Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Americans to give our children a choice of educational opportunities. I am a strong supporter of college education, but our children should have a wider range of post-high school educational choices in addition to college education. We should include the trade and technical school education as one of our national education priorities. With the growth of technology and our commitment to international commerce trade and technical training education is vital to our society. This type of specific vocational/technical education is indispensable to the expansion of career opportunities in the United States. While college and post-graduate programs are appropriate avenues for many students, many other students would benefit greatly from the opportunity to orient their education toward acquiring specialized technical or trade skills (e.g., electrician, computer programming and repair, graphic arts). Technical and vocational careers are just as important--and in some instances vital--to the welfare of our society as are professional, white-collar careers. Technical and vocational careers pay well. I urge all of us to recognize the need for technical education in high school curricula and for more colleges to have courses of study related to technological and trade school career choice. Our education agenda should include vocational education as an alternative to high school students. I believe that three points need to be implemented in order for students to receive this opportunity: First, encouraging schools to build partnerships with the private sector in order to prepare trade school-oriented students for alternative career opportunities. The formation of school to job co-ops is beneficial because it will allow students to incorporate their technical training with real work experience. Second, the name vocational should be replaced by a more positive name in order to dispel the negativity usually associated with vocational education (e.g., technological/trade education). Vocational education is technical/trade education which focuses on the development of specific hands-on skills. Third, creating a positive awareness within the general public and among educators of technology and trade education. Our society needs to recognize trade education as a necessary component of our educational system. In closing, I urge all of my colleagues to consider trade and technological education as a priority in our national education agenda. Our children need this choice, because only by giving them these opportunities will they be able to empower themselves.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the CBC budget. We know it is an alternative budget. The so- called budget deal is not the only budget, however, that should receive consideration in this body. The CBC alternative budget balances the budget a year sooner than the deal. It applies deficit reduction fairly and preserves the fundamental budget priorities of the American people. The CBC budget does several things which contrast it from the deal, which few Members have really actually been able to see and which imposes deficit reduction on many of the most vulnerable populations in this country. The budget alternative would not impose undue cuts on programs serving the elderly, veterans, working families or the poor. Wealthy corporations would bear their share of the deficit. The budget would fund education programs at levels beyond those proposed by President Clinton while incorporating his priorities. The budget would fund child health initiatives, which cover the 10 million children who do not receive health care coverage at this time. The budget would institute a real program of welfare reform, reinstating cuts in food stamps, immigrant services and SSI which simply went too far in the deal. In short, the Congressional Black Caucus budget alternative is the most reflective of the values and priorities of the American people that Members will have an opportunity to support. A vote for this budget will be a vote for jobs. A vote for this budget would be a vote for welfare reform. A vote for this budget will be an opportunity to give the wealthy and large corporations an opportunity to assist in deficit reduction. A vote for this budget would be a vote for keeping Medicare trust fund solvent. A vote for this budget would be a vote for protecting social investments which help our economy grow. I urge all of us to consider that we do represent real people. Let us vote for the real people and support this budget.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join others in the Nation who this week are recognizing our law enforcement officers for their role in protecting their respective communities. I would like to particularly recognize those officers of the sheriff's and police departments of Texas' district 30 which I represent, for I personally know of the distinction and valor with which they carry out their daily duties. Over the years, we have witnessed many of our communities--particularly in urban areas--undergo drastic change. With the scourges of crack, poverty and family dysfunction fraying the social fabric of our communities, law enforcement officers have been called upon to assume a greater responsibility for the safety of our neighborhoods. Much has been said about the tensions that exist between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; however, I know that in communities such as Dallas and Irving, TX, the police departments are reaching out to neighborhood residents to establish partnerships in fighting crime and increasing community safety. Many of these policemen and policewomen are unsung heroes, who daily climb into their police cruisers, walk their neighborhood beats or ride their bicycles on patrol, each day knowing that they risk death or serious injury. While communities may be able to function without hostile corporate takeover specialists or sitcom stars, no community could function without a dedicated force of law enforcement personnel. It says something about our priorities as a society that--in spite of its indispensability--law enforcement is among the lowest paid professions. I would also be remiss if I did not also recognize the husbands, wives and children of our law enforcement officers, the ones who stay home each day not knowing if their loved ones will be facing a life- threatening situation. Should anyone doubt the dangers of the job, they need only visit the National Peace Officers' Memorial in Washington, DC and read the names of those who have given their lives in service to their communities. The families of our peace officers deserve recognition for their steadfast support of their spouse or parent who is often under-appreciated and underpaid. We all should take the opportunity to let our law enforcement officers and their families know that their service and sacrifices are appreciated. As a Member of Congress, I pledge to continue work to enact legislation that aids our peace officers and law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I offer my heartfelt salute to our Nation's police officers, sheriff's deputies and highway patrol officers.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join others in the nation who this week are recognizing our law enforcement officers for their role in protecting their respective communities. I would like to particularly recognize those officers of the sheriffs and police departments of Texas' district 30 which I represent, for I personally know of the distinction and valor with which they carry out their daily duties. Over the years, we have witnessed many of our communities--particularly in urban areas--undergo drastic change. With the scourges of crack, poverty and family dysfunction fraying the social fabric of our communities, law enforcement officers have been called upon to assume a greater responsibility for the safety of our neighborhoods. Much has been said about the tensions that exist between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; however, I know that in communities such as Dallas and Irving, TX, the police departments are reaching out to neighborhoods residents to establish partnerships in fighting crime and increasing community safety. Many of these policemen and policewoman are unsung heroes, who daily climb into their police cruisers, walk their neighborhood beats or ride their bicycles on patrol, each day knowing that they risk death or serious injury. While communities may be able to function without hostile corporate takeover specialist or sitcom stars, no community could function without a dedicated force of law enforcement personnel. It says something about our priorities as a society that--in spirit of its indispensability--law enforcement is among the lowest paid professions. I would also be remiss if I did not also recognize the husbands, wives, and children of our law enforcement officers, the ones who stay at home each day not knowing if their loved ones will be facing a life- threatening situation. Should anyone doubt the dangers of the job, they need only visit the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC, and read the names of those who have given their lives in service to their communities. The families of our peace officers deserve recognition for their steadfast support of their spouse or parent who is often under- appreciated and underpaid. We all should take the opportunity to let our law enforcement officers and their families know that their service and sacrifices are appreciated. As a Member of Congress, I pledge to continue to work to enact legislation that aids our peace officers and law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion I offer my heartfelt salute to our Nation's police officers, sheriff's deputies, and highway patrol officers.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 695.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3, the Juvenile Crime Control Act. This piece of legislation is too extreme in its treatment of juveniles in the system, both in its insistence on prosecuting more juveniles as adults and in allowing juveniles to be housed with adults, and because it fails to include any measures aimed at preventing juvenile crime. Moreover, as written, the bill fails to include provisions crucial to the fight against crime including real prevention funding, drug control efforts, gun control efforts, and provisions aimed at targeting gang activity. Mr. Chairman, it is in my opinion that we need to foster a relationship between communities, law enforcement, schools, social services, business communities, and government agencies in order to create partnerships that thwart juvenile violence. Initiatives that target truants, dropouts, children who fear going to school, suspended or expelled students, and youth going back into school settings following release from juvenile correctional facilities, are needed to keep the minds of our youth on the path of righteousness instead of destruction. Mr. Chairman, another one of my primary concerns with the majority's legislation is that it allows juveniles to be housed with adults. First, the bill allows juveniles and adults to be housed together in pretrial detention. Perhaps most disturbingly, this provision would permit children who have not been accused of violent crimes to be held in adult jails. Children charged with petty offenses like shoplifting or motor vehicle violations could be held with adult inmates. Mr. Chairman, most significantly, H.R. 3 fails to include a meaningful prevention program. The Federal Government should give local governments money to assist them in finding ways to stop the children in their communities from getting involved in crime in the first place. Money should be available for boys and girls clubs, mentoring programs, after school activities, and other programs that are researched-based and have been proven to work and are cost effective. In the same vein, money should also be spent on early intervention for youth at risk of committing crimes and intervention programs for first offenders at risk of committing more serious crimes. Mr. Chairman, I would hope that we can work in a more bipartisan manner when it comes to juvenile crime. We all know and understand that crime, on any level, is not partisan--it affects us all--so let us try to bring forth legislation that is both fair and sensible to all.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impressive strides that the Government and people of Taiwan have made in strengthening democracy and a free market system in their country. I have visited Taiwan in the past and during my visit, I was struck with the industriousness of the people and, particularly, with their heartfelt embrace of democracy. I am proud to count among my friends many of the Taiwanese Government officials, business leaders, and ordinary citizens that I met during my all-too-brief visit. The Taiwanese have created a society that is characterized by a vibrant culture, hardworking people, and a burgeoning economy. All of the positive developments in Taiwan today are directly attributable to the commitment of the Taiwanese people to democratic government and democratic principles. While Taiwan cannot claim over 200 years of experience with democratic government as we in the United States can, Taiwan's relatively young democracy has demonstrated resilience and vitality in the face of enormous external and internal pressures. As to those pressures, we are all aware of the tension between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China related to the issue of reunification. Additionally, like any country experiencing rapid economic growth, there are increased pressures brought to bear on the societal fabric by the unique changes such growth creates. A significant amount of credit for the stability and economic growth that Taiwan is experiencing should go to President Lee Teng-hui--who will be celebrating his first anniversary in office on May 20--and his administration. Among other things, through his leadership of Taiwan, President Lee has fostered an economic environment that stimulates technological and industrial innovation. He has also set a course for Taiwan that is moving the country closer to the goal of reconciliation and reunification with mainland China. He is to be commended for his leadership of Taiwan. In closing, therefore, I applaud the people and Government of Taiwan for persevering in their pursuit of democracy and free enterprise.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the retirement of a great friend, the Reverend Dr. C.B.T. Smith, the minister of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church. C.B.T. Smith has played a prominent role in the African-American community during his 45 years of service at his church in the city of Dallas. The reverend demonstrated a life long commitment to the ministerial needs of our community in Dallas, and his service is exemplified by his more than 50 years of service in the gospel ministry. During his tenure, Dr. Smith has been a staunch supporter of education and has become well known for his work on the local, State, and national levels, promoting positive opportunity through education. Dr. Smith's congregation gathered to commemorate his retirement in a weekend-long tribute which began April 11, 1997. When Dr. Smith came to Dallas, he began to organize and create ministries which would give access to all who wished to attend church especially those who could not make it to Sunday worship. He created a prison ministry and a bus ministry to continue to provide outreach to people who needed his service the most. He believed in feeding his flock first, through starting the First Christian Welfare and Storehouse Ministry, the Sunday School on Wheels Ministry, and a senior citizens ministry. His most ambitious undertaking was when he launched the ARMS [Adult Rehabilitation Ministry], a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility for men. All of these ministries which he set forth were to bring a sense of belonging to those who felt disenfranchised. He wanted to make sure that everyone who wanted to could feel a part of this community and attend his ministry. Mister Speaker, I ask my colleagues assembled here to join me in recognizing my good friend and the fine minister from the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, the Reverend Dr. C.B.T. Smith, for his many years of dedicated service to the city of Dallas. All of Dallas and the State of Texas are lucky to have such a fine minister, and I am sure that he will, in some way, continue to look after us in some capacity in his retirement.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay special tribute to a remarkable individual who has distinguished himself by his exceptional accomplishments in both academics and athletics. Mr. Jamon Charles Williams passed away on Thursday, April 17, 1997. Jamon attended Memorial High School in San Antonio, TX, and was in the top 15 percent of his senior class. He was a Presidential Classroom Scholar and had plans to pursue an Engineering career at one of the six colleges where he had already been accepted. Jamon was co-captain of Memorial's basketball team and was named to the 27-AAAA District Basketball team. His athletic ability and his desire to build team morale allowed him to lead his high school basketball team to many victories. In addition, Jamon was the president of the Black Student Union. Mr. Speaker, all of San Antonio grieves for the family and friends of Jamon Williams. Mr. Williams was an extraordinary leader, an exemplary student, and a highly respected member of the San Antonio community. He inspired those that he worked with, won the devotion of his friends, and earned the gratitude of his community. I ask my colleagues assembled here to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Jamon Charles Williams.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

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

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

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I think that explanation really takes care of my concern that there will not be 50 or 75 percent. So I think that will be enough percentage to allow them to be protected. I thank the gentleman for that response.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment, and I will pull it down at the end of the discussion, to add a section that allows the development of programs for outreach for informing special minority families about the opportunities to adopt. Very, very frequently this information is not known and many times they do not know where to get it to see about adoption. When I was growing up, which was a long time ago, my parents brought in three extra children. We never got them adopted. I am a second child, and after me they did not have another child for 8 years, and after that another one after another 8 years. But in the meantime, between these births, we had at least three children in the home and never formally adopted them. When I became an adult and had one child and could not have another child, I wanted to adopt but I did not have the information, was not quite sure what it meant, and so we went to an orphan home and brought a young child home each weekend. If I had had access to information that would inform and allay fears and say what some of the expectations are, adoptions could have taken place. I think there are a number of minorities in that position, that really want to adopt but are a little fearful, not quite sure how to get started, and this just adds another development onto the six that simply allows the development of programs that would do outreach. It could be in the form of a brochure or an 800 number or any other type of outreach activity, such as radio announcements. Mr. Chairman, I simply wanted to call that to Members' attention.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise to address a question to the gentleman from Michigan relating to elderly caregivers. I need to ask the question as to whether or not there is protection for older caregivers who have retired or who are disabled and taking care of minor children where they might need aid to dependent children. What provision do we find anywhere in the law that protects them from having the 2-year limit on aid to dependent children?

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman, and allow me to thank the author of this legislation and the gentlewoman from Connecticut [Mrs. Kennelly] for bringing this piece of legislation forward. It is the best piece of legislation I have seen that addresses adoptions. I appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me simply say that my colleague here is right when he wants to stop a lot of the spending. I fully agree, but I do not want to stop it where there is a penny-wise and a pound-foolish. We have gone into the unknown in research, all of our existence as a nation. This research has brought us many answers. If we do not explore the unknown, we cannot remain on the cutting edge, we cannot continue to battle diseases that plague us and the viruses and all. We also know that we can commercialize many of the products and offer jobs and give good income for our country. I fully support the space station.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a parting tribute to one of the foremost pioneers to the working man and woman. The late Congressman Charles Arthur Hayes spent more than 45 years of his life as a trade unionist. He succeeded the late Harold Washington in the House when Washington was elected mayor of Chicago. Congressman Hayes was a man who had a knack for organizing workers on all levels. He helped to organize Local 1424 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and served as its president from 1940 to 1942. From 1979 until his retirement in September 1983, Congressman Hayes was the international vice president and director of Region Twelve of the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union. In addition to seeking increased benefits and improved conditions for workers, Congressman Hayes also fought to eliminate segregation and discrimination in hiring and promotion in the industry. Congressman Hayes also sought to provide African-American and women workers with opportunities to serve as leaders in the labor movement. Mr. Speaker, during his congressional career Congressman Hayes introduced several pieces of legislation to address the educational and employment needs of many Americans. Prominent among these are acts to encourage school dropouts to reenter and complete their education and to provide disadvantaged young people with job training and support services. Congressman Hayes also sponsored bills to reduce high unemployment rates and make it easier for municipalities to offer affordable utility companies. He consistently opposed the actions and programs of South Africa's white-minority government and in 1984 joined other demonstrators at its Washington Embassy in protest of the Pretoria regime's policies of racial separation. Mr. Speaker, I rise with the rest of my colleagues in tribute not only to a pioneer in workers rights but to a pioneer in human rights.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I stand here in this Chamber and shower the late, great Jackie Robinson with praises and accolades for his contribution to major league baseball. Jackie Robinson always had fire in his eyes. There was an intensity in them, a determination from the lonesome odyssey of 1947 when he integrated baseball and changed America. The versatile Jackie Robinson began his stellar sporting career in 1933 as a letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track in Pasadena, CA. Destined for stardom, Robinson made the Pomona (CA) Tournament Baseball All-Star team, in his senior year, that included future major league standouts such as Ted Williams and Bob Lemon. Jackie Robinson's baseball career led him to many challenges outside the sports arena. After being traded to the New York Giants in December 1956, Robinson contemplated retirement. The following month, Robinson announced his retirement, moving from the dugout to a desk, trading his bat for a pen. Robinson became vice president of Community Affairs for the Chock Full O'Nuts Co., a restaurant chain. In 1964, he resigned from the restaurant company to organize the Freedom National Bank in Harlem. The black-owned bank's mission was ``a community enterprise which will in every way belong to the people it is to serve * * *.'' As chairman of the board, Robinson helped raise more than $1.5 million. That same year, 1964, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York, asked him to become one of six deputy national directors. Robinson was Rockefeller's first black staff member. Rockefeller later named him to his executive committee as special assistant of community affairs. Today, 50 years later, we honor Jack Roosevelt Robinson for his contributions to our beloved game of peanuts and crackerjacks. Our game where the only race that matters is the race to the bag. When color is only a means to distinguish one uniform from that of another. Robinson made it possible for all Americans to see beyond skin color and assess a person's true character. For without Jackie's inspiration and dedication, America's game would not be what it is today, our national pastime. For this reason we have cause to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this barrier breaker and remember his hardships as well as his triumphs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to admit that I am not pro-abortion. My roots consist of growing up in the Catholic church and being educated at a Catholic college. I am a nurse, and I am pro-choice. A woman's decision to undergo an abortion procedure is one of the most personally agonizing decisions she will have to make. In late term abortions, women have had the opportunity to choose abortion and did not because they wanted the child. But because of some untoward turn of health events, sometimes this procedure becomes necessary. To the maximum extent possible, the Government should avoid any intrusion into this painful process. The Government cannot and should not replace family, friends, clergy, and physicians. These are not the kind of issues that any woman comes to this body to ask for an answer. This is not where they seek that advice. We have been guaranteed by our Constitution a right to privacy and a freedom of religion. This is not the proper body to discuss life and death issues that licensed physicians and families should be making without the intrusion of this body.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1 is bad for working women! Families need flexibility! However, H.R. 1 is not the way to reach employee flexibility. Flexibility would allow employees to decide when to take comp time off. H.R. 1, on the other hand, extends that flexibility to the employer. The truth is, under H.R. 1, an employer has no obligation to grant a request for a specific time off. Further, the unduly disrupts language takes away even more flexibility from the employee. Employers may use this provision to the disadvantage of the employees when there is no serious injury to the work environment. Therefore, employers may actually punish employees with the selective use of comp time. H.R. 1 is not the answer. What is the answer? The Family and Medical Leave Act should be expanded to give working families basic protection. Families also need paycheck protection! Two-thirds of American workers oppose substituting comp time for overtime pay. This bill will affect wage hour earners. 70 percent of those make $10 an hour and under. The reality is that families in this income bracket do not have much discretionary income and may find it extremely difficult to postpone receipt of their paychecks. Under H.R. 1 if an employee requests comptime and later chooses overtime pay, the employer may retain his earnings for 30 days. In addition, the use of comptime is not counted as hours worked. Employees will lose money that would have otherwise been contributed toward Social Security and unemployment benefits. I support employee flexibility. I even support comptime as long as workers rights are not infringed upon. However, in the interest of the hundreds of thousands of working constituents in my district, I cannot support H.R. 1.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support a friend, and a confidant in Alexis Herman in her nomination for Secretary of Labor. Alexis Herman is no stranger to hard work. She has always worked hard to find practical solutions to the issues and challenges that American workers face. As Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, Alexis Herman was known for her handling of delicate relations with diverse groups. President Clinton has given Alexis Herman a chance to put those skills to test again when he nominated her as Labor Secretary against the wishes of key labor constituencies. Mr. Speaker, Alexis Herman understands work and she understands workers. Mr. Speaker, Alexis Herman has a proven track record. She is not only a longtime advocate for women and minorities but she is a product of a politically active home. Upon her graduation from Xavier University in New Orleans, she returned to her hometown of Mobile, AL, to help desegregate her old high school. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues here in the House and in the other Chamber look pass Alexis Herman being a woman and a Clinton supporter and realize her potential to be one of the best Secretaries of Labor this country can ever have. In my opinion, Alexis Herman is a wonderful choice for Secretary of Labor. She knows and understands working families' concerns, and I look forward to working closely with her. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Women's History Month and would like to call special attention to the progress U.S. women have made in the workforce. Women have made inroads into spheres formerly dominated by men. For example, the number of female managers jumped from 19 percent in the 1970's to 43 percent by the middle of the 1990's. By 1993, women earned a majority of all college degrees. Black women far exceeded their male counterparts, earning 63 percent of bachelor's degrees. Unfortunately, these significant gains in the public arenas of school and workplace are matched by some sobering trends. Women and children are more likely to be living in poverty than men. Among the elderly, women's likelihood of being poor is twice that of men of the same age. Under the new welfare reform law, poor and minority women will disproportionately suffer the impact of this legislation. For example, under the new law, unmarried women who have children while on welfare can be denied additional benefits for those children. With out-of- wedlock birth rates highest among blacks and Hispanics, this restriction will disproportionately affect poor minority children. In addition, the new law will exclude many immigrant mothers and their children from receiving food stamps. In spite of these grim facts, I believe that women will achieve greater economic equity in the future. The movement toward greater equality in work and family roles can only be achieved over the long run by the succession of generations. Each generation must become more committed to equality than the last.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black History Month. Since 1976, Americans have celebrated, in the month of February, the accomplishments and heritage of African-Americans. Brought here as slaves, shackled, and beaten, African-Americans now represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, approximately 30 million. Despite many obstacles and hurdles, this large group has made significant achievements in the building and shaping of America. Most African-Americans have on their list of movers and shakers Crispus Attucks, the first man to die in the Boston Massacre of 1770; Harriet Tubman, the leader of the Underground Railroad; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a drum major for justice; and Rosa Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement. And, the list goes on. But, if we stop and reflect on where we have gone since the marches and sit-ins and boycotts of the 1960's, have we really gone far? Despite African-American contributions to society, African-Americans are still not fully recognized for their worth and potential to this Nation. This is ironically portrayed by the title ``Black History Month,'' the time set aside to learn the history of a people. One month cannot capture the infinite historical treasures that African-Americans have embedded into the fabric of this society. A more appropriate title would be ``Black Emphasis Month'' symbolizing that black history should not be a separate course taught only in February. Rather, we should make daily efforts to correct the history that is taught to our children. Our children deserve to know that their forefathers and foremothers had the creative minds and intellect to make important contributions to this society that we may sometimes take for granted, such as the inventions of the light bulb filament and the traffic light. Importantly, we should use this month as a time to reflect not only on recognizing the contributions of African-Americans to the American society, but we must also think of February as a month in which we ponder the travesties suffered by an entire race of people. The battles are not over. Hopwood versus Texas was a blow to many individuals hoping to further their educations. This decision, which rendered admission criteria which take race into account unconstitutional, shattered the hopes and dreams of would-be legislators, attorneys, and teachers. To be sure, the decision did not raise standards; the intellectual capacity is ever-present. Rather, it took away the incentive, that extra push needed by someone that may be from a broken home or a first- generation college student. This measure tried to kill the aspirations of our Nation's youths. Affirmative action gives those less fortunate than others the initial opportunity to prove themselves--nothing more, nothing less. We will not need race-based criteria once we have the initial opportunity. In 1996, the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, struck another blow to minority voters. Bush versus Vera, which declared unconstitutional congressional redistricting plans that gave black and Hispanic voters more clout was a setback because it could ultimately mean that those constituents may have a harder time gaining representation in Congress. Rising to the challenges they faced, many U.S. Representatives, including myself, were not defeated. However, you must take note that we won reelection because we first had the chance to serve. Affirmative action is that opportunity. Affirmative action is what is needed to first prove yourself. It is needed as a corrective action to change disparities from the past. When such corrective action is taken away, we may not have any more initial opportunities for success. We got the message out to our constituents, and I want to get the message to you today, to see that now more than ever it is a time to stand up for what so many others have died for-- our freedom, our rights. In light of these abhorrent things that are going on today, we must reevaluate, reappraise our civil rights gains. Glass ceilings are not being removed. Affirmative action is being challenged from every angle. We have the opportunity to use these stumbling blocks and make them stepping stones. But we must be active in order to be instrumental in this struggle. What underground railroad are you leading? Are you a drum major for justice, for peace, for equality? We must look the grim facts in the face. We must not be passive. We must stand up and take charge of our own destinies and take someone else with us. Then, and only then, can we, as a people rise up and fight the injustices that have plagued our people since we stepped foot on American soil.