Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 539, the Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2019. I thank Mr. Lipinski for his leadership on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to working with him to see it through to the President's desk. Each dollar the U.S. invests in research grants at our universities is a dollar toward the birth of potentially game-changing discoveries and innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of our economy. The job creation and economic security gains created by scientific advances can only be enjoyed if we fully support the innovation ecosystem from discovery to commercialization. Finding ways to maximize the benefits of federally funded research is critical to U.S. competitiveness in the global market. H.R. 539 does just that. This bill creates a link between two of our most important programs that focus on creating a sustainable path from laboratory to market for valuable scientific research. This bill expands participation in the Innovation Corps Program to Small Business Innovation Program grantees. Started at the National Science Foundation, the Innovation Corps program, or I-Corps, helps prepare scientists and engineers to think beyond the university lab and gives them the skills to identify products with commercial potential and to be successful entrepreneurs. The Small Business Innovation Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, known as SBIR and STTR, are valuable programs that provide competitive research and development grants and contracts to innovative small businesses. H.R. 539 also seeks make available specialized I-Corps courses in all aspects of preparing a product to go to market. This is a vital component which can help identify market failures and premature business formation. Unfortunately, too many innovative ideas do not make it to the commercialization phase. This bill will help increase those odds. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 539.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 425, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act. I commend Mr. Dunn and Mr. Lamb for their leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor. As Chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee I am committed to supporting a strong STEM workforce. In light of increasing global competition, we must do more to ensure workers are equipped with the STEM skills and knowledge employers need. Veterans are a highly trained and highly motivated group. They have the skills, the determination, and the know-how to thrive in high- paying, secure STEM careers. H.R. 425 directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to leverage existing data and programs to better support veterans in their transition to the STEM workforce. We need all hands on deck if we are to maintain our standing as the global leader in innovation. H.R. 425 is a good step in that direction. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act. This bill ensures that Veterans in my district and around the country have convenient access to no-cost child care when visiting a VA facility for a medical appointment. After a survey conducted by the VA last decade found that access to child care was a top reason as to why some veterans were missing their medical appointments, a pilot program providing no-cost drop-in child care service for veterans was established as part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. I am proud that the Dallas VA Medical Center is one of four VA facilities that are currently piloting the program. This legislation would make the pilot program permanent across the country. This program has made it easier for parents within my district to schedule appointments at the Dallas VA Medical Center without having to deal with the stress and worry of finding safe and affordable child care options for their children. I am pleased to see that thanks to this important legislation, child care facilities like the Carousel Academy at the Dallas VA Medical Center may soon open up across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation because veterans nationwide should have access to the same quality child care services that veterans in North Texas have been fortunate to have for the past six years.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Rule XI, I hereby submit the Rules of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for publication in the Congressional Record. The Rule were adopted in an open meeting of the Committee on February 6, 2019, by voice vote of the Committee. Rule I. General (a) Application of Rules. (1) The Rules of the House of Representatives (``House Rules'') are the rules of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and its Subcommittees with the specific additions thereto contained in these rules. (2) Except where the term ``Subcommittee'' is specifically referred to, the following rules shall apply to the Committee and its Subcommittees as well as to the respective Chairs and Ranking Minority Members. (b) Other Procedures. The Chair of the Committee, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee, may establish such other procedures and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out these rules or to facilitate the effective operation of the Committee. (c) Use of Hearing Rooms. In consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, the Chair of the Committee shall establish guidelines for the use of Committee hearing rooms. Rule II. Regular, Additional, and Special Meetings (a) Regular Meetings. The regular meeting day of the Committee for the conduct of its business shall be on the first Wednesday of each month, if the House is in session. If the House is not in session on that day, then the Committee shall meet on the next Wednesday of such month on which the House is in session, or at another practicable time as determined by the Chair. (1) A regular meeting of the Committee may be dispensed with if, in the judgment of the Chair, there is no need for the meeting. (2) The Chair may call and convene, as he considers necessary and in accordance with the notice requirements contained in these rules, additional meetings of the Committee for the consideration of any bill or resolution pending before the Committee or for the conduct of other Committee business. (b) Bills and Subjects to be Considered. (1) The Chair shall announce the date, place, and subject matter of any Committee meeting, which may not commence earlier than the third calendar day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a day) on which Members have notice thereof, unless the Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, or the Committee by majority vote with a quorum present for the transaction of business, determines there is good cause to begin the meeting sooner, in which case the Chair shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. (2) At least 48 hours prior to the commencement of a meeting for the markup of legislation (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a day), the Chair shall cause the text of such legislation to be made publicly available in electronic form. (3) To the maximum extent practicable, amendments to a measure or matter shall be submitted in writing or electronically to the designee of both the Chair and Ranking Minority Member at least 24 hours prior to the consideration of the measure or matter, and the Chair may oppose any amendment not so submitted. (c) Open Meetings. Meeting for the transaction of business an hearings of the Committee shall be open to the public or closed in accordance with the House Rules. (d) Quorums. A majority of the Committee shall form a quorum, except that two Members shall constitute a quorum for taking testimony and receiving evidence, and one third of the Members shall form a quorum for taking any action other than for which the presence of a majority of the Committee is otherwise required. If the Chair is not present at any meeting of the Committee or Subcommittee, the Vice Chair on the Committee who is present shall preside at the meeting, unless another Member of the Committee is designated by the Chair. (e) Postponement of Proceedings. (1) Pursuant to clause 2(h)(4) of House Rule XI, the Chair may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of approving a measure or matter or on adopting an amendment. The Chair may resume proceedings on a postponed vote at any time after reasonable notice. (2) When proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. (f) Time for Statements and Debate. (1) Insofar as is practicable, the Chair, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, shall limit the total time of opening statements by Members at a Committee meeting to no more than ten minutes, the time to be divided equally between the Chair and Ranking Minority Member, except in the case of joint Subcommittee hearings, in which case the total time of opening statements by Members at such joint hearing shall be no more than twenty minutes, the time to be divided equally between the Chairs and Ranking Minority Members. When requested, ex officio Members of any Subcommittee shall also be recognized at a Subcommittee hearing for five minutes each to present an opening statement. (2) The time any one Member may address the Committee on any bill, amendment, motion, or other matter under consideration by the Committee will be limited to five minutes, and then only when the Member has been recognized by the Chair. This time limit may be waived by the Chair pursuant to unanimous consent. (g) Requests for Recorded Vote. A record vote of the Committee shall be provided on any question before the Committee upon the request of three or more Members or, in the apparent absence of a quorum, by any one Member. (h) Transcripts. Transcripts of markups shall be recorded and may be published in the same manner as hearings before the Committee, and shall be included as part of the legislative report unless waived by the Chair of the Committee. (i) Motion to Go to Conference. Without further action of the Committee, the Chair is authorized to offer a motion under clause 1 of House Rule XXII whenever the Chair considers it appropriate. Rule III. Hearings (a) Notice of Hearings. (1) The Chair shall publicly announce the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted by the Committee on any measure or matter at least one week before the commencement of that hearing. If the Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the transaction of business, the Chair shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. (2) The Chair shall publicly announce a list of witnesses to testify at a hearing as soon as a complete list of witnesses, including those to be called by the minority, is compiled. When practicable, the Chair and the Ranking Minority Member will seek to have a complete list of witnesses compiled at or as soon as practicable after the time that the hearing is publicly announced. (b) Witnesses. (1) Insofar as is practicable, no later than 48 hours in advance of his or her appearance, each witness who is to appear before the Committee shall file, in printed copy and in electronic form, a written statement of his or her proposed testimony and a curriculum vitae. (2) Each witness shall limit his or her presentation to a five minute summary, however additional time may be granted by the Chair when appropriate. (3) The Chair, or any Member of the Committee designated by the Chair, may administer oaths to witnesses before the Committee. (4) Whenever any hearing is conducted by the Committee on any measure or matter, the Minority Members of the Committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chair by a majority of them before the completion of the hearing, to call witnesses selected by the Minority to testify with respect to the measure or matter during at least one day of hearing thereon. (5) In the case of a witness appearing in a nongovernmental capacity, a written statement of proposed testimony shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of any Federal grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts, or contracts or payments originating with a foreign government, received during the current calendar year or either of the two previous calendar years by the witness or by an entity represented by the witness and related to the subject matter of the hearing. The disclosure shall include the amount and source of each Federal grant (or subgrant thereof), cooperative agreement, or contract (or subcontract thereof) related to the subject matter of the hearing; and the amount and country of origin of any payment or contract related to the subject matter of the hearing originating with a foreign government. Such statements, with appropriate redactions to protect the privacy or security of the witness, shall be made publicly available in electronic form not later than one day after the witness appears. (c) Questioning of Witnesses. (1) The right to interrogate a witness before the Committee shall alternate between Majority and Minority Members of the Committee. Each Member shall be limited to five minutes in the interrogation of witnesses. No Member may be recognized for a second period of interrogation until each Member present, who wishes to be recognized, has been recognized at least once. (2) Notwithstanding clause 1, upon a motion the Chair, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, may: i. Designate an specified number of Members of the Committee from each party to question a witness for a period of time equally divided between the majority party and the minority party, not to exceed one hour in the aggregate; or ii. Designate staff from each party to question a witness for a period of time equally divided between the majority party and the minority party, not to exceed one hour in the aggregate. (3) Members of the Committee have two weeks from the date of a hearing to submit additional questions in writing for the record to be answered by witnesses who have appeared before the Committee. The letters of transmittal and any responses thereto shall be included in the hearing record. (d) Claims of Privilege. Claims of common-law privileges made by witnesses in hearings, or by interviewees or deponents in investigations or inquiries, are applicable only at the discretion of the Chair, subject to appeal to the Committee. (e) Publication of Transcripts. The transcripts of those hearings conducted by the Committee, when it is decided they will be printed, shall be published in substantially verbatim form, with the material requested for the record inserted at that place requested, or at the end of the record, as appropriate. Individuals, including Members, whose comments are to be published as part of a Committee document shall be given the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the transcription in advance of publication. Any requests by those Members, staff, or witnesses to correct any errors other than errors in the transcript, or disputed errors in transcription, shall be appended to the record, and the appropriate place where the change is requested will be footnoted. Prior to approval by the Chair of hearings conducted jointly with another Congressional Committee, a memorandum of understanding shall be prepared which incorporates an agreement for the publication of the transcript. (f) Pertinence of Testimony. At the discretion of the Committee, brief and pertinent statements may be submitted in writing for inclusion in the record. The Committee is the sole judge of the pertinence of testimony and evidence adduced at its hearing. Rule IV. Reports (a) Bills and resolutions approved by the Committee shall be reported by the Chair pursuant to clauses 2-4 of House Rule XIII. (b) A proposed investigative or oversight report shall be considered as read if it has been available to the Members of the Committee for at least 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House is in session on such days). (c) Every investigative or oversight report shall be approved by a majority vote of the Committee at a meeting at which a quorum is present. If at the time of approval of such a report a Member of the Committee gives notice of intent to file supplemental, minority, additional, or dissenting views that Member shall be entitled to file such views. (d) Only those investigative or oversight reports approved by a majority vote of the Committee may be ordered printed, unless otherwise required by House Rules. Rule V. Broadcasting (a) Whenever a meeting for the transaction of business, including the markup of legislation or a hearing is open to the public, that meeting or hearing shall be open to coverage by television, radio, and still photography in accordance with clause 4 of House Rule XI. (b) To the maximum extent practicable, the Committee shall provide audio and visual coverage of each hearing or meeting for the transaction of business in a manner that allows the public to easily listen to and view the proceedings, and maintain the recordings of such coverage in a manner that is easily accessible to the public. Operation and use of any Committee Internet broadcast system shall be fair and nonpartisan, and in accordance with clauses 4 (b) and (f) of House Rule XI and all other applicable rules of the Committee and the House. Rule VI. Subcommittees (a) Committee Jurisdiction. The Committee shall have jurisdiction over such matters as determined by the Chair. (b) Subcommittees and Jurisdiction. There shall be five standing Subcommittees of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, with jurisdictions as follows: (1) Subcommittee on Energy. Shall have jurisdiction over the following subject matters: all matters relating to energy research, development, and demonstration projects therefor; commercial application of energy technology; Department of Energy research, development, and demonstration programs; Department of Energy laboratories; Department of Energy science activities; energy supply activities; nuclear, solar, and renewable energy, and other advanced energy technologies; uranium supply and enrichment, and Department of Energy waste management; fossil energy research and development; clean coal technology; energy conservation research and development, including building performance, alternate fuels, distributed power systems, and industrial process improvements; pipeline research, development, and demonstration projects; energy standards; other appropriate matters as referred by the Chair; and relevant oversight. (2) Subcommittee on Environment. Shall have jurisdiction over the following subject matters: all matters relating to environmental research; Environmental Protection Agency research and development; environmental standards; climate change research and development; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including all activities related to weather, weather services, climate, the atmosphere, marine fisheries, and oceanic research; risk assessment activities; scientific issues related to environmental policy, including climate change; other appropriate matters as referred by the Chair; and relevant oversight. (3) Subcommittee on Research and Technology. Shall have jurisdiction over the following subject matters: all matters relating to science policy and science education; the Office of Science and Technology Policy; all scientific research, and scientific and engineering resources (including human resources); all matters relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education; intergovernmental mechanisms for research, development, and demonstration and cross-cutting programs; international scientific cooperation; National Science Foundation; university research policy, including infrastructure and overhead; university research partnerships, including those with industry; science scholarships; computing, communications, networking, and information technology; research and development relating to health, biomedical, and nutritional programs; research, development, and demonstration relating to nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology; agricultural, geological, biological and life sciences research; materials research, development, demonstration, and policy; all matters relating to competitiveness, technology, standards, and innovation; standardization of weights and measures, including technical standards, standardization, and conformity assessment; measurement, including the metric system of measurement; the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce; the National Institute of Standards and Technology; the National Technical Information Service; competitiveness, including small business competitiveness; tax, antitrust, regulatory and other legal and governmental policies related to technological development and commercialization; technology transfer, including civilian use of defense technologies; patent and intellectual property policy; international technology trade; research, development, and demonstration activities of the Department of Transportation; surface and water transportation research, development, and demonstration programs; earthquake programs and fire research programs, including those related to wildfire proliferation research and prevention; biotechnology policy; research, development, demonstration, and standards- related activities of the Department of Homeland Security; Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer; voting technologies and standards; other appropriate matters as referred by the Chair; and relevant oversight. (4) Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Shall have jurisdiction over the following subject matters: all matters relating to astronautical and aeronautical research and development; national space policy, including access to space; sub-orbital access and applications; National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its contractor and government-operated labs; space commercialization, including commercial space activities relating to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce; exploration and use of outer space; international space cooperation; the National Space Council; space applications, space communications and related matters; Earth remote sensing policy; civil aviation research, development, and demonstration; research, development, and demonstration programs of the Federal Aviation Administration; space law; other appropriate matters as referred by the Chair; and relevant oversight. (5) Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight. Shall have general and special investigative authority on all matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee. (c) Composition of Subcommittees. (1) The Chair shall assign Members to the Subcommittees. Minority party assignments shall be made only with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member. The Chair shall determine the ratio of Majority Members to Minority Members of each Subcommittee; provided that the ratio of Majority Members to Minority Members on each Subcommittee (excluding any ex officio Member) shall be no less favorable to the Majority party than the ratio for the Committee. (2) The Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee shall be ex officio Members of each Subcommittee and shall have the right to vote and be counted as part of the quorum and ratios on all matters before the Subcommittee. (d) Referral to Subcommittees. The Chair shall expeditiously refer all legislation and other matters referred to the Committee to the Subcommittee or Subcommittees of appropriate jurisdiction, unless the Chair deems consideration is to be by the Committee. Subcommittee Chairs may make requests for referral of specific matters to their Subcommittee if they believe Subcommittee jurisdictions so warrants. (e) Subcommittee Procedures and Reports. (1) Subcommittee Chairs shall set meeting dates with the concurrence of the Chair and after consultation with the other Subcommittee Chairs with a view toward avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Subcommittee meetings or hearings wherever possible. No Subcommittee may meet or hold a hearing at the same time as a meeting or hearing of the Committee without authorization from the Chair. (2) Each Subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive testimony or evidence, mark up legislation, and report to the Committee on all matters referred to it. For matters within its jurisdiction, each Subcommittee is authorized to conduct legislative, investigative, forecasting, and general oversight hearings; to conduct inquiries into the future; and to undertake budget impact studies. (3) Each Subcommittee shall provide the Committee with copies of such records of votes taken in the Subcommittee and such other records with respect to the Subcommittee as the Chair of the Committee deems necessary to ensure compliance with the House Rules. (4) After ordering a measure or matter reported, a Subcommittee shall issue a report in such form as the Chair shall specify. To the maximum extent practicable, reports and recommendations of a Subcommittee shall not be considered by the Committee until after the intervention of 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a day) from the time the report is submitted and made available to the Committee. Printed hearings thereon shall be made available, if feasible, to the Committee, except that this Rule may be waived at the discretion of the Chair after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member. (5) Any Member of the Committee may have the privilege of sitting with any Subcommittee during its hearings or deliberations and may participate in such hearings or deliberations, but no Member who is not a Member of the Subcommittee shall vote on any matter before such Subcommittee, except as provided in Rule VI(c)(2). Rule VII. Vice Chairs (a) The Chair of the Committee shall designate a Member of the majority party to serve as Vice Chair of the Committee, and shall designate a Majority Member of each Subcommittee to serve as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee. Vice Chairs of the Committee and each Subcommittee serve at the pleasure of the Chair, who may at any time terminate his designation of a Member as Vice Chair and designate a different Member of the majority party to serve as Vice Chair of the Committee or relevant Subcommittee. (b) The Chair may assign duties, privileges, and responsibilities to the Vice Chairs of the Committee or the various Subcommittees. Rule VIII. Oversight and Investigations (a) The Committee shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within its jurisdiction, including all laws, programs, and Government activities relating to nonmilitary research and development in accordance with House Rule X. (b) Not later than March 1st of the first session of the 116th Congress, the Chair, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, shall submit the Committee's oversight plan to the Committee on Oversight and the Committee on House Administration in accordance with the provisions of clause 2(d) of House Rule X. (c) Any investigation undertaken in the name of the Committee shall be approved by the Chair. Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted to infringe on a Subcommittee's authority to conduct general oversight of matters within its jurisdiction, short of undertaking an investigation. Rule IX. Subpoenas The power to authorize and issue subpoenas is delegated to the Chair as provided for under clause 2(m)(3)(A)(i) of House Rule XI. The Chair shall notify the Ranking Minority Member prior to issuing any subpoena under such authority. To the extent practicable, the Chair shall consult with the Ranking Minority Member at least 24 hours in advance of a subpoena being issued under such authority. Rule X. Deposition Authority The Chair may authorize the staff of the Committee to conduct depositions pursuant to section 103 of House Resolution 6, 116th Congress, and subject to any regulations issued pursuant thereto. Rule XI. Committee Records (a) The records of the Committee at the National Archives and Records Administration shall be made available for public use in accordance with House Rule VII. (b) The Chair shall notify the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee of any decision, pursuant to clauses 3(b)(3) or 4(b) of House Rule VII, to withhold a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a determination on the written request of any Member of the Committee. Rule XII. Official Committee Website The Chair shall maintain an official Committee website for the purpose of furthering the Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities, including communicating information about the Committee's activities to Committee Members and other Members of the House. The Ranking Minority Member of the Committee may maintain a similar website for the same purpose, including communicating information about the activities of the minority to Committee Members and other Members of the House. Rule XIII. Committee Budget From the amount provided to the Committee in the primary expense resolution adopted by the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress, the Chair shall designate one-third of the budget, after adjustment for the salaries of the shared administrative functions for the Clerk, Printer and Financial Administrator, under the direction of the Ranking Minority Member for the purposes of minority staff, travel expenses of minority staff and Members, and all other minority office expenses. Rule XIV. Amendments to Committee Rules The rules of the Committee may be modified, amended, or repealed, in the same manner and method as prescribed for the adoption of committee rules in clause 2 of House Rule XI, but only if written notice of the proposed change has been provided to each such Member at least 3 days before the time of the meeting at which the vote on the change occurs. Any such change in the rules of the Committee shall be published in the Congressional Record within 30 calendar days after their approval.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Federal employees in my district and around the Nation. For over a month now, 800,000 coastguardsmen, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers have been held hostage by President Trump's shutdown, a shutdown with far-reaching consequences. Due to staffing shortages at Dallas' two major airports, shortages that have resulted from the TSA agents being forced to live the last 34 days without pay, aviation experts have warned that flying today is less safe than over a month ago. Madam Speaker, since President Trump irresponsibly shut government down, I have heard from countless TSA agents and the national air traffic controllers in my district. They have all indicated that, while they are committed to their duties, they are also suffering financially and need the government reopened now. I stand with them. Every member of our Caucus is standing together, calling on the White House to open the government now.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, many of the members who serve in this chamber, myself included, value the important relationship the United States shares with Taiwan. To this end, The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation in the 115th Congress similar to the bill that is being debated today. Both bills direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to assist Taiwan in regaining observer status at the World Health Organization. As a cosponsor of H.R. 3320 in the 115th Congress, I commend the gentleman from the great state of Florida for bringing this bill to the floor early in this Congress. Taiwan has been a model member of the global health community, having served as an observer in the World Health Assembly from 2009 until 2016. Taiwan has also contributed in enhancing regional and global disease prevention networks, along with working with other countries to ensure the World Health Organization's vision of health being a fundamental human right is successfully met. While some outside actors try to prevent Taiwan from contributing to the global health community as an observer at the World Health Organization, it is important for all of us to realize that the best way to address the challenges of today and tomorrow with regards to global health is to work together, rather than exclude parties due to geopolitics. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 353.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today marks the 26th day of President Trump's irresponsible and destructive government shutdown. Not only has the shutdown resulted in hundreds of thousands of Americans being put on furlough, but it has also inflicted long-term damage to our Nation's research and development enterprise. During my 26 years on the Science Committee, I have witnessed the consequences of our Federal science and technology agencies being forced to shut their doors; namely, science suffers and U.S. innovation falters. We fall behind and fail to compete globally as our competitors strengthen their own investments in R&D. Researchers who rely on regular funding from now-closed agencies are struggling to keep their projects afloat as they miss important deadlines and have crucial gaps in data. We are seeing contractors that work in coordination with the Federal Government being furloughed, with no promise of back pay when the President's temper tantrum is finally over. We hope to get back on course. If we want to remain a global leader in innovation, we must end this shutdown.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the gentleman from South Carolina's resolution condemning the recent remarks of our colleague Steven King. As we celebrate the 90th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he indicated that ``there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him that it is right.'' Unfortunately, the recent rhetoric of Mr. King not only highlights the wrongs of our nation's dark past, but it promotes a spirit of division, bitterness and fear. At a time when our nation is looking to its leaders to bring confidence and security, we must take the steps toward unity and seek out understanding and denounce thoughts that are divisive. There is no room for such rhetoric in the most diverse Congress ever and I stand with my colleagues to censure Congressman Steven King.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I want to state my support for H.R. 206, the Encouraging Small Business Innovators Act and H.R. 246, the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019. I thank Chairwoman Velazquez, Congressman Rouda, Congresswoman Finkenauer and other colleagues on both committees for their work to advance these bills to the House Floor. Through competitive research and development grants and contracts, the SBIR and STTR programs provide opportunities for innovative small businesses to participate in the federal research and development enterprise. The Federal R&D enterprise supports innovation by funding the best and brightest at our great research institutions, our national labs, and small businesses across all sectors of our economy. The SBIR and STTR programs have proven to be an important part of that investment. Over the years, the Science Committee has supported strong funding as well as improvements in policy and oversight for the SBIR and STTR programs. Last Congress, several important pilot programs were extended and other updates were made in law that help make the programs more effective and efficient. These include supporting more early-state funding for small business innovators, providing funding for important agency outreach and program administration, and streamlining reporting requirements. The Science Committee considered several of the provisions in H.R. 246 in the 115th Congress. As these two bills advance, the Committee looks forward to working with our colleagues on the Small Business Committee to review and adopt policy changes in the SBIR and STTR programs that continue to strengthen the partnership between innovative small business and our federal research agencies. Further, I hope we will continue working together to ensure that the agencies prioritize outreach and other activities to increase the participation of women and minority-owned innovative small businesses in the SBIR and STTR programs. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 206 and H.R. 246.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as the representative of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines. Herb Kelleher was one of a kind. He embodied the colorful spirit and joyful nature of the airline he cofounded. He exuded this bright personality whether he was on television, in a room full of people, or speaking to just one individual. Beyond instilling the value of fun in his company, he revolutionized air travel by making the low-cost, low- fare airline accessible for many Americans. Born in New Jersey, he studied English and philosophy at Wesleyan University and then law at New York University. It was his wife, Joan, whom he met on a blind date, who persuaded him to set up a law firm in Texas. Southwest Airlines was born not on the back of a cocktail napkin as he later liked to boast, but when one of his legal clients, Rollin King, owner of a small commuter airline, and his banker, John Parker, came to his office. Both men found travelling between the cities of Houston, Dallas and San Antonio inconvenient and expensive and thought they could do it better. With Herb Kelleher's help, they succeeded. Since it's conception as a public company in 1971, Southwest has succeeded by just about every measure. In more than 45 years, in an industry filled with bankruptcies and mergers, Southwest has never had a year where it lost money. Under Mr. Kelleher's leadership, Southwest broke through in an industry entrenched with big names to offer a new spin on commercial air travel. In addition, the company promoted a healthy work environment before the idea became a widely-embraced corporate concept. To Mr. Kelleher, Southwest Airlines was more than just another company; to him, it was a cause. His goal was to keep fares low and fly to as many cities as possible. In his words, the focus was to ``democratize the skies'' by making it as easy, affordable, and flexible for everyday Americans to travel. Such a mission may seem quaint today, but it was a revolutionary aspiration back when he first began. Madam Speaker, the life of Herb Kelleher that we celebrate today is a testament to the value of great character and honesty. Because of Mr. Kelleher, Southwest Airlines made an essential contribution to America's quality of life. And most importantly, for Dallas and Texans statewide, Mr. Kelleher made an essential and long-lasting economic contribution to our region. Today as we reflect on his life, it is safe to say that the late Mr. Kelleher made a very real contribution to our world, and we are all witnessing the benefit of those contributions today.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, healthcare is important, and no one knows that better than our country's nurses. As the first registered nurse elected to Congress, I know how the Affordable Care Act has improved our country's healthcare, especially for the 133 million Americans living with preexisting conditions, including 11.5 million who live in my home State of Texas, the most uninsured State in the Nation. Today, we are bringing a resolution to the floor which will empower the House of Representatives, the people's House, to intervene in a lawsuit that Republicans have brought solely to throw the American healthcare system into chaos. I urge my colleagues to support the Allred resolution and vote to protect the healthcare of millions of our fellow Americans.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the birthday of a dear friend and a true East Texas treasure, Pettis Norman. Pettis Norman, once known as one of the premier athletes in the National Football League and a long-time Dallas Cowboy, is recognized as a successful businessman with a keen sense of civic responsibility and boundless energy. With more than forty years of business experience, this former Cowboys star has achieved record success on and off the field. Norman was active in changing the segregationist climate within the Cowboys and later the city of Dallas, helping organized marches during the civil rights movement influencing the changing of the team's roommate assignments and breaking social barriers. During his collegiate and professional careers, Pettis was a stellar athlete. He was voted a First Team, Currier All-American in 1962, while attending Johnson C. Smith University as a physical education student. Upon graduating, Pettis joined the National Football League and won three championships as a starting tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers over nine seasons. In addition to his professional sports endeavors, Pettis pursued a career in banking with South Oak Cliff State Bank in Dallas. Pettis was initially hired to work in Public Relations, but quickly rose to the position of Assistant Vice President in Business Development. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Vice President, becoming the first-ever African-American Banking Officer in the region. Pettis furthered his business interests by also venturing into real estate and restaurant franchising over the course of three decades. To date, Pettis has created four companies under the umbrella known as PNI Industries. He also created The Dallas Together Forum, consisting of approximately 20 CEOs from Fortune 500 companies, to address the pressing issues of minorities and female participation in the ``bounties of our nation''. The Dallas Together Forum became a successful model that had been replicated across the nation. Pettis Norman is well-regarded and is highly respected within the Dallas community. I would like to recognize him on his birthday, and I thank him for his leadership to this community and to the city of Dallas, Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of a man whose artistic abilities and musical prominence were born of my hometown. Roy Hargrove was a world-renowned jazz trumpeter, who won two Grammys in his career for best Latin Jazz performance in 1998 and then best jazz instrumental album in 2003. The impact of his musical career, however, was defined by much more than the five albums he released or the many awards he won. A Waco, Texas native, like myself, Mr. Hargrove moved to Dallas at a young age, where he attended the Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts to study music. Though only 49 years old when he passed, Mr. Hargrove earned respect for his musical abilities from his peers while in his teens. For over 30 years, Mr. Hargrove's musical genius was celebrated by accomplished musicians who's path he followed. These musicians included Dallas' very own David ``Fathead'' Newman, who inspired Mr. Hargrove to continue pursuing his passion for music in the 1980s. After beginning his performing career in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex during his teenage years, Mr. Hargrove moved to New York City to continue his studies of music. In addition to launching his professional career, it is here that he founded The Jazz Gallery, a space that serves as a hub for new music. It is noted by those who value his career that Mr. Hargrove created a unique sound that bridged traditional jazz with hip-hop and R&B. He was instrumental in bringing neo-soul to prominence. Mr. Hargrove will be most remembered as both an exceptional soloist and a brilliant collaborator. Mr. Speaker, jazz is one of my favorite genres of music, and Dallas is my hometown. Roy Hargrove represents both of these two things, which are dear to me. Today, I wish to offer my condolences to the Hargrove family and the Booker T. Washington family who have lost one of their most adored members. Let us remember the joy Mr. Hargrove brought to others through his music and continue the tradition of passing on his passion through the teaching of music to the young people of this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant support of S. 3277, the Space Frontier Act of 2019. I say ``reluctant'' because the process that brought us to this point is extremely disappointing. Many of the provisions of this bill have not been seriously vetted by the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I doubt very much whether they were at all vetted by anyone in the Senate. And this bill makes some potentially significant changes to space policy in the United States. This is no way to legislate. However, there are some good things in the bill. I very much appreciate that the end date for the International Space Station is pushed back to 2030. Now, I don't know if that date is the proper one, but I do know that the arbitrary decision made by the Trump administration to end the International Space Station by 2024 was wrong. As we move into the next Congress, this is something that I hope to be looking into. I am also glad to see commercial remote sensing language that will help the industry grow, while still considering the government's legitimate security interests. In short, I will be voting for this bill, in part, because I support the development of commercial space activities and want them to flourish, while still protecting the public interest. However, as the presumptive chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the next Congress, I certainly will be revisiting some of the other items in the bill. For instance, this bill creates a $150 million office at NASA and doesn't specify where the money is to come from within NASA, or provide any real specifics to how it will be spent. I would also note that NASA's vital education programs receive less money than that, so this is a major new initiative and it is something that requires review. I could go on, but, unfortunately, it is clear that there is not going to be time today for a thoughtful discussion of any concerns with the bill or any opportunity to address them. That will have to wait until we have a new Congress. I plan to submit a longer statement in the Record which will highlight some of my concerns. For now, it is enough to say that I support NASA's mission and a robust U.S. space industry and, for that reason, I support this bill, in spite of the awful process that got us here. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. But I would like to say, on behalf of my retiring chair, that it has been a challenge. I have learned a lot. I respect and like him. I wish him well for his future, and I hope that he will visit us now and then to see that we will have a little bit of a change in the committee. I hope that we will pass this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak in support of H.R. 5509, the innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act. I comment Majority Leader McCarthy for his leadership in addressing this important issue with this legislation. I am heartened to see so much attention being paid to the importance of developing a STEM workforce that is equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly automated and technology-driven economy. As Ranking Member of the Science Committee, I am committed to ensuring all students and individuals seeking a career change have access to the education and technical skills training they need to pursue high- paying, meaningful STEM careers. It is high time we as a society recognize the value of apprenticeships as avenues to high quality careers. We have work to do to change the perception of skilled technical labor and it starts by recognizing that our STEM workforce includes so much more than just those with advanced STEM degrees. A strong STEM workforce is built on the foundation of blue collar STEM workers--workers who use their extensive STEM knowledge and skills day in and day out without the need for a traditional four-year degree. Blue collar STEM workers contribute to our nation's economic competitiveness in immeasurable ways. What good is it for a company to have the most innovative engineers and scientists if they don't have the laboratory managers, technicians, mechanics, IT workers, machinists, and welders to transform their ideas into reality? We will need more blue collar STEM workers if we are to keep pace with our global competitors. One key barrier to developing a strong STEM workforce is the misalignment between the education and training provided at community colleges and universities and the knowledge and skills employers need. H.R. 5509 takes us in the right direction by directing federal support for developing and improving STEM associate degree and applied learning programs in partnership with local employers. In the new congress I look forward to continuing to explore ways in which Congress can help strengthen the blue collar STEM workforce that is so vital to our success. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support passage of S. 7, the ``NASA Enhanced Use Lease Extension Act of 2018''. NASA's enhanced use leasing or ``EUL'' authority provides the agency with tools to help manage its real property. NASA has, for example, used EUL to preserve underutilized property and make improvements to facility conditions. EUL allows the National Aeronautics and Space Administration--NASA-- to enter into agreements with state and local governments, academia, private sector entities, and other Federal government agencies to lease non-excess and underutilized properties at NASA. According to NASA, in Fiscal Year 2017, NASA used enhanced use leasing resulting in a total of approximately $5.4 million in net revenue for the agency. Congress first granted NASA authority to demonstrate enhanced use leasing in the early 2000s. Since that time, Congress has expanded and extended the agency's EUL authority. The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017--Public Law 115-10-- extended NASA's EUL authority until December 31, 2018. The bill we are considering today provides a clean one-year extension until December 31, 2019. This extension will allow NASA to continue existing EUL arrangements and to make progress on developing new arrangements that are currently underway. I urge my colleagues to vote yes and pass S. 7, the ``NASA Enhanced Use Lease Extension Act of 2018.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2200, the ``National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018''. This bill also reauthorizes the ``Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act,'' as introduced by Senator Nelson and my colleague on the Science Committee, Ms. Bonamici. Both of these existing programs have years of successful accomplishments, and their reauthorization ensures that NOAA will be able to continue supporting communities that are dealing with the impacts of drought and toxic freshwater and marine harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events. The Weather Research and Forecasting and Innovation Act that the House passed in a bipartisan fashion last year was a great accomplishment for the Science Committee, and I am happy to see the existing weather laboratories, cooperative institutes, joint technology transfer initiative and research programs within NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research will be reauthorized with this bill. As Congresswoman Bonamici mentioned earlier, this bill reauthorizes critical programs at NOAA that benefit countless Americans, which I fully support. However, I am disappointed in the process used to bring NIDIS, HABHRCA, and the Weather Act to the floor today for reauthorization. The brand-new language in this bill related to NOAA's Earth Prediction Innovation Center, computing resources, and our next-generation satellite architecture has never gone through the standard committee process in either the House or the Senate. By not providing an opportunity for hearings, markups, or any debate on these key pieces of legislation we rob our colleagues of the opportunity to advocate for their constituents, and do not do justice to the importance of these provisions. I hope we will do better to abide by regular order next Congress, and it is my intention to do that on the Science Committee.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6227, the National Quantum Initiative Act, and I thank Chairman Smith and our colleagues in the Senate, Senators Thune, Nelson, Murkowski, and Cantwell, for their leadership on this bill. This is a good, bipartisan bill, and I am happy that we will be voting today to enact this bill into law before the Congress expires. H.R. 6227 is the product of extensive formal and informal engagement with key stakeholders in industry, academia, and the Federal Government. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing late in 2017 in which we heard from Federal agency, university, and industry representatives about ongoing research and future opportunities in quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing. We also heard about investments in quantum research across our agencies and the need for a strategic and coordinated approach going forward. In addition to the hearing, committee staff held numerous bipartisan meetings and roundtables to inform the development of this committee. Quantum sensors are already beginning to enter the marketplace, with potential applications across all sectors--from environmental sensing, to biomedical imaging, to the military battlefield. The race is on to lead the world on long-range quantum communications, which, in theory, at least, would be unhackable. Quantum communications is the area of quantum technology development where the U.S. is most at risk in ceding its leadership. Our R&D investments pale in comparison to the scale of investments being made in China and elsewhere. Many believe quantum computing technology has the potential to accelerate progress on some of our most pressing challenges, including how to address climate change and understand complex diseases like cancer. It is truly an exciting time for this field and for the broad spectrum of innovators that are planning to take advantage of these breakthrough capabilities. It is also a time of increasing international competition, and the stakes are high. Global leadership in quantum computing brings with it a military and intelligence edge, as well as a competitive advantage in what many expect to be a massive industry for decades to come. We must invest more in research. We must also ensure that we are educating and training the next generation of top quantum scientists and engineers. Our Nation's progress in advancing research in quantum science and capitalizing on these investments to develop real-world technologies will depend on partnerships among our Federal agencies, universities, and the private sector. The National Quantum Initiative Act will set us on the right path H.R. 6227 directs the President to establish a 10-year National Quantum Initiative Program, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy playing leading roles. Through the establishment of a national coordination office, an outside advisory committee, and an interagency working group, the program will take a whole-of-government approach to accelerating progress in quantum research and technology development and building a strong quantum science and engineering workforce. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time. I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Dallas Chapter of the Girl Friends, Incorporated. On September 12, 1975, I invited a few close friends with similar ideas and dreams to my home to discuss how we could make an impact on the Dallas community. As we began to meet and brainstorm, the St. Louis Chapter of Girl Friends took us under their wing and encouraged us to create our own chapter. The Charter members of the Dallas Chapter of the Girl Friends include Velma Bedford, Dorothy Chambers, Jennifer Clark, Doloroes Craig, Earlene Deere, Roslyn Fitch, Joan Sessoms Ford, Veronica Marshall Frazier, Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, Marvinell Johnson, Cheryl Malone, Dr. Vivienne Malone Mayes, Millie Montgomery, Hazel Moore, Faye Powell, Sandra Sutton, Mary Lois Sweatt, Marye Thomas, Mildred W. Thomas, and Marquerite Williams. The chapter upholds the ideal that education is important and since its inception, has regularly supported female college students with scholarship funds that can be used for books, transportation and other personal needs. Our most recent scholarship recipient, and HBCU student, was also awarded an academic scholarship from The Girl Friends Fund, Inc. The chapter has supported the NAACP project, Black Arts and History, African American Museum, Black Dallas Remembered, YWCA, Aging for Black Women's Conference Politics and Health Symposiums, Austin Street Shelter Ministries, Vogel Alcove, The Family Place, Letot Girl's Residential Center, The Agape Clinic, The Dallas Life Foundation and West Dallas Community Center. As I reflect on the great milestones and paths that The Girl Friends have created within the past thirty-five years, I am honored and proud of all we have accomplished and the positive impact it has had on our community. It is with great admiration that I congratulate The Dallas Chapter of the Girl Friends on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish them the best on all future endeavors.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1052 which affirms cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization between the United States and its great ally, Australia. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the landing of Apollo 11 on the Moon, it is fitting that we acknowledge the contribution of NASA's tracking station located at Honeysuckle Creek in Australia and Australia's Parkes radio telescope to the success of the Apollo 11 mission. Indeed, Neil Armstrong's famous words announcing humankind's first step on the Moon were first received by those facilities located in Australia before being relayed to the rest of the world. Australia has been a crucial partner to the U.S. space program ever since. For example, scientists and engineers from the Australian Space Agency worked with NASA at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex to support communications for the landing of rovers on Mars, the arrival of New Horizons to Pluto, and the entry of Juno into orbit around Jupiter. And NASA will build on its experience conducting sounding rocket launch operations at Australia's Woomera Test Range by using the Equatorial Launch Australia launch range for several Astrophysics missions that are scheduled for 2019. As Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I have been engaged in ensuring that NASA establish the requisite building blocks to ensure the success of the Nation's space exploration program. One of those building blocks will be international cooperation and partnerships. The National Academies' Committee on Human Spaceflight recommended in its 2014 ``Pathways to Exploration'' report that NASA, among other recommendations, ``vigorously pursue opportunities for international and commercial collaboration in order to leverage financial resources and capabilities of other nations and commercial entities''. Peaceful international cooperation has been a hallmark of NASA's approach since its inception. House Resolution 1052 resolution affirms the need for such cooperation and partnership with Australia. I urge my fellow Members to pass this Resolution.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am joined by 31 of my colleagues in introducing the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2018. The nation at large is beginning to reckon 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% of women in academia experiencing sexual harassment. This behavior undermines career advancement for women in critical STEM fields, and many women report leaving promising careers in academic research 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 a recent report by the National Academies, 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 our hope that this legislation will build upon progress already made by the National Science Foundation through recent updates to its sexual harassment policy. It is vital that 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 expressed intent to address sexual harassment in research. National Institutes of Health Director, Dr. Francis Collins, and nominee for Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, have both made strong statements regarding their intent to tackle the problem of sexual harassment in STEM, and I look forward to seeing these intentions translate into meaningful actions. Our bill is just a starting point. Every agency has unique challenges and significant change will require creative solutions. Scientific societies also play an important role in combating sexual harassment in the sciences. For example, the American Association for the Advancement of Science recently adopted a policy that allows the AAAS Council to revoke Fellow status for scientific misconduct, which includes sexual harassment. I am pleased that my legislation is endorsed by numerous scientific societies. In developing this bill, feedback from university organizations 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 has also been vetted by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, who will be instrumental in carrying out its provisions, and the National Academies, whose recommendations we seek to codify. The result of this process is a bill that enables a coordinated approach to addressing the problem of sexual harassment at grant-receiving institutions and that funds research that will serve as the foundation for future initiatives in this area. I thank all of the Members who have cosponsored this legislation, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to join us and help move this legislation forward into law.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding the alarming rise in prescription drug costs in this country. Earlier this year, the President claimed that drug companies would be announcing ``massive'' voluntary drug price cuts. In fact, an Associated Press analysis of brand-name prescription drug prices shows it's been business as usual for drugmakers, with far more price hikes than cuts. The AP found that over the first seven months of the year, there were 96 price hikes for every price cut. As the AP said in its story, drug pricing is far from transparent. Manufacturers typically set high list prices but then negotiate rebates and discounts with prescription benefit managers, to get preferential insurance coverage for their products. Many consumers never see the list price, though rising drug prices generally put pressure on insurers to raise rates. Patients with high deductible or no insurance often get stuck being charged the full list price. In addition, the Republican tax bill is being used by the big pharmaceutical companies to buy back shares in its companies to increase its stock prices. The tax bill is increasing our government debt, taking money from all Americans in order to enrich hedge funds, other Wall Street investors and top drug company executives, but not helping the patients that depend on those drugs. We need to implement changes that will bring down drug prices. One way is that prescription drugs that meet a test for an unconscionable price increase will be subject to new investigative and enforcement action by a new ``price gouging'' enforcer. National spending on prescription drugs is on the rise. Prescription drug prices increased an average of 12.6 percent in 2014 and 10 percent in 2015. In 2015, 16.7 percent of health care spending in the U.S. went to prescription drugs. The government needs to be given the authority to negotiate drug prices. Medicare is not allowed to negotiate with drug companies about their product. The government is the largest buyer of most products and the General Services Administration currently negotiates whenever the government is buying a product and puts it on the schedule for all government procurement officers to use. But not prescription drugs. This is a huge giveaway for the drug industry and that needs to end. Now is not the time to line the pockets of pharmaceutical CEOs while Americans are suffering from high prescription drug costs. It is time to be innovative with our health care and support the working men and women who need the help to live a healthy life.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I'd like to express my support of H.R. 302 the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. Maintaining the safety of our national airspace is paramount, and I am pleased that the provision for Single-Piloted Commercial Cargo Aircraft was removed. Additionally, this bill also highlights a strong focus on airline passenger safety and consumer rights by emphasizing provisions such as minimum legroom, seat width and flight attendant rest mandates. Finally, this legislation provides Hurricane Florence recovery funding, which emphasizes the importance of providing timely assistance to areas prone to natural disasters, similar to those in my home state of Texas. Above all, this bill improves the airline passenger experience, provides long-term airport funding, improves disaster recovery, and ultimately strengthens the U.S. economy and aviation workforce.