Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

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

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our distinguished majority leader.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1289, I call up the bill (H.R. 4346) making appropriations for Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7361, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act. We are seeing the impacts of climate change on severe weather events across the country. Inclement weather is more intense than ever and happening more frequently. Fortunately, due to the advancement of forecasting science and dissemination, we have not seen a corresponding increase in deaths. With climate change supercharging severe weather, we need to ensure emergency response professionals can communicate without interruption. This communication is vital to warn and protect Americans during times of severe weather events. The NWS Communications Improvement Act is a bipartisan bill led by Congressman Feenstra of the Science Committee. It would require NOAA to upgrade the aging National Weather Service's instant communications system to current technology standards. The current communication system, known as NWS Chat, has faced delays and outages during recent weather events. This critical tool needs to be updated to address these issues and improve reliability. The safety of all Americans depends on it. The House's consideration of this bill is very timely as the National Weather Service announced last week that it will be transitioning NWS Chat to a commercially available instant messaging platform. Congressional direction, and the corresponding authorization of appropriations language in this bipartisan commonsense bill will support the Weather Service's ongoing efforts on this important issue. With today's technology, disruptions in communication during emergency events should never occur, let alone be common. This critical bill will update NWS Chat, a very important communication tool, to be more dependable. I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise I support of H.R. 3952, the NOAA Chief Scientist Act, as amended. This bill takes measures to better support and define the role of the Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. One of my great priorities as Chairwoman of the Science Committee has been reinforcing the importance of scientific integrity across our federal science agencies. The NOAA Chief Scientist Act prioritizes scientific integrity at the highest levels of leadership at NOAA by requiring the Chief Scientist to publicly acknowledge his or her commitment to agency scientific integrity policies. Scientific integrity and transparency are integral to ensuring federal agencies can maintain their status as trusted resources to Americans. This bill lays out qualifications for the Chief Scientist, as this role should be held by someone with expertise and experience in the field. This bill includes additional provisions that would support the expanded role of the Chief Scientist and make the science and technology activities of the agency transparent and accessible to the public. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representative Sherrill of New Jersey and Representative Feenstra from Iowa, who worked together on its provisions. I am proud of the Science Committee's work this Congress to develop scientifically sound, bipartisan legislation. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of a bill that advances scientific integrity at NOAA and urge my colleagues to support it. I include in the Record an exchange of letters on H.R. 3952 sent between the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Natural Resources. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, May 24, 2022. Hon. Raul M. Grijalva, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Grijalva: I am writing you concerning H.R. 3952, the ``NOAA Chief Scientist Act'' which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and sequentially to the Committee on Natural Resources. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this bill. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. I acknowledge that you will waive further consideration of H.R. 3952, that this action is not a waiver of future jurisdictional claims by the Committee on Natural Resources over this subject matter. I will make sure to include a copy of our exchange of letters in the Congressional Record and will support the appointment of conferees from the Committee on Natural Resources during any House-Senate conference involving this legislation. Thank you for your cooperation on this legislation. Sincerely, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7289, the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act, as amended. This bill, introduced by Representatives Lizzie Fletcher and Peter Meijer, is another example of strong bipartisanship from Science Committee members on a critical issue facing our Nation. Manufactured carbon and fluorine-based chemicals, known as PFAS, are pervasive throughout the environment due to their inability to be broken down. Traces of PFAS can be found in everyday household items, clothing, and even in our drinking water. They have also increasingly been found to have negative impacts on public and environmental health. Our low-income communities, and communities of color, are at risk for high levels of exposure to PFAS due to these communities being disproportionately located near chemical plants containing PFAS. This can lead to higher instances of morbidity and mortality for these communities as well. To effectively reduce the presence of PFAS in our environment, we must be guided by strong science. The Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to publish studies that identify major research gaps associated with our understanding of PFAS. These studies would also inform the Office of Science and Technology Policy's work to develop a comprehensive federal research effort for PFAS. Families across the Nation depend on the Federal government to ensure their safety when it comes to PFAS contamination in drinking water and consumer goods. The findings of the studies authorized in this bill will help support ongoing Federal efforts to protect our communities from the dangers of PFAS. I urge my colleagues to support this critical, bipartisan, bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 892, a resolution calling on the Government of the Republic of Rwanda to release Paul Rusesabagina on humanitarian grounds. The Rwandan genocide is considered one of the deadliest and most brutal tragedies in the history of humankind. In just 100 days, more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically assaulted, raped, and slaughtered by the Rwandan and Interahamwe militaries. And except for a few peacekeeping forces, the international community at large refused to get involved--leaving any resistance efforts to come from within the country. That's when Paul Rusesabagina stepped in. As the manager at a hotel in the capital city of Kigali at the time, he was credited for housing and feeding more than 1,200 Tutsi and Hutu refugees during the genocide. He knew that the consequences of his efforts would put both himself and his family in danger, but he still chose to help his people in their greatest hour of need. Now, the Rwandan government has convicted, detained, and reportedly tortured Mr. Rusesabagina on charges stemming from a trial that the State Department and American Bar Association considered unfair and irreparable. He has also been denied the medical attention required as a cancer survivor and individual suffering from a cardiovascular disorder. By passing this resolution, the House of Representatives will join several other international democratic bodies to express concern over his conviction and call for his immediate release. We will also urge the United States Government to continue to raise awareness about Mr. Rusesabagina's case and convey our support to his friends, family, and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Paul Rusesabagina's story reminds us that hope can be found even during our darkest days. I would urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2543, the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act. The Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act would direct the Federal Reserve to provide reports on racial and ethnic disparities in employment, income, wealth, and access to affordable credit. It also includes provisions that would establish language access requirements for creditors and servicers to better serve borrowers with limited English proficiency, allow all federal credit unions to expand their membership to include underserved communities, and clarify that financial institutions be required to collect their self-identified sexual orientation and gender identity information to help combat discriminatory practices against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) business owners. This bill also includes an amendment that I authored with my colleague from Rhode Island, Congressman Jim Langevin, to require disparities for individuals with disabilities to be published in the Federal Reserve's reports. Let me share a brief example of why this legislation is necessary. Last year, a local news agency led an investigation in my district that revealed a long and tragic pattern of discriminatory lending practices in South Dallas. It became apparent that several banks refused to give home loans to residents in low-income areas, in direct contradiction to federal laws protecting borrowers regardless of race or economic status. This is a failure of both policy and oversight, and is the exact type of issue that this bill would require the Federal Reserve to address. I want to thank Chairwoman Waters and the members of the Financial Services Committee for bringing the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act to the floor. I also want to thank the Chairwoman for joining my roundtable on the discriminatory lending practices in South Dallas last year. These stories are not unique to my district--they are found in communities across the country. That's why we need a federal approach, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, for over 150 years, June 19th, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, has served as a source of reflection, inspiration, and hope for generations of Black Americans. It is a day when we are reminded of the trials and tribulations of those who came before us, and celebrate the incredible progress we have made. It is a day when we can rejoice together in the freedom and liberties that we all share, and recommit ourselves to everlasting equality and justice. It is a day that means so much, but for too long had not been formally recognized as a federal holiday. That was, Madam Speaker, until our advocacy was finally met with action from the rest of Congress and the White House. I was proud to join my colleagues here in Congress and the Biden Administration last year to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Now, just one year later, many more Americans understand and appreciate the day's history. Today, I am especially thankful for Texas's very own, Ms. Opal Lee. Colloquially known as the ``Grandmother of Juneteenth,'' Ms. Lee has worked tirelessly over the years to educate, inform, and advocate on behalf of the Juneteenth movement. I have had the pleasure of meeting her several times over the years and am constantly reminded that we stand on the shoulders of icons like her. Madam Speaker, I want to wish those in Texas's 30th Congressional District and across the country a Happy Juneteenth.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today is day 159 of 2022. There have already been over 200 mass shootings this year. Madam Speaker, we cannot let this be our new reality. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough. We must act, and we must do it now. This week, we must pass H.R. 7910, the Protecting Our Kids Act, and H.R. 2377, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022. The Protecting Our Kids Act includes provisions that would raise the lawful age to purchase an assault-style weapon from 18 to 21, impose new restrictions on large capacity magazines, strengthen safe storage requirements, and crack down on the sale and distribution of unlicensed guns. The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022 encourages states to improve and implement extreme risk laws, which would help keep guns out of the hands of those who are likely to pose an increased threat to themselves or to others. Madam Speaker, these are small--but necessary--first steps. I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these bills, and to commit themselves to doing all they can to address the issue of gun violence.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, nearly 80 percent of our traded goods rely on American ports, harbors, and inland waterways to reach consumers. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to support our waterways and ecosystems, improve our defenses against floods and extreme weather, and create good-paying jobs along the way--and that's what the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA) will do. Specifically, this bill authorizes the construction of 16 new projects and 72 feasibility studies approved by the Corps of Engineers and expedites the completion of 15 ongoing investigations. The bill also includes a water resource initiative that is very important to my constituents and the many residents of North Texas. The White Rock Lake is a 1,015-acre city lake located outside of Dallas. The lake is one of the most heavily-used parks in the Dallas Parks system. It is home to the Dallas Arboretum, the White Rock Lake Museum, the Bath House Cultural Center, a large boat ramp and fishing pier, over nine miles of hiking and biking trails, a dog park, a picnic area, and pavilions. White Rock Lake has experienced an accumulation of sediment since it was last dredged in 1998, reducing the overall capacity of the lake, with reductions in both its water quality and recreational use. And with the pandemic increasing the already heavy usage rate of the lake, the need to dredge it has never been more urgent. The goals of the White Rock Lake dredging project included in the WRDA are to remove sediment from the shoreline to improve maintenance, improve water quality to minimize negative impacts to aquatic habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas, and restore the depth of the lake to enhance watersport recreation. The bill also authorizes $19.2 billion in funding to restore and protect Texas' coastline. The project is one of the largest in the history of the Corps of Engineers and includes improvements that reduce risks to public health and the economy, restore critical ecosystems, advance coastal resiliency, and help prepare the state for future damaging weather events. I want to commend Chairman DeFazio and Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano for their perseverance in developing this bipartisan bill and getting it to the House floor for a vote. I strongly support the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 and encourage my colleagues to pass a bill that is essential to America's economic competitiveness and helps improve the quality of our waterways for all our constituents.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 66, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021. South Florida suffers from blooms of harmful algae in both its marine and freshwater systems that have led to worsening ecologic and economic impacts. This region is impacted by toxic red tide and massive freshwater blue-green algae blooms which can choke waterways and coastlines. Red tide and other types of HABs also pose health risks to humans from direct exposure and from eating infected seafood. When these algae die and sink to the bottom of water bodies and decay, it creates low oxygen conditions known as hypoxia. This bill is largely similar to what we passed out of the House last Congress on a bipartisan basis. It would authorize a scientific assessment and action plan to help address the problem of HABs and hypoxia in South Florida. This assessment and action plan will help identify research gaps, and detail methods for mitigating and controlling HABs and hypoxia in South Florida. This bill takes an important step in helping address the HABs and hypoxia issue in South Florida, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1437, the ``Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation'', or ``PRECIP Act''. I also rise in support of H.R. 5324, the ``NWR Modernization Act of 2021''. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Representative Sherrill's bipartisan PRECIP Act. As Chairwoman of the Science Committee's Environment Subcommittee, Ms. Sherrill has been a leader in improving our understanding how to plan for excess precipitation, which can often lead to severe flooding in inland areas. This bipartisan bill is a direct result of significant stakeholder engagement to understand the needs of local governments, dam safety officials, floodplain managers, and more, who use precipitation estimates regularly. Precipitation estimates are critical for life-and-death decisions, like whether to issue an evacuation order, and also inform flood maps and zoning restrictions. Current estimates for precipitation frequency, or precipitation atlas, and PMPs are outdated, inconsistent across the country, and infrequently updated. The PRECIP Act directs NOAA to update precipitation estimates on a regular basis, and to ensure these estimates consider the effects of future climate change. In order to address this knowledge gap, this bill directs the NOAA Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a consensus study on best practices for estimating precipitation. These best practices will be useful for updating Probable Maximum Precipitation, or PMP, estimates. This bill also directs NOAA to update precipitation frequency estimates, including PMP estimates, no less than every 10 years, but we encourage them to consider more frequent updates when feasible. NOAA is also required to develop a National Guidance Document for precipitation methodologies. While the results of the Academies' study should inform the development of this National Guidance Document, we encourage NOAA not to delay any updates to PMPs, and the creation of a National Guidance Document for the final study, and to undertake these activities concurrently upon enactment of this bill. Changes in precipitation are already being felt across the country, and it is critical for our local decision makers to have the most accurate information on hand to protect our communities. The activities authorized in the PRECIP Act will take a big step forward in doing this. I want to thank Representative Sherrill for her work on this thoughtful, bipartisan, legislation and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I also rise in support of the bipartisan NWR Modernization Act of 2021 led by Representatives Bice and Sherrill, the Ranking Member and Chairwoman of the Environment Subcommittee on House Science. NOAA Weather Radio, or NWR, is a critical lifeline for Americans across the country. It provides continuous coverage of weather information and broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts. It also provides information after natural disasters and other hazardous events. This important bill will expand NOAA Weather Radio coverage by directing NOAA to acquire additional transmitters. It will ensure that underserved communities are within range to receive the important alerts. The bill will also update telecommunications infrastructure and software that are critical to the system. I want to thank Representatives Bice and Sherrill for their bipartisan work on this bill that will bring the NOAA Weather Radio into the 21st century. Both of these bipartisan bills will provide benefits to Americans across the country, and are the product of good bipartisan work by Members of the Science Committee. I urge my colleagues to support their passage.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today is a solemn day. Today, in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol, we paid tribute to the Dean of the House of Representatives, the late Congressman Don Young. And how fitting is it for Congressman Young to lie in state in National Statuary Hall. Much like this hall, Don Young is an icon--a pillar--in the history of the House of Representatives. Longevity as an elected official isn't a given--it has to be earned. And for 49 straight years, Don Young earned the honor of representing Alaska in Congress, which he considered the privilege of a lifetime. Congressman Young loved Alaska, and Alaska loved him. By the end of his tenure, not only was he the longest-serving politician in Alaska's history, but also the longest-serving Republican Member of the House of Representatives in U.S. history. Now, you may not think that a nurse from Texas and a frontiersman from Alaska would have a lot in common. And for the most part, you'd be right. But that never stopped us from working together when it meant the betterment of our constituents. We partnered on legislation that provided Pell Grants to Gold Star Families. We led an annual letter advocating for increased funding for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program. We spent long days and late nights together in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearings. The list goes on and on. We also had the opportunity to travel the world together on CODELs. He sponsored valuable and worthwhile trips that I never hesitated to sign up for. And the farther away we got from Washington, the closer we became. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Anne, with whom I had the pleasure of getting to know over the years, as well as his children, grandchildren, and all those who loved him. He will be dearly missed.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the Sherman Riot of 1930. Many may be unfamiliar with the Sherman Riot, as it is all too often overlooked in the teaching of Texas history. The violence began at the Grayson County Courthouse in Sherman, Texas on May 9, 1930 and spread throughout the town, devastating the Black community. The riot began in response to the trial of George Hughes, a Black farm laborer, accused of allegedly assaulting his white employer's wife. In the middle of Hughes' trial, a white mob gathered and attempted to take over the county courthouse. The crowd eventually made its way into the courtroom, forcing law enforcement to relocate Hughes to a vault in order to protect him from the mob. However, protesters set the courthouse on fire and, despite efforts to rescue Hughes, it burned to the ground with Hughes still inside. After the fire was put out, Hughes' corpse was pulled from the rubble and dragged by automobile to the center of Sherman's Black business district where it was mutilated, then hanged from a tree, and a fire was subsequently set beneath it. The rioting continued and culminated in the burning and looting of many Black-owned businesses. The Sherman Black community was terrorized by angry white mobs. The National Guard was deployed and ultimately martial law was declared by the Texas Governor. Among those victimized included noted civil rights lawyer William J. Durham, whose office was destroyed. Despite the attack, Durham would go on to work with Thurgood Marshall on the cases that led to the integration of the University of Texas School of Law and the end of white primaries in the State of Texas, and ultimately throughout our Nation. In February of 2022, the Texas Historical Commission approved plans to place a State of Texas Historical Marker on the grounds of the current Grayson County Courthouse to finally commemorate the riot, with an expected unveiling date of May 9, 2023. Madam Speaker, tragically the lynching of George Hughes was only one of many incidents like these that occurred in Texas and throughout the South during the Great Depression era. Now, nearly 92 years later, the fight for equality continues. Today, we remember and reflect upon the heinous violence of the Sherman Riot. Americans everywhere must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat racism and hatred everywhere it may occur.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 881, which condemns the recent terrorist attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. And I want to thank my colleague from North Texas, Congresswoman Van Duyne, for introducing this legislation. Just two months ago, an armed and dangerous terrorist entered the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue and took Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three other members hostage. An eleven-hour standoff ensued, but thanks to the leadership of Rabbi Cytron-Walker and the bravery of law enforcement on the ground, everyone was able to escape without physical harm. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, tragedies like this are becoming all too common. Jewish Americans make up about 2 percent of our country's population, but hate crimes against them make up 55 percent of anti- religious hate crimes. Congress must do more, and we must do it urgently. That's why I was proud to sign on to a letter to the House Appropriations Committee that supports funding for FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This program provides critical assistance to communities of faith in order to secure and shield their places of worship from attacks. But beyond any legislative action, we must also come together to condemn the hateful and divisive rhetoric that inspires these types of attacks. We all deserve the right to worship freely and safely, without fear of violence or retribution. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and, in doing so, reaffirm our deep and unwavering support for the Jewish community.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 70, which condemns any and all threats of violence against HBCUs and expresses our support for their staff, faculty, and students. Over the past few weeks, several HBCUs across the country were subjected to anonymous, unacceptable threats of violence on their campuses. These threats disrupted campus, obstructed classes, and struck fear into the HBCU community. HBCUs were originally established to offer Black students an equal opportunity for higher education, free from racial discrimination and intimidation. Now, these institutions offer among the most competitive educations in the country and have produced some of our brightest leaders. This growth is certainly a sign of progress--but the prevalence of these threats is a solemn reminder that we still have work to do. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman so very much for her comments. I am truly proud to stand tonight with our leader of this hour, as well as the leader of our Caucus to pay tribute to Shirley Chisholm. Just a little over 50 years ago today, in a 1972 speech announcing her candidacy for President, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said: I am not the candidate of Black America, although I am Black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women's movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people of America and my presence before you now symbolizes a new era in American political history. Here was a Black woman from Brooklyn, New York, of Guyanese and Bajan descent, born to a burlap worker and a seamstress, boldly declaring a new era in American politics. But despite her best efforts, Congresswoman Chisholm knew that the outcome of her candidacy was preordained. At the time, our country was still learning to accept Black people and women as equal citizens--that is the year I was first elected to my first elected office--much less electing them as President of the United States. Nevertheless, she persisted. She held an unwavering faith in our common humanity, even when our common humanity did not hold the same faith in her. It was that same faith that drove her campaign. She transcended political norms by bringing the issues of gender and racial equity to the national stage. She highlighted and reinforced the importance of diversity at the table of public discourse. And she shattered any preconceived notions about Black women in public service, particularly in politics. Building on her work as the first Black woman elected to Congress, she blazed the trail and the torch of progress for many of us who have followed. Today, the Congressional Black Caucus, which she helped establish, has 27 women from districts across the country. I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that we would not be here today if not for her life and legacy. So as we celebrate Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of her Presidential campaign and the 51st anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus, let Congresswoman Chisholm's story serve as a reminder that equality and justice are the responsibility of every generation, and it is our turn. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Congressional Black Caucus and our distinguished leader, Barbara Lee, for offering us this opportunity.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record these exchanges of letters between the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, respectively.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the colleague's concern about the impact of inflation on our constituents, especially those who are already living on the margins. If anything, this should be a wake-up call to us how far too many Americans are living on the margins. But I will not digress further. This amendment, while well- intentioned, I am sure, is misplaced. Without question, NSF funds important economic research. In fact, they have funded nearly all recipients in the history of the Nobel Prize in economics. So, surely, there are NSF-funded economists who study some of these questions. However, this amendment is highly flawed. If the intent is for NSF to fund researchers through the traditional grant-making process, this amendment circumvents NSF's gold standard merit-review process. In that process, the researchers themselves propose the important questions, which are then reviewed by their peers. If the intent, on the other hand, is for NSF to commission the National Academies or some other organization to carry out this study, the focus is entirely inappropriate. NSF, and sometimes Congress, do call on the National Academies, or another respected organization, to carry out studies on particular topics, but those studies are notable for some key criteria. First, they are not carrying out original research or data analysis. They are summarizing the current scientific understanding, as published in the peer-reviewed literature. And second, they are providing recommendations that guide NSF's own decisionmaking in what research topics are highest priority to advance to the frontiers of science, and the mechanisms to facilitate that research. This study meets neither of those essential criteria, not even close. Perhaps the Bureau of Economic Analysis has some of these data already and can brief the gentlewoman. But this is simply inappropriate for the National Science Foundation, and I must oppose this amendment. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

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

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We have examined all of the amendments. I support them all, and I reserve the balance of my time.