Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when President Trump spoke on the campaign trail, his message to the African American community was clear: ``What do you have to lose?'' Today, just 9 weeks into his presidency, we now know that in a Trump Administration, the American people stand to lose their access to robust medical care, jobs, and more than $54 billion used to fund critically important programs and Departments through the Federal government. President Trump's fiscal year 2018 budget proposal to Congress seeks roughly $54 billion in dramatic cuts to social programs and domestic spending in order to accommodate an equal increase in spending through the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs. His proposal is a poor reflection of the priorities that we hold as a nation and undermines--or eliminates entirely--many of the very programs that millions of Americans rely on the most. For example, the President's budget proposal slashes funding for education by cutting grants for after school programs and reduces financial aid for low-income students, such as Pell Grants. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will also see a thirteen percent--or $6.2 billion--reduction in its budget, which is reflected in the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, and Section 4 Community Development and Affordable Housing. I cannot help but notice that there is a certain degree of hypocrisy reflected in the President's budget proposal when comparing to what he has touted during the campaign. For example, the Department of Transportation will suffer significant cuts to programs such as TIGER, which has been an incredibly successful discretionary grant program used to fund projects of nation significance in communities all across the country. President Trump's budget proposal also looks to eliminate funding for the Capital Investment Grant program, which the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Texas has utilized for many years to respond to the explosive population growth within my district and build up our transportation infrastructure. This moves our nation further away from the $1 trillion in transportation infrastructure spending that the President has proposed during the campaign. Mr. Speaker, I cannot support the President's budget proposal in its current form. The cuts included in his proposal are irrational and ignore the dire needs of our people to bolster our transportation infrastructure, create jobs, and pave the way for greater economic opportunity for all Americans--not just a select few. President Trump also wants to slash taxes for the wealthy and our biggest corporations. He will pay for those tax breaks by placing the burden on lower- and middle-class Americans. Just months into his presidency, it is already crystal clear that the American people have a lot to lose under his vision for America and I am proud to join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to oppose these devastating cuts and the entire Trump agenda.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act, which not only seeks to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but reform entitlements, redistribute wealth, and strip coverage from millions of people. The American Health Care Act would reduce coverage for Americans while increasing out-of-pocket costs for the sickest and the elderly. Health plans would fail to meet the needs of Americans with chronic or complex conditions. The bill also eliminates protections against annual and lifetime caps. With a last-minute manager's amendment to repeal the Essential Health Benefits, the ten coverage rules set up by the Affordable Care Act, this ruthless bill has gotten even worse. The Affordable Care Act required insurers to cover ten ``Essential Health Benefits'' from maternity care, mental health, and prescription drugs, to hospitalization and outpatient care. If this is repealed, comprehensive health insurance will become virtually unavailable in the individual market. This means that individuals with pre-existing conditions would not be protected. Younger and healthier people benefit, older and sicker people suffer. While the new additions to this measure are startling, the original bill is just as shocking. Slashing and capping the Medicaid program will ration care and give tax breaks to the wealthy. This bill cuts $880 million from Medicaid and then caps the program so that it cannot expand and contract as needed. By the end of 2019, the Medicaid expansion program will freeze and this bill will shift costs to states for the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, and low- income adults. This bill will kick 24 million people off their health insurance by 2026, and 7 million people will lose their employer-based coverage. While the Affordable Care Act subsidies were based on income and when premiums rose, the federal subsidy also rose to pay for premium costs, the American Health Care Act replaces those subsidies with a fixed credit amount. The age-based tax credits are a refundable tax credits that is larger for older individuals, however, it allows insurers to charge older enrollees five times more than a younger enrollee. Mr. Speaker, the public has spoken about this so-called ``replacement'' bill. People will live or die as a result of this legislation. This bill will force Americans to pay more for their premiums, more for their care, more on out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles; all the while giving tax breaks directly to the wealthy. The Republican leadership has rushed this bill to the floor without any consideration and I urge you all to consider its harmful effects. Your constituents are asking you to work with us to repair the Affordable Care Act. Work with us.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and a watering mouth that I celebrate the 30th anniversary of the most famous chicken restaurant in all of North Texas--Williams Chicken. What started as one `chicken spot' in 1987 has now become a successful chain with over 40 stores including 20 franchises, and in addition to being responsible for the best wings you can find in the Dallas area, it boasts 500 employees. Williams Chicken's amazing growth and story is due to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder and CEO, Hiawatha Williams. Williams Chicken's humble beginnings are only as humble as Mr. William's start himself, coming from a small Texas town then going to Paul Quinn College in Dallas. After learning the ropes of the industry at a nationwide fast-food corporation, Williams left to found Williams Chicken, to serve great food to the great people of Dallas. Mr. William's story of entrepreneurship is an inspiration to business leaders in the greater Dallas community--but it is particularly important to the African-American community. Not only has he created a successful business, but he has chosen to practice his give-back spirit by conducting major outreach in education, youth programs, and corporate philanthropy. He and his restaurant have shown many young people in Dallas that it is possible to create a successful and meaningful business. Though he can be found in numerous magazines and on TV often, Williams will be the first to say his kind family, his wife Doris and his two adult sons who work in the business, are the ones who keeps him reinforced. Mr. Speaker, Hiawatha Williams is an impressive man with an incredible business, and the taste of his chicken is only outweighed by his taste for the community.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the American Health Care Act, or TrumpCare, does one simple thing: This shortsighted Republican plan forces Americans to pay more to get less. It is nothing more than a tax break for the wealthiest at the expense of the most vulnerable. Today, joining every major responsible group for providing health care to Americans--including the American Hospital Association, the AARP, the National Physicians Alliance, the American Medical Association, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Nurses United--a group representing over 150,000 registered nurses wrote to Congress urging us to oppose the American Health Care Act. Registered nurses care for Americans in our most difficult hours. From our first breath of life to our final, nurses are integral to the delivery of health care in our country. More than any other profession, nurses see the personal effects of a flawed healthcare system in the hospital every single day. I know, Mr. Speaker, because I was the first former registered nurse in the House. I have a firsthand, valuable perspective and insight that nurses have into our healthcare system. We should take their heed alongside the public outcry about the danger of this so-called replacement bill. These are not paid protesters going to townhall meetings across this country. These are our constituents, participating democratically, telling their Representatives that they want to keep and improve the current law, not repeal and replace. This proposed plan replaces nothing for the 24 million Americans who would lose coverage as a result of this ill-derived legislation. In my district alone, President Obama's Affordable Care Act brought the uninsured rate down from 27.3 percent to 20.8 percent, and insured over 265,000 individuals who did not have coverage before. While the main safety net provider in my district, Parkland Memorial Hospital, provided $1 billion in uncompensated care in 2015, Parkland and the other safety net providers face severe financial burdens in the House GOP proposal. One of my main concerns with this bill is that it punishes people who get their coverage through Medicaid by capping and slashing the program. With 70 million Americans and 5.2 million Texans who currently rely on Medicaid, per capita caps on the program would not meet the needs of the population, and the people would suffer. People will live or die as a result of our decisions here on this floor, Mr. Speaker. There is no reason for the Republican leadership to rush this legislation without careful consideration, including the input of those who actually provide health care. We need to listen to our constituents, our nurses, our doctors, our long-term care aides, and our hospitals. We must listen to the people. This bill will force Americans to pay more for their premiums, more for their care, more for their medicine, more out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles, all the while giving tax breaks directly to the wealthy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider the harmful effects of this bill. Your constituents are asking you to work with us to repair the Affordable Care Act, and we are ready to work. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record correspondence from National Nurses United. National Nurses United, Silver Spring, MD/Oakland, CA, March 21, 2017. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the 150,000 Registered Nurse members of National Nurses United, we urge you to oppose the American Health Care Act when it comes to a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. Registered Nurses care for Americans in their most difficult hours. More than any other profession, we see the personal effects of a flawed healthcare system in the hospital every single day. Our primary responsibility is to protect the health and wellness of our patients by providing care at the bedside. The American Health Care Act poses a mortal threat to the health and well-being of our patients, and to the health security of our country. Last week, the Congressional Budget Office reported that 24 million Americans will lose insurance coverage under the original legislative text. The plan would increase the number of uninsured people by 78% in 2020, and by 86% in 2026. This reality is in stark contrast to one of the key campaign promises made by the President this past year--instead of providing ``insurance for everybody'', this healthcare bill will dramatically reduce the number of insured Americans. The President also promised not to cut Medicaid or Medicare, but the AHCA includes drastic cuts to both programs. There is not a single aspect of this legislation that will benefit our patients who lack the health care services that they need. Specifically, the legislation will: Eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which will worsen the health of our communities, spread infectious disease, and increase health system costs; Phase out coverage for Medicaid expansion in Medicaid expansion states beginning in 2020, while preventing new states from receiving enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage in order to expand Medicaid; Institute a per capita cap for Medicaid, along with the option for states to use a block grant instead. Both options will reduce coverage for the most vulnerable, shift care from clinics to emergency rooms, increase system costs for the chronically ill as they defer treatments because of cost, and unfairly shift the burden of costs to the states; Empower individual states to determine eligibility, scope and benefits for Medicaid as per their own discretion, but there will be no increase in federal monies to cover expanded eligibility; Eliminate funding to Planned Parenthood which will worsen women's health, and create burdens for women, families and society from unsafe pregnancies and other health conditions no longer treated; Eliminate the definition of ``essential benefits''--a move that makes all patients vulnerable to the distortions and marketing games of insurance companies; Repeal the cost-sharing subsidies of the ACA, and destroy the ability of 80% of people currently buying insurance on the Exchanges to maintain coverage; Open the door for junk insurance. The bill includes a penalty for lack of continuous coverage, creating a big incentive for patients to buy low-cost, no-coverage plans; Fail to encourage low-cost coverage, because the legislation shifts thousands of dollars in spending from insurance company spending to the individual's out of pocket costs; Reproduce the failed ``high-risk pools'' of the 1990's and 2000's, through the ``Patient and Stability Fund''. It is inevitable that the number of eligible patients will overwhelm the resources of these high risk pools; Repeal the Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax, which will reduce funding and destabilize for the Medicare program that our nation's seniors rely on; Allow insurers to charge seniors five times the amount of a younger person. This revision will prove to be deadly for our nation's seniors, and it reveals the extent to which this reform will benefit the profit margins of insurance companies, at the expense of patients' lives. Our experience at the bedside, coupled with analysis from health policy researchers, confirm our conclusion that this bill does not address the primary concerns of our patients: getting the care they need when they need it, without overwhelming financial burdens. Over many years, with the notable exception of the passage of Medicare in 1965, the United States has built a patchwork health system around private insurance access, rather than genuine access to health care. This legislation, if enacted, will perpetuate this system while undermining gains made in the Affordable Care Act. Given the ultimate reductions in Medicaid, and the other reversals in the bill, there is literally nothing in this legislation that provides our patients with the care they need. In order to effectively address the health system problems in this country, legislators must move beyond a private health insurance company dominated system. Health policy research, and the experience of every other wealthy nation, shows that a single-payer health care system is the most successful model to use. In the United States, Medicare is an example of how successful such a system can be. If the goal of our health system is to provide quality care for all Americans at the lowest cost possible, then we must transition to a single payer healthcare system--or Medicare For All. The principal effect of the American Health Care Act, on the other hand, will be the loss of existing health coverage for tens of millions of people without any restraints on healthcare industry pricing practices. This legislation will result in overwhelming health insecurity for the American people. On behalf of registered nurses across the country, we urge the rejection of this flawed, and deadly, proposal. We urge you to instead support guaranteed healthcare for all, through an improved, expanded Medicare for All program. Sincerely, Deborah Burger, RN, President, NNU. Jean Ross, RN, President, NNU.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the National Endowment for the Arts was established in 1965 as an investment in our shared culture as a nation. President Lyndon Johnson at the signing ceremony for the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act stated that ``In the long history of man, countless empires and nations have come and gone. Those which created no lasting works of art are reduced today to short footnotes in history's catalog.'' I could not agree with this statement more. Over the past five years, the NEA has provided grants totaling more than $1.4 million to local artists and organizations within the thirtieth district of Texas. In return, these artists and organizations have shared their unique forms of expression throughout the region by creating programs focused on uniting communities around art, bringing arts awareness to underserved areas, and strengthening arts education programs in our local schools. In his first budget request, the President has proposed to eliminate the NEA. I believe the elimination of this agency would be a grave mistake that would have a negative economic, educational, and cultural impact on countless urban and rural communities across the country. Programs such as the Dallas City of Learning, which provides a summer education program for more than 35,000 students, would not be as successful as they are today without support from the NEA. Countless performances, exhibitions, and festivals would be affected by this disastrous policy proposal. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly oppose the President's budget proposal which calls for eliminating funding to the National Endowment for the Arts. We must ensure that arts programs across the country are funded so that future generations will understand the culture of our time instead of this great period being a mere footnote in history.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride for my hometown Dallas Mavericks and my good friend Dirk Nowitzki that I celebrate his 30,000th career point. On March 7th, 2017, with a baseline jump shot we have seen so many times, Dirk Nowitzki joined the ranks of NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in the 30K points club. I could not be happier for my friend. In 1998, Dirk Nowitzki, who was born in Germany, was drafted into the NBA and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, he has played 19 seasons with the same team, and in that time won an MVP award, a national championship, and touched the minds and hearts of so many Dallasites, basketball fans and not. His professional dedication to our city is unmatched these days in professional sports, and so is his charm and sense of humor. But even more important than any basketball achievement, Dirk Nowitzki is a kind and good-natured person. He has made Dallas his home, and does not rest until all of its citizens enjoy better opportunities in their lives. He impresses me on the basketball court, but off the court, with people, is where his true splendidness is showcased. Mr. Speaker, may the record celebrate this historic accomplishment for a man who will be destined for history no matter what he does.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I wish to recognize the significant career of Chief Justice Carolyn Wright, as well as celebrate her recent reception of the 2017 Texas Women Lawyers Pathfinder Award--an honor given to an individual who has championed the advancement of women in the law, and has shown creativity and leadership within that field. Chief Justice Wright has been a trailblazer for women of color working in the legal field; and therefore, I could not think of anyone more deserving of such an honor. Along with other positions that were historical firsts for women and minorities in Texas, Chief Justice Wright is the first African-American to be appointed to an intermediate court, as well as the first woman to win a multi-county election for any state elected office. Prior to these esteemed positions, Wright has been a judge with more than 30 years experience in civil, family, criminal, and mediation law. Additionally, she has served as a practicing attorney, Dallas County associate judge, state district judge, as well as a Justice on the Court of Appeals, after being appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush in 1995. Although her resume is quite significant, none of it is as impressive as she is as a community member. For the entire time that I have known her, Carolyn Wright has been an upstanding citizen and proud Dallasite. Those who know her both in and out of the courtroom can attest to her dedication to her work, but at the same time to her thoughtfulness as a leader and a friend. Mr. Speaker, may the record show that this woman deserves recognition for the incredible career she has made for herself, and the way her life has touched others.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the American Health Care Act. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I would like to answer President Trump's repeated question to the black community; ``what do we have to lose?'' Our healthcare, Mr. President. The Affordable Care Act has been working. The Affordable Care Act brought my district's uninsured rate from 27.3 percent down to 20.8 percent, and insured 265,600 individuals who didn't have health insurance before. While the main safety net provider in my district, Parkland Hospital, provided $1 billion in uncompensated care in 2015, Parkland and the other safety net providers faces severe financial burdens in the House GOP proposal. One of my main concerns with this bill is that it punishes people who get their coverage through Medicaid by capping and slashing the program. With 70 million Americans and 5.2 million Texans who currently rely on Medicaid, per capita caps on the program would not meet the needs of the population and people would suffer. Under the Republican proposal, millions of Americans will lose their coverage and families will pay more for fewer protections. To put this into exact numbers, according to a Congressional Budget Office report, 24 million people would lose coverage by 2026, and 7 million people would lose employer-based coverage. This bill includes an $880 billion cut to Medicaid, then cuts and caps the program so that it cannot expand and contract as needed. Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Americans and in 2015, Medicaid covered 11.2 million African Americans. This is a 25 percent cut to the program and it is harmful and unsustainable. This piece of legislation forces Americans to pay more and get less. The average subsidy under the American Health Care Act will likely be about 60 percent of the average subsidy under current law. Deductibles and out-of-pocket spending in the individual market will have to increase due to the elimination of requirements that insurance plans cover a certain value. Americans will pay more for their premiums, more for their care, more on out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles; all the while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and the tanning industry. I urge my colleagues to consider the harmful effects of this bill. Your constituents are asking you to work with Democrats to repair the Affordable Care Act. We are ready to work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the historic appointment of Ms. Carla Hayden to the post of Librarian of Congress. This is so significant because although more than eighty percent of librarians nationwide are females, the position of Librarian of Congress has been held exclusively by men, until Carla Hayden was appointed by Barack Obama in 2016. Carla Hayden was enamored by books and reading from an early age, and began her career as a librarian in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Public Library. It was during her time in Chicago that she met Barack and Michelle Obama. After her impressive time in Chicago, Ms. Hayden left the windy city to take the position of Director at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the public library system in Baltimore, Maryland. It was here that Ms. Hayden showed her true leadership as she improved and maintained an enormous public library operation. After the death of Freddie Gray, Ms. Hayden made the difficult decision to keep the Baltimore public libraries open in order to encourage people to use safe spaces and avoid violence. It is strong leadership like this that made her an excellent choice to become Librarian of Congress. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we celebrated International Women's Day, and I cannot think of a better way to acknowledge this day than by recognizing Carla Hayden, a pioneering woman of color whose very job will allow stories like hers to be told forever.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of International Women's Day. While there are many issues that women face, including equal pay for equal work, affordable child care, access to affordable and quality healthcare, paid family leave, and the general rights of women of color and lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, I would like to focus today on reproductive rights. Roe v. Wade became the law of the land in 1973 when the Supreme Court of the United States deemed abortion to be a fundamental right. In recent years, that fundamental right to make a private choice about one's own body has been challenged by legislation and in the court system. Anti-choice legislation that places a ban on abortion care after a certain number of weeks of pregnancy, challenges to the contraception mandate in the Affordable Care Act, and most recently, passing a Congressional Review Act regarding changes to the Title X program are just a few of the tactics the House Republicans have used to undermine reproductive care for women in this country. Along with reproductive care, we must educate our youth about sexual health. Instead of using evidence-based sexual education programs, many Republicans have instead advocated for abstinence-only education. These programs promote the false notion that ``sexual risk avoidance education'' is effective, but they are harmful and stigmatizing. Young people deserve real information about sexual health and well-being. Research shows that when young people have the necessary information about contraception as well as abstinence, they will delay initiation, reduce sexual activity, and increase use of condoms and contraception while seeing a reduction in unintended pregnancy and STD rates. Sexual health and education and reproductive health go hand-in-hand, but the GOP continues to ignore the evidence and add unnecessary barriers which ultimately increase rates of unintended pregnancy and decrease access to family planning care. Within days of his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order enacting the Global Gag Rule, which forces any foreign organization that receives U.S. foreign aid dollars to certify that they do not use their own funds to pay for abortion services, counsel patients about the option of abortion, or advocate for the liberalization of abortion laws. This policy is a change and an expansion from previous law which has banned U.S. foreign aid dollars from being used for abortion related activities since 1973. Advocates have called this new policy the ``Global Gage Rule on steroids.'' This expansion delivers a devastating blow to NGOs and is dangerous for reproductive health internationally. At a time when the current administration seems to be more against women than with us, we must stand up for ourselves. We must continue to bring forward evidence-based and sensible policies that are good for women and good for our population. Whether we are discussing reproductive health, economic equality, civil rights, or the many other issues that women face, we must face them together.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California, (Mr. Bera), the current ranking member of the Space Subcommittee.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 442, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017. NASA is a catalyst for scientific discovery, innovation, inspiration, and economic growth. This bill helps to ensure that NASA continues to make significant advances in science, aeronautics, human exploration, and space technology. During the last Congress, the House passed the NASA Authorization Act of 2015, H.R. 810. H.R. 810 was a bipartisan effort and, in particular, it set the long-term goal of sending humans to the surface of Mars and directed NASA to prepare a human exploration roadmap for what is needed to get there. I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, that the Senate-passed bill that is before us today reflects significant content from H.R. 810. Sending humans to deep space destinations and eventually to Mars is a challenge and goal that I know will bring out the best of our U.S. industry and universities, and it will inspire our young people to seek the education and develop the skills needed to help the United States send first astronauts to the martian surface. Of course, keeping our focus on that goal over multiple Congresses and administrations will really not be easy. That is why this bill, S. 442, comes at a critical time. Witnesses at a recent hearing of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology emphasized the need for stability for NASA if it is to carry out the challenging tasks that our Nation has given it. While S. 442 is a 1-year reauthorization, it enables NASA to continue making effective progress on its programs, including on the key systems that will enable us to send NASA astronauts beyond low Earth orbit and on to Mars. The bill also provides policy direction in a number of important areas, including astronaut health care, human spaceflight safety, protection of Apollo lunar landing sites, orbital debris mitigation, and facilities and infrastructure planning. Mr. Speaker, while I support S. 442, it is not a perfect bill. It does not directly address all of NASA's science programs, namely, earth science and heliophysics. Those programs provide the space-based measurements to help scientists understand the Earth's systems and changing climate to predict space weather events, which can have devastating impacts on our terrestrial infrastructure. At the same time, I believe that section 501 of the bill reaffirms the importance of maintaining a balance and adequately funded science program, which includes astrophysics, planetary science, earth science, and heliophysics. In addition, while the bill reflects the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies' top- line mark of $19.5 billion for NASA for fiscal year 2017, I am disappointed that it authorizes lower levels than the proposals of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for NASA's science, aeronautics, and space technology accounts. We should be investing more, not less, in these important R&D areas. Mr. Speaker, we need a strong NASA, and we need to provide it with a sustained commitment of vision, resources, and support to carry out the challenging tasks our Nation has given it. Before I close, I want to recognize the efforts of committee leadership, including Chairman Lamar Smith, Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin, and the former Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna Edwards for their work on H.R. 810, a significant portion of which is included in this Senate bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this Senate bill, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter.)

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time on the bill. I ask my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the foundation of our democracy is built upon the strength of grassroots movements and our ability to organize. It is the will of the people--and not the will of a select few--that shapes our values as a nation. While leaders and institutions play an important role in our society, ultimately it is the people themselves who create the momentum to bring about the change that they would like to see throughout our society. The Civil Rights Movement is a definitive example of the importance of grassroots movement. The Civil Rights Movement reshaped our society into one that affords equal rights and protection under the law for all Americans. But it was also a movement that began at the local level. From protests in Virginia over Brown vs. Board of Education to civil acts of disobedience in Montgomery, Alabama, the success and momentum of the movement was driven by grassroots movements all across the United States. Without it, it is difficult to say what kind of country the United States would be today. The importance of grassroots movements remains clear as day, particularly in the 21st Century. The election of President Trump sparked countless protests across the country, while uniting millions of people globally as individuals came together in opposition to his hateful rhetoric targeting minorities, women, and other vulnerable segments of the population. It is this momentum that has manifested into the Women's March on Washington, which brought millions of people in cities around the world to march in support of human rights, racial equality, immigration reform, and other progressive ideals. It was a dramatic statement of opposition against the perceived wrongs and violations in our society, and it will help shape the nature of discourse for many years to come. These social movements are crucial to our democracy. Grassroots movements serve as a counterpoint to injustice and help provide a medium through which we as a people can communicate our ideals. As we honor Black History Month, we must look to the struggles of our ancestors in order to inform our decisions of today, or else we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes that already tarnish our history.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for its 108th Anniversary after the organization was first founded on February 12, 1909. The NAACP is a prominent African-American civil rights organization in the centuries-old fight for social, economic, and political equality under the law for all Americans. The NAACP is an organization that is deeply rooted in our nation's history. It is the oldest and largest civil rights orga nization in the United States. The NAACP is founded on the noble pillars of equality, non-discrimination, and morality, and has historically been successful in achieving its goals through nonviolent protest, education, and legal and moral persuasion. The NAACP was pivotal in the passage of historic pieces of legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and countless other legal victories in our nation's history. As a member of the African-American community, fighting for the rights of African-Americans, and other minority populations across the country, is of personal significance. Our desire to bring equal treatment and rights to all Americans has helped fuel the diversity and strengths that we as a country enjoy today. It is through our differences that we are able to see value in many different perspectives. However, it was not without struggle to arrive at this point and we have organizations such as the NAACP, in part, to thank for the reconciliation of past harms while having the tools to address new challenges. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we recognize the contributions and struggles of the people behind organizations such as the NAACP so that we can learn from our past and avoid making the same mistakes again in the future. The NAACP continues to be a leader in raising awareness around social issues facing our country today, such as threats to voting rights. We owe it to future generations to continue the legacy of the NAACP, so that we can continue to build a stronger and better nation for our children.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res 36, expressing disapproval of the Methane Waste Rule submitted by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. The Methane Waste Rule is a critical update to decades old regulation that provides clear and established requirements for the responsible extraction of methane gas ensuring that public health is not put at risk from these harmful emissions. The rule, crafted in an extensive and transparent public process in line with the Bureau of Land Management's mandate to capture wasted methane, includes reasonable reforms to avoid and minimize waste of natural gas from flaring, venting and leaking from oil and gas production operations. Grounded in peer-reviewed, scientific evidence, the rule updates 37-year old regulations to keep pace with modern technological advancements. It promotes the replacement of older technology, with new, modern equipment that is cost effective, and, when combined with a broader scientific understanding of the deleterious effects caused by these activities both to public health and the environment, works to better protect the American people from these harmful emissions. With methane emissions increasing by 45 percent since 1990 and a 319 percent increase in flaring from 2009, the United States must act swiftly to not only protect public health, but the environment too. When these natural gases are released, they emit ozone-destroying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are 86 times more destructive to the protective ozone in our atmosphere than carbon emissions. During the development of this critical rule, the Department of Interior received over 200,000 public comments, hosted public meetings, and engaged in broad outreach to stake holders nationwide over a 3-year period. This rule was carefully developed and thoroughly considered. Furthermore, it is important that tax payers understand that this is also a cost-savings rule, mitigating the over $330 million worth of natural gas wasted every year as a result of flaring, venting, and leaking. Ultimately, repealing the Methane Waste Rule would undermine the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of the American public and do nothing to combat the growing concern of climate change. I strongly urge my colleagues to reject H.J. Res 36. Any effort to undermine this important health, economic, and environmental protection results in a lose-lose situation for the American public and I oppose it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 70 and the joint resolution for which it would provide consideration, H.J. Res. 38, expressing disapproval of the Stream Protection Rule submitted by the Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The Stream Protection Rule is a critical update to a decades-old regulation that provides clear and established requirements for responsible surface coal mining while protecting vital community health and economic opportunity across the United States. The rule, crafted in an extensive and transparent public process, includes reasonable reforms to avoid and minimize impacts on surface water, groundwater, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Grounded in sound, peer-reviewed scientific evidence and modern technological advancements, the rule modernizes 33-year old regulations to keep pace with modern mining techniques and incorporates in its guidance a broader scientific understanding of the deleterious effects caused by unmitigated surface coal mining activity. During the development of this critical rule, the Department of Interior received over 150,000 public comments, hosted 15 open houses and public meetings, and engaged in broad outreach to stake holders nationwide. This rule was carefully developed and thoroughly considered with all stakeholders provided a seat at the table. Ultimately, H.J. Res. 38 would undermine the Stream Protection Rule and begin the process to undue monumental steps in the right direction to protect the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of countless Americans living near coal mining sites. I strongly urge my colleagues to reject H. Res. 70, providing for the consideration of the harmful H.J. Res. 38. Any effort to undermine this important health, economic, and environmental protection results in a lose-lose situation for the American public and I oppose it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, within just days of assuming office, President Donald Trump has made a number of alarmingly fictitious claims about anything from the alleged failures of the Affordable Care Act to the skyrocketing murder rate throughout the United States. President Trump has even felt it was necessary to misrepresent the number of attendees at his inauguration. However, among his most egregious ``alternative facts'' that he has presented to the American people is the idea that there is widespread voter fraud across the country, which is undermining the electoral process in the United States. This is unequivocally false. In fact, numerous reports, court findings, and official government investigations over, the years have pointed to the fact that voter fraud is, in reality, extremely rare. In 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which ultimately found the Texas photo ID law to be racially discriminatory, noted in its findings that there were only two convictions for in-person voter impersonation fraud out of 20 million votes cast in Texas within the last decade. In a separate case ruled in 2014, a special investigations unit for the State of Texas was found to only have identified a single conviction and one guilty plea of in-person voter impersonation in any election in the State of Texas between 2002 and 2014. Nationally, countless Studies--including one conducted by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office--have failed to identify any evidence of widespread voter fraud. The story is the same in states all across the country. Yet, somehow President Trump and Republicans in Congress have arrived at a separate conclusion and are using this false notion to promote regressive voter laws that seek to suppress minority voting rights all across the country. These laws are an example of your classic ``solution in search of a problem,'' albeit with a more sinister objective to suppress liberal leaning voters and deny select groups of voters their fundamental right to vote. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly throughout our careers to ensure that every American has equal access to the polls regardless of race, income, location, or background. We will not stop at making sure that every American preserves their right to vote, even in the face of a Republican-controlled Congress and Administration. The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and it is counter to our principles that our nation had defended for centuries to now try and erode that right for millions of Americans. I, and countless other Americans, unequivocally reject these efforts and will forever stand united against them.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Apollo 1 Memorial Act''. Today is the 50th Anniversary of the tragedy which claimed the lives of three brave American heroes. This piece of legislation is meant to honor their legacy and ensure we never forgot by creating a memorial for them in our national shrine for heroes, Arlington National Cemetery. On January 27, 1967, Astronauts Command Pilot Virgil I. ``Gus'' Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White II, and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee were killed in an electrical fire that broke out inside their Apollo I Command Module on Launch Pad 34 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The accident led to a detailed internal investigation and congressional hearings. As a result of their sacrifice NASA made improvements and changes to the Apollo program which ultimately resulted in Apollo 11 landing on the moon two years later. Although all three astronauts were posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, these three fearless astronauts who were set to be the first Americans into space under the Apollo program have not received a memorial at Arlington as was done for the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews. This bill would redress that unfortunate omission which continues to be a burden on the hearts of those who loved them. Arlington National Cemetery is where we recognize heroes who have passed in the service of the Nation. It is fitting that on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo I accident we acknowledge these astronauts by building a memorial in their honor. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to construct at an appropriate place in Arlington National Cemetery, a memorial marker honoring these three heroic men. In addition to $500,000 from the Army's fiscal year 2017 operations and maintenance appropriated funds, the bill provides the NASA Administrator with the authority to accept donations of services, money, and property to help allay the cost of the memorial marker. In closing, Mr. Speaker, on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 1 accident, we have the opportunity to honor these three brave men and their contribution to America's preeminence in human spaceflight. It is time to build a memorial so that current and future Americans never forget their sacrifice. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle can come together to support this legislation honoring these heroes.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which I am very pleased to co-sponsor. This bill comprises a significant set of provisions that resulted from constructive negotiations with our Majority and with the Senate as part of the energy conference last year. I am also proud to note that many of these provisions were actually first proposed in the version of the American Competes Reauthorization Act that was sponsored by every Democratic Member of the Committee in the last Congress. The bill includes what would be the first comprehensive authorization of the DOE Office of Science, which is the largest supporter of physical sciences research in the country. This is a nearly $6 billion office that manages 10 of our national laboratories, often called the crown jewels of our national research infrastructure. Yet thus far, unlike NSF, NASA, and nearly every other major scientific research agency stewarded by the federal government, the Office of Science has not received the statutory guidance and support that its capabilities and mission warrant. So passing this portion of the bill into law alone would be a big step in the right direction. The bill also includes a number of important technology transfer provisions that previously passed the House as part of a bipartisan bill that I and many of my colleagues on the Committee co-sponsored. In addition, it would provide the first authorization of the promising Innovation Hub model for energy research, and it would enable greater private sector engagement with ARPA-E. Finally, this bill includes an updated and improved version of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which I was happy to co-sponsor with my friend Mr. Weber in the last Congress. I would like to thank Chairman Smith and his staff for working closely with us and our Senate counterparts to move beyond what began as, frankly, a rather contentious process to find common ground on a wide range of areas that will be critical to ensuring our nation's competitiveness and our clean energy future. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``No'' on rollcall 62, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 7. ``No'' on rollcall 63, Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 7--No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017. ``Yea'' on rollcall 64, on Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 7. ``No'' on rollcall 65, Passage of H.R. 7--No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, President Donald Trump addressed the nation during his inaugural address by laying out his priorities for the new administration and his future vision for our country. Among his priorities is to incentivize private investments in infrastructure through tax incentives and public-private partnerships. Tax incentives and public-private partnerships are simply two elements that I believe should be part of a larger, more comprehensive infrastructure plan. A truly comprehensive plan will include direct spending and invests real dollars in both rural and urban communities So far, the only portions of President Trump's infrastructure plan that have been made public include $100 billion in tax breaks to private investors. I believe that President Trump is deeply misguided in relying solely on tax breaks to miraculously spur investments in our decaying transportation network. We need to include a healthy mix of direct spending, tax incentives, public-private partnerships, and sensible public policies if we are to sufficiently address the infrastructure needs across the country. Our highways, railways, and airways serve as the arteries that drive the U.S. economy. As our nation's population continues to grow and become more diverse, the growth of our transportation infrastructure needs to keep pace. Texas is projected to account for nearly fifteen percent of all the national population growth through 2030. Yet, it has become increasingly difficult to make the investments that we need to properly maintain and build up the state's infrastructure due to dwindling federal funding for transportation projects. President Trump's plan in its current form falls drastically short of the necessary steps that we must take in order to modernize our crumbling infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, it has been and continues to be my intention to give President Trump a fair chance at proving to the American people that he is serious about bringing real solutions to our nation's problems to the table. I strongly encourage this administration to present a well- rounded infrastructure plan that goes beyond merely hand-outs to corporations, and also includes the direct spending that is so desperately needed.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 321, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers Women Act. I want to express my appreciation for the leadership of Congresswoman Esty and Congresswoman Comstock. This bill would help ensure that the incoming administration continues to promote and strengthen important programs at NASA to inspire and mentor girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in STEM areas. Despite progress in the right direction, women remain largely underrepresented in STEM fields because they continue to face cultural and institutional barriers throughout their studies and career progression. H.R. 321 would support existing programs at NASA that encourage young girls and women to study STEM fields and pursue careers in aerospace. These programs include NASA GIRLS, a virtual mentoring program; Aspire to Inspire, a program connecting young girls with women in STEM careers at NASA; and a summer institute program that increases awareness and exposes young, middle school girls to the STEM careers at NASA. H.R. 321 also calls on NASA to develop a plan for how best to use its current and retired workforce to mentor female K-12 students. What comes to mind are the inspirational women who are featured in the new movie ``Hidden Figures.'' Those brilliant and brave women opened the door for so many who followed. We must continue to support our great women in STEM who dedicate their time to mentor the girls and young women who will be our next scientists, engineers, and innovators. I thank my colleagues again--Representative Comstock for her leadership on this bill and Representative Esty. I strongly support this bill and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 255, the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act. The bill helps to build on STEM education and mentorship programs, such as those highlighted in the INSPIRE Women Act. More women are pursuing STEM degrees and careers overall, but they continue to be underrepresented in many STEM fields. This is especially true in STEM fields with high entrepreneurship rates, such as engineering and computer science. Women who successfully complete degrees in these fields and want to turn their research and their talents into building new companies and creating new jobs then disproportionately face new hurdles, such as obtaining access to credit. Unfortunately, because of these barriers, it remains as important as ever for our Federal science agencies to support programs and provide grants with the goal of encouraging, inspiring, and supporting women in STEM at all levels of their education and training, including entrepreneurship education and training. H.R. 255 ensures that longstanding entrepreneurship education and training programs at the National Science Foundation continue to encourage and recruit women who are looking to move beyond the laboratory and commercialize the results of their research. If we are serious about growing our economy, it is just common sense that we would encourage all of our best and brightest--male and female--to commercialize their best ideas and create new companies and new jobs. I thank my colleagues Representative Esty for her leadership and Representative Comstock for her leadership on this bill. I strongly support the bill and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.