Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1921, the Ocean Acidification Innovation Act of 2019, and I thank Mr. Kilmer for introducing this important legislation and working with our committee. Additionally, I thank the Science, Space, and Technology Committee members on both sides of the aisle for their work to advance this bill. Ms. Bonamici; Ms. Herrera Beutler; Mr. Crist; the Environment Subcommittee chair, Mrs. Fletcher; the Environment Subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Marshall; and my friend, Ranking Member Lucas. Ocean acidification, as we have discussed today, is a serious problem. This bill would create Federal prize competitions to spur innovation in understanding ocean acidification and developing management strategies for responding to ocean acidification. Federal prize competitions, while not a replacement for federally funded research, allow the government to transfer risk to prize participants and stimulate private-sector investment. This could enhance and augment our understanding of this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1921, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer), the sponsor of the bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I would simply urge the support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 988) to provide for a study by the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Science examining the impact of ocean acidification and other stressors in estuarine environments, as amended.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 988, the bill now under consideration.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 988, the National Estuaries and Acidification Research Act of 2019, or the NEAR Act. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank the sponsor of the legislation, Mr. Posey, for his work on this bill and his general support and understanding in addressing the serious problem of ocean acidification. Mr. Posey's bill takes a focused look at a unique part of our coastal environment estuaries. Our estuaries are valuable and part of our marine community, both from an economic, as well as an ecological perspective. These environments are complex and the effects of ocean acidification on them is well understood. H.R. 988 would address the gaps in our knowledge by commissioning a review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the impacts of ocean acidification on estuaries. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this good, bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Dream and Promise Act. For too long, Congress has failed to take action in providing certainty to members in our community whose immigration status has been thrown into question because of the actions of this erratic administration. With the passage of this important and substantial piece of legislation, we will be sending a clear message to these individuals that they are valued members of our communities. This bill provides certainty to the roughly 14,600 DREAMers in my district, including people like Juan Carlos Cerda. Juan Carlos came to the United States at the age of 7 with his mother from Mexico. Juan Carlos didn't understand completely what was going on at the time--all he knew was that he and his mother were leaving Mexico to join his father in the United States. Juan Carlos worked hard through school and eventually earned a B.A. at Yale University. He returned to North Texas as a kindergarten teacher in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood in my district to contribute back to the community that gave him so much. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and the Trump Administration, Mr. Cerda's work authorization had a cloud of uncertainty. This bill would lift that cloud and allow people like Mr. Cerda to centime to be contributing members in our diverse communities. Furthermore, roughly 2,400 individuals under Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure within my district will also be protected under this legislation. These individuals were granted refuge in the United States while their home countries dealt with issues such as natural disasters or civil unrest. These individuals have been in the United States for an average of 22 years and have already set down roots within my district. We know them as small business owners, educators, community leaders, and friends. These individuals along with DREAMers are Americans, just like myself, the only difference is what is written on a piece of paper. Overall, up to 2.5 million people who have spent most of their lives in the United States will have a door of opportunity opened so that they too can fulfill their vision of the American dream. These individuals make our country stronger and make valuable contributions to it every day. As a cosponsor of this bill, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and for the Senate to take it up immediately upon passage in this chamber.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Colin Allred, to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Debby Hay Spradley, who passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019. A native Texan, Debby graduated from Southern Methodist University and spent the entirety of her professional career in the Dallas area, first as President of the Hay Agency, Inc., and then as the Director of Development and External Affairs at the Hockaday School. She was respected in the Dallas community for her wisdom as a mentor, her generosity as a volunteer, and her leadership as an administrator. She began her work with the school in the early 1980s as a parent volunteer before eventually joining the administrative team. During her tenure, Debby served as both a Member and the Chair of the Board of Trustees; was a Member of the Leadership Team for the Hockaday Tomorrow Capital Campaign and the Campaign Executive Committee for the Centennial Campaign; Co-Chaired the 2004 HP A Benefit; Chaired the Annual Fund Campaign; and was rightfully named an Honorary Alum in 2000. We admire and honor Debby's selfless dedication to the Hockaday School. Debby is survived by her husband Webb; daughter Jessica Werner Epperson and her husband Doug Epperson; daughter Rachel Hay Spradley and her fiance Jonathan Ben-Horin; and three wonderful granddaughters Kathryn, Virginia, and Margaret. I ask my colleagues to join us in remembering Debby and her contributions to her family, her community, and the Hockaday School. The Dallas community is better off because of her. We will miss her dearly.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 354, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment passing this body. This centennial is a moment to celebrate the women who fought to make the right to vote a reality for all women and to honor their dedication to our nation. As we gather to reflect on this important cause, it is important to recognize that because of generations of women's commitment to our democracy, today I serve along with a record number of women in the United States Congress. As a Member of Congress, I recognize that the right to vote is the most precious right of any American citizen. It is the collective responsibility of all today to preserve what generations of women before us fought to earn, and I am committed to continuing this great legacy for the sake of this country and the future of our democracy. Even with these historic moments, our work is far from over as women still struggle for the right to equal pay and the right to affordable health care. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to removing barriers that prevent women in America and around the world from achieving their full potential. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution honoring the centennial of the House passage of the 19th Amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Honorable John J. Conyers, who celebrated his 90th birthday on May 16th. Mr. Conyers is a distinguished public servant who represented the people of Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives for 52 years. During his tenure, he held a number of reputable positions, including Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and the 44th Dean of the House of Representatives. Mr. Conyers was an effective legislator who was known among the Halls of Congress as champion of justice and judiciary issues. As the longest-serving African-American member of Congress, Mr. Conyers was a trailblazer for civil rights during his time in Congress and is credited as one of the 13 original founders of the Congressional Black Caucus. He was the first to introduce a bill calling for the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. to be recognized as a national holiday dedicated to his life and legacy. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Conyers as he celebrates this momentous achievement. I also wish him many more happy birthdays in the future.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as the representative of the 30th District of Texas, I'd like to recognize the passing of The Honorable Damon Jerome Keith, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Damon J. Keith, one of the nation's longest-serving federal judges, was a tireless champion of civil rights and civil liberties. Born in Detroit in 1922, Judge Keith was the grandson of enslaved people. He went on to become the sixth African American in U.S. history to serve on the federal court of appeals. During his time on the bench, he made a series of landmark decisions that changed the social and legal landscape of the country. Judge Keith graduated from West Virginia State College in 1943 before serving in a segregated army during World War II. He would go on to receive his J.D. from Howard Law School in 1949, pass the Michigan bar exam in 1950 and earn an L.L.M. from Wayne State University School of Law in 1956. By 1967, Judge Keith was on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. By 1975, he was chief judge, and in 1977 he was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to succeed Wade McCree on the federal court of appeals. Judge Keith's legacy was cemented when he famously ruled in 1971 that President Richard Nixon's Attorney General John Mitchell had to disclose the transcripts of illegal wiretaps Mitchell had authorized without first obtaining a search warrant. Judge Keith's decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court's landmark decision in United States v. U.S. District Court also known as ``the Keith Case,'' contributed in 1978 to President Jimmy Carter signing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). In one of the federal judiciary's longest and most prolific careers, Judge Keith was a fountainhead of regional rulings with national implications. He attacked racial segregation in education, housing and employment; conservative efforts to limit African-American voting; and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, secret hearings to deport hundreds of immigrants deemed suspicious led by Attorney General John Ashcroft. America is a better country because she had Judge Keith to help safeguard our civil liberties. I want to honor Judge Keith for his tireless commitment to providing equality and justice to all.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my support for H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This landmark legislation would prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals across key areas of life including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. We must address the fact that, in 30 states, LGBTQ people are at risk of being fired, refused housing or denied services simply because of who they are. Far too many students face bullying or worse because of their sexual identity, and far too many Americans--teachers, nurses, and state employees--face uncertainty and discrimination in the workplace and in their day-to-day lives. In fact, nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their personal lives. Our nation's civil rights laws protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and, in most cases, sex, disability and religion. Unfortunately, federal law does not provide consistent nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The need for these protections is clear: We must put an end to this type of discrimination immediately. We know from our nation's rich history in advancing the rights of citizens that strong federal laws are often needed to protect vulnerable groups of people. Because H.R. 5 explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in fundamental areas, it will finally give LGBTQ people the long-overdue protections and rights under federal law. The reality is that our country is strongest when all Americans can be who they are, without fear of bias, discrimination or inequality in their workplaces or communities. I am pleased that the House is taking the much-needed action to ensure the core American values of equality and fairness are applied to members of the LGBTQ community in all circumstances. I urge my colleagues of the House to pass this critical legislation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the 7th annual Infrastructure Week, which runs May 13 through 20. America's businesses, workers, citizens, and elected leaders from all levels of government are all united around one message: America's future will be shaped by the infrastructure choices we make today. In the 116th Congress, my fellow Transportation and Infrastructure Committee colleagues and I are working across the aisle to achieve key objectives for the people, including creating and sustaining family- wage jobs, improving the daily lives of Americans, preserving and protecting our environment, building sustainable and resilient communities, and ensuring U.S. economic competitiveness. Specifically, in my home state of Texas, we have worked to establish milestones such as laying the groundwork for the Texas Central high- speed passenger rail line, which will connect the fourth and fifth largest economies in the country in less than 90 minutes. In Dallas, there are currently over $2 billion dollars in active highway projects and an additional $1.5 billion in design-build projects. In Congressional District 30 alone, there are $1 billion dollars' worth of projects under construction. Other investments include a new 26-mile regional transit passenger rail line, an airport runway realignment project, and expansions of one of the largest inland ports as well as major interstates and highways. These efforts have contributed to a $70-billion-dollar economic impact and nearly 67,000 jobs. While we are focused on the need for sustainable infrastructure, we must also highlight the need for diversity and inclusion as well. We must recognize the importance of having individuals with various backgrounds at the table, creating innovative solutions to address new transportation needs that truly help all communities. Programs such as the U.S. Department of Transportation's Women & Girls in Transportation Initiative (WITI) or the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program are great opportunities to foster an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and celebrates our similarities and differences. Above all, Infrastructure Week highlights the apparent need for investment. Our nation's infrastructure is crumbling, and we can't wait another day to act. At this critical juncture, it is imperative that Congress moves with expediency in addressing these pressing issues, as it is essential to the quality of life of our citizens and the vitality of our economy

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support this amendment. The amendment requires navigators to receive training on how to assist consumers with Medicaid and CHIP enrollment. This amendment has also been scored by the Congressional Budget Office to have no effect on direct spending or revenue. The health insurance navigator's program was created by the Affordable Care Act to assist individuals with selecting and enrolling in health insurance coverage plans. They were intended to carry out public education activities, provide information to prospective enrollees about insurance options and Federal assistance, and examine enrollees' eligibility for other Federal or State healthcare programs. Fundamentally, their responsibility was to help people make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, this essential program has been targeted in recent years, among others. The administration has slashed the open enrollment period in half, slashed funding for consumer outreach and enrollment education activities by 90 percent, and slashed funding for navigators by 84 percent. Because of this intentional sabotage, enrollment in the Federal marketplace has dropped each year under this Presidency. In my home State of Texas, we are, unfortunately, deeply familiar with the consequences of the lack of health insurance. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the Nation, with 4.7 million people lacking coverage and adequate access to healthcare. As representatives of Americans from all corners of the country, we have a responsibility to ensure that our constituents and communities are knowledgeable and can access the health insurance best suited for their individual health needs. By voting in favor of this amendment, Congress will ensure that navigators are fully equipped and informed to assist our families and children with their potential options within the Medicaid and CHIP programs. I appreciate my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and their partnership in expanding training requirements for navigators, and in the Strengthening Healthcare and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have no further statements, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Imam Omar Suleiman for offering the opening prayer before the House of Representatives this afternoon. Imam Suleiman is a world renowned scholar and theologically driven activist for human rights. He is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and a professor of Islamic Studies at Southern Methodist University. He's also the resident scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, a multi-faith coalition of clergy for peace and justice. He frequently writes for CNN, USA Today, The Guardian, HuffPo, and The Dallas Morning News. His career started in his hometown of New Orleans where he served as the Imam of the Jefferson Muslim Association in New Orleans for 6 years and directed the ``Muslims for Humanity'' Hurricane Katrina Relief effort. It was during this time that he was recognized on a national level as being a strong advocate of community service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He co-founded the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association and was awarded for his outstanding civic achievement by the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans in 2010. He's also the founder of MUHSEN, a non-profit umbrella organization serving the community to establish a more inclusive ``Special Friendly'' environment for our brothers & sisters of all disabilities. In July 2016, he marched with demonstrators in Dallas against the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. In the wake of the tragic shooting of officers after that protest, he was chosen to lead the invocation at the Presidential memorial alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. The D-Magazine published a feature on him titled ``The Religious Leader Dallas Needs.'' His work in bringing people together was the subject of a BBC documentary in 2016, and work with refugees in Syria featured in PBS in January 2017, and in 2016, he was a recipient of the United Nations Global Goals Award with Faith Forward Dallas. He led the airport protests in Dallas against President Trump's Muslim ban in 2017; led a group of clergy to the Mexico border that intercepted a bus of children taken from their parents under the family separation policy; and has worked closely with the families of the victims of police brutality to amplify their cause. Most recently, he was recognized by CNN as one ofthe 25 most influential Muslims in America and included amongst the Frederick Douglass 200 most influential Americans whose modern day work embodies the legacy of the great abolitionist.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Imam Sulieman for offering the opening prayer before the House of Representatives and to recognize the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. He offers counsel and religious guidance to many Muslims in my district and throughout the north Texas region. We are fortunate to live in a nation that embraces religious diversity and interfaith understanding. I am proud to have introduced a resolution to recognize the commencement of Ramadan and to commend the Muslim community in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I want to voice my support for H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019. This legislation will rescind the administration's October 2018 Section 1332 waiver guidance, which is an essential step to protect pre-existing conditions and prevent the loss of comprehensive coverage plans. We will ensure that our constituents will be able to access the essential health benefits guaranteed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. As representatives of Americans from all corners of our country, we have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. We must ensure that our constituents, many with pre- existing conditions, are not placed at risk of losing their health insurance coverage or fall victim to plans which fail to offer essential health benefits. As the first registered nurse elected to the United States Congress, I am proud to safeguard the healthcare of my constituents and all Americans through my support of the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Taiwan Assurance Act and to recognize the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan has made great strides over the past forty years becoming a beacon of democracy and individual freedom. The Taiwan Assurance Act reaffirms the United States' strong commitment to Taiwan, and takes necessary steps to ensure that the friendship between the people of the United States and Taiwan continues to grow. Furthermore, this bill recognizes Taiwan's contributions in various areas such as global health and makes it the policy of the United States to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations and other international organizations such as the World Health Assembly. It was an honor to travel to Taiwan last month with a few of my colleagues to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and to witness the opening of the new facility for the American Institute in Taiwan. While our relationship remains unofficial, enacted legislation such as the Taiwan Travel Act will allow high level officials from both governments to travel and meet with their counterparts, allowing both parties to foster and strengthen the important relationship we share. Mr. Speaker, in these rapidly changing times across the world, it is important and even more necessary for us to recognize and appreciate our allies who carry a strong belief in democracy and human rights. Taiwan is a prime example of that and I commend them for the progress they have made over the past forty years. I look forward to seeing this relationship continue and strengthen over time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the STEM Opportunities Act of 2019 with the ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Mr. Frank Lucas. The goal of our legislation is to develop and implement evidence- based policies to promote the progress of women and minorities and other groups underrepresented in STEM studies and research careers. The result is a bipartisan bill that attempts to systematically address the full suite of issues facing both female and minority STEM researchers, from work/life balance policies, to campus climate, to better data collection, to recruitment and retention practices. Our economic future relies on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent that will be necessary to meet the demands of an increasingly technological and knowledge-based economy. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas for joining me in introducing this bill, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to please join us. I include my full remarks on this legislation for the Record. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the STEM Opportunities Act of 2019. A very similar bill passed the House as part of the America Competes Act of 2010, but unfortunately did not make it into the enacted law. As a result, every Congress since then, I have worked hard to keep the legislation updated and to convince my colleagues of the urgency of the challenges this bill addresses. Today I am reintroducing this bill with Ranking Member of the Science Committee, Frank Lucas. The goal of our legislation is to develop and implement evidence-based policies to promote the progress of women, minorities, and other groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and research careers. The need for full engagement in STEM by women and underrepresented groups goes beyond enabling individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming a scientist. Our economic future relies on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent that will be necessary to meet the demands of an increasingly technological and knowledge-based economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that STEM employment is the fastest growing sector, with computer science and engineering jobs among the fastest growing STEM occupations. If things continue as they are now, however, I fear we will be ill equipped to fill these jobs. We are nineteen years into the 21st century and the demographics of the STEM workforce do not reflect the diversity of the nation. In 2017, women earned only 20 percent of bachelor's degrees in engineering and 19 percent in computer science. Black and Hispanic students are similarly underrepresented in these fields at the undergraduate level, and the problem is even more pronounced in STEM faculty. Women hold only 26 percent of all tenured and tenure-track positions, while Black and Hispanic faculty combined hold a dismal 6.8 percent of these positions. We need to leverage all of our human capital if we are to achieve the necessary capacity to innovate and to discover. The STEM Opportunities Act is focused on identifying and lowering barriers for those who have already chosen a STEM path. First, so that we better understand the nature and scope of the challenges, the STEM Opportunities Act requires more comprehensive demographic data collection on the recipients of federal research awards and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities. These data would be available to researchers to study the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM so that policy makers can design more effective policies and practices to reduce barriers. Next, this bill requires the development of consistent federal policies, such as no-cost award extensions, for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child and care for a sick family member. 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 women, minorities, rural students, and other underrepresented groups in academic and government STEM research careers and in developing and implementing current best practices for reducing such barriers. Finally, the legislation authorizes NSF to award grants to universities to implement or expand research-based practices targeted specifically at increasing the recruitment and retention of minority students and faculty. Mr. Speaker, in developing this legislation, we solicited extensive input from governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to ensure that the guidance and requirements reflect today's needs and opportunities without unduly burdening our research universities. The result is a bipartisan bill that attempts to systematically address the full suite of issues facing both female and minority STEM researchers, from work-life balance policies, to campus climate, to better data collection, to recruitment and retention practices. This bill proposes concrete and evidence-based solutions to the indisputable reality that our nation continues to fall well short of engaging our entire talent pool in STEM careers. That disparity in our STEM workforce will continue to have real and increasing consequences for our economic and national security if we do not begin to implement scalable solutions soon. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas for joining me in introducing this bill and for contributing his good ideas to make the bill even better. I urge the rest of our colleagues to join us and to help us move this legislation forward into law.