Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of H.D. Woodson Academy of Engineering High School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at H.D. Woodson Academy of Engineering are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, H.D. Woodson Academy of Engineering is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Central City Public Charter School, Brightwood Campus for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Central City Public Charter School, Brightwood Campus are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Central City Public Charter School, Brightwood Campus is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of McKinley Technology High School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at McKinley Technology High School are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, McKinley Technology High School is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Apollo 1 Memorial Act''. The Nation's success in human spaceflight is well documented. Astronauts are American heroes. John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Sally Ride. These are some of the familiar names that our children read about in their textbooks. Unfortunately, success in human spaceflight has come at a high cost. Brave men and women have paid the ultimate cost in the name of space exploration. 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 1 Command Module on Launch Pad 34 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Although all three astronauts were posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, it is surprising that we do not have a memorial to honor the lives of the crew of Apollo 1 as was done for the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews. This bill would redress that unfortunate omission. As Arlington National Cemetery is where we recognize heroes who have passed in the service of the Nation, it is fitting on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 1 accident that 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 fine 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 for the memorial marker. In closing Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 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 am pleased to be joined by Chairman Jeff Miller and Representatives Mark Takano, Corrine Brown, Donna Edwards and Gus Bilirakis as an original cosponsor of this legislation, and I hope that it can be swiftly enacted into law.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Lasalle-Backus Education Campus for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Lasalle-Backus Education Campus are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Lasalle-Backus Education Campus is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Ron Brown High School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Ron Brown High School are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown High School is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Howard University Middle School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Howard University Middle School are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Howard University Middle School is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Eastern Senior High School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Eastern Senior High School are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Eastern Senior High School is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the students, parents, and faculty of Drew Freeman Middle School for their commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment, and for participating in my annual Science and Technology Braintrust. The teachers at Drew Freeman are committed to ensuring that our country's youth is exposed to a STEM curriculum, which is paramount to the future of our country. A prevalent theme amongst successful STEM professionals is the curiosity and drive instilled by their teachers at a young age. We must continue to invest in schools that highlight a STEM education, so that all students will have an opportunity to one day be an astrophysicist, doctor, engineer, or a geologist. Mr. Speaker, Drew Freeman is a true advocate of STEM education and deserves recognition for its work. With great pride I can say that because of this school's commitment to STEM education, our country's youth is gaining the skills needed to compete in a rapidly globalizing world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on November 12, 1925, nine African American engineers, scientists, and architects met at the Wabash YMCA in Chicago and began plans to form the first national minority multidisciplinary technical organization. They founded the National Technical Association (NTA) to serve the minority community and this nation through technical leadership, technical innovation and research, and science education. The following year, on August 26, 1926, NTA was incorporated in the state of Illinois. It was the only formally organized minority technical voice from 1926 until the early 1970s. NTA worked alongside other African American community organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and the National Association of Black Professional Women to provide the technical perspective on issues facing minority communities. NTA members have served as advisors to U.S. Presidents on technical matters starting with President Herbert Hoover, whose presidential term coincided with that of the first NTA President, Charles S. Duke, 1929 through 1934. Duke met with Hoover in 1931 at a time when the President refused to meet with all other Black leaders. Under the leadership of Duke, NTA members advocated for years and helped to win support for better housing and housing assistance at the local and federal levels for minorities who were living in run-down, over-crowded tenements. Many of the NTA architects and engineers designed and built the resulting housing developments. NTA members were among the first African Americans to obtain advanced degrees in science and engineering and many helped to develop science and engineering curricula and degree programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Many NTA Members were scientists and engineers on the Manhattan Project, the nation's first big science project. NTA members have pioneered scientific research breakthroughs and created technical innovations that have improved the quality of life of all Americans. This elite group includes entrepreneurs, top government administrators, corporate leaders, and exceptional senior scientists and engineers working in outer space exploration, energy research and development, environmental protection, climate change, computer science, and cybersecurity. NTA members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering; selected as fellows of major technical societies across all fields of science and engineering, and been honored with the nation's highest technical awards, including as inductees in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. NTA serves as a beacon of light and hope to minority youth and encourages them to follow their dreams and pursue technical studies and careers. It guides students to seek technical excellence and become technical innovators who will help secure the American economic future. NTA is playing a pivotal role in uniting the collective voices of a multi-cultural coalition of minority technical organizations to promote the diversification of the technical workforce. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the National Technical Association for 90 years of vision and technical leadership provided to our nation. I am excited to join in the celebrations and encourage our nation to pay tribute to NTA and its membership on this historic occasion. Because of NTA, our nation is stronger technically, and the future of minority participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is forever brighter.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the leaders of the Special Order tonight, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to recognize the contributions of the CBC and its members after 45 years of service to the United States Congress and our Nation and, really, the world. The CBC was founded March 30, 1971, with the chief objective of bringing awareness to the issues facing Black America and addressing the concerns of longstanding inequality in opportunity for African Americans. We have an original member who is retiring this year, the Honorable Charles B. Rangel. The most senior Member in this House is one of the original members, the Honorable John Conyers. Today, the Congressional Black Caucus has grown to become a fundamental institution within Congress. From voting rights and gun violence to poverty in America and justice reform, the CBC engages on multiple fronts to address the plethora of issues facing our Nation and the world. To date, we have had a string of able leaders chair the CBC, and I am proud to have been one of them from 2001 to 2003. Currently, as co- chair of the CBC Technology and Infrastructure Investment Task Force and a member of numerous other CBC task forces, I am proud of the progress that we have been able to achieve through our coordination and cooperation with the Members of the Congress, stakeholders, and the community. History has proven that the importance of the CBC endures even today as we face new challenges to voting rights and experience new strife within our communities. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus serves as a key voice in Congress for people of color and vulnerable communities. Together, the CBC and its allies have paved the way for new progress as we face the challenges of the 21st century. Our promise that was first made in 1971 to give the voiceless a voice is continually fulfilled through the CBC's work, and I look forward to keeping up with our fight to preserve liberty and equal justice for all. We have come from promise to progress.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to applaud the work of Texas Instruments Incorporated and to recognize the important contributions they have made to accelerate U.S. innovation and increase access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in my home state of Texas. Texas Instruments was founded in 1951, when Cecil H. Green, J. Erik Jonsson, Eugene McDermott, and Patrick E. Haggerty reorganized Geophysical Service Incorporated after the company had produced the world's first commercial silicon transistor. They evolved the business from a company primarily serving the oil and gas industry to a semiconductor manufacturer. As an organization fundamentally built by engineers and scientists, research and development has always been a top priority. Sincere in their desire to invest in innovation and education in their own community, the founders helped establish the University of Texas at Dallas in 1969 with the vision of creating a local science, technology, and research institution. Over the years, the leadership of Texas Instruments has not lost the vision of the founders. They have continued a commitment to improving STEM education in Texas and creating high-skilled jobs across the nation by investing in the surrounding community and schools and by maintaining manufacturing facilities within the United States. In early August 2016, Texas Instruments and the Texas Instruments Foundation announced a commitment of $5.4 million to the advancement of STEM education in public schools, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for girls and minorities. The majority of this contribution will be distributed to North Texas schools, including $1.7 million for Southern Methodist University to train a large new cadre of middle school science teachers. An additional $2 million will support the professional development of math and science teachers as well as teacher training for Advanced Placement courses through the proven National Math and Science Initiative. Mr. Speaker, Texas Instrument's generous 2016 contribution to STEM education is testament to their unwavering 65-year commitment to the Dallas area and to our nation. Their philanthropic history represents the best of what can be accomplished in partnership between companies and their local communities. I am proud to honor Texas Instruments today, and I look forward to all they will continue to do in the future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the Zika virus, which has now become a serious public health emergency. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services have spent August reiterating the dire need for funding to protect the American public from Zika and its potential harm. While the Centers for Disease Control worked furiously to control and research the mosquitoes that carry this virus, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases labors over finding a vaccine for the virus, Congress has stalled over funding the package. You have heard the cry from Democrats and Republicans about how serious this is. In the United States, including territories, we currently have 16,832 active Zika virus cases. In south Florida, we now have cases of local transmission that could have been prevented with better vector control and preparedness. We must give our health professionals the tools they need to fight the spread of this virus. Today I ask that we in Congress do our jobs, please.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dallas Police Chief David O'Neal Brown. Chief Brown has proudly served in the Dallas Police Department since 1983 and was appointed police chief in April 2010. After more than 33 years of service to the people and City of Dallas, Chief Brown has announced his plans to retire. Under Chief Brown's leadership, the Dallas Police Department has become a shining example for our nation of what it means to be an effective, community-oriented police force. At a time when community relations between police and the communities they serve remains tense, Chief Brown demonstrated that connecting with the community and maintaining professionalism in the field can go a long way to keeping our communities safe without unnecessarily inflaming tensions. Chief Brown's bravery and commitment to the great State of Texas was especially apparent during the tragic attack in Dallas this year, which has amounted to the deadliest incident for law enforcement in the United States since the September 11th attacks. The shooting claimed the lives of four Dallas Police officers and one DART officer, while injuring nine others. Instead of responding with violence or an impulsive reaction to the brutality that we witnessed that fateful night, Chief Brown demonstrated incredible professionalism by trying to recognize the root cause of the tension and to continue working to end the divisiveness between the citizens and law enforcement through alternative means. The Dallas Police Department is comprised of some of the most capable and professional law enforcement officers in the country. Chief Brown's leadership within DPD has not gone unnoticed and I, along with the people of Dallas, am incredibly grateful for his service. I wish Chief Brown tremendous success in his future endeavors and extend my most sincere appreciation for his service to the City of Dallas and the State of Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the life and sacrifice of a man who served his country and the city of Dallas humbly for over thirty years. On July 7, 2016, Michael Smith was the first of five Dallas public officers who were fatally shot during a protest in downtown Dallas. The shooting was a calculated and senseless act of violence intended to tear our community apart. Instead, our community has rallied to support Michael Smith's loved ones, and honor his legacy. Michael Smith's strong, humble, and loving life is the perfect representation of Dallas' resilience in times of duress. Smith worked in the Dallas Police Department for over twenty-five years. During his time in the department, he gained a reputation for doing thorough and dependable work. He was recognized multiple times throughout his career, most notably winning the distinguished honor of being called the ``Cops' Cop.'' The only thing that outweighed his work ethic at the department was his easygoing and affable manner. Prior to joining the Dallas Police Department, Smith served seven years as an Army Ranger, where he developed a strong sense of service and an unparalleled dedication to helping others. Though Smith's record of public service is incredible, he was best known for his role in the community. On Sundays, he acted as a uniformed guard at the Watermark Church in Farmers Branch. There, he charmed children every Sunday by showing them his squad car or telling them dry but easy jokes. People at the church were both protected and entertained by Smith. He is survived by his wife, a Catholic school teacher whom he met teaching racquetball to deserving youth at a YMCA, as well as their two beautiful daughters. Mr. Speaker, the shooting in Dallas is a tragedy of enormous proportions. However, the impact Michael Smith made to the Dallas community and his loved ones is far bigger. Today, we honor his life.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the life and sacrifice of a selfless public servant, Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens. On July 7th, 2016, Lorne Ahrens was one of five Dallas officers fatally shot during a protest in downtown Dallas. The shooting was a calculated and senseless act of violence intended to tear our community apart. But the resilience of Lorne Ahrens' loved- ones will hold this community together. And they find their inspiration in the memory of the man they loved. Lorne Ahrens was a Senior Corporal in the Dallas Police Department, where he served for fourteen years. He worked for a time in the dangerous and unpredictable job of serving warrants, where a simple knock on the door could escalate into a life-threatening situation. Before moving to the Dallas area, Ahrens served in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for eleven years. For part of that time, he was a law enforcement technician, inputting and dispatching calls to the station, a demanding job that required fast thinking and professional calm. Colleagues in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department remember Ahrens as a professional who supported his teammates, and as a joyous personality to work with. The Los Angeles area was his home. He even played semi-professional football there. Ahrens moved to the Dallas area because he married Katrina Ahrens, a Texas girl and a fellow police officer. They moved to Texas together to start their beautiful family, which now includes a ten year old daughter and eight year old son. Lorne Ahrens was a big man. He stood at 6'5'' and weighed 350 pounds. Yet, anyone who saw him interact with his family knew the biggest thing about him was his heart. He loved to roll on the floor with his kids, making sure they had as much fun as possible when they were with their Dad. In fact, when he was not taking them fishing or to the movies, he often went to his daughter's school to talk about policing and safety. Mr. Speaker, we lost a truly honorable public servant, friend, and father when Lorne Ahrens' life was taken. Today, I would like to thank him for his bravery and sacrifice, send my love to his family, and honor him in Congress.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifice of Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Brent Thompson. Officer Thompson tragically lost his life during the tragic shooting in Dallas on July 7, 2016. He was the first DART police officer to be killed in the line of duty since DART first formed a police department in 1989. Officer Thompson was hailed as a ``great officer'' and one who had served the DART Police Department admirably since joining in 2009. His wife, who he had married just weeks before his death, regarded Officer Thompson as ``the most amazing, caring, loving, selfless man'' she has known. He is the father of six wonderful children, all of whom will carry on his legacy with his passing. Some know Officer Thompson as the veteran officer who bravely charged at the shooter in an attempt to stop him during his rampage. Others know him as a former Marine who helped train and mentor local police in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, all now know Officer Thompson as the brave officer who gave his life in the defense of his fellow citizens in Dallas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud by the way our nation has come together during this difficult time to honor Officer Thompson and the four other officers who lost their lives that day. Today, I would like to thank Officer Thompson for his bravery and sacrifice, and I join with my constituents in expressing my incredible gratitude and appreciation for all that Officer Thompson has done for Dallas and the great State of Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dallas Police Officer Patrick Zamarripa. Officer Zamarripa was one of the five dedicated law enforcement officers who were slain during the tragic shooting in Dallas on July 7, 2016. Officer Zamarripa had a long and decorated career serving our nation. Before joining the Dallas Police Department in 2011, Officer Zamarripa served three tours in Iraq as active duty for the U.S. Navy and then an additional 5 years of military service in the reserves. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his years of service, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Officer Zamarripa has been described as an individual who has faithfully and honorably served his country. His five years of service with the Dallas Police Department was no different and the city lost a great advocate and defender with his passing. It is incredibly heartbreaking for any law enforcement officer to lose their life. It is just as tragic to learn of the family and friends who those officers will leave behind He was a family man with a 2-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old stepson. It is hard to imagine the pain and suffering that the family must be experiencing at this crucial moment. Mr. Speaker, there are no words that can sufficiently describe the loss to the community with each passing. We are all incredibly grateful for Officer Zamarripa's service to our country and courage in the face of adversity, and our thoughts are with the friends and family he left behind.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dallas Police Officer Michael Krol, who was tragically killed during the recent shooting in Dallas on July 7, 2016. Officer Krol was just 40 years old when he lost his life. According to his family, Officer Krol knew from a young age that he always wanted to be a police officer. His goal was to serve in law enforcement and when the opportunity within the Dallas Police Department presented itself, Officer Krol took the risk by moving halfway across the country to Dallas in pursuit of his dream. After years of hard work and preparation, Officer Krol graduated from the Dallas Police Academy on April 25, 2008. Officer Krol was described as a caring person with a gentle heart. He was a dedicated public servant who worked his way up from a position as a security guard for a Michigan hospital, to a Wayne County sheriff's deputy, and ultimately a Dallas Police Department Officer. Officer Krol selflessly gave up his life in order to protect the crowds in Dallas from the violence. Officer Krol is the third of four children. He leaves behind a loving family, close friends, and a long-term girlfriend. My most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones and friends. Mr. Speaker, Dallas Police Chief David Brown said it best when he called police officers ``guardians of this great democracy.'' Officer Krol was nothing short of that and our city will forever remember him for giving his life to protect our friends, families, our communities, and our democracy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, countless families and loved ones in my district are suffering as a result of the recent gun violence that claimed the lives of 5 police officers and injured 11 more officers and civilians in Dallas. The ambush on the Dallas police was the deadliest incident for U.S. law enforcement since the September 11 attacks in our country. Yet House Republicans are leaving Washington today, for a 52-day recess, without taking any action to address the gun violence epidemic that is happening all across the Nation. The tragedy that occurred in my district, as well as the countless other shootings that we seldom hear about, begs the question: How many more innocent Americans will have to lose their lives before we act to put an end to gun violence? The answer, in my opinion, should be ``none.'' No more Americans should have to lose their lives. There are a number of proposals in Congress that are available today for the House Republicans to bring to the floor for a vote. This legislation is available now. Mr. Speaker, countless families and loved ones in my district are suffering as a result of the recent gun violence that claimed the lives of five police officers and injured eleven more officers and civilians in Dallas last week. This ambush on Dallas police was the deadliest incident for U.S. law enforcement since the September 11th attacks. Yet, House Republicans are leaving Washington today for a fifty-two day recess without taking any action to address the gun violence epidemic happening across our nation. The tragedy that occurred in my district, as well as the countless other shootings that we seldom hear about, begs the question of how many more innocent Americans will have to lose their lives before we act to put an end to gun violence. The answer, in my opinion, should be none. No more Americans should have to lose their lives. There are a number of proposals in Congress available today that House Republicans could bring to the floor for a vote. There is legislation available now to bolster the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. There is legislation available now to reinstate a federal ban on assault weapons. There is legislation available now to study the costs of gun violence. Yet, none of these bills have seen the light of day on the House floor. Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues to do the people's bidding and work cooperatively with Democrats to pass meaningful and comprehensive gun reforms so that we can finally put an end to this senseless violence.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5538, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2017. Whatever constructive provisions it may contain are far outweighed by those that will do real damage if enacted. H.R. 5538 is a bill that is riddled with anti-environment riders, among other harmful provisions, which are intended to diminish the ability of the Department of Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment. As Ranking Member of the Science Committee, I am certainly familiar with the anti-EPA rhetoric emanating from too many on the Majority side. Fortunately, their attempts to override the growing chorus of American voices demanding action on climate change is failing, and communities across the Nation are showing strong support for EPA's efforts to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, implement tighter ozone standards, and protect public health. Unfortunately, there are those in this House who apparently have turned a deaf ear to the American people, and instead provide a forum for those who seek to undermine EPA's work, seemingly at every turn. This bill is another vehicle for implementing those obstructive views. There is no greater evidence of this reality than the blanket prohibition found in this bill on any EPA action ``to address methane emissions'' from the oil and gas industry. While the people in California are still reeling from the largest methane leak in U.S. history, it seems unconscionable to me that we would prohibit EPA from taking any action on issues related to methane emissions. In addition, some of my Republican colleagues have grown fond of insisting that EPA should only rely on publically available scientific information to support their rules and actions. While the goal of a transparent government is laudable, the consequence of their insistence is not a more transparent EPA, but an EPA that would be limited as to what science they may consider. As my colleagues and I have said before, we cannot support a bill and accompanying report that limits, or prohibits, EPA from using the best and most relevant science. Moreover, in response to perceived delays in providing documents requested by Congress, the authors of this legislation would seemingly punish the hardworking men and women of EPA's Congressional affairs office by reducing their budget request by 4 million dollars. If my colleagues really want to address EPA's inability to provide timely responses to an ever increasing amount of Congressional document requests, they would not cut the budget of the office tasked with providing those responses. It may feel good to those proposing the cut, but it is a self-defeating approach to addressing the ostensible problem. Finally, I would note that a number of amendments have been made in order that, if adopted, will only make a bad bill worse. I intended to oppose them when they come up for votes. In closing, I cannot support an appropriations bill that, among its defects, would diminish the ability of EPA to protect public health and the environment, and would prohibit EPA from using the best and most relevant science. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 5538.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I welcome the opportunity to do everything we can to advance research in electricity storage. Advanced battery technologies can improve the stability of our electric grid and greatly enhance our ability to efficiently use the wide range of clean energy resources that our country is lucky enough to have at our disposal. This area of research could go a long way to addressing one of the most critical issues of our time: climate change. I appreciate the chairman's enthusiasm for moving as quickly as possible to combat this serious threat. However, I think we could have taken at least a little more time to make sure that we are doing this the right way before rushing this to the floor. Minority committee staff only saw early draft language of this bill a few weeks ago, and last Tuesday, the Department of Energy raised some significant concerns with the current bill. Of particular concern is the bill's attempt to limit the initiative that it authorizes to basic research activities. As we heard from every single witness at a hearing that the Science, Space, and Technology Committee held on this topic just a month ago, as well as from DOE, there is no clear boundary that divides basic and applied research. It is not realistic, and certainly goes against our general understanding of the scientific discovery and innovation, to try to confine the activities of our top researchers in this way. Moreover, this cuts against OMB's definition of the difference between basic and applied research, which actually depends on what these researchers had in mind when they were making their discoveries. DOE noted that the activities ascribed in this bill would easily be considered applied research. So language attempting to restrict the initiative authorized in this bill to basic research activities could create an inherent conflict in its implementation. Mr. Takano offered an amendment in the committee to address the problem in our markup last week, but, unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears in the majority and was rejected. I do not believe that the issues the Department has raised are insurmountable, but I still believe that there was little reason to take this approach when there was ample opportunity to do this in a more bipartisan way. That said, I do not oppose passage of this bill today in the hope that we can turn it into something we can all support in partnership with our friends in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5639, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016. This bill was developed in a bipartisan manner and contains important provisions supporting NIST's key role in increasing the productivity of small- and medium-sized manufacturers, in training early career scientists and promoting U.S. innovation across all sectors of our economy. NIST's core mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. Measurement science and standards ensure that technologies and products we rely on daily in our homes, our workplace, and in every mode of transportation are safe, effective, and reliable. U.S. leadership and standards development also help U.S. businesses thrive in the ever-growing global market. In pursuit of its mission, NIST partners with the private sector and with other government agencies in precompetitive research and technology development in countless areas of national interest. This little-known agency plays a critical role, and in many cases a leadership role, in cybersecurity, forensic science, engineering biology, disaster resilience, advanced manufacturing, and advanced communications, just to name a few. In the area of cybersecurity, NIST led the development of the widely praised Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity and leads the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. The Framework is a voluntary guidance to help public and private owners of critical infrastructure organizations better manage their cybersecurity risk. In forensic science, NIST does important measurement science and facilitates standards development for forensic evidence. This week, I will be reintroducing my Forensic Science and Standards Act because the justice system must be just and fair for all, including the wrongfully accused. NIST is also at the forefront of engineering biology, an emerging technology. Last year, I introduced the Engineering Biology Research and Development Act of 2015 with my Science Committee colleague, Mr. Sensenbrenner. This would establish a framework for greater coordination of Federal investments in engineering biology research and ensure U.S. leadership in applications of this research to energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and health. H.R. 5639 supports NIST's strong partnerships with the private sector, other government agencies, and universities to develop and apply the technology, measurements, and standards needed for new and improved products and services. The bill includes measures to ensure that NIST labs are best organized to meet the agency's mission needs, that Federal agencies cooperate and share information on standards as needed, that NIST helps train and attract our Nation's best and brightest measurement scientists, and that even our Nation's smallest manufacturers have access to NIST resources and expertise. While I am supporting this bill, I do want to make a point about the importance of authorizing funds for all of these activities I have just described. As an authorizing committee, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee should make an informed recommendation for funding the agency's critical work and the human and physical infrastructure that supports that work. NIST's aging infrastructure is crumbling and creating safety issues. NIST struggles to compete with the private sector in attracting top, new technical talent. Congress continually expands the responsibilities and authorities of this important agency. If we want the agency to be successful, we must be willing to fund it. I support this bill today for what it does to encourage NIST's public and private collaborative efforts; however, I look forward to providing funding recommendations in the near future for all of the important work that NIST does to promote innovation and maintain U.S. competitiveness. I want to thank Representative Moolenaar for introducing this bill and Chairman Smith for moving it to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.