Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman very much, and thanks also to the ranking member for his hard work on this bill. I ask for support for this measure.

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, my amendment is to increase the funding for the child nutrition programs by $25 million. These programs are actually in need of $55 million. This often is the only meal that poor children have. Seventy-five percent of these meals go to the poorest of children. Mr. Chairman, this funding will offset part of the proposed $90 million increase that doubles funding for the market access program, known as the MAP program, and it helps producers and exporters finance promotional opportunities abroad, putting farmlands first and our preschool and school-aged children last. Mr. Chairman, I simply want to ask that this amendment be considered. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to provide $25 million for child nutrition programs. These programs provide funding for our nation's schools to purchase commodities for their National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The National School Lunch Program serves more than 27 million children every day, slightly over half to children who live at or near the poverty level in this country. More than 85 percent of the 7 million breakfasts served in schools each day go to poor children. For these children, our federal school meal programs are their most secure link to good nutrition. These commodity food programs also allow school districts to offset the costs of lunches for children who do not participate in the program. In essence, these programs benefit the child receiving the free or reduced cost meal as well as the child who pays full price. Research has confirmed a link between nutrition and children's cognitive development, cognitive performance, and ability to concentrate. Preschool and school age children need to receive proper and adequate nutrition. Studies also show that these nutritional programs have contributed positively to scores on test of basic skills, reduced tardiness and absenteeism. Also clear is the link between our federal nutrition programs and our agricultural communities. The United States began providing agricultural commodities to our schools more than a decade before we started grants in aid to schools to provide meals, and three decades before we recognized the special needs of our poorest children through the free and reduced price meal subsidies. In 1994, Congress amended the National School Lunch Act to require that at least 12 percent of all federal support for school meals must be in the form of commodities. However, in 1998 the Congress again amended the National School Lunch Act to count bonus commodities, food products purchased under separate authorizations and for a very different purpose, to meet the 12 percent statutory requirement. While some thought this was merely an accounting change, the effect was a real cut in support for our school lunch program. The commodities, which will not be purchased under the entitlement authorization, are the ones best suited to meet the menu and nutritional requirements of our school meal programs. The impact of the change was not felt last year or this because Congress yet again passed another statute that corrected the error, but only for FY 2000 and 2001. But our schools will lose more than $55 million dollars in entitlement commodities in 2002 unless we act to correct the problem. Over the next eight years, this cut will exceed $440 million. That is a very real and significant cut to our school programs. Make no mistake, this is a school lunch budget cut-this is more than $55 million per year that schools will not receive. It is also a $440 million cut in the amount of agricultural commodities purchased by USDA. I have spoken with several of my colleagues and they share my interest in this matter. After all, this money is used by USDA to purchase agricultural commodities, and these purchases have a significant impact on producer incomes. The magnitude of this cut is even more dramatic when you consider the amount of food that it represents. This cut means that USDA will reduce its overall purchases by 660 million pounds. One of the best ways we can move forward as a society is to meet our obligations to our children. The Federal Government must follow through on its commitment to work in partnership with states, schools, and the agricultural community to administer a major program designed to improve children's diets and, in turn their overall health and well being. We can be proud that these school meal programs promote the well being of some of our Nation's most vulnerable children by providing them with the nourishment they need to develop healthy bodies and sound minds. Nutritious meals help students reach their full potential by keeping them alert and attentive in the classroom. As both common sense and extensive scientific research confirm, a hungry child cannot focus on schoolwork as well as one who has been fed a nutritious meal. Mr. Chairman, recognizing the many needs being addressed in this bill, I will withdraw the amendment, but would like to draw attention to how we, the representatives of our preschool and school age children across America, have neglected them. And in the spirit of National School Lunch Week, which begins the second week of October every year, I would also like to express my interest in working together with members of both the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Education and the Workforce to explore this issue and seek ways to support our nation's pre-school and school age children by providing additional agricultural commodities. Finally, Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with all of my colleagues who share my concern to amend this problem and provide for our pre-school and school age children at home first.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 140,000 airline industry workers who have been or are expected to be laid off. I am a cosponsor of Mr. Gephardt's legislation, H.R. 2955, the Displaced Workers Assistance Act. I urge the House swift adoption of this or similar legislation. However, I also want to call attention to legislation I introduced in March, long before this crisis. My bill, H.R. 886, would eliminate Federal income taxation of unemployment benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 90 percent of all unemployment compensation claimants owe taxes on their benefits and that Federal taxation eats up 17 percent of their benefits. This is a form of taxation that is regressive and cruel, because it takes from those who need it most at a time when they are most in need. The aviation sector is certainly the hardest hit due to the September 11 events. The effects are now rippling throughout the economy and have pushed an economy that was teetering on the brink of recession over the edge. My bill would not only relieve the economic hardship that airline workers will experience but also the hardship that workers in other parts of the economy will experience as the economic downturn continues. While my tax cut is eligible to individuals who become unemployed regardless of their income, it would have the greatest benefit to low- income taxpayers who have to make the greatest adjustments to meet basic necessities such as rent, utilities, food, and clothing for themselves and their children. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift adoption of H.R. 886, as a stand-alone bill, as part of an airline employee relief package, or in a broader economic stimulus package. The terrorist attacks of September 11 not only caused tremendous physical destruction to lives and property but also dealt a body blow to our air carriers. Airlines hemorrhaged more than $1 billion in the week following the attacks, when their planes were ordered by the Federal Government to be grounded. They continue to lose money because passengers are still hesitant to fly. Airlines have taken painful steps to control their costs, including reducing flight schedules and laying off thousands of workers. Congress acted swiftly and decisively to stabilize the financial situation of the airlines, by passing a $15 billion package of grants and loan guarantees. I supported this legislation because I recognized that if it did not pass, American Airlines in my district could be forced to lay off even more workers and other airlines could be forced to file bankruptcy. At the same time, I was troubled that the financial stabilization bill was an incomplete package that did not also provide relief for the heart and soul of our airlines--its workers. Now that the airlines are already receiving their distributions in grant assistance, it is time to finish the job. We must ensure that there are adequate resources to provide airline workers with extended unemployment benefits, training opportunities, and continuation of health care coverage for them and their families. Mr. Speaker, I urge expedited consideration of the Displaced Workers Assistance Act and my bill to eliminate Federal taxation of unemployment benefits.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce an amendment to H.R. 2646, the Farm Security Act of 2001. Please print the amendment in the Congressional Record. My amendment establishes a program under the Foreign Agricultural Service in the Department of Agriculture to award grants for the research and development of biotechnology on agricultural products that can be grown in the developing world. Eligible grant recipients include historically black or land grant colleges or universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges or universities that have agriculture or the biosciences in its curricula. Non-profit organizations or consortia of for-profit institutions with in-country agricultural research institutions are also eligible. Grants are awarded on a competitive merit-reviewed basis. If you have any questions about this amendment, you may contact John Tustin at 225-8885. 1 appreciate your attention to this matter.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my 2 minutes has been reduced to 30 seconds, so I will turn in my remarks. Two wrongs simply do not make a right. I share Dallas/Fort Worth airport with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), and I have three other airports. I know how many people were laid off, but that will be fourfold or more if we do not support the airlines tonight. It is for that reason that I rise in support of this bill, and I have been working to make sure that we come up with the other bill to support those persons who have already lost their jobs. Mr. Speaker, although I have some misgivings regarding what has not been included in the bill, I rise in support of H.R. 2926 and urge its passage by the House. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, air carriers have reported sustaining nearly $1 billion in losses as a direct result of the Federal Government's order that flights be grounded. While service has been restored, passengers are still reluctant to fly. As a result, the airlines will certainly suffer further losses from reduced demand. On Monday, the financial markets responded predictably to this environment--the airlines lost about 40% of their market capitalization on that day alone, and Morgan Stanley wrote to the Treasury Secretary that the airline industry would not have access to private capital markets unless the Federal Government intervened. H.R. 2926 is the intervention that the airlines need to stabilize their financial situation and to help them weather this crisis. Unless we act to pass H.R. 2926, some carriers face the very real possibility of bankruptcy. We cannot let that happen. The airline industry is an indispensable sector of the American economy, touching upon 10% of our gross domestic product. Without aviation, other important sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and countless others cannot function efficiently. We already see a glimpse here in the Washington, DC metropolitan area how bankruptcies in the airline industry will affect businesses and communities. Washington National Airport has still not been given clearance to resume operations. As a result, the airport and other businesses dependent on passenger flows have laid off thousands of workers, and small businesses like restaurants and newsstands who cater to passengers are idle and losing money. Unemployment lines in this area are overflowing. We must act to pass H.R. 2926 to prevent this situation from being replicated in cities across the country. Despite the tax rebates, which my Democratic colleagues devised and which I supported, the nation is already teetering on the brink of a recession. If we do not act to stabilize our airlines, we risk plunging the country into a full-scale depression and massive unemployment. Indeed, I am most concerned about the individuals who work in the airline industry and their families. They include the 140,000 employees of American Airlines, whose headquarters and major hub operations are located at DFW International Airport in my district. I am also concerned about the 40,000 people who work at the airport and whose jobs depend on American's survival. Two days ago, American announced that they would have to lay off 20,000 of its workers, and I know what kind of hardship they must be going through right now. I have heard some of my colleagues object to this bill because it does not contain language to provide relief to displaced workers. I too want to ensure that workers have enough money to pay their rent and mortgages, to buy food and clothes for their kids, and to keep their health benefits while they are unemployed. I understand that Majority Leader Daschle has promised to call up legislation regarding displaced airline employees in the Senate next week, and I intend to make sure that this legislation also passes the House. I also intend to work with my colleagues on legislation to restore the public's confidence in airport and aircraft security because airlines' long-term survival depends on their having paying passengers. In the meantime, we must deal with the impending crisis. The employees of American and DFW Airport have flooded my phone lines in my district office with a loud and clear message--Congress' number 1 priority in this area is to pass legislation to help American Airlines ride out this storm. They, in their collective wisdom, know what's at stake. We have some time and leeway to help displaced workers, but unless we act now to help the airlines avert bankruptcy, they might not have jobs to return to.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to establish a grant program under the National Science Foundation to support research and development programs in plant biotechnology to address the food and economic needs of the developing world. My bill recognizes the great potential of plant biotechnology to combat hunger, malnutrition, and sickness in the developing world and provides the mechanism to encourage the pursuit of this exciting technology under the National Science Foundation, which has made important contributions to advance the knowledge base for plant biotechnology. Research funding levels at the National Science Foundation and elsewhere are obstacles to the use of plant biotechnology to address problems in the developing world. Plant biotechnology research has the potential to help developing countries increase food security and improve the quality and nutritional content of food. Additionally, biotechnology can also improve the health of citizens of developing countries by combating 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 world. 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 the prospect of orally delivering vaccines to immunize against life-threatening illnesses through agricultural products in a safe and effective manner. My bill establishes a grant program under the National Science Foundation to encourage research in plant biotechnology. Eligible grant recipients are required to enter into a partnership with one or more research institutions in one or more developing nations. Historically black colleges and universities, land-grant colleges, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges or universities are given special consideration under the merit-reviewed competitive grant application process. Non-profit and for-profit organizations are also eligible. The research partnership established between scientists in the United States and developing countries will help strengthen the capabilities of those countries to develop and implement applications of plant biotechnology. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise to stand in solidarity with the people of America and to speak out against the senseless, horrendous tragedies of September 11, 2001. It is a day that will live in infamy. There are no words, no pictures, no sentiments that can express the magnitude of the evil that showed itself yesterday. My heart and my thoughts go out to the families of those who were murdered, and to all those affected. The love of the people of this great country embraces the spirit of those heroes who gave their lives trying to save others. Those glorious Americans, who worked at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, members of the Police and Fire Departments and EMS, represent the best of America. We should all the humbled by their sacrifices. I would like to pay a special tribute to the American Airlines family. They are unique contributors to Dallas-Fort Worth. They are unique contributors to America. They are a part of all of our lives. They are a part of our souls. We honor the lives they lived as Americans. Let it be known, that the United States Congress will stop at nothing, and at no time, to protect our citizens. Let it be known, that the United States of America will never, ever, cower to terrorists and never give up our way of life. Let it be known that Americans may disagree as Americans, but we are all one American family. Most importantly, let it be known that we will, we will, we will bring those responsible for the horrors of terrorism to complete justice. Our flags are at half-mast, but out heads are high as Americans. America is a great nation, and our freedom will ring loudly forever. May God Bless America.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Mr. Harry Weisbrod, a champion of labor and an active participant in the public policy process. While an investigator for the Department of Labor, Mr. Weisbrod changed the collective bargaining process in this country forever by organizing the first union of federal employees. Later, as a founder of a wage and labor consulting firm, he fought to develop ways for companies to be prosperous without forsaking their responsibility to support a standard of living which every American worker deserves. During his extraordinary life, he worked both within government and with government to promote a quality of life for its workers. Mr. Weisbrod was a veteran and party activist. He cheated on his eye exam in order to enter the United States Army during war-time. Later, as a resident of Dallas, he contributed to the improvement of the educational system by helping to organize the League for Educational Advancement in Dallas (LEAD), a grassroots organization devoted to school board reform. A true public servant, he was appointed to numerous Dallas boards and commissions, including the Dallas Civil Service Commission. Mr. Weisbrod believed in our system of government. He was an active participant in the Democratic Party and helped to develop many of its more progressive activities and programs. Mr. Speaker, Harry Weisbrod transcended Earthly boundaries on September 1, 2001. Through this statement, it is my hope that the record of his service will be forever enshrined in American history.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Foster Kidd. Dr. Kidd was a true Texas community leader. He was tirelessly dedicated to improving the health of all Americans. He was the first African-American dentist appointed to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and made great strides toward helping the community understand the importance of oral health care. During his life, he chronicled the achievements of African- American dentists through numerous publications, including ``Profile of the Negro in American Dentistry.'' He was a dentistry expert, activist, historian, mentor, father, husband and friend to many. Dr. Kidd was a leading authority on African-American orthodontic history, collecting scores of documents that tell the story of black dentists. He was also an extraordinarily effective mentor, using his love of golf to mentor local youths. Dr. Foster Kidd was a true Dallas hero. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Foster Kidd moved on to do his work in a better place on August 21, 2001. Those who knew him, however know that his work will continue to live on through his research, his books and the lasting impact he had on all who met him.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my severe disappointment regarding the lack of engagement by the United States in the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, August 31-September 7, 2001, in Durban South Africa. The United States has an extraordinary perspective on racism. It has made great strides towards addressing some of its problems. When the original Constitution was enacted, it declared African-Americans to be three-fifths of a human being. During Reconstruction, this very body initially refused to seat the first African-American Members of Congress. Today, there are thirty-nine African-American Members of Congress and numerous Cabinet officials. Though we have a long way to go with regards to race relations, we have come a long way. This Nation presided over a slave trade that will go down in world history as one of the most grotesque examples of man's inhumanity to man. Once slavery was abolished, due in large part to pressure from other nations, parts of the United States then enacted codes designed to deny African-Americans their full citizenship rights. As abhorrent as this pattern was, Americans of good conscience rose to the challenge and implemented laws to ensure equal treatment under the law. We have a long way to go, but we have come a long way. This Administration owed it to all Americans to deliver the message of possibility to the world. Yet, unfortunately, this administration approached this conference with little interest and a miniscule commitment to engagement. Representatives of this Administration stymied the preparation that began during the previous Administration. Therefore, its withdrawal from the conference was not a surprise. And while the actions in Durban were not surprising, hope that the refusal to discuss differences does not become the trademark of this Administration and mar its ability to engage in constructive dialogue about civil and human rights in this country. The withdrawal from Durban, combined with the lack of a domestic civil rights policy, an unwillingness to proceed with much-needed election reform and the glaring refusal to end racial profiling, leads me to doubt this Administration's ability to candidly and fairly address issues of race and diversity within this country. Mr. Speaker, racism in real. Discrimination is real. The argument for reparations should be openly discussed and seriously debated in this country. America must face its current racial reality and reconcile with its inglorious racial past. I suggest that Members of this House begin our national healing by passing a resolution which offers an acknowledgement of the sufferings caused by slavery and an official apology for governmental actions which perpetrated their condition. If we, as Representatives of the United States Government, cannot apologize for this sorry and unfortunate history, our future will be forever marred and our enemies will be able to say that the United States left Durban because it did not want to address its own history. I call upon the Congress and the President to show the leadership necessary to begin healing within our country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 298 and 299, final passage of H.R. 2647, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2002 and the approval of the Journal, I was detained at the White House in a meeting on World Conference Against Racism. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I hope Emily does not have membership in an HMO. Because if Emily is covered by an HMO, it does not matter whether or not we find a donor because the HMO will not support it. Mr. Speaker, we came here to represent people like Emily, but instead we have a bill that has been transformed into representing the HMOs and insurance companies. That is a travesty on the people of this Nation. It is clear that what is being said about these new proposals for the HMO simply does not have a history of being true. I am a native Texan. We have a patients' bill of rights. We do not want this bill to tear it up. Our premiums are below the national average, more people are insured, and only 17 lawsuits in the last 4 years for 20 some million people. Now, is that extreme? Let us represent the people.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, opponents of the Bipartisan Patients' Bill of Rights contend that allowing the public to sue their HMOs will lead to a litigation explosion, a rise in health care costs, and insurance companies going bankrupt. Regardless of the fact that none of these theories have been proven, and that the facts actually show the opposite to be true, they are inundating the public with this misleading rhetoric. Well, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. The managed care industry does not hesitate to sue when it protects its bottom line, regardless of the effect it has on patients. Mr. Chairman, we must pass a Patients' Bill of Rights that no longer allows HMOs to maintain their privileged immunity from being held legally responsible to their patients. Though this is what we should do, many of my colleagues are willing to keep medical decisions in the hands of unqualified HMOs and support the Norwood amendment. The amendment provides for a one-sided preemption of state damage caps. For states with no damage caps, the damage caps in this amendment would apply. States that currently do not cap damages would be forced to accept the damage limitations provided in this bill. Mr. Chairman, a $500,000 cap to cover damages for pain and suffering is not enough. Placing a cap on punitive damages erodes the deterrent effect of punitive awards. Mr. Chairman, I would like to conclude with an example that may provide my colleagues with a clearer picture of what the Norwood amendment does to patients who depend on their insurance companies to provide for them. Consider the woman with breast cancer. Her HMO denies her a mammogram, which could have detected it. The undetected cancer worsens. When it is finally diagnosed, it is beyond treatment. The woman dies. Her family brings a lawsuit against the HMO for failure to provide the mammogram that could have identified her condition and led to life saving treatment. Even if the jury finds fault with the HMO, $500,000 will not bring that woman back. $500,000 is not enough for pain and suffering. $500,000 is a slap on the wrist for an HMO that prevented a woman from receiving a mammogram that may have detected breast cancer, and possibly saved her life. Now, I ask my colleagues to imagine that this woman was their mother, their wife, their daughter. Would $500,000 be enough to raise your kids? Would $500,000 be enough to put your kids through college? Would $500,000 be enough to explain where their mother is? How then would they feel about the Norwood amendment--the amendment that stacks the deck against patients, the amendment that could possibly stack the deck against one of their loved ones?

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I want to thank both Chairs for their support. I rise in favor of the bill's provisions to provide research and development funding for biofuels. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I strongly support the CBC amendment to earmark $5 million in each fiscal year FY 2002-2006 to minority and socially disadvantaged farmers for bioenergy research. Biofuels are a promising area not only in terms of supplying a cleaner burning source of energy but also could help to solve some of the environmental problems with confined animal feeding operations. Because of its great size and the strong presence of agriculture, my home state of Texas is number 1 in the country for animal waste production. Much of the waste contaminates our lakes and rivers, and threatens the drinking water supplies for various localities. An article in the August 6th issue of Time magazine reports that large quantities of cow manure have found their way into Lake Waco, the drinking water source for Waco, where I was born and raised. The same article also cited a Natural Resources Defense Council report detailing how cow manure in central Texas is fouling the Paluxy and Trinity aquifers and questioning the safety of well water supplies within those aquifers. The Trinity River runs through my district. Therefore, I am especially concerned about the effects of this pollution on the quality of life in my district. I am hopeful that the development of bioenergy will alleviate water pollution from farming operations. I trust that this funding will help provide the nation with greater energy security. I urge my colleagues to support energy security. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment to ensure equal opportunity for disadvantaged farmers in the development of bioenergy programs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my support for the National Mathematics and Science Partnership Act. This is significant legislation designed to improve mathematics and science education in elementary and secondary schools throughout the Nation. I congratulate the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), the chairman of the Committee on Science, for his efforts to develop the bill and for his cooperative approach in working with Members on both sides of the aisle all during the process. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), my ranking member and colleague, who introduced comprehensive science education earlier this year. Many provisions of his bill, Science Education for the 21st Century Act, H.R. 1693, are incorporated in the bill before us today. Over the past two Congresses, the Committee on Science has conducted an extensive series of hearings that have examined all aspects of K-12 science and math education. I believe that H.R. 1858, as reported from the Committee on Science, is guided and well-supported by the testimony that we have received. It is now time to move it forward toward final passage. The Democratic members of the Committee on Science have separately developed several legislative proposals on science and math education this year. In addition, they have worked with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), our ranking member, in developing H.R. 1693. I am pleased that many of the programs and activities set out in these bills are now part of H.R. 1858. I want to commend the bipartisan process through which the legislation has been developed. I believe we all approached this matter with an appreciation of the importance of finding creative and effective ways to address the serious deficiencies that now exist in K- 12 science and math education. I believe we may all take pride in the legislation that has emerged from this collegial process. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1858 comprises a range of proposals from Members on both sides of the aisle on ways to improve teacher training, to attract more talented students to careers in science and math, to encourage more students to go into education, and to develop more effective educational materials and teaching practices to improve student learning. It also authorizes new research programs to improve the scientific base for teaching techniques and education materials, as well as to determine the effectiveness of new educational approaches of improving student performance. I am particularly pleased that the bill incorporates the Math and Science Proficiency Partnership Act, H.R. 1660, which I introduced this year. This is similar to bills that I have introduced in the past two Congresses. My legislation is a targeted measure. It seeks to bring schools with large populations of economically disadvantaged students together in partnership with businesses to improve math and science education and to recruit and support students in undergraduate education and science and technology fields. The components of the partnerships will include support from the National Science Foundation to the schools for teacher training, education materials, and equipment. Industry will provide support for college scholarships for promising students, job site mentoring and internship programs, and donations of computer software and hardware. The overall effect of the partnerships will be to encourage and support promising students from under-represented groups in pursuing careers in science and engineering. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) for his willingness to work cooperatively with the Democratic Members in developing H.R. 1858, and I would ask favorable consideration. I also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Research, for his contributions, and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers). Mr. Speaker, I support strongly the passage of this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 100. I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), and the ranking member for bringing this legislation forward. It works in concert with the bill we just passed and brings attention to the very important link, and that is to make sure that very well-qualified teachers are available. Students need this type of expertise in a classroom.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall Nos. 268 and 269--Inslee amendment and Hinchy amendment--I was detained in a Senate meeting on Election Reform. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, the amendment restores $25 million that was cut by the Committee on Appropriations from the administration's request of $107.5 million for the Global Environment Facility administered by the World Bank. In considering this amendment, Mr. Chairman, I would like to remind my colleagues of the motto ``Think globally, act locally.'' The GEF was established to forge international cooperation and help to finance efforts to address four environmental threats that transcend borders: climate change, degradation of international waters, biodiversity laws, and ozone depletion. It is administered jointly by the World Bank, the U.N. Development Program, and the U.N. Environmental Program, with a mission of bringing together governments, developing institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, and the NGOs toward a common goal of bringing about sustainable economic development. In the period 1991 to 1999, GEF oversaw more than $2.7 billion in grants, which helped to leverage billions more in co-financing from partners, that is, recipient nation NGOs, the private sector, et cetera. More importantly, these projects are usually small in scale. However, when we add them altogether, they have a large, cumulative benefit to the global environment. The United States is the leading donor to the GEF, and it is essential that we continue to lead the way in fostering sustainable development and sound environmental practices in developing countries. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would help to ensure that the U.S. pays its full 2002 contribution of $107.5 million. GEF funding is especially critical in the area of global climate change, where we have tended to focus on alleged flaws in the Kyoto Treaty that place too much of a burden on industrialized nations, such as the U.S., and not enough on developing countries. Whether one agrees with this proposition or not, we should all be in agreement when it comes to providing funds to help the developing world to do their part in reducing the risk of global climate change while providing the energy that is necessary for vigorous, sustainable economic development. The GEF also will play a critical role in the implementation of the Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. So-called POPs include PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. Most have already been banned or are severely limited here in the U.S. However, since these chemicals do stay in the environment for a long time and have a tendency to spread around in the food chain, our own restrictions will be undermined if we do not also help developing nations reduce their use of these chemicals. My amendment is supported by the leading environmental groups and organizations, including the NRDC, Friends of the Earth, US PIRG, LCV, Environmental Defense, American Oceans Campaign, and the World Wildlife Fund. My proposed increase for the GEF is offset by the cuts to the Export- Import Bank subsidy appropriation. I am proposing this offset not because I have any particular animus toward the Export-Import Bank. I have always supported it. I personally come from a State that relies heavily on exporting goods to other countries. However, we are putting more in that budget than the administration requests, and we are cutting this part of the budget below the administration request. The administration seems to believe that the Export-Import Bank can successfully carry out its mission with less funding, and I am willing to go along with that recommendation. Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the amendment.

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, in view of that commitment and interest, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I want to share with my colleagues that we have a unanimous vote to vote against this bill and to support the substitute. It should not be a surprise why. We all are victims of discrimination. We do not want to roll back the clock. We are recipients of faith-based leadership throughout our history. We are not afraid of faith-based organizations. We support them. We work with them. All of the ministers who were brought here were snookered to think that they were getting something, until they found this clause in the bill. Mr. Speaker, they unanimously decided that it was not worth rolling back the clock and codifying discrimination again in the year 2001. I would ask all of the Members to please support the substitute and vote down the main bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to establish a grant program under the Secretary of Agriculture to support research and development programs in agricultural biotechnology to address the food and economic needs of the developing world. My bill recognizes the great potential of agricultural biotechnology to combat hunger, malnutrition, and sickness in the developing world and provides the mechanism to encourage the pursuit of this exciting technology. Portions of the developing world are facing a pandemic of malnutrition and disease; 200 million people on the African continent alone are chronically malnourished. Traditional farming practices cannot meet the growing needs of the developing world. Africa's crop production is the lowest in the world and even with about two-thirds of its labor force engaged in agriculture, Africa currently imports more than 25 percent of its grain for food and feed. Biotechnology offers great promise for agriculture and nutrition in the developing world. Vitamin-enhanced foods, foods higher in protein, and fruits and vegetables with longer shelf-lives have been developed using biotechnology. Biotechnology can promote sustainable agriculture, leading to food and economic security in developing nations. Biotechnology can help developing countries produce higher crop yields while using fewer pesticides and herbicides. My bill does not encourage the development of pesticide-resistant crops. An added benefit of increased yields through biotechnology is that increased productivity on existing crop land reduces the amount of land that needs to be farmed as well as the need for new crop acreage, which can greatly slow the rate of habitat destruction. Since most food production and farming in the developing world is done by women, such an increase in productivity also enables women to spend their time on other productive activities and better care for their families. Biotechnology can also improve the health of citizens of developing countries by combating 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 world. 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 the prospect of orally delivering vaccines to immunize against life-threatening illnesses through agricultural products in a safe and effective manner. My bill establishes a grant program under the Foreign Agricultural Service in the Department of Agriculture to encourage research in agricultural biotechnology. Eligible grant recipients include historically black colleges and universities, land-grant colleges, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges or universities. Non-profit organizations and consortia of for-profit and in-country agricultural research centers are also eligible. I encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress from the great state of Texas and a former nurse. I am particularly concerned about this House's ability to pass a Patients' Bill of Rights. We have all heard the horror stories of patients denied treatment or hospitalization as a result of the assessment of an insurance company or HMO. We have all heard questions from our constituents about federal action on the Patients' Bill of Rights. We all know there is a desire and a need to have a system which allows patients a voice in their health care. Yet because of the fear that the cost of lawyers will drive up the cost of health care, we have failed to act. Mr. Speaker, it is time to replace fear with facts. In Texas, we passed a Patients' Bill of Rights in 1997. This bill was passed over the veto of then-Governor George Bush. Since that time, the Texas Patients' Bill of Rights has provided patient protection for many of the residents of my state. The bill of rights allows Texans with health insurance to have direct access to specialists. When a patient sees a doctor, the medical professional is allowed to discuss all treatment options, even those not covered by the plan. If there is a disagreement between patient and provider, there is a strong Independent Review Organization that ensures that patients have an appeal process that recommends solutions. All of these protections have been accomplished with only a slight increase in health care premiums. America deserves the kind of patient protections that Texans currently enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I hope that Members of this House can explain to their constituents, why they cannot have the standard of care currently enjoyed in Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an innovator, trailblazer, and contributor to the advancement of African Americans, Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became the first Black woman elected to Congress. During her seven-term career, Chisholm worked diligently on several committees including Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rules, Education, and Labor. The Brooklyn native has truly touched the lives of her fellow Americans. Chisholm is truly an exceptional person for many reasons. Her positive impact on issues involving healthcare, education, and daycare has implemented changes throughout various areas of the community. In 1976 she urged the House to over-ride President Ford's veto of a $125 million bill to assist states in meeting federal health, safety and personnel standards for day care centers. Her fight to tougher fair housing legislation is a continuum in America today. Because of her victory in this fight, today millions of children spend their days in safe and decent daycare facilities. Her conscientious efforts have truly left indelible imprints upon society. Mr. Speaker, Chisholm's contributions to society and this institution were truly spectacular. As an African American woman in this Congress, I stand on her shoulders and hope to honor and continue her legacy.