Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Carl Ware. For almost a third of a century, he has been a leader in the drive for responsible corporate citizenship. He has been an international leader, and an ambassador of goodwill not only for Coca-Cola, but for the entire country. Mr. Ware joined Coca-Cola twenty-seven years ago and since that time, he has represented the best in American business. He began as a government and urban affairs specialist, and then went on to lead the organization's efforts to market to African-American and Hispanic consumers. He has overseen the company's philanthropic efforts, with significant responsibility for international affairs. He rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President of Global Public Affairs and Administration. Perhaps, Mr. Ware's greatest legacy is as architect of Coca-Cola's strategy to divest from South Africa. The African National Congress applauded the company's actions as a world model. Mr. Ware has been saluted by, among others, former South African President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ware will step down from his position with Coca-Cola next year. The entire nation is indebted to him for his leadership in the causes of corporate world citizenship and global human rights.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a great Dallas-Fort Worth resident. Mr. Norman Brinker is a trailblazer and trendsetter. He has been a pioneer in business and a great friend to our community. There is perhaps no more amazing restaurateur than Mr. Brinker. He revolutionized the combination of good food, reasonable cost and great customer service through his Steak and Ale restaurant chain. He built the chain to 100 units before The Pillsbury Company, of which Mr. Brinker later became Chairman, bought it. As Chairman of The Pillsbury Company, he oversaw the world's second largest restaurant organization, presiding over sales of $4 billion. Never one to rest on his laurels, Mr. Brinker soon ventured out on his own again, buying Dallas based chain Chili's. Under his leadership, the 23 operating units of Chili's became Brinker International, a world restaurant power with hundreds of operating units and over $2 billion in sales. Brinker International now owns Chili's, On the Border, Macaroni Grill, Cozymel's, Corner Bakery, Big Bowl and Eatzi's restaurant chains. Brinker International is an extraordinarily important corporate citizen of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but just as important is Mr. Brinker's leadership in the industry and society. The leaders of Outback Steakhouse, Houston's, Red Lobster and Boston Market all spent time under Mr. Brinker's tutelage. In addition, he has been a trendsetter in philanthropy, encouraging entrepreneurs to pair their financial donations with donations of time, and helping to start the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with his wife Nancy. Mr. Speaker, Norman Brinker has relinquished his position as Chairman of Brinker International and is engaged in a new challenge--defeating his own cancer ailment. As he approaches this new challenge with the same zeal as the other challenges in his life, Dallas-Fort Worth looks forward to his leadership for years to come. I ask that the Congress and the country join the citizens of Dallas-Fort Worth in wishing him well.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the September 11th attack on the people and institutions of America has eliminated any illusion that we are safe from the violence and discord which seem to plague the rest of the world. Currently, the United Nations has peace keeping missions in every corner of the world including the Golan Heights; Lebanon; Iraq/Kuwait; Angola; the Western Sahara; Kosovo; Cyprus; Georgia; Tajikistan; Sierra Leone; East Timor; Congo and Ethiopia/Eritrea and has established war crimes tribunals in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Our unfortunate global picture of war, ethnic conflict, civil war and terrorism serves as a strong indication of the need to establish and maintain a dialogue leading to a blueprint to establish lasting peace in war-torn and strife ridden areas of the world. Several studies have shown that while women are not usually combatants in these hostilities, women and children tend to disproportionately form the ranks of the displaced and victimized. Today, I will introduce a resolution encouraging worldwide efforts seeking the greater involvement of women to challenge the belief that violence is an acceptable tool in resolving conflicts. While every member of a community should take affirmative steps to ameliorate violence, the role of women in these efforts are often undervalued. My resolution will encourage women of every race, class and economic circumstance to work together to form coalitions and strengthen communities to work toward international peace-building efforts and will encourage governmental leaders to seek the participation of women at all levels of peacebuilding and peace-keeping efforts. My resolution encourages the use of the week following Mother's Day to hold forums, conferences, and other activities dedicated to examining the need for peace and the role of women in establishing and maintaining peace-building efforts. I am asking each Member of this House to join me in my efforts to raise the volume of women's voices and encourage non-violent solutions to domestic, national and international disputes, by co-sponsoring this legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus to recognize NASA's longest- serving Administrator, Mr. Daniel Saul Goldin, who during his nearly decade-long tenure, starting in 1992, demonstrated a commitment to the educational excellence of minorities in the areas of science, mathematics, engineering and research. He has demonstrated his commitment to educational excellence for all Americans through NASA's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs', Minority University Research and Education Division. His efforts helped the Agency to focus on establishing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) and Other Minority Universities (OMUS) as model institutions of teaching, learning, research and service, effectively educating diverse populations for NASA and the nation. During his tenure, NASA's Minority University Research and Education Division's budget realized a 200% increase from about $40 million in FY 1992 to $82 million dollars in FY 2001. Under his exceptional leadership, NASA's HBCU and Hispanic Education Programs received Presidential citations as models for the federal sector, and the pre-college Science Engineering Mathematics Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) Program, begun in 1993 under the auspices of former Congressman Louis Stokes, has been replicated to more than 17 sites nationwide. Mr. Goldin also established several programs that were aimed at increasing the number of minority students in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, and research. Those programs include: the Model of Institutions for Excellence (MIE), which upgrades the quality of science, engineering and mathematics education; the Network Resources and Training Site (NRTS), which provides state-of-the-art computer and information technology to minority institutions; and Project ACCESS (Achieving Competence in Computers, Engineering, Space Science), which provides a NASA-wide intern program for college students with targeted disabilities. Administrator Goldin encouraged enhanced NASA-related research by faculty at minority institutions through the Faculty Awards Research Program. He also provided sustained funding to 14-multidisciplinary University Research Centers (URCS) at minority institutions, and he facilitated the integration of HBCUs and OMUs into conventional mainstream research programs at NASA. As led by Administrator Goldin, NASA and the Congressional Black Caucus partnered successfully to expand educational opportunities for minorities in science, mathematics and engineering to increase the presence of minorities in research and technology-related fields. In addition to initiating the ``faster, better, cheaper'' approach that enabled NASA to deliver programs of high value to the American public without sacrificing safety, his aggressive management reforms helped to produce a 40 billion dollar reduction from prior budget plans. He reduced NASA's workforce by about a third while reducing the Headquarters' workforce by more than half, without resorting to forced layoffs--all of this with a 40% gain in productivity. Mr. Goldin implemented a more balanced aeronautics and space program by reducing human space flight from 48% of the Agency's total budget to 38%. He also played a pivotal role in redesigning the International Space Station and in 1995, he personally visited more than 200 members on Capitol Hill to win support for Space Station. Defense Business named Mr. Goldin as one of the world's most influential defense-industry leaders saying ``he has tightened the workforce, introduced a stunning array of new missions, including information-gathering journeys to the Moon and Mars, and became the major player in the embryonic International Space Station.'' He has also been named as one of the 100 most influential men and women in Government by the National Journal, which observed that ``most space watchers say that Dan Goldin is a brilliant visionary who brought NASA back from the brink of a black hole.'' Once again, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, recognize the enduring contributions of Administrator Daniel S. Goldin and appreciate his dedication to the improvement of science, engineering, and mathematics education and research, among minority students in the United States.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the legacy of representation and positive activism that has been fostered by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Since its inception, this fearless and focused group of State leaders has consistently fought to ensure that the policy priorities of Texas reflect the best interests of all of our citizens. The education, economic, civil and human rights initiative have revolutionized State services and have helped ensure that all Texans are empowered to achieve the American dream. The Caucus will host its statewide conference from March 14-16, 2001. This year's topic, ``Excellence and Achievement for the Millennium,'' is particularly poignant. As Texas prepares to lead the Nation in the technology driven, global economy of today and tomorrow, it is critical that its leaders devise ways to ensure that everyone is included. No organization in the State is better prepared or has a better track record of holding those in power accountable for the tools given to Texas families to improve their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the U.S. Congress join me in paying honor and tribute to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus as they continue their critical fight for all Texas families.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the spirit of America. Perhaps at no time before has the determination, drive and perseverance that make up the American spirit been more evident. All of us should take a moment to recognize the contributions that many Americans make to ensure that our country represents the highest standard of excellence. One such American is Mr. Bob Hayes. I want to recognize him on the occasion of his induction into the Ring of Honor, sponsored by St. Phillips School and Community Center in Dallas. Bob Hayes is an American of extreme accomplishment. During the course of his remarkable life, he has helped knock down color barriers all around the world. Mr. Hayes was an All-American track star at Florida A&M University, an Olympic gold medalist, and an indispensable part of the Dallas Cowboys football team. Just as importantly, he has mentored thousands of track athletes through the Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet, which has been in existence since 1964. Bob Hayes is the only person to ever win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. He was billed as ``The World's Fastest Human'' as he sprinted to world records in the 100 and 200 yard races. He still holds the Cowboys record for career touchdown receptions. I would also like to salute the St. Phillip's School and Community Center. Among other things, the school and center promote cultural awareness and self-esteem. They serve more than 700 young people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Mr. Speaker, the St. Phillip's School and Mr. Bob Hayes represent the focus on excellence that sets America apart from the rest of the world. I join the residents of the Thirtieth Congressional District in saluting an American who has shown us all how to excel.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me quickly express my appreciation for the leadership of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). It has not been an easy job for them, and I understand that because I have been in touch this entire year. They have reached out and attempted to address what we consider a very fundamental right in any democracy, and most especially this one. Winning and losing is all a part of a democracy. All of us can accept that, as long as we know that we can look upon this board and count the numbers correctly and get the results. The least we ask is for when people vote, that their votes be counted. We must make sure that their votes can be counted with the machinery that is needed. I can appreciate the positive points in this bill of assisting those States who need assistance to implement this bill. I am hoping that as this bill moves along that it will be corrected and improved with more collaboration with the Senate side in conference. I do feel, however, that this is a step in the right direction.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, several universities and news organizations have conducted studies, and every study has found that votes cast are not being counted. The House Committee on Government Reform minority staff conducted a study in 40 congressional districts and found that the highest percentage of undervotes were in places which had poor and minority populations. Mr. Speaker, there are volumes of evidence which clearly and convincingly prove that the election system in this country is broken and must be fixed. We deeply believe in a need to safeguard the rights and liberties of the American people. I join the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) in offering this motion to recommit. I joined them in requesting that the Committee on Rules, once again, allow the amendment, which would only allow purged voters from the voting rolls through means consistent with national voter registration and for the handicap to have the ability to vote, and provisional voting. Mr. Speaker, I will submit the rest of my statement. This is so basic and fundamental to our democracy. I just cannot imagine anyone not being in support of these recommendations that we made to make this democracy real.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to H.R. 3005, the Trade Promotion Authority Act. Words probably cannot fully convey how disappointed I am in being forced to vote ``No'' on H.R. 3005. Up to now, since coming to Congress in 1993, I have compiled a pro-trade voting record that is second to none. I have supported NAFTA, U.S. entry into the WTO, normalizing trading relations with China and Vietnam, expanding trading relations with the countries of sub-Sahara Africa and the Carribean, and most recently to establish free trade with Jordan. I strongly believe that, our nation has the most to gain from opening new markets and improving upon a rules-based trading system. I am also disappointed because I fully appreciate the extraordinary effort put forth by my friends, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Dooley, in helping to craft this bill. Throughout this process, they were willing to listen to concerns that I and other members expressed. They performed admirably in pushing forward Democratic principles in negotiating this bill with the majority. Their steadfastness produced a great deal of progress in addressing concerns on how trade impacts labor and the environment and in addressing the plight of recently displaced workers. The majority has represented enactment of trade promotion authority as economic stimulus that will help pull the nation out of the current recession. I also recall the Administration representing this bill as something we must pass in the context of our war against terrorism. I don't doubt that expanding trade is in the national interest, but both of those arguments are exaggerated and misplaced. Trade does create better jobs for American workers that pay higher wages and add more to the economy. However, trade's benefits manifest themselves over the long-term; passing this bill will have very little effect on pulling the economy out of the current recession. It is in the context of this recession and the September 11 tragedy that I have weighed my vote on trade promotion authority. Passing trade authority may well be in our national interest, but over the short term, it will not do anything except add to the anxiety that workers who have been or are on the verge of being laid off are experiencing now. Conscience dictates that before I support granting trade promotion, I must ensure that their immediate needs and concerns are addressed. I have concluded that Congress and the Administration has fallen well short of what we must do in this area, and for this reasons, I must vote against H.R. 3005. On September 21, we passed a bill to provide immediate financial assistance to the airline industry in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. Some of my colleagues objected on the grounds that we should provide assistance contemporaneously to the workers laid off by the airlines. I supported that bill because I understood that maintaining the viability of the airline industry was necessary to preserve the jobs of those who were not laid off. I was also assuaged by assurances that we would have a bill on the floor the following week to provide assistance to airline workers. That promise was not kept. September 11 also exacerbated the recession that the country has apparently been experiencing since Spring. Following the tragedy, there was bipartisan agreement that Congress should pass an economic stimulus package to speed recovery and to provide broad safety net assistance to workers affected by the recession. Instead, the majority rammed through the House a tax package providing tax breaks on offshore profits, accelerated capital gains, and retroactively repealing a provision in the tax code that ensures that corporations are not able to wholly avoid paying taxes. At the same time, the bill provided a minimal level of unemployment and health care assistance to laid off workers. Besides not bringing our country out of recession, the bill was essentially a slap in the fact to working class Americans. Now, we are on the verge of voting on H.R. 3005. Several weeks ago, I indicated to its principal supporters that in order to attract my support, I would have to witness real progress on helping displaced workers, and not just vague promises and commitments. In response, Chairman Thomas unveiled several new items. Principal among them is a provision in the TAA bill to provide $2 billion over 2 years for workers affected by the September 11 attacks. The Chairman also signaled his intention to offer proposals relating to health insurance and extension of unemployment benefits in the context of the ongoing negotiations with the Senate over the stimulus package. I appreciate Chairman Thomas' good faith efforts, particularly his willingness to include a provision to suspend federal income taxes on unemployment benefits. This is actually a bill that I personally introduced earlier this Congress. These proposals fall short of what I would like but they do appear to be substantial progress. Unfortunately, since they do come at the last minute, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding whether this is enough. Furthermore, the bulk of these proposals would need to be included in a final stimulus package, in which negotiations are ongoing over contentious issues. I am basically being asked to trust that these proposals will be improved upon where necessary and enacted into law, in spite of the fact that we have had months to do complete work on these items. I have concluded that I owe it to working class Americans that I should not simply take a leap of faith. For too long, they have been suffering while Congress has sat on its hands. I do not think it is unreasonable for us to wait on passing TPA legislation until we have passed legislation to help the unemployed. I am fully willing to revisit this issue if, later in this Congress, we do in fact provide the relief that displaced workers deserve. Today, however, my vote is ``no.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the life and legacy of Mary Kay Ash. For more than four decades, Ms. Kay has been one of Texas' most outstanding citizens and a business pioneer. Cosmetics sales were just a small part of the legacy she left for America. Her business made women feel better about themselves, regarding both their appearance and the possibility for success in business. Ms. Kay changed the way women in business were perceived. She pioneered direct marketing in a way that has been emulated for years. She tapped talent that may have otherwise gone unused. All over America, women are more empowered because of the life of Mary Kay Ash. Mary Kay Ash founded the cosmetic company that bears her name in 1963 with $5,000 in savings, using a hide tanner's cream as her principle product. Since then, the color pink has been synonymous with quality cosmetic products and aggressive salespersonship. She was a phenomenal entrepreneur and, more importantly, an incredible motivator. One hundred fifty one women, so far, have recorded more than $1 million in Mary Kay sales. Last year, Mary Kay, Inc. had revenue of $1.3 billion. Today, there are about 800,000 women and men who make up the Mary Kay global sales force. It is an extraordinary legacy for a phenomenal lady who grew up in a poor Houston neighborhood. Mr. Speaker, Mary Kay Ash was one of Dallas-Fort Worth's most dynamic icons. She died on November 22, 2001. 1 ask that the thoughts and prayers of the Thirtieth Congressional District, and the nation, be with her family and friends.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, World AIDS Day on December 1 provides an opportunity to refocus our attention on the HIV/ AIDS crisis that has not gone away and will not go away until a concerted effort is made to address the pandemic and develop workable solutions. In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, attention has been focused elsewhere in the world. While we must do everything we can to combat terrorism, we cannot ignore other crises. Forty million people worldwide are still living with HIV/AIDS; 28 million are in sub-Saharan Africa. There are still 12 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, and there are still 15,000 new HIV infections each day. The statistics regarding HIV/AIDS are staggering, but we must not let these numbers deter our resolve to work together to bring this epidemic under control. The United States cannot ignore the fact that HIV/AIDS poses a serious risk to international stability and creates fertile breeding ground for social unrest. Our survival dictates that we cannot afford to lose this battle.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. Con. Res. 44, in commemoration of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and to honor those who served their country at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Our nation is now fully engaged in a campaign to eradicate international terrorism. The last two weeks have witnessed a great deal of progress in Afghanistan. Yet, the job is not yet complete; the Taliban remain in control of their spiritual base of Kandahar and Osama bin Laden remains at large. I can find no greater inspiration for seeing through this campaign to complete victory than the men and women of past generations who served heroically in defense of our nation, especially at Pearl Harbor on ``the day of infamy.'' One of those heroes was Dorie Miller, an African American mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Dorie Miller was responsible for dragging his ship's commander, who had been wounded by shrapnel, out of the line of fire. Once his captain was safe, he manned a machine gun on the ship's deck. He did so despite the fact that blacks generally did not serve in combat positions or other positions of greater responsibility and thus he had not been instructed in gunnery, With serious bombing and strafing all around him as the American battleship fleet was being decimated, Dorie Miller shot down at least two of the 29 Japanese planes that were lost by the attackers that day. Dorie Miller continued to serve his country in the Navy during World War II. However, in 1943, he and 654 shipmates were killed in the line of duty when the Japanese sank the USS Liscome Bay near the Gilbert Islands. Unfortunately, Dorie Miller's acts of valor have never been fully recognized, and some of the awards that were bestowed upon him were only given grudgingly. Initially, Dorie Miller's actions were not publicized until three months after the Pearl Harbor attack. Then, he was only given a letter of citation by the Secretary of the Navy--the lowest of awards for duty. Dorie Miller was finally awarded the Navy Cross, but only after a public campaign by civil rights organizations brought about critical attention in the press. However, Dorie Miller was not decorated with the nation's highest honor--the Congressional Medal of Honor. In fact, no African American who served in World War II received the Congressional Medal of Honor until seven Army veterans were given the award in 1997. Mr. Speaker, as we honor the devotion, dedication and sacrifice of all who served at Pearl Harbor, I can think of no better commemoration than to finally recognize the actions of Dorie Miller. I have introduced legislation, H.R. 1994, which would begin to cure this injustice. The bill would waive the time limitation specified in current law for the awarding of military decorations in order to allow the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Dorie Miller for his heroic actions during World War II. I ask my colleagues to cosponsor my bill and the Armed Services Committee to expedite its passage so that a long-awaited honor may finally be bestowed upon this deserving individual.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Aviation Security conference report. First, I want to commend the conferees for their dedication and hard work in reaching a compromise that has broad support from the Congress and the American people. I want to especially thank the Ranking Members of the full committee and the Aviation Subcommittee, respectively, Mr. Oberstar and Mr. Lipinski for their persistence and leadership. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the American people were understandably reluctant to fly again. In the period immediately following the resumption of air traffic, airlines reported that load factors on their flights had plummeted, even after cutting back on the number of flights available. Airlines were also reporting millions of dollars of operating losses each day, and some were on the verge of bankruptcy. The disruption of the airline industry also threatened small businesses located at our nation's airports, such as restaurants and newsstands, who depend on heavy passenger flows through airports. Under those conditions, Congress acted swiftly to pass the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide an immediate infusion of funds for the airlines and to provide loan guarantees to ensure that the airlines regained access to capital markets. However, we all realized that passage of that legislation would be a Pyrrhic victory if Congress did not quickly enact legislation to restore the traveling public's confidence in security at our airports and in the skies. Although it has taken nearly two months, I am pleased that Congress is now finally taking that step. The conference agreement provides the additional security that Americans have demanded by making all passenger and baggage screening at most airports in the nation a federal responsibility for at least two years. However, five airports, each of different size, will be allowed to participate in a DOT-supervised pilot program where passenger and baggage screening will be performed by private contractors. After the initial two-year period, individual airports will be given the option of requesting that screening be performed by private contractors or by local law enforcement officials. The applicants will have the benefit of the experience of the five pilot airports and still must meet or exceed baseline standards in order to have their applications to defederalize passenger and baggage screening approved by DOT. The conference agreement also includes numerous non-controversial items, such as provision for additional air marshals, reinforcement of cockpit doors, and additional training to flight crews to better equip them to respond to hijacking situations. I am particularly pleased that the conference agreement includes two provisions regarding background checks. First, the agreement provides that criminal background checks will be required for all persons with access to secured areas of airports. This was a suggestion that I conveyed to the leadership of the Committee on behalf of DFW International Airport in my district. Certainly, we want to ensure that terrorists or other dangerous individuals do not infiltrate such sensitive areas. Second, the agreement provides that background checks be required for any foreign national seeking instruction in the operation of aircraft over 12,500 pounds and that flight school employees will be trained to recognize suspicious activities. I believe this provision adequately addresses concerns raised by constituents and other residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that Syrian nationals had been allowed to receive flight training at Forth Worth's Meacham Airport after the events of September 11. Now that we have addressed the financial distress of the airlines and the security concerns of passengers, we still have one important item of unfinished business--the health and livelihoods of the more than 100,000 airline employees and others who have lost their jobs as a result of September 11. I strongly urge that provisions extending unemployment benefits and COBRA coverage be included in any economic stimulus package and hope that we can act on the legislation shortly after we return after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern regarding current United States policy towards Haiti. Haiti's human and development statistics are alarming. The life expectancy of the average Haitian is only 53 years, and this number is certain to decline as the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country becomes even more severe. According to UNAIDS, the United Nations agency responsible for addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more than 5% of the adult population is HIV-positive, and some sectors of the population have infection rates of over 50%. In other human development categories, Haiti's record is just as lamentable. Half of Haitian adults are illiterate, and more than 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 are malnourished. Haiti ranks 152nd out of 174 on the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Index, below such countries as Bangladesh and Sudan. In previous years, the United States pursued a constructive relationship with Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Between FY 95 and FY 99, the United States provided $884 million in critical development assistance funds to support agricultural development, democracy and governance, teacher training, health care, and many other programs. The United States also supported multilateral institutions that worked to improve the lives of ordinary Haitians. More recently, however, the United States has pursued a myopic policy towards Haiti and has used its veto power to prevent the disbursement of funds from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The board of directors of the IDB has already approved $146 million in social sector loans for Haiti, but because of United States policy, these funds have been blocked from improving the lives of 8 million Haitians. This policy must change. In order for the living standards and life chances of ordinary Haitians to improve, international development assistance is critical. The United States must change its current policy towards Haiti so that it may receive multilateral funds for pressing development needs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to rise to lend my voice to those who have spoken here today on the issue of hate crimes directed toward those who are Muslims, of middle eastern descent, or who are perceived as belonging to either group. As Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I know that hate crimes are not new. They are as old as lynchings and as real as bombings. Racial, religious and ethnic minorities have been the victims of hate crimes for a very long time in America and yet we all know that these acts of cowardice are rarely punished, routinely ignored and the victims are often considered the cause of the horror aimed at them. I know that in other moments of crisis in this country, we have allowed fear to overcome reason and official actions to lead to unfair deprivations. The internment of the Japanese Americans, the treatment of the Native Americans and the slavery and segregation of African Americans were all caused by the interaction of fear, hatred and official action. In the new millennium, this country cannot afford to resort to old patterns of behavior. In my district, the day after the September 11th attack, there were reports of people who shot into mosques in attempts to harm or terrorize. At that time, I issued a call for calm and reminded my constituents that this country must never resort to vigilante violence. In the wake of the horror that has been visited upon this country, we cannot allow ourselves to forget what it means to be an American. We must not forget that inclusion, diversity and respect for all people regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and national origin is the cornerstone of America's foundation and the undergirding of our greatness. The American dream must be kept alive and well within our current nightmare. I am deeply disappointed to hear of the many instances of hate crimes that have occurred throughout the nation. I know that America is greater than this and I know that as always, the forces of fairness will overcome every domestic and international evil because the moral arch of the universe may be long, but it always bends toward justice.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bipartisan substitute. More than a month ago, this Congress acted expeditiously to provide financial relief to the airlines in order to help them withstand the crushing blow that they took September 11 and to make sure they did not go into bankruptcy. That, however, has not caused people to get back on the planes. Passengers will not fly until they feel the plane is safe. If the system we have in place now continues, they might not ever fly at the rates again. Even since all the talk about the increasing safety and security, the checkers that we have have already missed a loaded gun that was in a briefcase for a passenger. The turnover with these private companies is so high that even training is inadequate because there is no time. It is constant training. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bipartisan Oberstar-Lipinski- Ganske substitute amendment. More than a month ago, this Congress acted expeditiously to provide financial relief to the airlines in order to help them withstand the crushing blow that they took in the September 11 attacks. However, we all knew that helping the airlines to avoid imminent bankruptcy would only be a pyrrhic victory if we did not act further to re-establish an environment that enables the airline industry to prosper in the long term. Airline passengers have still not returned because many do not have full confidence in security at our nation's airports. The recent revelation that Argenbright Corp. which handles security at 46 of our nation's largest airports, continues to violate the terms of its probation by hiring criminally convicted baggage screens, certainly does little to allay those fears. The American people are now demanding a level of security at our nation's airports that simply cannot be provided by private contractors who insist on hiring minimum- wage, ill-trained workers. America is now in a state of war against terrorism. At the front lines of this conflict are security personnel who screen passengers and luggage. This is a national security matter and a fundamental responsibility of the federal government. Just as we depend on professional pilots to bomb Taliban positions and professional troops in our special forces to perform surveillance operations in Afghanistan itself, we must have a professional police force at airports to ensure that terrorists do not succeed in inflicting harm to airline passengers. The Young-Mica bill merely continues the status quo. The Oberstar- Lipinski-DeFazio bill is the only bill being considered today that addresses the fundamental flaws in the way we handle airport security. Moreover, it is the exact text as the bill which passed unanimously in the Senate. Every Senator--from the most conservative to the most progressive--voted for it. They understand what the American people are demanding. I hope enough of my colleagues in the House will understand that as well. I ask my colleagues to vote for Oberstar-Lipinski-DeFazio language and against the Young-Mica language.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to bring attention to the need for an additional $5.1 million to the Office of Civil Rights. The mission of the Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. They serve student populations facing discrimination and the advocates and institutions promoting systemic solutions to civil rights problems. An important responsibility is resolving complaints of discrimination. The Office for Civil Rights enforces five Federal statutes that prohibit discrimination in education programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and age discrimination is prohibited by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The Department of Justice also has delegated OCR responsibility for enforcing Title 11 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The civil rights laws enforced by OCR extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds. Though the Office of Civil Rights is so important, the current budget does not increase its funding. While public schools remain more integrated today than they were prior to the civil rights movement, they are resegregating at accelerating rates and this spells trouble for minority students. A recent study by The Civil Rights Project of Harvard University found that segregation within the nation's schools has returned. During the 1990s, classrooms grew more segregated. Now, more than seventy percent of Black students attend schools with predominantly minority student bodies, which is a sizable jump from sixty-three percent in 1980, and nearly a third of Black children attend schools that are ninety to one hundred percent minority. Mr. Chairman, this new segregation certainly undermines the educational prospects of not only Black, but all American children. Now is not the time to allow a retrenchment of segregation in education. I implore that we appropriate more funding to the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education in order to provide it with the tools needed to reverse this new found segregation. Mr. Chairman, we cannot wait another year, five years, or ten years to appropriate additional funds to the Office for Civil Rights. I believe that we know more now than we did a month ago the affect visible isolation and separation can have on our country. Let us not ignore the visible segregation that is going on in our education system. In an effort to leave no child behind, I request my colleagues vote in favor of this amendment to address this new segregation now.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to bring attention to the need to appropriate an additional $5 million to Education Technology State Grants. This will offset the Safe and Drug- Free Schools by $5 million. Throughout the last two decades, information technology has become increasingly prevalent in society. We, as policymakers, have been interested in the use of this technology in elementary and secondary schools partly out of concern over poor student performance, and the idea that educational technology can improve that performance. Also, many of us feel that students in America should receive training in school that will enable them to work in an increasingly technological environment. Furthermore, the Administration has stated that schools should use technology as a tool to improve academic achievement, and that using the latest technology in the classroom should not be an end unto itself. The purpose of my amendment speaks to the interests of Congress and that of the Administration. This amendment will provide more funding to a program that has worked for our kids. For fiscal year 2002, this bill will appropriate the same amount of funding it did last year. If we truly want our students to excel in technology so that they can successfully compete in this increasingly technological environment, we must continue to provide them with the tools necessary to do so. This is exactly what education technology state grants provide. Education technology state grants provide schools with the necessary support for the acquisition and use of technology and technology enhanced curriculums, instructions, and administrative support to improve education in elementary and secondary schools. Funds are allocated to states proportionate to their share of ESEA Title 1, Part A funding, which speaks to the heart of the digital divide--providing technology to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to access it. Mr. Chairman, as the need for more people who are technologically savvy increases, we need to be certain that our students have the ability to successfully compete globally. There is no reason why companies on American soil continue to look for technologists outside of our country when we have able minds and bodies here. Let us take care of our country's future now. Let us assure America and its people that a decade from now we will have Americans who can run our computer programs and be the inventors of the latest technology. If the need to be competitive does not steer my colleagues in the right direction, let the need to have Americans only have access to our computers. Let Americans only have the ability to decode top secret information that may prevent further attacks against us. Let Americans lead us out of our vulnerable stage. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and continue supporting our children in their efforts to become technologically savvy so that they may control our future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to call attention to the need for an additional $5 million for fiscal year 2002 to the Department of Labor's International Bureau of Labor Affairs, also known as ILAB, for programs that promote workplace-based HIV-AIDS education and prevention programs and the well-being of children orphaned by HIV-AIDS in developing countries. More than 36 million people are living with HIV-AIDS worldwide, and more than 10 million children in sub-Saharan Africa alone have lost their parents to this disease. The number of AIDS orphans could climb to more than 40 million by 2010. Mr. Chairman, 40 million orphans in Africa is equal to the number of children east of the Mississippi River in this country. This amount of money equates to less than 13 cents per year per orphan to improve their lives and help make them productive members of their society. The global HIV-AIDS pandemic is an extremely serious issue that demands our continued attention, and one way to address the crisis is to promote workplace-based education and prevention programs. The ILAB has undertaken an innovative program to address HIV-AIDS through the workplace as part of its efforts to promote safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. ILAB has already launched a workplace pilot project in the Republic of Malawi in southern Africa. Increased funding will enable ILAB to expand workplace HIV-AIDS education and prevention programs into other developing countries. It will also enable a joint initiative with the Department of Labor's International Child Labor Program to develop programs aimed at children affected by HIV-AIDS. Mr. Chairman, this is a relatively simple transfer of dollars. The funding for this program comes from the account that contains Job Corps, which receives $75 million more than requested, more than double for fiscal year 2002. This is more than Job Corps can reasonably manage within 1 year, and so we are asking that $15 million be considered. It is only a general funds transfer if it is considered in conference, but it is very important that the intended destination is discussed during floor statements today. The Congressional Budget Office indicated that a $15 million decrease and $5 million increase was the only way this would work with management and Department outlays. We certainly know that there is a serious and strategic need. This international HIV-AIDS workplace education program has developed a strategic plan for workplace-based HIV-AIDS education focusing on the following three components: prevention education stressing behavioral responsibility, gender issues, and concepts relating to care and support; workplace policy development addressing issues of stigma and discrimination; and capacity building activities for government, employers, and labor to strengthen the response to this crisis. In the year 2000, IHWEP launched a workplace education pilot project in the Republic of Malawi, implemented by the nongovernmental organization Project HOPE, which is based in Millwood, Virginia. A task force cochaired by Senators Frist and Kerry have deemed the issue of AIDS orphans a high priority. These young people are heads of households now that they have no parents; and it provides them with care, vocational training, as well as microfinance opportunities. It aims to enable child-headed households to develop an income-generating skill and reduce the likelihood that they will resort to working in areas where their health and safety may be compromised. Mr. Chairman, I would sincerely ask that the conference committee consider this request. It is of grave need.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the American military and the American people. The terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 were inexcusably the acts of cowards,'' said Congresswoman Johnson. ``The perpetrators of those acts have sought to pervert the Islamic faith and to use it as a justification, but in so doing, they have betrayed the very principles they purport to uphold. There is, and never will be, any religious justification for the killing of innocent people. Those who seek to convince the world that there is any sound reasoning behind the acts of terror committed is simply betraying their own insanity. America has every right, and should exercise every right, to protect its citizens. I continue to encourage the use of diplomatic efforts to the greatest extent possible to win the war on terrorism. We should ensure that we communicate with our neighbors in the world community and develop alliances wherever those relationships will be positive. We should listen to people who think differently than we do. America does, however, have the right to defend itself and will not compromise the right to take whatever action is necessary to protect its people, militarily or otherwise. Clearly, there are people around the world who do not agree with all of America's international activities. In a civilized world, though, we deal with our differences through discussion. In a civilized world, we seek to change opinions. In a civilized world, we understand that the views of a small minority on the radical fringes of fundamentalism will never dictate the activities of the masses. America will never, ever bow to the wishes of terrorists. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to improving our democracy and making it more inclusive. We will continue to lead the world economy and find new ways to ensure that everyone participates in prosperity. Most importantly, our nation will continue to refine our model of freedom and hold that model up as a beacon for the rest of the world. Like most of my colleagues, and most Americans, I support the actions of the President to take proactive steps to rid the world of the terrorist threat. We should continue to act against strategic targets and protect the lives of the innocent without fail. All of our constituents should understand that this will not be a quick process, and it will not be a perfect process, but it will ultimately result in a secure freedom for generations to come all over the world. While we should listen to the sentiments of other nations, we will never acquiesce to the demands of the sick forces of oppression. Mr. Speaker, Osama bin Laden, and anyone else who thinks that they can divide the American people, or separate America from its International partners in peace, should know that their efforts are futile. We are a strong people, united in our belief in democracy. Most importantly, those who think that their cowardly acts will earn them a seat in Heaven should know that God despises cowards, despises hypocrites, and despises murderers. They will not succeed in their plan to pit Arabs against Americans, Muslims against Christians, and to prostitute the plight of the Palestinians for their own ruthless purpose. The forces of terror will, in short order, find themselves isolated, and find themselves punished for their sins against freedom.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I recognize the tightness of the budget; but nothing is more important than research, and most especially research that will yield food. There are so many families and so many children that go to sleep hungry and wake up hungry every day. The one way that we can help to solve this problem is to do the research so we can find better ways to have better yields so that the least that we can do is to feed the children. I know that the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Hispanic-serving institutions would also have an opportunity to join in, who know probably this issue and this problem almost better than anyone else. So I rise in support of the amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, because of my discussion with the chairman and the ranking member, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment and hope that it will be considered at a later time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer this amendment for myself, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) to encourage research and development of agriculture biotechnology with respect to the developing world. Agricultural biotechnology offers innovative solutions to some of the most intractable problems facing the developing world, such as hunger, malnutrition and disease. Many of us are familiar with the newly developed strain of golden rice that was developed by plant scientists to have increased vitamin A and iron content. Vitamin A deficiency causes more than 1 million childhood deaths each year, and is the single most prevalent cause of blindness among children in the developing world. Golden rice is only the beginning of the potential benefits of biotechnology for the developing world. Biotechnology can help developing countries produce higher crop yields while using fewer pesticides and herbicides, and can also promote sustainable agriculture, leading to food and economic security. By increasing crop yields, the amount of land that needs to be farmed is reduced. Biotechnology can also improve the health of citizens of developing countries by combatting illness. Substantial progress has been made in the developed world on vaccines against life-threatening illnesses; but unfortunately, infrastructure limitations often hinder the effectiveness of traditional vaccination methods in some parts of the developing words. For example, many vaccines must be kept refrigerated until they are injected. Even if a health clinic has electricity and is able to deliver effective vaccines, the cost of multiple needles can hinder vaccination efforts. Additionally, the improper use of hypodermic needles can spread HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Biotechnology offers a prospect of orally delivering vaccines to immunize against life-threatening illnesses through agriculture products in a safe and effective manner. Because of the immense potential of agriculture biotechnology to help solve some of the developing world's most serious problems, I am offering this amendment that will establish a grant program under the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage research and development of agriculture biotechnology with respect to the developing world. The amendment calls for $5 million per year for 5 years, beginning in fiscal year 2004. Eligible grant recipients include historically black colleges and land grant colleges or universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities. Nonprofit organizations and a consortia of for-profit institutions with in- country research institutions are also eligible. Grants will be awarded on a competitive merit-reviewed basis. I feel that this effort will go a long way in helping to provide food in an independent manner for our developing countries, as well as combatting disease.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.