Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. We must advocate for an increase in the minimum wage, as stagnant wages impede economic mobility and are a detriment to our nation's working class. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the current minimum wage places nearly 78,000 Texans at this unlivable income, while 118,000 Texans earn even less. The Raise the Wage Act will result in a significant increase in the average annual earnings for Texans. In my home district, this figure is estimated to increase by 18.2 percent, which will make an immeasurable different in our communities. Many people in my district are forced to work multiple jobs for long hours to ensure food is on the table for their families. This legislation will eliminate this burden on our working-class families. The economy may be growing, and wages may be rising, but the benefits of economic and wage growth are not felt equally. Individuals working 40 hours a week should be able to afford the basic necessities for themselves and their family. I proudly stand in this chamber as a cosponsor of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. I urge my colleagues on both sides to join me in voting for this legislation to promote economic freedom and equity for all Americans.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, it is an honor to stand before you today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. On the morning of July 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin lifted off from NASA's Cape Kennedy. That day, millions watched in awe as NASA launched Apollo 11's Saturn V rocket and began the long journey to accomplish the goals set by President Kennedy less than 10 years earlier to land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade. As President Kennedy said in his speech at Rice University in September 1962: ``We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.'' There is no better explanation that captures the American spirit. We choose to take giant leaps. We choose to know the unknown. We choose to lead into the future. On July 20, 1960, just 4 days after the launch, the world listened and watched as the first steps were taken on the Moon. Again, hundreds of millions of people across the world watched as history was made. Five times more, NASA astronauts landed on the Moon and returned home safely. President Kennedy's promise that our great democracy could achieve these hard things became a reality. As we watched those things in July 50 years ago, dreams began to form. Every person watching the success of the Apollo program, young and old, no matter their background, was filled with inspiration. Some youngsters could say to themselves, ``I will be an astronaut,'' or, ``I will be a scientist.'' As they looked up to the Moon, they pictured themselves up there amongst those American heroes an unimaginable distance away. This impact has its greatest effect on our young people. We must always remember that inspiration when we set out to accomplish our greatest goals, the youth inspiration. The world's rising generations are watching, always setting their eyes on the sky and the stars. Young girls and young boys from all backgrounds thrive off the visions that we have now and imagine themselves becoming a part of it when they can. We must meet this great responsibility to the following generations by providing opportunities for them to do great things with the challenge we face today. As my predecessor, chairman of the then- Committee of Science and Astronautics, Congressman George P. Miller said after the Apollo 11 crew splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean: Those of us who are privileged to live today will pass this on to our children and our grandchildren, and they will, in turn, brag about the fact that we were there. The flight of Apollo 11 is perhaps the greatest secular achievement that the world has ever seen. This achievement was made possible by the unified efforts of nearly a half million men and women, scientists and engineers, technicians and craftsmen, and the support of the American people and their government. The United States discovery and exploration enterprise is unmatched. Just as we once set our sights to be the first to land on the Moon, let us bring that same sense of commitment to meeting other challenges facing our Nation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Willis Johnson for his induction into the 2019 Texas Radio Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson spent the majority of his career as a program manager and radio talk show host for the Dallas-based KKDA-AM. He used his show to advocate on behalf of the African American community in Dallas, highlighting critical issues that disproportionately affected our community and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. In addition to his career in radio, Mr. Johnson is the CEO of JBJ Management--a public affairs firm specializing in business to government community engagement. He is also a recipient of the Lifetime Leadership Award from the Dallas Business Journal for his exceptional social and civic service. Mr. Johnson will join a distinguished crowd of inductees into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame including Walter Cronkite, Verne Lundquist, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. I am pleased to recognize the achievements of Mr. Johnson and wish him continued success. His contributions to the Dallas community are truly immeasurable.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of stagnant wages for African Americans and, as a result, the lack of economic opportunities. We have seen a recent epidemic of the working poor--hardworking Americans who each day are forced to choose between food, shelter, clothing or health care for themselves and their families. In the past 40 years, minimum wage increases have not kept pace with inflation, causing millions of families to struggle with stagnant wages while the cost of goods and services continue to rise. The current minimum wage in my home state of Texas is only $7.25 an hour, and even lower for workers in the service industry, who instead rely heavily on customer tips for take-home pay. The African American community, which makes up a significant portion of the minimum-wage workforce, is disproportionately affected by lower wages. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 38.1% of all black workers would receive higher pay as a result of an increased wage, therefore opening up new economic opportunities. We must act quickly to ensure that any American willing to work 40 hours a week can afford basic necessities, that is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. This bill would lift millions of Americans out of poverty by gradually increasing the minimum wage over a period of five years to $15. Mr. Speaker, the growing racial wealth gap in our country can no longer go unnoticed. We now have an opportunity to take concrete steps to help close the gap.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, l rise today to voice my support for my three amendments to H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. My first amendment requires an annual update of the climate vulnerability and risk assessment tool by the Secretary of Defense. This tool will play a critical role in measuring the impact of climate change on our defense infrastructure, therefore we must ensure that it is routinely updated to reflect a rapidly changing climate. My second amendment ensures that cultural competence and diversity are integrated in the recruitment and retention efforts of mental health providers for our active duty service members. It is essential that these providers reflect the diversity of our troops and are culturally competent in their treatment services. My third amendment mandates the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors in all military family housing units. This will ensure that our armed services families are protected against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in their own homes. I urge my colleagues to support these amendments.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the distinguished life and legacy of Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr., who passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019. Dr. Lassiter was known throughout the Dallas community for his wisdom as an educator, his leadership as a businessman, and his selflessness as a volunteer. Dr. Lassiter served in the higher education system for an impressive thirty-plus years. His positions included President of Schenectady County Community College, President of Bishop College, President of El Centro Community College, and most recently Chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, the largest community college system in Texas. He was also a Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies and Management/Ethics at Dallas Baptist University, a Master Professor in the Educational Leadership Program at the University of Texas, and a Visiting Professor at Texas A&M University. Dr. Lassiter had a passion for higher education and made it a priority of his to ensure that underrepresented students had equal access to it. In addition to his career as an educator and administrator, Dr. Lassiter earned national recognition for his diversity and inclusion advocacy. He held presidential appointments to the White House Commission on Minority Business Development and the National Advisory Council to the National Endowment for the Humanities under Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, respectively. He also held an appointment from former Texas Governor Rick Perry to the Task Force to Develop the State Higher Education Plan. Dr. Lassiter was recognized for his work as the first African American recipient of the Russell Perry Distinguished Leadership Award by Dallas Baptist University, the Distinguished Service Award by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, and the Jubilee History--Maker Award. He also published thirteen books and collections of speeches and sermons. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Lassiter lent his free time to our community. He was a board member of the Dallas Salvation Army, United Way, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Foundation, and the Dallas Housing Authority, to name a few. His contributions to the Dallas area are truly immeasurable, and his work will have a lasting-impact on our community. Dr. Lassiter is survived by his wife Demetria; son Wright Lassiter III; daughter Michele LassiterEwell; and two granddaughters, Ryan and Loren. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Dr. Lassiter and his contributions through public service, his dedication to his students, and his love for the Dallas community. We will miss him dearly.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to honor the life and legacy of Ross Perot, a Texas native and gracious philanthropist. His innovation, leadership, and generosity in both the private and public sectors were immeasurable. Mr. Perot led a life of excellence and service. He was a pioneer in the computer services industry, founding the Electronic Data Systems Corp. in 1962 and Perot Systems Corp. in 1988. With his success, he prioritized efforts to honor and care for our nation's POWs and veterans. For this work, he was recognized with the Winston Churchill Award, only the third American to receive this award. His humanitarian efforts through the Perot Foundation have brought immeasurable gains to the Dallas community and the state of Texas. He was a strong supporter of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in my district, and his family continues to honor his legacy with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. We are all grateful for the talents he shared with us. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Margot; their five children and spouses, Ross Jr. and Sarah Perot; Nancy Perot and Rod Jones; Suzanne and Patrick K. McGee; Carolyn and Dr. Karl Rathjen; and Katherine and Eric Reeves; and his 16 grandchildren.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that will hopefully be the first step in ensuring that students from all backgrounds are able to take advantage of study abroad programs offered by their universities. As we see a new class of students graduate, I've noticed that some of these students are lacking the global skills needed to excel in today's workplace. Exposure to the world's diverse cultures and traditions allows oneself to be more understanding and comfortable in a rapidly transforming world while also developing a greater appreciation for the United States and our shared culture. Over 80 percent of incoming freshmen hope to study abroad as a part of the college experience; however, due to obligations such as coursework, employment and affordability, only 10 percent end up taking advantage of this incredible opportunity offered by many universities. Minority students are greatly underrepresented within this population. The Passport Assistance for Disadvantaged Students Act of 2019 would establish a pilot program between the Department of Education, Department of State, and 3 public universities, including 1 HBCU and 1 Hispanic Serving Institution. Students at each of these schools who receive Pell Grants and are accepted for a study abroad program would have the opportunity to receive a United States Passport at no cost. The public university would cover the upfront cost and the Department of State would reimburse the institution after they've reported relevant information to the Department of Education. With this bill, we take a step forward in breaking down systematic barriers that prevent certain students from studying abroad while in college. The opportunity to travel and learn in a foreign country offers students the chance to advance their studies in a globalized environment. Madam Speaker, I believe that students should have equal access to opportunities like study abroad regardless of race or socioeconomic status, which is why I am proud to introduce this bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise to speak on the Amendment offered by Mr. Babin. Mr. Babin's amendment concerns the organization of space activities within the Department of Commerce and its National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is organized at the Department of Commerce to include the Office of Space Commerce and the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office. Commercial space is a growing and vibrant sector of our economy. Federal government responsibilities on commercial space, including those of the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office, should be evaluated and considered to determine if any changes are needed to support the Office's ability to meet the pace and innovation of the commercial remote sensing industry. Mr. Babin's amendment would move the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office and the Office of Space Commerce into a single organizational entity within the Department of Commerce. Is this a good idea? What would be the implications? I don't know, but I do know that these are questions that need answers. And I, as Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology plan to address them as the Committee and its Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics turn to commercial space activities and issues. These matters should be considered within the Committee of jurisdiction, not within a multi-agency spending bill where they cannot be debated or reviewed in the light of day. Short-circuiting regular legislative order denies opportunities for Members of the Committee of Jurisdiction to legislate on policy issues they came to Congress to address. I trust that this amendment will be removed before this appropriations bill heads to the President.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I wish to comment in support of the amendment to H.R. 3055 offered by Representative Lizzie Fletcher, Chair of the Environment Subcommittee of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This amendment would require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to undertake an inaugural decadal study of the U.S. weather enterprise. Most Americans utilize weather forecasts on a daily basis. Increasingly, businesses across the country are relying on specialized weather forecasts to make business decisions. With climate change causing severe weather events to become more frequent and intense, like the hurricanes that impact my state, accurate and timely weather forecasts can be the difference between whether or not people need to evacuate their homes. However, while the U.S. is a global leader in atmospheric and weather research, the nation is falling behind in weather modeling and forecast accuracy. These forecasts are essential for the protection of human lives and property. There is a need to understand how the members of the U.S. weather enterprise, which is comprised of public, private, and academic partners, can better define their roles to increase the overall efficiency of the enterprise, leverage and prioritize investments, and improve weather models and forecast accuracy. A decadal survey would provide policymakers with the relevant information to prioritize investments in weather forecasting, modeling, and data assimilation over the next ten years; assess the current U.S. weather enterprise; and evaluate future potential federal investments in research, weather satellites, radars, and other observation technologies to ensure that all domestic users of weather information receive it in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The decadal survey would also evaluate the implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 by NOAA, which is the most recent and comprehensive federal mandate aimed at improving weather forecasts. The National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering have previously conducted a number of important decadal surveys for various areas of science, including space and Earth sciences, which have been widely viewed as providing successful roadmaps for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and NOAA in prioritizing future research, observations, and missions. Similarly, a weather decadal survey would create a shared vision for the next generation of the U.S. weather enterprise. The need for a terrestrial weather decadal survey was a topic of discussion at the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Environment Subcommittee hearing on the U.S. weather enterprise in May. Momentum and support for a weather decadal survey have been growing over the last couple of years, and I include in the Record a letter from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in support of this amendment. UCAR represents over 100 of the leading U.S. colleges and universities providing training in atmospheric sciences. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Office of the President, June 20, 2019. Hon. Jose Serrano, Chair, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Robert Aderholt, Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Aderholt: As president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and on behalf of our 117 member universities, I am writing to express our support for Representative Fletcher's Amendment #110 for H.R. 3055, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would create an inaugural decadal survey of the U.S. weather enterprise. A decadal survey for the U.S. weather enterprise would help policymakers and relevant agencies prioritize investments and coordinate efforts more effectively in the near- and long- term, as well as help industry and academia understand how to best assist agencies in working towards common goals. This decadal survey will assist the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in achieving its initiatives outlined in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, which include developing a formal plan for weather research, developing an annual report on the state of its weather models, improving its watch-and-warning system based on recommendations from social and behavioral scientists, and other provisions. Between 1989 and 2000, the nation invested an estimated $4.5 billion to modernize and restructure the National Weather Service (NWS), and to improve severe weather warning times and forecast accuracy. While the NWS has made significant strides since that time and further bolstered its supercomputing assets and modeling capabilities, it stands at a critical juncture. It must decide how to replace numerous weather satellite and groundbased radar stations, which are rapidly aging and becoming obsolete, with new technologies and capabilities. Advancements in digital radar technologies from academia and other federal agencies, as well as numerous industry and non-federally provided surface, boundary layer, and satellite observations, need to be integrated into an overall strategy, an effort whose value extends beyond its direct benefit to the NWS. The National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) has already announced plans to ``outline a vision for the U.S. weather enterprise over the next 10-25 years'' but need funding to execute the study. The study would aim to identify a community vision and framework for coordination as well as critical investments, institutions, and mechanisms needed to achieve them. Over the past year and a half, BASC has worked to garner support from the U.S. weather enterprise's three primary sectors: the federal government, academia, and industry. The study would address many of the challenges the weather community has grappled with over the last decade, including the appropriate balance and coordination of efforts between the three sectors. The current study proposal describes the weather enterprise as having entered ``a time of rapid change,'' with technological advances in artificial intelligence, computing, and sensors bringing new challenges and opportunities. It also notes the community is ``on the brink of unprecedented improvements'' in areas such as hyper-local, subseasonal-to- seasonal, and impact-based weather forecasting. Meanwhile, the growing and evolving role of the private sector continues to generate opportunities for exciting innovations, but also could create a more complicated landscape for the weather enterprise. A decadal survey would create a process for regular assessment of the weather enterprise, ensuring the latest innovation, technology, and information are used to design and operationalize weather data and forecast systems. The boundaries of the weather enterprise operations have been driven by the science into new forecast areas, and the weather, water and climate enterprise needs to consider doing what we have done in the area of earth observations, and start planning over ten year periods. Given the implications of water and weather, I urge this Committee to strongly consider supporting Amendment #110 of H.R. 3055 for the weather community. There is widespread recognition that with limited resources our community must present Congress and the Administration with priorities. A decadal process will allow us to prioritize what has to be done and do so in recognition of the current fiscal realities. Sincerely, Antonio J. Busalacchi, President, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am joined by my Science Committee colleague, Representative Gonzalez Colon, in introducing the Vera Rubin Survey Telescope Designation Act. Dr. Vera Cooper Rubin was a renowned astronomer and a staunch advocate for women in science. She was also a trailblazer. Born in 1928, Dr. Rubin's interest in astronomy was ignited early. As a young girl, she would rather stay up and watch the stars through her bedroom window than go to sleep. After graduating from Vassar College in 1948 as the only woman astronomer in her class, Dr. Rubin hoped to pursue her doctoral studies at Princeton. However, the Princeton astrophysics graduate program did not admit women at the time and declined to send her a course catalog. Dr. Rubin persisted and earned her master's degree at Cornell and her Ph.D. at Georgetown University before joining the Carnegie Institution's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism. As her career progressed, Dr. Rubin continued to face barriers because of her gender. For instance, after becoming the first woman to be officially permitted to observe at the prestigious Palomar Observatory in 1965, she discovered that the building had no women's restroom. Undeterred, Dr. Rubin created her own women's restroom by pasting a skirt cutout over the stick figure of a man on the observatory bathroom. While Dr. Rubin was breaking down barriers, she was also revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. In 1970, Dr. Rubin and her collaborator Dr. Kent Ford published some of the best evidence of the existence of dark matter. This groundbreaking work changed the conventional view of the universe from one dominated by light-emitting matter to one dominated by dark matter. Dr. Rubin went on to become the second woman astronomer elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1981. She received the National Medal of Science from President Clinton in 1993, and she received many other honors and awards throughout her career. Motivated by her own battle to garner respect as a woman in a male- dominated field, Dr. Rubin worked tirelessly to encourage girls interested in astronomy to pursue their dreams. She advocated for more women members of the National Academy of Sciences and for more women on review panels and academic search committees. She also advocated for more opportunities for girls in science. In her address to the University of California, Berkeley class of 1996, Dr. Rubin said ``science is competitive, aggressive, demanding. It is also imaginative, inspiring, uplifting. You can do it, too,'' urging the students to ``devise your own paths''. Dr. Rubin has a well-deserved place in history. This bill will honor her legacy by designating the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), jointly funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy and set to begin operations in 2023, as the Vera Rubin Survey Telescope. The LSST was designed, in part, to probe the nature of dark matter. As a tribute to the woman whose pioneering work made this pursuit possible, this bill would ensure that it bears her name. I urge my colleagues to join us and help us move this legislation forward into law.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1237) to amend the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board, to expand and improve the research on Ocean Acidification and Coastal Acidification, to establish and maintain a data archive system for Ocean Acidification data and Coastal Acidification data, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 1237, the bill now under consideration.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1237, the COAST Research Act of 2019. Our Nation is facing an invisible but growing threat: ocean acidification. For the last 200 years, the oceans have soaked up about one-third of the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels causing the oceans to become more acidic. The science is clear. As spelled out in the Fourth National Climate Assessment and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report, ocean acidification is causing the chemistry of the oceans to change at an unprecedented rate. Ocean acidification makes it more difficult for shelled organisms like oysters, mussels, clams, and corals to build their shells and skeletons and has potentially devastating effects on marine ecosystems. The effects of ocean acidification are already being seen and felt today in our coastal communities around the Nation. Congress acted and passed the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act in 2009, which catalyzed research and monitoring efforts to better understand ocean acidification and its impacts. While this bill has successfully increased our understanding of ocean acidification, the Federal investment in research has been relatively small compared to the size of the problem. H.R. 1237 updates and reauthorizes our Federal ocean acidification response and expands the scope of the Federal efforts on this important issue. H.R. 1237 also designates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the lead Federal agency, which formalizes the leadership role it has played in conducting ocean acidification research and monitoring over the last decade. Ocean acidification threatens the vitality of our coastal economies. We need to get ahead of the problem of ocean acidification before it causes even greater economic harm to our coast. We need to have a much better understanding of ocean acidification in order to mitigate and adapt to its effects. H.R. 1237, along with the three other ocean acidification bills being considered today, offers a path toward solutions. If we don't act now, we risk going down an irreversible path. June is World Oceans Month, and I see no better time for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation to support the health of the oceans than now. I want to take a brief moment to recognize the efforts of the sponsor of the bill, the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici). She has been a champion of this issue during her time here in the House and has been relentless in her efforts to authorize this program. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from Earthjustice, Ocean Conservancy, the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, the Integrated Ocean Observing System Association, and the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association in support of this bill. Earthjustice, June 4, 2019. Re Earthjustice supports H.R. 1237, the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2019. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Bonamici: On behalf of our supporters and staff nationwide, we are writing to voice our strong support for the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Act of 2019 (H.R. 1237). Ocean acidification is a serious global threat, as our oceans calibrate our atmosphere and maintain the conditions that have supported human life for millennia. This vital legislation leads us towards solutions that secure our ecosystems, our economies, and our health. Ocean acidification has devastated coastal communities by eroding the sources of their livelihood and protection against ocean events. Acidic waters imperil everything from cod larvae and lobsters, to plankton and coral reefs. The process acidification sets into motion will cause increasingly expensive damage on scales larger than we've already seen in our Pacific Northwest shellfish farms. Americans will take the hit, either in the grocery store, or--for coastal regions--in their jobs and their homes. However, immediate action can halt plunging pH levels and promote resilience in changing temperatures. The COAST Research Act jumpstarts ocean recovery and helps communities cope with ocean acidification by updating the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act (FOARAM) to face current threats. Funding FOARAM through 2023 ensures we don't backslide in protecting ourselves against ocean acidification, just as the danger is increasing. Incorporating the best available data on the full effects of ocean acidification, including socioeconomic and regional variations, ensures our national response to the problem works for the whole nation. Establishing an advisory board that represents and coordinates the diverse stakeholders impacted by ocean acidification ensures interests at all level--including industry, recreation, and conservation--are accounted for in federal action. Bipartisan support for the COAST Research Act speaks to the seriousness of the problem and the efficiency of this proposed solution. Neither Democrats nor Republicans are willing to watch our blue economy dissolve in increasingly acidic waters. Both parties support urgent action to stabilize our oceans and fortify them against future changes. This bill provides the funding and strategy to do just that. Without action, our ocean ecosystems and dependent economies may be barren by the end of this century. Congress has the opportunity to reverse this trend and keep our coasts and oceans vibrant and bountiful. We greatly appreciate your leadership in crafting the bill that can make such reversal possible. Sincerely, Marjorie Mulhall, Legislative Director for Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans, Earthjustice.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would simply urge the passage of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1716) to direct the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to conduct coastal community vulnerability assessments related to ocean acidification, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 1716, the bill 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. 1716, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2019, which is sponsored by the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree). The bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to conduct vulnerability assessments to study socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification on coastal communities across the country. As more coastal regions across the U.S. are negatively impacted by ocean acidification, it is critical that we work to understand these impacts and to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. These strategies can help these communities adequately prepare and respond to a more acidic coastal environment. In order to be successful, these assessments must involve all coastal communities in the U.S., which this bill does by including indigenous groups and Tribal governments. The bill also includes language that ensures that all U.S. territories, which are highly reliant on coastal and marine resources, can also take advantage of NOAA's coastal vulnerability assessments. This will allow these island communities to protect their vibrant coastal economies in the face of an acidifying ocean. The vulnerability assessments in this bill also include the economic impacts on commercial fisheries and outdoor recreation. These industries are significant contributors to many coastal economies, and it is important that they are part of the discussion when developing strategies to deal with ocean acidification. I am glad that this bill passed out of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in a bipartisan fashion, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation to better prepare our coastal communities and economies against the growing threat of ocean acidification. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).

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

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

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1921) to authorize Federal agencies to establish prize competitions for innovation or adaptation management development relating to ocean acidification, as amended.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 1921, the bill now under consideration.