Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, last week, President Obama announced a series of executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence across the United States. President Obama laid out these much-needed steps in the face of Congressional inaction, which will help to reduce the senseless gun violence that affects countless communities across our nation. In 2014, firearms claimed the lives of more than 33,000 Americans. Over 2,800 of those fatalities took place in my home state of Texas. Perhaps there will be a time when we no longer will have to read headlines about mass murders in our schools or movie theaters. But until then, our nation must take concerted steps to strengthen background checks, improve mental health services, and keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. This is what President Obama has sought to achieve and I truly believe that this can be done without infringing on law-abiding citizens' right to bear arms. There have been numerous critics of President Obama's executive actions to reduce gun violence. However, we can no longer stand by as gun violence claims the lives of more innocent Americans. The President is limited in what he can achieve through executive actions alone. That is why Congress has the responsibility to pass comprehensive gun safety legislation now and put our nation on the path to preventing such violence from happening again. Mr. Speaker, gun violence affects individuals of all backgrounds in communities all across the United States. It is not a Democratic issue nor is it a Republican issue. It is an issue that affects every American in one form or another. Successfully reducing gun violence in this country will take more than just legislative action from Congress. It will take the collective effort of every American to change the course of our history and end gun violence in America once and for all.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall vote 2, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3762, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 3, H. Res. 579--Rule providing for consideration of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3762, Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 4, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 1155 and H.R. 712, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 5, H. Res. 580--Rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 1155--SCRUB Act of 2015 and H.R. 712--Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 6, Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3762--Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 7, Rep. Johnson (GA) Amendment 2 to H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 8, Reps. Cummings/Connolly Amendment to H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 9, Rep. Lynch Amendment to H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 10, Reps. Johnson (GA)/Jackson-Lee Amendment 6 to H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 11, Democratic Motion to Recommit, H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 12, Final Passage of H.R. 712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 13, Rep. Johnson (GA) Amendment to H.R. 1155, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 14, Reps. Cummings/Connolly Amendment to H.R. 1155, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 15, Rep. Cicilline Amendment, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 16, Rep. DelBene Amendment, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 17, Rep. Cicilline Amendment, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 18, Rep. Pocan Amendment, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 19, Democratic Motion to Recommit, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 20, Final Passage of H.R. 1155, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 21, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 22, H. Res. 581, Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote 23, Rep. Cohen Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 24, Rep. Conyers Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 25, Rep. Deutch Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 26, Rep. Moore Amendment 5, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 27, Rep. Moore Amendment 6, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 28, Rep. Waters Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 29, Rep. Johnson (GA) Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 30, Rep. Jackson-Lee Amendment, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 31, Rep. Nadler, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 32, Democratic Motion to Recommit, H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall vote 33, Final Passage of H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, I would have voted ``no.'' Personal Explanation

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tonight I want to recognize the life and achievements of a brilliant and fascinating man--Phil Romano. Now, although Mr. Romano is not originally from Texas, he falls into the category of people who moved there as quickly as he could. A man that cannot easily be entertained, Mr. Romano bounced around the country before making Dallas his home, and bounced through multiple successful business projects before settling with a self-proclaimed and modest title: entrepreneur. However, Mr. Romano is much more than an entrepreneur. He is rich in character, and Dallas is proud to be his home. Mr. Romano is best known for his successful career in the restaurant industry. His business ventures brought Texas as well as the nation beloved institutions such as Fuddruckers, Romano's Macaroni Grill, and Eatzi's. These business ventures solidified his status as a successful businessman, but Mr. Romano helped satisfy much more than people's appetites. When Mr. Romano was working with a small venture capital firm SHD Management LLC, he had the keen eye to spot a good product. After talking to a cardiologist named Julio Palmaz, Mr. Romano agreed to invest capital and run the business operations for the balloon- expandable heart stent. It ended up becoming over a 10 million dollar invention, but more impressively than that, it saved countless lives, including Mr. Romano's, who now uses a heart stent after he helped invent it. When he worked in the restaurant industry he touched people's stomachs, and when he was a venture capitalist he touched people's hearts. However, his success is most tangible in the impact he has on Dallas. His most recent project, Trinity Groves, will provide a community space for entrepreneurs to grow, businesses to invest, and people to enjoy. In addition to that, his affinity for art, embodied not only in his home but in his studio on Dragon Street in Dallas, will solidify his legacy as a brilliant and deep man. Mr. Speaker, whether it was with a burger, a heart stent, a community, or a painting, throughout his life, Phil Romano has left a Texas-sized impression on Dallas, the city he loves that loves him back.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Darrielle King. She is an Under Armour Second Team All American and a nominee for Gatorade Player of the Year. King was an outstanding defensive player on the volleyball court, totaling 147 solo blocks and 124 block assists. The All-Stater had 243 kills and was named District 8-6A's outstanding blocker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Darrielle King for her outstanding recognition on and off the volleyball court.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I recognize the life and passing of James Belt, Jr. Mr. Belt, Jr. was a very prominent and well-respected leader in the community. As a activist, he also served our community by offering his words of wisdom and years of knowledge and experience. For close to 40 years, he has served the community as a civil and criminal lawyer. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Pan American University, Edinburg, in 1968. And went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston in 1977. He opened his private practice in the heart of South Dallas, where he served those who needed him most. Mr. Belt, Jr. was also a Dallas Examiner co-publisher, sat on the board of the National Newspaper Publisher Association, the official Black Press of America and the NNPA Foundation Board. During the early 2000s, he co-hosted Dallas Examiner Live on KNON Radio. He previously sat on the Texas Southern University Board of Regents in Houston, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board and the Texas Rural Foundation Board. He was the founder of the Dallas Black Criminal Bar Association--an organization of Black lawyers in the private practice of law in Dallas County. He was a member of the National Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association and the Inns of Court. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, it is in earnest respect that I recognize the memory of James Belt, Jr. before this body of Congress and this nation for the irreplaceable contributions he made to the community of Dallas and the State of Texas. My sincere condolences go out to his wife of 45 years, Mollie F. Belt; his children, James C. Belt III, Melanie Belt, MD and Carlos Cavazos; 10 grandchildren, Brittany Cavazos, Jerry Cavazos, C.J. Cavazos, Joshua Cavazos, Michael Cavazos, Lejond Cavazos, Chloe Cavazos, Bryce Belt, Dylan Belt and Melania McDaniel; two daughter-in-laws, Melba Cavazos and Cherrese Belt; and one son-in-law, Demetrius McDaniel, Esq. While his loss will be deeply felt, the memory of his kindness and the recollection of his good deeds will transcend into future generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of a valued staff member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Doctor Daniel Pearson. Dr. Pearson has served on Capitol Hill for the past quarter century, most recently as the Minority Staff Director for the Oversight Subcommittee. Dr. Pearson came to the Committee with a PhD in Political Science from the University of Washington and a keen interest in public service. His commitment has always been to good public policy and integrity in government rather than simply partisan politics. That commitment is exemplified by the fact that he has worked effectively for both Republican and Democratic Members of Congress over his congressional career. In the early 1990s, Dr. Pearson led investigations and oversight activities for Congressman Sherry Boehlert (R-NY). He also worked for former Committee Chairman George Brown (D-CA), Democratic Ranking Member Ralph Hall, and former Chairman Bart Gordon prior to becoming Minority staff director for the Oversight Subcommittee after I became Ranking Member in 2011. Because of the wide-ranging oversight jurisdiction of the Committee, Dr. Pearson has been involved in investigating multiple federal agencies, from the Department of Energy to the Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, covering a broad array of science and technology issues. He leaves behind a legacy of helping to reign in waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement throughout the federal government dating back to the Science Committee's investigation of environmental crimes at the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant. Dr. Pearson's oversight efforts have helped to uncover mismanagement of federal resources, projects and programs. He helped to re-open a network of key EPA regional libraries that had been inexplicably closed. He investigated the Veterans Administration's inappropriate destruction of an irreplaceable collection of biological samples, including the legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease. He managed an investigation into an important Department of Homeland Security (DHS) laboratory called the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) that revealed the DHS Science & Technology Directorate had intended to close this crucial lab without informing Congress. Dr. Pearson's efforts resulted in saving this lab from closure. His oversight efforts also resulted in the withdrawal of federal funding from a technically troubled and poorly managed aerospace project called the DP-2. His investigation of the mishandling of a critical radioactive isotope, Helium-3, used for the identification and detection of dangerous radioactive material, helped put management of that program back on track. Dr. Pearson's oversight work on scientific integrity and public health resulted in several investigations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) including its sister agency the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). These investigations led to the public disclosure of a flawed public health report on the potentially toxic levels of formaldehyde in trailers provided to survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a flawed CDC report on the levels of lead- in-water in Washington, D.C. In that instance, the Committee's investigation prompted an internal CDC investigation of its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch and the agency issued two separate formal notifications correcting its public health study. In his investigatory and oversight role, Dr. Pearson has been a tireless advocate for people who would otherwise have been left behind by the government. There is no better example of this determination than the work Dan did on behalf of the families of Marines at Camp Lejeune, who we came to learn became sick because of a polluted water supply. It was the kind of staff work that should be admired and copied. Dr. Pearson has always believed strongly in the institutional oversight authority vested in Congress and the need to investigate alleged wrongdoing by those tasked with overseeing federal agencies. His nonpartisan oversight efforts in this regard contributed to the removal of three federal Inspector Generals (IGs) from office over the years, one at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and two at the Department of Commerce. Throughout all of these investigations and oversight activities, Dr. Pearson demonstrated the patience and endurance to keep after wrongdoers in the federal government for months and even years if necessary. Doing investigatory work for a House committee can be thankless task at times, but Dr. Pearson was always willing to do what was necessary to carry out his oversight responsibilities. In sum, Dr. Pearson has been a critically important member of the Committee staff. He has been passionate about the issues he has worked on, committed to excellence, and a thoughtful mentor to new staff members. I will miss him and dedicated service to the Committee. At the same time, Congress's loss will be his family's gain, and I know that his wife Neddie and his daughter Nora are looking forward to their time together with him in Oregon. I want to thank him for his selfless professionalism and wish him all the best for the next phase of his life.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer remarks on poverty and income inequality in America in light of our recent budget discussions. In the world's most rich and powerful nation, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty. In Texas, 18 percent of residents live in poverty and 25 percent of children under 18 live in poverty. In Dallas, TX, the number of low-income people rose 41 percent between 2000 and 2012. These numbers are staggering in a nation, state, and city with such wealth. Congress can and must do more to create opportunity for people who live in poverty. Passing a strong federal budget with anti-poverty programs, creating educational opportunities for students who come from low-income families, ensuring children and families have adequate food, advocating for a higher minimum wage, and keeping our federal health programs strong are just a few examples of the ways Congress can help lift these individuals and families out of poverty. We know that these programs work. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) kept almost 5 million Americans, including 2.2 million children, out of poverty last year. Medical kept almost 3 million people out of poverty last year and that number continues to increase as more states expand Medicaid. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) helped to lift 10 million Americans, including 5 million children, out of poverty last year. Anti-poverty programs not only help families rise above and stay out of poverty, they keep families contributing to the economy on a daily basis. Rather than keeping low-income Dallasites, Texans, and Americans on a tightrope where they are one medical emergency, job loss, or large car expense away from dipping into poverty, we must bolster our resources. During the very year that we celebrated the 50th anniversary of several War on Poverty programs enacted by President Johnson, we must make it easier and not more difficult for working families in this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims who were killed during the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy. Seventy-four years ago today, more than 2,000 American citizens lost their lives and more than 1,000 others were injured in a surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The attack on Pearl Harbor shook our nation to its core. Up until this point, the United States had largely remained neutral during the Second World War. However, as a testament to our strength and our resolve, the United States declared war against the Japanese and entered World War II just one day following the attack. Contrary to what the Japanese had intended, the attack had only emboldened our nation to forge our own path to victory. Tragedies such as the attack on Pearl Harbor serve as a stark reminder of the great personal sacrifices that our men and women in uniform must make in the service of protecting our nation. While many soldiers are fortunate enough to return from service, plenty of others have given up their lives in the act of duty. We are forever indebted to these men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also about paying tribute to those who served--and survived--during the attack. Petty Officer Doris ``Dorie'' Miller was one such American who fought bravely during the conflict. Petty Officer Miller displayed remarkable courage when his ship, the USS West Virginia, came under attack. As the fighting occurred, Miller dragged his ship's commander, who was mortally wounded by shrapnel, out of the line of fire to safety. He then manned a 50- caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun and shot down at least three of the 29 Japanese planes that went down that day until he was ordered to abandon ship. While Petty Officer Miller survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, he sadly lost his life during a second attack during the Battle of Makin Island when a Japanese submarine and aircraft attack sunk his ship. Mr. Speaker, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a defining moment in United States history. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day helps to remind us of the importance of defending our freedoms and the heavy cost of doing so. We are reminded on this day of those who lost their lives, but also the countless other veterans--such as Dorie Miller--who have made invaluable contributions to our success during the Second World War.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Parkland Health and Hospital System for being named a Top Hospital by the Leapfrog Group in 2015. Based on the Leapfrog Group's annual hospital survey measuring three significant areas of hospital care, Parkland earned honors for the first time as one of 62 top urban hospitals across the country. Parkland Health and Hospital System opened in 1894 and is now one of the largest public hospital systems in the country. Averaging at one million patient visits annually, Parkland recently expanded to a brand new, state-of-the-art 2.8 million-square-foot campus with 862 single- patient rooms Constantly growing, Parkland includes a Level I Trauma Center, the second largest civilian burn center in the U.S., a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20 community-based clinics, 12 school-based clinics, and numerous outreach and education programs Parkland is also the primary teaching hospital for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit group that advocates transparency in quality and safety of care in U.S. hospitals. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and reports hospital performance so that patients can make informed decisions regarding where they receive care. The survey measures three areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use, and management structures established to prevent errors. Earning this honor means that Parkland has lower infection rates, better health outcomes, decreased length of stay, and fewer hospital readmissions. Given Parkland's track record, especially their recent transfer of 626 patients from their old facility to the new Parkland Memorial Hospital without incident or interruption in patient care, I believe Parkland deserves to be named a top hospital. The move was conducted on foot via the Mike Myers Sky Bridge that connects the facilities and was planned with precision for months prior. This is just one prime example of Parkland's many contributions to Dallas County. Congratulations to Parkland on this well-deserved recognition. I am proud to have Parkland in my district and I congratulate the board, clinicians, and staff on this hard-earned honor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This long-term authorization of surface transportation programs will provide the certainty that states and municipalities need to plan and build out critical transportation infrastructure projects. This 5-year, $305 billion measure represents a bi-partisan compromise to help repair our crumbling infrastructure and secure our economic future while creating thousands of good paying jobs. As both a conferee to the transportation bill and the senior Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I can say with strong confidence that this legislation is a good-faith effort to make the important investments in our transportation infrastructure that our nation so desperately needs. While there are some shortcomings in the bill and some of us would like to have higher levels of investments be included, this bill will still help to further new and existing projects for the long-term. I am pleased to see that this bill supports research and development, including expanding university transportation center outreach to women and underrepresented populations. In going forward, I hope that we can do more to elevate our nation as a leader in multimodal transportation innovation. Mr. Speaker, Americans demand more investment in infrastructure and it is the responsibility of this Congress to make that investment. I applaud Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio and other members from the various committees of jurisdiction for their hard work on this bill. Passage of this legislation is a strong first step in keeping America competitive and helping to build and maintain our nation's critical transportation infrastructure.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the legacy of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. On November 24, Congresswoman Chisholm was posthumously awarded the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1968, Chisholm historically won a seat in the House of Representatives in New York's 12th Congressional District, becoming the first African American woman elected to Congress. In 1969, Chisholm was one of the founding members of a group that would become the Congressional Black Caucus. Chisholm served seven terms in Congress with a historical run for the U.S. Presidency in 1972. Chisholm was the first majority-party African American female candidate to run for President. During her time in Congress, Chisholm worked to improve conditions for inner-city residents. She vocally fought for educational opportunities, better healthcare, increased social services, and reductions in military spending. Chisholm was an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War, opposing the draft and the expansion of weapon developments. Chisholm fought to ensure that women and people of color had the opportunity to contribute to policy and the legislative process. After leaving Congress in 1983, she returned to her career as an educator. Chisholm taught undergraduate courses in politics and sociology at Mount Holyoke College from 1983 to 1987, starkly different from her career prior to serving in Congress in early childhood and elementary education. Nonetheless, Chisholm provided valuable contributions to not only Mount Holyoke, but also the 150 campuses where she gave speeches, telling students to avoid polarization and intolerance. Chisholm passed away in 2005 after suffering several strokes. However, her legacy will always remain with us. As one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, as the first African American women elected to Congress, Chisholm has provided us with many firsts and has paved the way for more opportunity. I urge my colleagues to honor former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and recognize her for winning the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor beloved civil rights activist and ``mother of the Civil Rights Movement,'' Rosa Parks. Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This single act of civil disobedience unwittingly helped build the foundation for a nationwide movement to end the discriminatory policies of segregation. She empowered thousands of African Americans to come together and launch a boycott of Montgomery buses that lasted 381 days. Thousands of members from the African American community rallied together to carpool, use African American-operated cabs, or even going as far to walk many miles to work. It was a huge success that sent a strong message to those who would choose to discriminate against others. Rosa Parks endured great personal hardship following her protest. She was fired from her job at a local department store and her husband was retaliated against in his own place of work, losing his job in the process as well. Rosa Parks was ultimately forced to leave Montgomery for Detroit, Michigan where she could begin a new life. However, her suffering would not be in vain and in 1956, the United States Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that Jim Crow laws were unconstitutional. Rosa Parks channeled discrimination against her into positive action. She founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development, which is aimed at providing youth with life skills, character development, and education on civil rights history. Her contributions have been widely recognized thereafter. Rosa Parks is the recipient of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (NAACP) highest award, the Spingarn Medal. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest award that United States Congress can bestow on a civilian. Mr. Speaker, Rosa Parks serves as an inspiration to us all. Her story teaches us how the brave actions of one individual can inspire the actions of an entire generation. Individuals like Rosa Parks light the way and show us exactly how we can achieve the change we so greatly desire. Her actions changed the course of history and her legacy will be remembered far and wide.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 27th World AIDS Day. Each year on December 1, we support those living with HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have died from HIV/AIDS, and encourage the scientific advances being made in the field. Globally, there are 36 million people living with HIV and 35 million people have died from HIV and AIDS-related causes since the beginning of the epidemic since the first cases were reported in 1981. Since 70% of HIV cases are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, countries that are hit the hardest by this pandemic often face other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and other problems. While the number of newly infected individuals has declined, and the number of individuals receiving treatment has increased, we must remain vigilant with targeted funding and treatment in these vulnerable regions. Various Presidential Administrations have responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by focusing on specific countries and increasing funding levels. For example, the creation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, which began during the Bush Administration and continued through the Obama Administration, brought new attention to address AIDS, as well as tuberculosis and malaria. While the global HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to receive steady funding through a robust U.S. and international response, the reaction in Texas for African Americans has been slower. In Dallas County, 43% of those living with HIV are black while only 33% are white. Of newly diagnosed HIV cases, 51% are black while only 22% are white. As for black females in Dallas County, one in 144 black women are already living with HIV and are eight times more likely be become infected than their white or Hispanic counterparts. Funding to reach and educate individuals on a grassroots level is extremely necessary to fight the types of battles we face with the HIV/ AIDS in South Dallas. That is why I have been a strong supporter of the Ryan White CARE Act extension packages each time they reached the House floor. We must place our resources where they will be the most effective. On this World AIDS Day, we need to commit ourselves to eradicating AIDS here at home and globally.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the first registered nurse elected to the U.S. Congress, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a remarkable woman for her remarkable devotion to the nursing community, as well as wish her a safe and happy 90th birthday. Dr. Billye Brown graduated from nursing school at Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Little Rock and received a Bachelor's degree in Nursing Education from the University of Texas' Medical Branch School of Nursing at Galveston, Texas. She earned her Master's degree in Nursing Education from St. Louis University and a Doctor of Education degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Internationally recognized as a leader in education and administration, Dr. Billye J. Brown has been at the forefront of nursing for more than 30 years through her achievements as both professor and dean at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, and as a prominent leader in nursing's most distinguished professional organizations. In 2013, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, awarded Billye its prestigious President's Award to honor her lifetime contributions to the nursing profession, including her support of original research in the 1980s that led to the establishment of ANCC's Magnet Recognition Program. During her years at The University of Texas at Austin, Billye was dean and professor of the School of Nursing for 17 years. Billye's visionary approach to teaching and administration led to her appointment as the LaQuinta Motor Inns Centennial Professor in 1983 and her induction into the Hall of Fame at the University of Texas' School of Nursing at Galveston in 1992. Her numerous professional awards and honors include being named Nurse of the Year by the Texas Nurses' Association; her selection as one of the Most Influential Women in Education by the Austin American Statesman; and resolutions passed by the State of Texas Senate and House of Representatives acknowledging her contributions to nursing. At the national and international level, Billye is widely respected for her service as past president of both the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). As chairman of the fundraising task force for STTI, Billye led a successful multi-year campaign that produced more than $7 million in planned gifts. She was honored by the AACN with the Sister Bernadette Armiger Award. In 1999, STTI selected Billye for the Mary Tolle Wright Award for Excellence in Leadership and announced the formation of the Billye Brown Society to pay homage to her dedication to planned giving efforts that contribute to the advancement of scholarly nursing. She was recognized with the Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award at the 2007 STTI Biennial Convention. Billye was recognized as the 2010 American Academy of Nursing Living Legend, and in 2011 she was selected to receive the prestigious National League for Nursing President's Award for an Enduring Legacy in Nursing Education. Mr. Speaker, the only list more longer and more plentiful than the list of Billye's professional achievements is the list of people whose lives she has touched. She dedicated her life to nursing because it is a profession on the forefront of patient care, human interaction, and practiced compassion. Her work is selfless, but she is so humble, she would never even say that. Her life is for others, but today is for her. May the Record recognize Dr. Billye Brown's historic career and milestone birthday.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my opposition to H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act. As a result of horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France and Beirut, Lebanon last week, many elected officials in the United States are demanding that we stop admitting refugees fleeing Syria or place strict restrictions upon their entrance. This rhetoric is disheartening and disappointing. We are facing a global refugee crisis that requires a global response. With 60 million people displaced, the United States must do its part to help protect and resettle vulnerable families and children who are fleeing violence and persecution. While we must continue to ensure that screening procedures are able to properly vet those seeking political asylum in this country, I refuse to turn my back on innocent people who are fleeing the atrocities in their homeland. H.R. 4038 places unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles in front of Syrian and Iraqi refugees without any demonstrated public safety benefit and would result in completely unjustified discrimination based on nationality, origin, and religion. This is not only wrong, it is not American. H.R. 4038 also wrongly attacks vulnerable refugees who are fleeing the same dangerous attacks that we fear so much here on American soil. While I do believe that we must remain vigilant in our safety precautions, we cannot close our doors and our minds to the children and families seeking protection, shelter, and safety. In Dallas, we have always shown our compassion to those who seek safety. I refuse to slam the door on a small fraction of the world's Syrian refugees. In fact, 184 Syrian refugees have already been placed in Texas with more than 1,500 across the nation and we will certainly welcome more. We cannot turn our backs on those who fall victim to war, aggression, and tenor. Instead, we must show compassion by promoting peace and diplomacy. I urge my colleagues to vote against this divisive and discriminatory legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, nothing excites me more than to discuss and to have witnessed much of the space exploration research. The bill we are considering today is a missed opportunity to enact sensible policies. It is a bill that, if enacted, will do harm to American taxpayers, to the long-term interests of the commercial space industry itself. It is a bill that displays the inconsistent and contradictory approach that this Congress has taken toward this industry. On the one hand, Congress and the industry has been saying that the commercial launch industry is so mature that we are ready to send our NASA astronauts on the International Space Station as passengers on commercial spacecraft. On the other hand, the bill before us today says that the industry is still so immature that the FAA shouldn't be allowed to impose any safety regulations to protect passengers who fly on any of the commercial spacecraft until well into the next decade; this, despite the fact that our country has more than a half century of experience in human spaceflight, and we understand very well what is needed to maintain passenger safety. This contradictory posture makes no sense to me. NASA will insist on the insight and oversight necessary to be convinced that the vehicles its astronauts fly on will be as safe as they can be. However, with this bill, ordinary citizens who fly on commercial spacecraft won't have any similar protections. I must point out that I am not talking in the abstraction. In just this past 13 months, we have witnessed three different commercial launch providers experience catastrophic failures. One of those failures resulted in the death of a test pilot. Another caused millions of dollars of damage to the launch facility. With these major accidents as a backdrop, I think it is unconscionable that we are here today moving this bill in its current form. The bill before us also goes against the interests of the American taxpayer. By extending the current licensing and indemnification regime without any updating of its provisions, it shifts more and more of the third-party liability financial risk in the event of an accident, and we know there will be accidents, from the companies to the taxpayers. Each year that the current, outdated indemnification regime is extended, the financial exposure of the taxpayer grows, and that of the companies are reduced. I can think of no other industry where we are willing to have the government--and ultimately the American taxpayer-- assume an increasing share of the financial risk of an industry as it matures. Of course, some of my majority colleagues will argue that we have to provide that preferential treatment to our domestic commercial space transportation industry because foreign governments are providing it to theirs. Yet I would note that many of those same Members rejected that same argument when it was applied to the renewal of the Ex-Im Bank. I guess consistency is not always seen as a virtue in this party. Mr. Speaker, I will not belabor the point. I opposed this bill when an earlier version passed the House. Unfortunately, negotiations with the Senate did not result in any significant improvements. That is not to say there are no good provisions in the bill. There are. But they are outweighed by the provisions that in one way or another say that we as a Congress are concerned with protecting the interests of the commercial space transportation industry but not the safety of the Americans who will fly on their commercial spacecraft. Mr. Speaker, when the inevitable accident with significant loss of life occurs, whether it is 1 year from now or 5 years from now, the American public will look back at what we are doing today and ask how we could be so shortsighted. I would urge my colleagues to take a step back from this path that we are on so that we can take the time to craft legislation that will help this industry grow in a responsible manner while still protecting our citizens.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this has been a challenging year for race relations in the United States. Between the recent events at college campuses across the country and several incidents involving law enforcement, it is clear that strong racial tensions still exist within our communities. Renewed efforts to disenfranchise select groups of voters by gutting the Voting Rights Act or segregating neighborhoods in violation of the Fair Housing Act have contributed to the divisive elements of our society. These efforts run counter to everything that we as a nation have tried to eliminate in bringing diverse individuals together under common values--and there is still much work to be done. The fight for racial equality and inclusion has been a constant struggle for individuals of color throughout our long history. Despite important victories during the Civil Rights era, a new struggle has emerged in our time to tackle more subtle and implicit racial biases that exist within our society. Recognizing these challenges and maintaining open and civil dialogue is the only way that we can seek to end these senseless divisions once and for all. While it is also important to learn from the lessons of our past, how we decide to move forward will truly come to define the future of our nation. As we look to overcome our differences, we must reflect on our values and determine what kind of future we would like to see for our children. Do we want to leave behind a divided nation where individuals quarrel over race or socioeconomic status? Or do we want to live in a nation united under equal opportunity and justice for each and every American? I, for one, choose to support an equal and just America. Mr. Speaker, there will continue to be challenges ahead. However, the lessons that we carry with us into the future will help guide our decisions to build for a stronger and more prosperous America. I urge my colleagues to speak out against this blatant discrimination so that we can heal our country and move forward as a nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I acknowledge the passing of Congressman Howard Coble, but with great joy that I recall his storied career as a public servant, and with even greater joy that I recall our significant friendship. Mr. Coble represented North Carolina's 6th Congressional District from 1985 until his retirement in 2015, making him the longest-serving Republican House member in the state's history. I remember his leadership on the Judiciary Internet subcommittee, where he advocated for protecting online content and worked tirelessly to make illegal streaming a felony. Though I disagreed with him often on policy, we became great friends, most particularly through our official travels. I am now occupying his former office in the Rayburn House Office Building. In public, Congressman Coble had a sterling reputation as a man of integrity and principle, a representative who stood by his commitments. In person, his deep character was outweighed only by his affability. Perhaps that is one of the reasons he became the longest-serving Republican in North Carolina history. Mr. Speaker, tonight Congress has lost the presence of one of its most humble and hardworking representatives. Congressman Coble's loss will be deeply felt among many, but his work will not. His caring nature and hard work he possessed will live forever.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Kids Teaching Kids program within Medical City Children's Hospital which was created in 2010. Tonight, Kids Teaching Kids holds its 21 Day Challenge kickoff event, where eight Dallas area superintendents and community leaders will join together to teach kids healthy snacking habits. During the 21 Day Challenge, culinary high school students work with a Medical City Children's Hospital registered dietician to learn nutrition basics. The students use that knowledge to make snack recipes for elementary school students to prepare for themselves. School districts in the Dallas area are getting involved in the program and encouraging their students to participate in the challenge. The Kids Teaching Kids program has seen tangible results. Kids in the Dallas community are making healthier choices inside and outside of school. In 2014, 4,500 students signed up for the 21 Day Challenge and 900 completed the challenge. Before the challenge, 16.8% of kids said that they did not eat healthy snacks. After the challenge, 83.6% of those 16.8% said that they were eating more fruits and vegetables after the challenge. The impact of this program in our community is visible. The Texas Restaurant Association and the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association actively support the program. School districts of Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Desoto, Rockwall, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, Frisco, Prosper, Allen, and Wylie currently participate in the program Thank you to Medical City Children's Hospital for supporting this program and for allowing it to flourish. We need more innovative ideas of this nature in every metropolitan area in this country. With the support of our peers, we can work to change our habits to become a healthier community.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to honor the service of our men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, we must come together to stop one of the most egregious practices that is preying upon them: predator payday loan companies are targeting our veterans at an alarming rate. In North Texas alone, a fast cash payday advance of $500 that is rolled over five or more times could wind up costing $1,200 or more. As a result, many borrowers are trapped in a cycle of debt when these short-term loans are not repaid on time, usually within a required 2 to 4 weeks. Mr. Speaker, these companies have targeted our vulnerable veterans with limited financial options, digging them deeper and deeper into debt. We in Congress must work to cap these interest rates and require all lenders to follow the same standards as our local banks, mortgage companies, and other for-profit lenders. As a Nation, we have a long way to go to make sure that those who have protected and defended our homeland are, themselves, protected and defended when they return home to rebuild their lives.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, my amendment represents an important effort to preserve the existing budget authority for the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, TIFIA, program. In essence, this simple amendment would strike DOT's ability to reallocate budget authority for TIFIA, ensuring that this authority remains available for the TIFIA program. The TIFIA program was first authorized by Congress in 1998 to fill a critical gap in financing for large-scale transportation projects. Since that time, the Department of Transportation has provided low- interest credit assistance to State and local governments in order to help finance projects of regional and national significance. Current law directs the Department of Transportation to redistribute uncommitted budget authority for TIFIA to States for use by their formula programs. Due to unforeseen delays in allocating budget authority, DOT redistributed approximately $640 million of budget authority for TIFIA as recently as April of this year. This reduced capacity for project financing will have serious consequences. Texas alone, for example, has more than $1 billion in potential projects that will utilize the TIFIA program. Make no mistake, this funding capacity has been lost not because of a lack of demand for the program, but because of the inability to commit budget authority in a timely manner. Unfortunately, the highway bill being considered on the floor also cuts TIFIA drastically from the current level of $1 billion per year to just over $200 million per year. Allowing a redistribution clause to remain in place could result in further cuts to the program. My amendment would simply protect what has proven to be an invaluable financing tool for State and local governments. I urge the adoption of this amendment so that we can preserve the loan capacity for this time-tested program. I want to express my appreciation to Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for supporting this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in speaking on the critically important issue of criminal- justice reform. Just last week, an African-American girl at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina was violently arrested by the school's resource officer. This is a disturbing example of a law enforcement officer using excessive force when interacting with a person of color and a perfect illustration of an alarming trend in our schools. We need to have a substantive dialogue around how to empower administrators, teachers, and staff to deal with school disciplinary issues so that students aren't being criminalized for behavioral issues. According to the Department of Education, black females enrolled in New York City and Boston schools are disciplined 10.5 times more on average than their white counterparts. African Americans seem to face undue scrutiny by police officers throughout our communities. Black Americans are more than twice as likely to be unarmed when killed during encounters with police when compared to Caucasians. States and Congress must set higher standards for the use of deadly force and must hold police officers accountable if they violate these standards. This is the first of many steps to begin the process of mending the delicate relationship between law enforcement and people of color. This disparity is increasingly evident when looking at the composition of the U.S. prison population. The Coalition for Public Safety argues that more than 60 percent of our prison population is composed of racial and ethnic minorities. That is why I have supported H.R. 3713, a comprehensive sentencing reform effort with bipartisan support that aims to overhaul the current system which disproportionately affects minorities. I strongly believe that addressing the disparate treatment of people of color at the hands of police is a fundamental step toward creating an equitable society. As one of the first black women to be publically elected from Dallas, I spent my entire career championing equity for communities of color and fighting on behalf of African Americans for social justice. It is clear that there are fundamental problems in police and justice systems across the nation that needs to be addressed. As a former Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, these issues are of the utmost importance to me and I am personally committed to finding long term solutions. We must act now to remedy the culture and system of violence against people of color. Our nation has endured this disparity for far too long and I encourage my colleagues to not only speak out on this issue, but also take swift and immediate action.