shorten the previous 1-800 number, is an essential step towards simplifying access to critical resources for our constituents in their times of need. H.R. 2981, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021, would further require HHS to develop a plan to ensure high-quality service through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Beyond a strategic plan, the bill would authorize additional funding for a network of local crisis centers that provide free support and assistance to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Madam Speaker, the passage of these two bills would have immediate and tremendous benefits--and could ultimately save lives. That is why I will support these bills, and why I urge their immediate consideration and passage in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1333, the No Ban Act. This legislation would ensure that no president, Republican or Democrat, would carry the unilateral authority to restrict refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and their families from entering the United States based on their nationality or religion. A little more than four years ago, I remember watching in horror as the Trump Administration first instituted the Muslim Ban--barring entrance for immigrants at airports throughout the country. But I found solace, and inspiration, in the thousands of demonstrations at the same airports, including at Dallas-Fort Worth International back home in North Texas. It was at this moment that Americans saw, for the first time, the severe damage that the Trump Administration would cause by targeting immigrants, refugees, and other underserved and vulnerable populations. This legislation is a direct result of those demonstrations, and of the spirit and advocacy of people who believe that the success and well-being of our country are built upon the contributions of immigrants. It doesn't just prevent an executive overreach; it sends a message to the rest of the world that the United States is once again a beacon of freedom and hope. This bill reaffirms the belief that immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers should be welcome here--free from discrimination. And no matter the nativist rhetoric spewing from a few on the other side of the aisle, we are, and will always be, a country of immigrants. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the swift passage of this bill and ask the Senate to take up this important legislation in a timely manner.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I simply cannot eulogize the life and legacy of Congressman Hastings every single minute, but I will try my best. Alcee and I came to Congress together in the class of 1992, and almost instantly I knew that I was in the presence of a giant. Our class doubled the size of the CBC. Alcee let everyone know that he came from humble beginnings. But I can say this: he carved for himself a path to success first in the field of law and ultimately in Congress. As many have already noted, he was a man of sharp words, and perhaps sharp is an understatement. Who could forget his infamous declaration that Texas is a crazy State? We shared so many laughs and quiet whispers. A story that many may not know is that I convinced him to come to Texas and speak in our crazy State, to which he responded, ``Y'all may want to hear me speak now, but after I'm done, you won't ever invite me back.'' Well, it was colorful. Alcee and I cofounded the Congressional Homeless Caucus and served as co-chairs together until his passing. Because of his tireless advocacy on behalf of the homeless, more constituents in his district and mine and across the country now sleep with a roof above their heads. His wife and I were close, and we shared many social occasions together. So I say: So long my dear friend, rest in peace. And kudos from the 30th District of Texas based in Dallas.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to be joined by Ranking Member Lucas in introducing the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, the nation is still reckoning with the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and its impact on the lives and careers of women, including in academia. The academic workplace, when compared to the military, private sector, and government, has the second-highest rate of sexual harassment, with 58 percent of women in academia experiencing sexual harassment. This behavior undermines career advancement for women in critical STEM fields. Many women report leaving promising careers in academic research altogether due to sexual harassment. Women of color are even more likely to experience sexual harassment and to feel unsafe at work. We cannot afford--morally, scientifically, or economically--to continue to lose these skilled scientists and engineers, particularly from groups that are already underrepresented in STEM. As recommended in the landmark report by the National Academies entitled Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, this bill establishes a National Science Foundation program to support research into the factors contributing to sexual harassment in the scientific workforce, as well as the collection of data on the prevalence of sexual harassment in STEM. Furthermore, this bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to issue uniform policy guidelines to Federal science agencies to ensure every agency has clear policies and dedicated resources to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual harassment at academic institutions receiving federal research funding. It also creates an interagency working group to improve coordination and communication among agencies. It is my hope that this legislation will build upon progress already made by the National Science Foundation and other agencies over the last few years. In 2018, the Foundation updated its award terms and conditions to ensure the agency is alerted of findings of sexual harassment or administrative actions taken against NSF-funded researchers during the course of an investigation. It is vital that agencies and grantees, as stewards of Federal money, take seriously their responsibility to foster a healthy working environment as they train the next generation of scientists. It is encouraging that other agency heads have taken steps to address sexual harassment in research. Following NSF's lead, the National Institutes of Health instituted a similar update to its grant rules. The approach must be coordinated to minimize confusion and burden for institutions and researchers. I also credit Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, former OSTP Director, for his commitment to this issue. In his testimony to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology last year, Dr. Droegemeier reported that the Joint Committee on Research Environments (JCORE) Subcommittee on Safe and Inclusive Environments was compiling a comprehensive inventory of Federal agency policies and practices targeted at addressing all forms of harassment in the research environment, with the intent to identify best practices and develop a coordinated Federal action plan. I urge the current administration to make this a priority. These resources are urgently needed. Scientific societies, universities, national laboratories, and those in leadership positions across the scientific enterprise also play an important role in combating sexual harassment in the sciences. I am pleased that my legislation is endorsed by 23 scientific societies and student organizations. In developing this bill, feedback from university associations and scientific societies has been invaluable, and it is encouraging that so many key players are committed to addressing sexual harassment in science. This legislation supports a coordinated evidence-based approach to addressing the problem of sexual harassment at research universities and funds research that will serve as the foundation for future initiatives in this area. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join us and help move this legislation forward into law.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, for many generations, the idea of the American Dream has been homeownership. Yet the goal for many Americans of owning the place they call home is more distant than ever before. It doesn't just require savings and a good credit score anymore--but also a strong financial plan to ensure that you can hold on to it for the years to follow. That is why I am proud today to support H.R. 1395, the Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2021. This bill, introduced by my good friend and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio, provides a financial incentive for first-time homebuyers who choose to take a financial literacy course by providing a discount on mortgage insurance through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This bill would greatly benefit first-time homebuyers by not just saving them money during the homebuying process, but also providing them the tools needed to build a strong financial plan. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation and hope the Senate will swiftly pass this bill so that first-time homebuyers are able to benefit from this opportunity as soon as possible.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Infertility Awareness Week and to salute the wonderful progress that has been made over the last four decades to help individuals have families who otherwise could not. It would shock most Americans to know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease of Infertility affects one in eight, or approximately 7.4 million, American women of reproductive age. The disease affects both men and women and it knows no barriers--it affects individuals of all races, religious backgrounds, and economic status. The good news is that since 1978, as a result of extraordinary medical advancements, millions of couples have been able to receive life affirming treatments that have resulted in the delivery of babies. While this is something that most of us take for granted, it is a painful and devastating struggle for millions of couples throughout the world. As a nurse who has fought for medical advancements in cancer treatment and care, in Diabetes care, and in dozens of health screenings that bring hope of saving lives, I must admit to absolute amazement at the contributions that research scientists and Reproductive Endocrinologists have made in the advancement of Infertility treatments--including a procedure that allows young cancer patients to preserve their fertility prior to undergoing life saving chemotherapy treatments. Organizations like RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, and the Alliance for Fertility Preservation advocate for the millions of individuals and couples in this country who need the help to have a family. Ms. Barb Collura, the CEO of RESOLVE, recently testified before Congress in support of fertility services for the countless military veterans whose service related injuries have rendered them infertile. I am pleased that these organizations, these Infertility warriors, are active in my own state of Texas as well as throughout the nation. As a grandmother and great grandmother, and with Mother's Day around the corner, I salute Infertility warriors throughout the country and the world, who advocate on behalf of that most precious of gifts, that of family.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the passage of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. This landmark legislation, of which I am a proud cosponsor, will close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act to better protect and promote effective remedies for workers still subject to inequitable and insufficient pay. Signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Equal Pay Act was the first anti-discrimination law addressing wage differences at the federal level. Now, half a century after its enactment, women and minorities still face significant wage disparities despite making great strides in the workforce. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the median earnings for women in Texas is $36k, compared to the median earnings of $46k for men. Across the Nation, women are only earning on average 82 cents for every dollar a man makes in similar, full-time positions. The differences are only exacerbated when you take into consideration that Black women make 63 cents, Native American women 60 cents, and Hispanic women 55 cents. As the first Black woman elected in Dallas and someone who has worked in fields dominated by men, I have witnessed and experienced firsthand the biases and hardships that women and minorities face in our workforce. That is why I am proud to announce that the advances made in this legislation are wide-ranging and significant. The Paycheck Fairness Act will protect working women against retaliation for discussing salaries, prohibit employers from screening job applicants based on their salary history, and finally require employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons. Additionally, this effort will make improvements to the tools available to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor to enforce the Equal Pay Act. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Democratic Women's Caucus, I am committed to advancing the professional development and financial security of women and minorities in our workforce. That is why I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of my dear friend, Dr. Bernardine Lacey, who passed away on March 26, 2021. It is with deep sorrow that I mourn her loss, and deep affection that I honor her beautiful legacy. Dr. Lacey was born on July 28, 1932, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Despite her humble beginnings, she successfully went on to build a formidable and impactful career in the nursing profession. Dr. Lacey's expansive education began when she received her nursing degree from the Gilfoy School of Nursing at the Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson. This would be one of the first of many pioneering efforts Dr. Lacey would trailblaze to break barriers as one of the first Black students admitted into Georgetown University's Nursing program, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) in 1969. Thereafter, Dr. Lacey earned her Master of Arts from Howard University in 1985. Her tenacity did not allow her to stop there. She would go on to earn her terminal degree in her 50's with her Doctor of Education from the prestigious Columbia University's Teacher's College in 1991. Throughout her career path, Dr. Lacey served Howard University Hospital for more than 30 years. While there is a robust list of accomplishments that are too many to exhaust here, to name a few, Dr. Lacey became the Founding Dean and Professor at Western Michigan University's School of Nursing, where she remained until 1999. Thereafter, she went on to act as Special Assistant to the President of Western Michigan University. Other notable titles held include: Professor and Chair in the Department of Nursing at Prince George's Community College; Executive Director of Children's National Medical Center, School Health Program; and Chairperson in the Department of Nursing at Bowie State University. In 2018, coming out of retirement, Dr. Lacey was led back to Howard University, where she served as Vice- Chair for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. In this role, she acted as a trusted advisor to the Dean, worked to expand clinical affiliations, and established best practices for accreditation visits and scholarship and grant opportunities. Throughout her 88-years of living life to the fullest, Dr. Lacey received numerous accolades--which are tangible testaments to her undeniable impact on the intersection of nursing and our nursing education communities. Dr. Lacey became a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing; was honored as a Distinguished Alumna at Georgetown University; a recipient of the Legacy of Leadership Award from Howard University; and in 2014, Dr. Lacey was inducted as a ``Living Legend'' by the American Academy of Nursing where they inducted her into the Academy's Hall of Fame. In addition, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University will continue to recognize Dr. Lacey's impact by initiating an annual ``Bernardine M. Lacey Research Day,'' to be established next year. Dr. Lacey's significant contributions to the field of nursing and public health are widely appreciated by a host of colleagues, friends, and students. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Lacey walked with timeless class, grace, style, and courage, all while quick to offer a warm smile. Most especially, I am grateful to Dr. Lacey for the guidance and support as my application sponsor that she provided to me upon my 2020 induction as a Fellow to the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Lacey served as an enduring connection between my office and the nursing community. Madam Speaker, allow me this moment to express condolences to Dr. Lacey's family, friends, and colleagues. Though her presence will be sorely missed by many, including myself, I pray that we may find solace in remembering her legacy for years to come.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Ranking Member Frank Lucas, and the Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman and Ranking Member, Haley Stevens and Michael Waltz, in introducing the National Science Foundation for the Future Act. Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation (NSF) was born out of hard-earned lessons about the powerful role of science in securing an allied victory in World War II. Propelled by his wartime experience leading the Office of Scientific Research and Development, Vannevar Bush championed the creation of NSF and postwar federal support for science, making the argument that ``advances in science when put to practical use mean more jobs, higher wages, shorter hours, more abundant crops, more leisure for recreation, for study, for learning how to live without the deadening drudgery which has been the burden of the common man for ages past. Advances in science will also bring higher standards of living, will lead to the prevention or cure of diseases, will promote conservation of our limited national resources, and will assure means of defense against aggression.'' That was a lofty vision. One, I am proud to say, the Foundation has largely lived up to throughout its existence. Over the past 70 years, NSF has played a critical role in supporting fundamental research, education, and infrastructure at colleges, universities, and other institutions throughout the country. NSF funding has enabled numerous breakthrough discoveries that have transformed the daily lives of the American people--from the internet, lithium batteries, and GPS to weather radar, MRI technology, and DNA analysis--just to name a few. One of the aims of this bill is to empower the agency to do more of what it does best. Years of modest budget growth have resulted in low proposal success rates and stagnant grant sizes. Researchers and peer- reviewers alike are more conservative in this funding environment, feeling pressure to deliver results rather than take big risks. Researchers are also struggling to support graduate students and postdocs and are bogged down preparing multiple grant proposals to increase their chances of being funded. This is no way for the world's leading scientific enterprise to function. And if we continue on this path, we will cede our scientific leadership, and with it the advantages of developing new industries and setting the global norms for emerging technologies. This bill authorizes a significant increase in the agency's budget. Funding for the current portfolio of activities is increased by nearly $2 billion in year one and grows at an average annual rate of 6 percent, setting the agency on a path to double its budget in 9 years. This bill also pushes the Foundation to continue to evolve. While it is undeniable that the Foundation has a legacy of scientific achievements that have delivered enormous benefits to society, it is important to acknowledge that those benefits have not always been widely shared. Some segments of the public have been left behind by the traditional approach to science and innovation. This bill promotes increased accountability to the public through improvements to the implementation of the Broader Impacts review criterion and a new requirement for researchers to describe the ethical and societal implications of their work. The bill also expands public access to data resulting from NSF-funded research and promotes increased vigilance against threats to research security and integrity. The bill funds centers that will connect NSF STEM education innovations to school districts and teachers, so more students can benefit. It encourages universities to collaborate with the private sector to better align undergraduate STEM education with workforce needs. It raises the bar for mentoring and training of graduate students and postdocs and establishes a pilot program to strengthen the research capacity of emerging research institutions, including minority serving institutions. Finally, this bill establishes a new directorate to promote a solutions-driven approach to research. A central goal of the Directorate for Science and Engineering Solutions (SES) is to be more strategic and inclusive in the nature of research collaborations, including by connecting researchers with potential users or beneficiaries of their research from the priority-setting stage through the translation of an innovation into practice. While industry has an important seat at this table, so do local governments and communities that might be affected by the research. The SES Directorate will enable the Foundation to take big risks and experiment with new approaches to accelerate use-inspired and translational research to address society's major challenges, including climate change and environmental sustainability, global competitiveness in critical technologies, cybersecurity, national security, STEM education and workforce, and social and economic inequality. To fully realize the potential of science to benefit society, we must fund more research on the questions that matter to the American people. We also must ensure this research is, in the words of Vannevar Bush, ``put to practical use.'' Our competitiveness with China and other nations drives much of the national discourse around innovation because our economic and national security depend on our leadership in science and technology. However, competitiveness with China will not be possible if we do not unleash our nation's STEM talent on the full range challenges we face. Surely the COVID-19 pandemic has laid that bare for all of us. And the fact is, researchers and students are inspired by finding solutions, whether they be scientific or societal challenges. In this bill, we seek to inspire. Over a year of bipartisan collaboration and numerous conversations with a wide range of stakeholders, thought leaders, and policy experts has resulted in the bill we are introducing today. I want to thank the many individuals who took the time to engage with Committee staff and share their perspectives. Their efforts have improved the bill immeasurably. This is a well-vetted bill, but it is by no means the final product. I am committed to a transparent and deliberative process for moving this bill forward. I look forward to continuing to engage with the stakeholder community and with my Committee colleagues through hearings and a markup. Finally, I want to thank Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership in championing an infusion of funding and a bold new vision for the future of NSF. While our approaches to establishing a new directorate differ, we share the same goal. We must dramatically accelerate progress in research and development in this country. I look forward to partnering with Senator Schumer and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this effort.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on Friday, March 19, 2021, I could not be present for rollcall vote 97, due to a previous commitment to serve as a panelist during the United Nations 65th Commission on the Status of Women parallel event titled ``Women's Full and Effective Participation and Decision-Making in Public Life, as well as the Elimination of Violence, for Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls.'' Had I been present, I would have cast the following vote: ``yes'' on rollcall vote 97. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Allred (Davids (KS)) Axne (Stevens) Barragan (Beyer) Bera (Aguilar) Bishop (GA) (Butterfield) Blumenauer (Beyer) Bourdeaux (Clark (MA)) Boyle, Brendan F. (Jeffries) Buchanan (Gimenez) Bucshon (Walorski) Bush (Clark (MA)) Cardenas (Gomez) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) DeSaulnier (Matsui) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Gaetz (Waltz) Garbarino (Joyce (OH)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hastings (Butterfield) Kahele (Mrvan) Kim (NJ) (Davids (KS)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Langevin (Lynch) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu (Beyer) Lowenthal (Beyer) McEachin (Wexton) Meng (Clark (MA)) Mfume (Brown) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Underwood) Napolitano (Correa) Payne (Pallone) Peters (Kildee) Pingree (Cicilline) Porter (Wexton) Rodgers (WA) (Joyce (PA)) Rush (Underwood) Schneider (Aguilar) Sherrill (Pallone) Sires (Pallone) Slotkin (Stevens) Smith (WA) (Courtney) Timmons (Steube) Vargas (Correa) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Williams (GA) (Jacobs (CA)) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the MSI STEM Achievement Act, which is cosponsored by Mr. Waltz. There is no denying the fact that our success as a nation is closely tied to our capacity to build and sustain a highly-skilled workforce, one that is equipped to take on the pressing challenges of the 21st century and to maintain our leadership in the global economy. Today we are facing grave challenges on many fronts. We are battling a deadly pandemic and a severe economic downturn. We are racing to find sustainable sources of energy and working to mitigate the destructive impacts of climate change. We are fighting against attempts to undermine our democracy by threats both foreign and domestic. Our future prosperity and security are further threatened as competitors like China outpace our investment in scientific research and make rapid advances in critical technologies like advanced communications, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. To solve these problems, we need a cadre of trained scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of what we know and what we can achieve. We need computer scientists and economists, biologists and mathematicians, engineers, chemists, and social scientists. So far, we have gotten by with a STEM workforce that does not represent the diversity of our nation. However, that is not a sustainable path forward. Compared with their proportions in the U.S. population, members of racial and ethnic minority groups are significantly underrepresented among STEM degree earners. Less than 25 percent of all bachelor's degrees and 9 percent of doctorates in STEM are earned by underrepresented minority students. Despite representing 18 percent of the U.S. population, just 9 percent of bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physics are earned by Hispanics. In nearly all STEM fields, the proportion of STEM bachelor's degrees earned by Black students has either stagnated or declined since 1996. Black students earned only 4.8 percent of bachelor's degrees in engineering in 1996. Today, that share is 3.9 percent. In the past two decades, representation of Black students among bachelor's degree earners in computer science has fallen from 9.9 percent to 8.7 percent. The challenges we face today demand a dramatic expansion of the STEM workforce, one that is inclusive of talented students of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Fortunately, the nation's minority serving institutions (MSIs) have paved the way with proven approaches for the recruitment and retention of students from marginalized groups in STEM studies. The National Academy of Sciences released a report in 2018 highlighting the outsized contributions made by MSIs, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). For instance, HBCUs make up only 3 percent of the nation's colleges and universities, but graduate 28 percent of African American students earning bachelor's degrees in the physical sciences, 26 percent in mathematics, and 25 percent in the biological sciences. However, these institutions have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis and more investment and targeted outreach is needed to enable MSIs to fully realize their potential to contribute to the STEM workforce. The bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to compile an inventory of competitive funding programs at Federal science agencies targeted to MSIs and recommend steps for agencies to increase the participation and the rate of success of MSIs in these programs. The National Science Foundation is directed to support research to better understand the contributions of MSIs, disseminate and scale up successful models, and identify effective approaches to building the STEM education and research capacity of under-resourced MSIs. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is directed to issue policy guidance to Federal science agencies for outreach to raise awareness of funding opportunities and provide guidance on competing for funding. OSTP is also directed to develop a strategic plan to increase the capacity of MSIs to compete for federal research and STEM education funding. Our STEM skills shortage is holding us back. As Chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology I am determined to change that situation. The way I see it, we have two possible futures: one in which we rise to the moment and leverage all of our human capital, and one in which our capacity for innovation and our standing in the world continue to erode. I know which future I want to see happen, and I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the DREAM and PROMISE Act of 2021. This timely legislation would finally provide a solution to the millions of immigrants who have faced uncertainty on their legal status for too long as a result of this country's broken immigration system. When I was young and our family had the opportunity to travel to go see family or to see the country, I did not have a say in where we went or how long we stayed there. I was a child. Simply put, this was not my decision. Similarly, the children of undocumented immigrants who were brought to our country did not have a say on where their parents were bringing them, or how long they would be staying here. They were innocent children. And while we've debated for over two decades on meaningful immigration reform, these individuals have had the opportunity to grow up with our children and families, attend the same schools and universities, have families of their own, and make immeasurable contributions to our communities. DREAMERs have been able to live the American Dream in every way but one--on paper. The legislation that we are debating today not only provides a pathway to legalization and citizenship for these individuals but also to those who fled political unrest and natural disasters in their home countries. Currently protected under TPS (Temporary Protected Status), these individuals face the same uncertainty about their futures as DREAMERs. And like DREAMERs, they too have been in our country for decades and play a critical role in the success of our communities. DREAM and PROMISE Act of 2021 is widely popular--supported by a majority of Americans--and, notably, bipartisan. It is backed by business leaders, labor unions, and educators alike. Some of its advocates are my constituents, who have told their stories and inspired me with their commitment and unwavering dedication to their work, their families, our community in North Texas, and to the country they call home, the United States of America. Madam Speaker, I strongly believe that we must act now and pass legislation to offer a common-sense and logical solution to our broader immigration issues. The DREAM and PROMISE Act would take a meaningful step towards that goal and would lay out a path in which we could do that, which is why I urge my colleagues to support it and look forward to the Senate's immediate consideration.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for H.J. Res. 17, a resolution removing the time limit for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Women in the United States make extraordinary contributions to our workforce and communities--and even more so in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, unfortunately, we remain unprotected under the law from discrimination. This long-overdue legislation will enshrine in our Constitution the principle of women's equality and explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex. The Equal Rights Amendment states simply: ``equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' And in this simple text is guaranteed the following: Avenues of legal recourse for people who face sex-based discrimination, Prompting of Supreme Court to consider cases of sex discrimination with rigorous standards, and The power for Congress to enact laws that ensure sex equality in all aspects of life. It is for these reasons, and many others not listed, that we must act to remove the arbitrary time limit for ratification and codify this Amendment. As a member of the Democratic Women's Caucus, I am steadfast in my commitment to advancing women's rights both in my district and across the nation. My tenure in Congress has been in part defined by my advocacy on behalf of women and their successes--but I stand on the shoulders of generations of heroines fighting for equality. It is in their honor that I support this legislation today. I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 17.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The legislation will provide much needed relief to both individuals and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic will leave an indelible scar on our nation. It will also be remembered as a time of remarkable achievement. I rise today specifically to talk about the achievements of scientists and engineers across the nation who jumped into action from the earliest days of the pandemic. Biologists, physicists, computer scientists, engineers, social scientists . . . there were few fields that did not contribute. The vaccines would not have been possible without expertise from many fields. While they achieved so much, many scientific and technological questions remain that will be essential to our long-term recovery. I am proud that this legislation includes $750 million in funding through the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for additional research related to COVID-19. I also acknowledge that this is not enough, and I will continue to advocate for research recovery funding to ensure we do not suffer irreversible loss to our science and innovation capacity.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021, or the PRO Act. For too long, wealthy corporations and employers have dictated the stability and success of working and middle-class Americans--often without their best interests in mind. The PRO Act seeks to combat this injustice by providing increased opportunities for workers to organize, holding employers accountable for violations of workers' rights, and securing free, fair, and safe union elections. The timing of the vote on this legislation is crucial. We have watched as the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the existing inequalities in our economy. The rich have gotten richer, while the employees on the front lines have faced harsh conditions, risks to their health, and a minimal, at best, increase in pay. It is therefore critical that these workers be able to exercise their right to organize a union so that they can advocate as one for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. As a dues-paying, active member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), I have seen firsthand the important role that unions play in empowering workers across the country. And I will continue to be a strong advocate for workers' rights--because our country is only as strong as our workers. Madam Speaker, a strong middle class is essential to a strong economy. That is why I am proud to support the PRO Act and would encourage its immediate consideration in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 56 years ago, our beloved colleague, the late Congressman John Lewis, and hundreds of other heroes marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We now know this infamous day in American history as Bloody Sunday. These warriors of justice were brutally harassed, beaten, and murdered by Alabama State Troopers and county citizens, all fellow Americans. But it was because of their courage on that day, because of their unwavering commitment to finishing that march that inspired President Lyndon Johnson to sign into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965. And it was because of their continued advocacy that the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized in 1970, 1975, 1982, 1992, and again in 2006. When I was chair of the CBC in the 107th Congress, we worked diligently in a bicameral fashion to protect voting rights in this country. I teamed up with former Senators Tom Daschle, Chris Dodd, and our current Senator Dick Durbin, to pass the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Specifically, this bill was signed into law by President Bush on October 29, 2002. Help America Vote provided funds to our States to improve voting equipment and train workers at polling places. But even with all of the policy work to level the playing field, why are we still advocating for our right to vote in 2021? The answer is that there has been a widening gap of epic proportions between the ideals of the Voting Rights Act and the harsh reality that many Black and Brown Americans face; that is, blatant and recognizable acts of voter suppression. Some of the ways it manifests itself is through partisan gerrymandering, obstructive voter I.D. laws, felony disenfranchisement, just to name a few. But, today, we have doors of opportunity open, and we still must refer back to Bloody Sunday and to John Lewis's leadership. Take this Special Order hour, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus, and in the memory of John, as a prime example of our progress. Mr. Speaker, it is in that spirit that I call upon Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We must eliminate that type of discrimination, and we must protect and preserve widespread voting access for all Americans. I thank Congresswoman Beatty and Congresswoman Sewell for hosting this Special Order tonight on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus. It is time. My last question is: How long?

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, I was not able to make the recorded vote below. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 56.