Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased today to recognize October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down syndrome is a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, likely a full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This defect causes intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities. Approximately 1 in 700 babies in the United States are born with Down syndrome. Infants with Down syndrome are more likely to have other medical issues such as hearing loss, heart defects, and various eye diseases. Furthermore, African American infants born with Down syndrome have a lower chance of surviving past the first year of life than infants with Down syndrome from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. The economic impacts on the families of those with Down syndrome are also staggering. Medical care costs for children in their first four years are twelve times higher than the costs associated with a child without Down syndrome. Nearly 40 percent of families have suffered a financial setback or have forced a family member to stop working because of the child's condition. Progress has been made in some areas that impact individuals with Down syndrome. The life expectancy for individuals with this disability has greatly increased. The 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that passed the House of Representatives earlier this session, provides additional funding to the National Institute of Health for medical research that one day may move the needle of innovation in research and treatment forward enough to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. I am pleased to recognize the 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome and the families who have sacrificed so that these individuals can live their lives to the fullest.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3033, the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act H.R. 3033 would require the National Science Foundation to have a line item for the Research in Disabilities Education program and to fund at least $5 million dollars a year on dyslexia research. This would include research on the early identification of individuals with dyslexia, professional development for teachers and school administrators, curricula development and educational tools, and implementation and scaling of successful models of dyslexia intervention. I have known several people who have dyslexia. Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, if someone gets proper diagnosis and instruction, they can succeed in school and go on to have successful careers. The National Science Foundation currently supports fundamental research across a number of scientific fields that provide a foundation for dyslexia research. Also, the National Science Foundation is a leader in educational research and funds learning science directly and indirectly related to dyslexia. A significant amount of the National Science Foundation research relevant to dyslexia is funded out of the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate and the Education and Human Resources Directorate--two important National Science Foundation Directorates that fund high-priority research. Research funded by the Biological Sciences Directorate also contributes to foundational knowledge about the neuroscience behind dyslexia. I was pleased that when this bill was considered by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, we worked in a bipartisan manner and made several improvements to the bill, including incorporating some of the suggestions that expert witnesses had given us during Committee hearings. I want to thank my fellow Texan, Chairman Smith for working across the aisle on this bill. I support the bill and urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Turkish people regarding the terrorist attack in Ankara on October 10, 2015 that took the lives of more than 90 innocent people. The attack was orchestrated through an apparent double suicide bombing at a rally organized to promote peace. Turkey has been a longtime NATO ally and friend. For decades, they served on the front lines of the Cold War and contained Soviet expansionism to its north. Today, Turkey finds itself with a new threat to the south, as militant extremists attempt to expand their control over large parts of Syria and Iraq. It is heartbreaking to see evidence of this form of terrorism spreading to Turkish soil. We stand with the Turkish people as they confront the growing threat of terrorism. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this latest tragedy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I had planned to support this bill, as a matter of fact, as a cosponsor; but since I have been unable to remove myself from the cosponsorship, I wish to speak on the record regarding my opposition to this particular bill. While I believe that Congress should consider the potential for all energy sources to meet our Nation's current and future needs, I believe that this legislation lacks the proper safeguards and oversight for such a major change in our Nation's energy policy. The bill does not appropriately consider the implications of our national security, the economy, consumers, and, especially, the environment. Exporting crude oil does not increase demand for oil or definitively increase the number of U.S. jobs in the energy sector. On the contrary, many U.S. jobs that are downstream in the domestic refining process may be threatened. In addition, exporting oil to foreign countries for refining purposes would likely increase overall CO2 emissions.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, the bottom line is that we must consider many factors related to our energy portfolio before we lift any current restrictions. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 702. Since I am unable to remove myself as a cosponsor of the legislation, I would like to speak on the record regarding my opposition to this particular bill. While I believe that Congress should consider the potential for all energy sources to meet our nation's current and future needs, I believe that this legislation lacks the proper safeguards and oversight for such a major change in our nation's energy policy. The bill does not appropriately consider the implications for our national security, the economy, consumers, and especially the environment. Exporting crude oil does not increase demand for oil or definitively increase the number of U.S. jobs in the energy sector. On the contrary, many U.S. jobs that are downstream in the domestic refining process may be threatened. In addition, exporting oil to foreign countries for refining purposes will likely increase overall CO2 emissions, thus amplifying the impacts of climate change. Facing the challenge of climate change requires us to be responsible and accountable for our own natural resources. This bill does not provide any recourse to mitigate or even examine these potential impacts, and thus ignores this responsibility entirely. It should be noted that the Obama Administration has made every effort to compromise by easing export restrictions where appropriate after careful review. The Commerce Department recently approved limited crude oil exchanges with Mexico. However, the President believes that unilaterally lifting the export ban is excessive, and I join him in his opposition. Lifting the crude oil ban for short-term gains with no accounting of the costs that will be incurred is ill-advised and short- sighted. The bottom line is that we must consider many factors related to our energy portfolio before we lift any current restrictions. Without serious deliberation and oversight of the potential environmental and economic impacts of such as significant shift in our national energy policy, I must urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As we celebrate the 70th year of recognizing individuals with disabilities within our national workforce, it is paramount that we, as a country, do everything we can to ensure individuals with a disability have opportunities to enter the workforce without barriers. Individuals with disabilities are a vital part of our national workforce and have contributed greatly to the U.S. economy. Yet, only 19.1% of these Americans are participants in the labor force. Accessibility, transportation, and perceptions of individuals with disabilities are some of the many obstacles that prevent these Americans from being given the opportunity to put in a full day's work and become active members of our communities. Likewise, it is critical that we recognize the organizations and individuals across the country that provide these opportunities. The Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind is one such organization in my district that deserves this special recognition. Founded in 1931, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind provides employment opportunities for the visually impaired. The organization enhances the lives of hundreds of individuals with disabilities. In doing so, they bring tremendous value to our community. As we recognize October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I call on employers, schools, and other organizations to work throughout the year--not only in October--to ensure that individuals with disabilities have a chance to contribute in meaningful and long- lasting ways through gainful employment. Mr. Speaker, individuals with disabilities have a lot of value to contribute to our society, and I am pleased to recognize their contributions during this very special month.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the 104th National Day of the Republic of China approaches on October 10th, I rise today to commemorate that historic event and to congratulate the people of Taiwan. October 10th, 1911 marked the beginning of the Wuchan Uprising, which led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Today, Taiwan is one of the world's most developed economies, a consolidated representative democracy, and a great friend of the United States of America. Taiwan is there to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever there is a natural disaster or other humanitarian tragedy. When the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak an international public health emergency, Taiwan stepped up preparatory measures to protect its citizens while collaborating with the international community to mount an effective response. Taiwan's Center for Disease Control set up an emergency response team and organized expert consultation meetings for more than 100,000 public health professionals. Additionally, under the leadership of President Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan made a significant donation to the CDC Foundation's Global Disaster Response Fund, pledged all necessary measures to prevent the spread of Ebola in Taiwan, and agreed to donate 100,000 sets of protective equipment for the Ebola workers in West Africa. Taiwan seeks to become a member of important international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Given Taiwan's proven success in international healthcare and peaceful operations, we should do all we can to support Taiwan's participation in those key international organizations. Taiwan is also a responsible member of the international community and constantly works for the peaceful resolution of disputes. Taiwan has achieved a remarkable reduction of cross-strait tensions, and I believe that Taiwan deserves to be a member of international organizations so that it can more effectively work for peace, harmony, and civilized conduct by all nations throughout the world. It was my privilege to visit Taiwan in July of this year. I personally witnessed Taiwan's vibrant democracy, advanced development and women's right promotion. I encourage my colleagues to visit Taiwan, support of our friends there, and support their bids for entree into international organizations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 702.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of three very special leaders from the African American community who have passed away this year. Through their personal sacrifices and steadfast leadership, Representative Louis Stokes, Amelia Boynton Robinson, and Julian Bond have impacted the lives of countless Americans and I would like to join my colleagues in honoring their legacies. I have had the distinct honor of working alongside Representative Stokes before he retired from the United States Congress in 1999. Before being elected to Congress, Representative Stokes was a tireless advocate for promoting civil rights as a lawyer. In 1968, Representative Stokes was elected as Ohio's first African American congressman, where he would go on to become a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. After serving for 30 years in Congress, Representative Stokes is remembered by his commitment to public service and his insatiable desire to help the most disadvantaged segments of the population. Amelia Boynton Robinson was a prominent figure from the Civil Rights Movement, most well-known for her strong efforts to encourage voter participation among African Americans. Ms. Boynton was key to organizing civil and voting rights demonstrations in Alabama, including a march to the state capital of Montgomery. It was during this march on Bloody Sunday when Ms. Boynton was beaten unconscious in the defense of basic voting rights for African Americans. Ms. Boynton would live to the age of 110 before passing away in Montgomery, Alabama. Julian Bond was another Civil Rights leader whose life we honor this year. Mr. Bond helped to co-found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which served as a platform to drive the success behind organizing African American voters during a critical time in our nation's history. Mr. Bond also co-founded and was named the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a legal organization dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable while advocating for basic rights for all. He also served in the Georgia House of Representatives despite a bitter vote by his colleagues not to seat him. Later in his life, Mr. Bond served as chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1998 to 2010. Representative Louis Stokes, Amelia Boynton Robinson, and Julian Bond were model citizens whose legacies will be idolized long into the future. These three leaders have left lasting impressions that will set examples for new generations. Mr. Speaker, it saddens me and countless others to have to honor these individuals after their passing. However, we are forever grateful for their contributions and countless lives have been improved as a direct result of their sacrifices.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of a proud Dallasite and a true American. Ebby Halliday, known in North Texas as the ``Queen of Real Estate,'' passed in Dallas on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. The 70-year-old company that she founded, Ebby Halliday Real Estate, has nearly 1800 real estate agents and in 2014 amassed sales of $6.6 billion. The impact of her company was only outweighed by the impact of her character. The life and work of Ebby Halliday is a part of the social and economic fabric of Dallas. Mrs. Halliday approached philanthropy with the same way she approached real estate. Always graceful, she explained her work ethic by saying: ``I work like a dog and act like a lady.'' Her intensity and charm only intensified with age. Praise for Mrs. Halliday rings far and wide in Dallas, from the state capitol to her many employees. Twenty-three years ago, she placed 49 percent of the company that she had build into a stock portfolio for her employees. She believed that they should be rewarded for their work. She changed the scope and nature of the real estate industry in Texas, by including, recruiting, and mentoring talented women to lead the industry. Some of the largest real estate firms in North Texas today are owned by women who received their training under the prudent tutelage of Ebby Halliday. At a celebration for her 100th birthday four years ago, this graceful lady donned a ukulele and sang ``Happy Days Are Here Again.'' She was as joyous as the youngest person in the room. Because of Ebby Halliday, Dallas grew not only in size, but in the capacity to love. I want to take this time to remember her, on behalf of her family, the city of Dallas. Mr. Speaker, Ebby Halliday is an unforgettable public servant and leader. A woman fueled by passion and concern for others, she was a trailblazer for women throughout the state of Texas. She left a powerful legacy that will live for generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Thomas W. Luce, who has been instrumental in education reform in Texas. Southern Methodist University will soon announce a $1.75 million gift from Sarah Fullinwider Perot and Ross Perot, Jr. to inaugurate the Thomas W. Luce III Centennial Dedman Law Scholars Program. Mr. Luce, who earned undergraduate and law degrees from SMU, will team up with the dean of the Dedman School of Law to select one to two Luce Scholars annually. Mr. Luce's role as the chief of staff for the Texas Select Committee of Public Education in 1984 set him up for a career dedicated to closing the achievement gap in education. As the founder and CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative, Mr. Luce shares my passion of STEM education. I have worked with Mr. Luce over the years on STEM projects and his leadership and resolve have moved STEM education issues to the forefront of our education policy discussions. Aside from his presence in the education policy conversation, Mr. Luce is also the founding CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity that works to improve mental health services in Texas. As a non-practicing registered psychiatric nurse, I know firsthand that our mental health system is in crisis. I know that with the presence of Mr. Luce, many mental health patients will benefit and gain access to the treatment they deserve. The state of Texas and our nation need more individuals like Mr. Luce who are passionate about issues and work to improve the education system. I personally admire Mr. Luce for his efforts and look forward to working with him in the future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions for hosting their Fourth Annual Dallas Hunger Summit. As the Chair of the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions, I hold a strong passion for helping the families in my district overcome the obstacles and challenges they face. I'm very pleased to again be working with the Coalition to organize this important event. The theme of this year's Summit is Roots, Growth and Harvest. First, we explore the roots of hunger and renew our commitment to tackling this urgent problem. Hunger and food insecurity are obstacles that no family, no child, and no senior should have to confront. More than 477,000 people in Dallas County are food insecure, including over 172,000 children. In Congress, I have been a steadfast supporter of anti-hunger programs. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of preserving nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Often, I remind my colleagues that 95% of SNAP funding goes directly to families to purchase food. For many of these at-risk populations, SNAP is the sole form of income assistance they receive and is a powerful anecdote to extreme poverty. Tens of millions of people rely on federal nutrition programs to feed their families and help make ends meet. When we know that nutrition programs not only help struggling families, but also generate economic activity, we must support these assistance programs. At last year's Summit, we came together to learn, share about our successes and challenge ourselves to do more. This past year we have seen a fantastic growth in partnerships as many of you lent your time, passion and expertise to the work of the Coalition and its five Action Teams. I'm glad to share just a few of the great things that have been accomplished this year. First, the Child Hunger Action Team continued to partner with DISD to expand the number of schools that served suppers during afterschool programs--growing participation from 28 in 2013 to over 160 today. Second, the Faith Community Action Team organized 15 congregations and ministries to jointly provide vegetable gardens to 190 families across the County, many of them growing their own food for the very first time. Third, the Senior Hunger Action Team has begun implementing collaborative pilot initiatives to increase the number of seniors with access to SNAP benefits and to increase participation in senior congregate meal programs. This is vital as we owe it to our seniors to make sure they have the food they need to be healthy. Fourth, the Urban Agriculture Action Team achieved a great victory in spurring the City of Dallas to amend zoning ordinances to allow sales from urban gardens, which will both increase access to healthy food, and spur jobs and economic development. Lastly, the Neighborhood Organizing Action Team successfully launched a new, resident-led community organization called Empowering Oak Cliff, which is engaging community members in southern Oak Cliff in leading a holistic campaign for neighborhood revitalization, including ensuring that the many seniors in the community have access to healthy food. Thanks so much to all of you that have been part of making these achievements possible. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we work together. Thank you to all of the participants and especially to the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions for your commitment to this cause.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 23, legislation that would reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program--or NWIRP. The last few years have been devastating years for natural disasters across the country. For example, in May, the Great Plains had a six-day outbreak of tornado activity that affected areas ranging from Colorado to Texas and resulted in over 60 injuries and 5 fatalities. H.R. 23 directs NIST, NSF, NOAA, and FEMA to support activities to improve the understanding of windstorms and their impacts. We can use that knowledge to reduce the vulnerability of our communities to natural disasters. The NWIRP program helps our federal agencies and communities across the nation to develop and implement many measures that help minimize the loss of life and property during windstorms and to rebuild effectively and safely after such storms. I was pleased that when this bill was considered by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, we worked in a bipartisan manner and made several improvements to the bill. We worked together to increase the authorization for FEMA, the agency tasked with implementing the research conducted by the other NWIRP agencies. Also, we added several social science-related provisions to the bill. We cannot design effective disaster preparation strategies without understanding how people make decisions and respond to disaster warnings. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 23 at the end of January with a vote of 381-39 and sent it to the Senate. During their consideration, the Senate made minor changes to the bill, but I am happy to report that all of the bipartisan improvements we made to the bill remain in H.R. 23. I want to thank my fellow Texans--Chairman Smith and Mr. Neugebauer-- for working across the aisle on this bill. I also want to thank the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in the Senate for their work on this bill. This is an important program that needs to be reauthorized. It is good to see Members of the House and Senate coming together, working out their differences, compromising, and ending up with a bill with bipartisan, bicameral support. I support the bill and urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise after careful consideration and review of the Joint-Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and would like to extend my full support of the deal negotiated between Iran and the P5+1 countries. This historical agreement between the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, plus Germany, is in the best interest of our country, our major ally in the Middle East, and the global community. The agreement, which will face Congressional scrutiny, has won endorsement by more than one hundred former American diplomats. The group that contains Republicans and Democrats described the deal, negotiated by Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz as a ``landmark agreement.'' It would make no sense to reject this diplomatic movement towards stability and peace in the region. Twenty-nine top American scientists have also endorsed the deal, noting that it will ``advance the cause of peace and security in the Middle East, and can serve as a guidepost for future nonproliferation agreements.'' The group of scientists includes six Noble Laureates. In a letter to President Barack Obama, they pointed out that Iran was only ``a few weeks away'' from having fuel for nearby weapons. The agreement would stop Iran's nuclear program, the scientists wrote. In the JCPOA, Iran agrees that it will not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The deal also includes a permanent ban on Iran's development of key nuclear weapon components and is based on four clear objectives; blocking the highly enriched uranium route, allowing no path to plutonium, intensive monitoring, and incentives for compliance Without the agreement, there will be no restraints on Iran's nuclear program. There will more than likely be an arms race to acquire and develop nuclear weapons by various nations in the Middle East. Such a climate would not be in the best interest of our country, and certainly not in the best interests of our ally, Israel, and the global community. It is my firm belief that if this deal is not implemented due to a Congressional blockade, we risk devastating military conflict. I am hopeful that we can continue on this trajectory of peace and diplomacy as opposed to an unavoidable nuclear arms race and armed conflict in the region. As we move to the next phase and allow Congress to study and debate this agreement, we must listen to the non-proliferation experts who have worked tirelessly to move the deal forward. I urge my Congressional colleagues to support the deal. It would be negligent to walk away from a nuclear deal at this point.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Wayne Watts, General Counsel and Senior Executive Vice President of AT&T. Mr. Watts served a total of 32 years at AT&T, starting as a rookie lawyer in the litigation department of what was then Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. As he enters retirement, it is fitting that this body honors Mr. Watts and his significant career that was embodied by his commitment to improving the Dallas community and beyond. Mr. Watts was born in Abilene and raised in the blue-collar Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas-Arlington, and a Juris Doctorate from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University. Throughout his career, his affection for Dallas and all of its people only grew. In his role at AT&T, Mr. Watts was directly involved in negotiating dozens of mergers and acquisitions with a combined value of nearly $250 billion. These negotiations saw Southwestern Bell transform from the smallest of the Baby Bell companies into AT&T, the world's largest communications business. In addition to his professional successes, Mr. Watts was committed to enriching his community. He gained national fame for influencing law firms to hire and promote more women and minorities. He constantly pushed his legal staff of thousands of global lawyers to do more pro bono and public service work. In addition to being a member of the advisory boards of the SMU Dedman School of Law, the Salvation Army's Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Command, and the Development Board at the University of Texas at Arlington, he serves on the board of Texas Access to Justice, a non-profit which provides funding for poor and indigent people who need legal services. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Watts' leadership has brought the business community and the greater community of Dallas and the United States resounding success. I recognize Mr. Watts as a great businessman, but more importantly, as a great American who devoted his career to expanding opportunities for others.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to join Congresswoman Kaptur in sharing some sentiments. Mr. Speaker, I stand in recognition of the late Congressman Louis Stokes, a dear friend and a tremendous patriot, who dedicated his life to serving our great Nation. He was dedicated to expanding political and economic opportunities for all Americans, and he was determined to transcend the culture of discrimination and injustice. Louis Stokes rose from humble beginnings in the local housing projects of Cleveland, Ohio, to serve 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected in 1968. Reluctant to enter the political arena, Stokes was persuaded to run for office by his younger brother, Carl B. Stokes, the first African American mayor of a major American city, elected in 1967. Prior to serving in Congress, Mr. Stokes served as a civil rights lawyer. He was the first African American to represent the State of Ohio in Congress and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Throughout his tenure in the House, he chaired several congressional committees and was the first African American to win a seat on the House Committee on Appropriations. During his long tenure in Congress, he headed and participated in several major House investigations. In March of 1977, he was appointed to lead the Select Committee on Assassinations, formed to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also served as the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and became the first African American Member of Congress to head this committee. He was the dean of the Ohio congressional delegation. His work in the area of health led to his appointment as a member of the Pepper Commission of comprehensive health care, and he was the founder and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. In 1981, he chaired the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. When Louis Stokes retired in 1998, he became the first African American in the history of the U.S. Congress to retire after 30 years of service. Following his service in Congress, he became a senior counsel at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP, a global law firm, and distinguished visiting professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. He also served as a vice chairman of the Pew Environmental Health Commission at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and was appointed by the former Health and Human Services Secretary, Donna Shalala, as chairman of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he engineered a vehicle that would foster collaboration and strategic alliances for generations. Because of his visionary leadership, we all benefit from an organization powerful enough to engage, empower, and excite generations of African American leaders who influence the political landscape, impact the outcome of elections, and serve as strong voices for those weakened by poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to have had the privilege of serving with this Congressman. I was inspired by his intelligence, preparation, dignity, generosity, and forward thinking. He leaves behind a legacy that inspires not only those who served with him, but a generation of future leaders. I am grateful for this vision that he had, his integrity, his grace, his friendship, and his mentorship.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear the announcement made last Thursday that Incirlik Air Base in Turkey will now be made available for both unmanned and manned airstrikes against the Islamic State. The announcement indicates a substantial increase in cooperation with our longstanding NATO ally, the Republic of Turkey. The enhanced operations will include the direct involvement of the Turkish Air Force in conjunction with our own military. In recent days, Islamic State terrorists have stepped up their attacks on Turkey. On July 20, a suicide bomber took the lives of 32 innocent civilians near a cultural center in Suruc, Turkey. On July 23, a non-commissioned Turkish officer was killed in an armed attack at a military border post at Elbeyli, Turkey. I wish to express my sincere condolences to our friends in Turkey for these losses, which provide further evidence of the barbaric nature of the terrorist forces now dominating much of Syria and Iraq. It is more essential than ever that we deepen our cooperation with key allies like Turkey as we seek to bring peace and security to a troubled region. I wish to commend the continued cooperative efforts of the military leadership in both the United States and the Republic of Turkey. It is essential that this bond between our countries remains strong as we confront this strategic challenge.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit the following statement in recognition of the Justice for Congo Victims and Congo Reforms Peace Convention hosted at University of Texas at Arlington. I would like to express my gratitude to Richard Millsap for asking me to participate in this Peace Convention. I would also like to thank those of you who were involved in making this event happen and all of the participants who have taken time out of their schedules to be a part of such a momentous conference. I have been a longtime advocate for peace and diplomacy over armed conflict. As many of you know, I began my A World of Women for World Peace initiative in 2001. Throughout my time in office, I have seen first-hand the pillage of war. Shortly after experiencing the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, I saw on the cover of Newsweek magazine, two boys from Liberia who were 12 and 14 years old dressed in military gear with machine guns, and I just thought enough was enough. I wondered how our world had come to this place of aggression, and I knew that I had to do something to be a part of bringing a culture of peace to the world. My efforts started with women who are the mothers of young boys like the ones I saw on the cover of that magazine, whose lives are sacrificed in the name of war. We must recognize and empower these women to facilitate peace-building, peacemaking, and peace-keeping activities across the world. We must also recognize the experts and leaders who help us to plant the seeds of peace. I recently participated in my A World of Women for World Peace conference in Taipei, Taiwan, where we discussed ways to build peace through culture. One panelist in particular spoke about the necessity of compassion and healing the wounds of civil wars and genocides before peace can be achieved on the ground. I strongly believe that this is the case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The global community must recognize the tragedies of the Congo before the Congolese people can truly move forward to a place of peace. Thank you for allowing me to provide written remarks and I hope you have a productive Peace Convention.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the former Speaker of the House, James ``Jim'' Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at age 92 of this year. Speaker Wright served in Congress for more than three decades and left an indelible legacy as chairman of the House Public Works Committee that is now named the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He was elected by his peers as Speaker in 1987. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of a traveling salesman. He was educated at Weatherford College and the University of Texas at Austin. He dedicated his life to serving the public. He bravely served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying combat missions in the South Pacific. Subsequently, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1946. He served as mayor of Weatherford, Texas, from 1950 to 1954; and he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1954. He was reelected 16 times. Speaker Wright was a visionary who served the people of Fort Worth and this Nation well. He is deserving of this tribute. Because of his leadership, the House experienced one of the most prolific periods. Speaker Wright demonstrated his skill as a political leader and a master legislator by shepherding extraordinarily complex legislation through the House. He understood that the business of legislating and good politics required good skill in the art of compromise. Speaker Wright never backed down from a challenge. Even after leaving office, he continued to serve the public diligently. I was always able to consult with Speaker Wright, and I will always cherish those memories. He was the author of the Wright amendment at the time the Dallas/Fort Worth airport was built. When it came time for it to change, only Speaker Wright, even in retirement, was able to get it loose in the Senate so that we could get it passed in the House as well. Our country has lost one of its finest statesman; and I have lost a very close personal friend whose wisdom, dignity, and knowledge of the legislative process was unquestionably enviable. He is among the most influential speakers in the history of the House of Representatives. Jim Wright is really an unforgettable public servant and leader. A man fueled by passion and concern for others, he set the bar high for his successors. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Betty, who was deceased just recently, and four children. I stand today to honor former Speaker of the House Jim Wright and thank him for his work in the service of the people of Texas and throughout the Nation. He has left a powerful legacy that will live for generations. I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Veasey, for having the leadership and the vision for waiting for a while to be able to sponsor this hour in tribute to Speaker Wright. Speaker Jim Wright December 22, 1922-May 6, 2015 Jim Wright, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Distinguished Lecturer at TCU, died Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Fort Worth. Jim Wright was born on December 22, 1922, to James Claude and Marie Lyster Wright. His childhood years were spent in Oklahoma and Texas during and after the Depression but for the remainder of his life he referred to both Weatherford and Fort Worth as home. This period in his life had a strong impact on his later legislative priorities. He finished his primary education by age 16 and soon thereafter enrolled in Weatherford College and the University of Texas in Austin. In his senior year, Pearl Harbor called many of the young men his age to enlist in the military and to serve their country. Wright enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 19 and in 1943 flew the first of five legs in the South Pacific movement of the 380th Heavy Bomb Group as a bombardier. During World War II, men painted a personal name on the exterior of their aircraft and Wright's group flew nightly raids from Australia to nearby Japanese bases in a B-24 Liberator Bomber known as Gus's Bus. Soon after enlisting, Jim married his college sweetheart, Mary Ethlyn Lemons, on December 25, 1942. They were married for 28 years and had five children: James C. III; Virginia; Kay; Parker Stephen and Alicia Marie. Mary Ethlyn and Parker Stephen preceded him in death. He married Betty Hay in November 1972 and they lived together in Washington, D.C. and later Fort Worth. Betty was his love and companion for 42 years. In addition to Betty and these children, he is survived by 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and his sister, Betty Lee Wright. Wright returned from the war and at age 23 was elected to the Texas State Legislature as one of the youngest men to ever serve in that body. He subsequently served as mayor of Weatherford and worked in his father's rural economic development business as an advertising agent for National Trades Day. In November of 1954 Wright was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas' 12th Congressional District. In Congress, he served on the Public Works Committee, Budget Committee and beginning in 1977 as the majority leader for the Democrats in Congress. In 1987, his colleagues elected him to be Speaker of The House. He had many lasting influences in Fort Worth, including infrastructure projects such as DFW Airport, veterans' programs and environmental projects. After World War II, Wright referred to Congress as a heady place to be, where members of both political parties cooperated to make America a world leader and to build and support a strong middle-class. He said, ``We'd had to cast aside the restraining remnants of local chauvinisms, ethnic schisms, religious bigotry, and regional mistrusts. In the words of our pledge of allegiance, we were becoming more nearly `one nation, indivisible.' '' He loved the institution. One of the most fulfilling days in Wright's political career came on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy visited Fort Worth to meet and speak to residents. And less than two hours after speaking in Fort Worth, it became one of the most tragic in all of history when President Kennedy was shot. The whiplash of that day's emotion haunted Jim as one of the happiest then one of the saddest moments in his lifetime. Before leaving Fort Worth, President Kennedy said, ``I know of no other city in the United States that is better represented in the Congress of the United States than Fort Worth.'' Wright's accomplishments as a U.S. Congressman were many. Among his proudest memories he would recall legislation creating the Clean Water Act, interstate highway system, benefits for returning veterans, and the honor he felt as a witness and participant to creating peace. He visited the Middle East, facilitating the initial meeting that lead to the accord between Israel and Egypt in 1977; and in ending the internal strife in Nicaragua in 1988 by leading a compromise to end the U.S.-financed war between the Sandinista Government and the Contras. In foreign affairs, Wright enjoyed the role of bipartisanship and peacemaker, and Nicaragua was perhaps the most difficult of all bipartisan efforts. To the surprise of an increasingly partisan group of legislators wanting to overthrow the Nicaraguan government, his approach led to an end to U.S.-financed weapons and to constructive talks among the Nicaraguan leaders and eventually to democratically-held elections. His success led a similar group of partisan legislators to file ethics charges against him, and even though the initial charges against him were dropped for lack of evidence, the persistence of what had become an increasingly partisan and combative Legislative Branch led to his resignation. In his resignation speech he said, ``When vengeance becomes more desirable than vindication, harsh personal attacks on one another's motives, one another's character, drown out the quiet logic of serious debate on important issues, things that we ought to be involved ourselves in. Surely, that's unworthy of our institution, unworthy of our American political process. All of us in both parties must resolve to bring this period of mindless cannibalism to an end. There's been enough of it.'' To Jim's constant dismay, he did not live long enough to see the end or even a diminished attack by partisan efforts. After returning to Fort Worth, Wright put his official office papers with the TCU Library and for more than 20 years, he taught at TCU a course on ``Congress and the Presidents.'' His intention to keep the classes small was not possible and his classes continued to grow by registering interested students. In December 2010, his eyesight had become an insurmountable challenge as a teacher and he retired. Jim Wright approached life with an eager and courageous mission in each pursuit. He had the balance of knowledge, intuition, direction and wisdom that comes from experience. His ability to forgive and move on was amazing, and his desire to overcome was persistent. When he loved he did it with all his heart and he loved this lifetime. Horace Greeley had a quote that Wright used--``and fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow, only one thing endures: character.'' Well done, Jim Wright, your character endures and you will be forever remembered. --After a private conversation with Dad in 2013 Ginger

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the strong relationship between the United States and Ethiopia. As a member of the Ethiopian American Caucus, I am proud to see our bilateral relationship grow. As the United States continues to provide economic, humanitarian, and developmental assistance, Ethiopia continues to struggle with human rights issues and food insecurity. Next week, I will visit Ethiopia with President Barack Obama to highlight America's commitment to investing in Africa. I hope that with this visit, we can reinforce our commitment to improving public health, food security, and human rights in Ethiopia. It is my hope that in Congress, we can follow the lead of the late former Congressman Mickey Leland, whose work to end hunger and poverty was world-changing. Congressman Leland helped to form the House Select Committee on World Hunger in 1984 which generated awareness within Congress regarding national and international hunger and prompted a bipartisan effort to find solutions to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world, particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan. Congressman Leland wag killed in a plane crash in Ethiopia during a mission. Since the African Growth and Opportunities Act was reauthorized earlier this summer, Ethiopia is eligible for preferential trade benefits. I hope to see our trade relationship grow as we work with Ethiopia to improve humanitarian conditions. I am proud to be a member of the Ethiopian American Caucus and I ask my colleagues to support the relationship between the U.S. and Ethiopia.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3064, the GROW AMERICA Act, a bill that underscores the urgent need for a long-term investment in our Country's transportation infrastructure. With only eighteen days left before the Highway Trust Fund expires on July 31st, we should be urgently seeking out a long term solution. Instead, we are considering H.R. 3038, another short term extension of the Highway Trust Fund that only provides five months of additional funding. This five month quick-fix fails to provide America with the stability of a more permanent solution. Passing this bill only continues the repeated pattern of kicking the can down the road, further putting off the sensible solution that we owe to our constituents. In my home state of Texas, 38 percent of roads are in mediocre or poor condition, forcing drivers to spend approximately $5.3 billion annually on otherwise unnecessary automotive repairs. With 19% of our state's bridges being structurally deficient, it is clear that a sweeping bipartisan effort is needed to invest in the future of America's infrastructure. Without a long term extension, many states are unable to plan future construction projects, providing much needed repair to deteriorating roads. This is particularly crippling for Texas, which has a longer construction season because of its climate. In the Dallas area specifically, we currently have nine major construction projects costing in excess of $275 million that would be put on hold, in the event that the highway trust fund runs out of money. This is simply unfair. It is harmful to the growth that this region is experiencing, and places an unnecessary burden on Dallas residents and their ability to commute safely. Just a few months ago, I spoke out against the House's refusal to take up long term action on the Highway Trust Fund; and yet, we are again attempting to put a band-aid on a deep cut to America's transportation needs By contrast, H.R. 3064, the GROW AMERICA Act seeks to address the harmful impacts of continuous stop-gap funding. This bill infuses our economy with transportation infrastructure investment, providing $478 billion over six years for highways, bridges, public transportation, highway safety, and rail programs. Enacting a six-year GROW AMERICA Act adds nearly two million jobs, compared to another extension of surface transportation programs, and is desperately needed to improve transportation quality across the nation. I urge my colleagues to call their transportation departments, if they have not already, and find out how short funding patches in Federal highway funds would affect their states. Bridge replacements, traffic decongestion projects, and road widening efforts, all impact safety, time, money and jobs; all of which stand to be harmed by short- term funding. Mr. Speaker, with only eighteen days until the Highway Trust Fund runs out of money, I urge my colleagues to support the GROW AMERICA Act, a multi-year solution that provides states with the funding necessary to adequately invest in their infrastructure.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Older Americans Act 50th Anniversary. Originally passed in 1965, the Older Americans Act ensures that older individuals and their caregivers have access to a wide array of services. Aside from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, services such as community- based care, meal delivery, health prevention programs, and elder rights protection are just a few of the many vital programs that the Older Americans Act provides. The population age 65 and over increased by 24.7 percent between 2003 and 2013 and the number of individuals in need of aging programs continues to rise. Nearly 50 million older Americans and Americans with disabilities rely on Medicare coverage and more than 70 million individuals depend on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program for their health care needs. Nearly 42 million Americans receive Social Security retirement benefits and for 6 out of 10 seniors, Social Security provides most of their income. I strongly believe in solvent Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security systems that give older Americans the security they need. As for the impact of the community and social services provided by the Older Americans Act, the aging network serves an average of 11 million people each year. For example, over a five year period, 130 million rides to doctors' offices, grocery stores, and other locations were provided. More than 1 billion meals were served and 95 percent of those served would recommend the nutrition program. Nearly 20 million hours of case management, over 60 million hours of homemaker services, and more than 30 million hours of respite care were provided, helping older adults continue to live in their own homes. Through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, more than 200,000 participants provided almost 248 million hours of community service, effectively allowing seniors to give back to their community. As the Baby Boomer Generation enters the 65 and over age bracket and the average life expectancy lengthens, it is clear that we cannot afford a shortage of services. As we celebrate the Older Americans Act 50th Anniversary, we must also keep in mind that these services often end up on the chopping block. On this historic day, I hope that we can all work together to find ways to continue to provide these vital services to our older Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus, to discuss tonight's CBC Special Order Hour: ``The Confederate Battle Flag: Why Symbols Matter.'' I stand here today fully acknowledging that the eradication of this hurtful flag from state and federal grounds is only one step in fully addressing race relations in this country; but, just as so many of my CBC colleagues have stood on this very floor to exclaim that ``Black Lives Matter,'' so too do symbols. Symbols of hatred, institutionalized racism and white supremacy, they matter. Symbols like the flags of Apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia, embraced by Dylann Roof, the terrorist responsible for the unspeakable events at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston last month, Mr. Speaker, they matter. Last week, the South Carolina legislature voted overwhelmingly in favor of removing--once and for all--the confederate battle flag from their Capitol grounds. I applaud the state of South Carolina for this historic gesture and for the outstanding leadership necessary to ensure that this flag comes down in the aftermath of the ``Emmanuel Nine'' tragedy. I implore other southern states that still fly the battle flag on state grounds to follow suit and have the flag removed. As a Member of Congress, I pledge my support to any legislation that completely eradicates this symbol from all federal lands. To understand why the confederate battle flag has been offensive to millions of Americans for so many years requires a proper framing of American History. The version of the confederate battle flag that most people are familiar with today was first used by the Army of Tennessee during the Civil War. Shortly thereafter, it became widely known as the symbol of the Confederacy--eleven states who wished to secede from the Union over the right to own slaves. For the many Americans who deny a basic historical fact by refusing to believe that slavery was a central point of conflict in the Civil War, I quote directly from the declaration of secession from my home state of Texas: ``We hold as undeniable truths that the governments of the various States, and of the confederacy itself were established exclusively by the white race, for themselves and their posterity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment; that they were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race, and in that condition only could their existence in this country be rendered beneficial or tolerable.'' Similarly, overt references to slavery as a motivation to secede from the Union are also present in the declarations of secession of South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. Repeatedly, throughout the 20th century, the confederate battle flag flew as a symbol of direct defiance to advancements in civil rights. The flag was first displayed at the South Carolina state Capitol in 1938 after angry Members of Congress defeated a bill that would have made lynching a federal crime. In the 1940s, the flag became the symbol of the Dixiecrats, the segregationist political faction birthed out of its firm stance against the civil rights agenda of the national Democratic party of the time. Members of the Dixiecrats were faithfully devoted to maintaining the segregation of the Jim Crow South, many of whom stood on this very House floor decades ago, extolling the virtues of an American society that subjugated its black citizens. In 1962, the flag was raised to the dome of the South Carolina state Capitol after President Kennedy called on Congress to end poll taxes and literacy tests for voting, and the Supreme Court declared segregation in public transportation unconstitutional. The raising of the confederate battle flag flew as a symbol of resistance in South Carolina to two landmark achievements of progress that our country relied on to move forward in its quest for racial equality. While the confederate battle flag may represent ``Southern Heritage'' to some, to millions of other Americans it represents an opposition to the racial equality we still fight for today. This flag is a symbol of the painful history that this country has worked hard to overcome; and in order to continue moving forward, it is a symbol that we must finally put behind us.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act. Unanimously passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee with a 51-0 vote, the 21st Century Cures initiative will encourage innovation in biomedical research and development of new treatments. With $8.75 billion in mandatory funding over the next five years delivered to the newly created National Institutes of Health and Cures Innovation Fund and $550 million for the Food and Drug Administration over the next five years, it is clear that Congress is committed to investing in health research. Developing a better system of funding towards high-risk high reward research and research by early stage investigators is crucial to finding better health outcomes. With a better focus on infectious disease, precision medicine, and biomarkers, I strongly believe that we will finally address these areas of unmet medical needs, which are often the most pervasive issues in our health system. The modernization of clinical trials by supporting a more centralized system, moving to more adaptive clinical trial designs, and creating a national neurological disease surveillance system will help to develop better data and provide more patient success stories. The legislation also allows for better sharing of clinical trial information for researchers and scientists for more efficiency across the board. Also, the bill ensures that strategies will be developed to cast a wider net for clinical trials in order to increase minority representation. Last October, I wrote a letter urging the White House to take into consideration UT-Southwesten's existing particle therapy research infrastructure and expertise in leading cancer treatment research in the U.S. when selecting the planning grant award recipients. The planned center would serve as a research adjunct to an independently created and funded, sustainable clinical facility for particle beam radiation therapy. Currently, the planning grant includes pilot projects that will enable a research agenda in particle beam delivery systems, dosimetry, radiation biology, and/or translational pre- clinical studies. Mr. Chair, the advanced planning grant the UT Southwestern Medical Center received in February 2015, is exactly the type of medical and technological advancement the DFW Metroplex and country needs and is the type of federal investment we need to continue to lead the world in state-of-the-art medical research. Not only is this grant a major advancement for STEM, it is a crucial step in the right direction for cancer research and those affected by cancer here in the United States. This legislation provides new funding opportunities for innovative cancer treatment approaches such as the development of America's first Heavy Ion Center for cancer therapy and would pave the way to keep America at the forefront of medical research and state-of-the-art cancer treatment. While H.R. 6 contains many provisions regarding the biomedical research workforce, clinical trials, FDA improvements, I am most proud of the initiative's provisions regarding mandatory funding for the NIH and FDA. I strongly believe that the Congress has not placed enough importance on scientific research and this is a way to get us back on track. Investing in innovation will yield high rewards for the medical community, especially patients. I am proud to support H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the current version of H.R. 5, the House Republican bill which seeks to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and encourage my colleagues to adopt the Democratic substitute offered by Ranking Member Bobby Scott. Let me start by reading you a quote that truly strikes me as telling of where we have come from and where we find ourselves today. On May 22, 1964, at the University of Michigan, President Lyndon Baines Johnson remarked: In many places, classrooms are overcrowded and curricula are outdated. Most of our qualified teachers are underpaid, and many of our paid teachers are underqualified. So we must give every child a place to sit and a teacher to learn from. Poverty is not a bar for learning, and learning must often escape from poverty. President Johnson went on to say: But more classrooms and more teachers are just not enough. We must seek an educational system which grows in excellence as it grows in size. This means better training for our teachers. It means preparing our youth to enjoy their hours of leisure as well as their hours of labor. It means exploring new techniques of teaching, to find new ways to stimulate the love of learning and the capacity for creation. Let's just take a moment to let that sink in. Those were words read in 1964, during President Johnson's Great Society Speech. Almost every single point in President Johnson's remarks has direct import of the perils our education system faces today. Teachers are still underpaid, and in so many areas, underqualified. Classroom sizes are increasing, and the quality of education is continuing to deteriorate. Hunger and poverty continue to afflict our inner-city students in an alarmingly disproportionate rate, and disparity of resources and access to a quality education seems, at times, to continue expanding. The achievement gap between our most impoverished students remains inextricably tied to the wealth gap, and the numbers are discouraging. Instead of moving forward by improving on and implementing lessons learned from the failed policies of No Child Left Behind, H.R. 5 guts the core intent of the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. H.R. 5 is like a blast from the past and fails our students and their families in a myriad of ways. Among some of the most egregious provisions in this proposed iteration of ESEA, H.R. 5 includes the concept of portability for title I funds. Sold and messaged as a promotion of choice, portability instead adversely affects students who are in schools and districts with the highest concentration of poverty and need. In short, portability is a ruse, one that takes resources from, rather than gives to our most underserved and needy children. Additionally, as the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and a longtime advocate of STEM--science, technology, mathematics, and engineering--education, I was alarmed by the utter and complete exclusion of any reference to STEM education within this base text. We should be retooling our education system to fit the needs of our ever-evolving globalized economy, not running back to the factory-style education that doesn't provide our children with the skills they need to compete. Education is the ladder to opportunity and central to keeping alive the American Dream. We must fight to ensure that every single child, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to reach their God-given potential. No matter what race--Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American--rich, poor, immigrant or not, we must remain steadfast in our dedication to equality and the equity of opportunity. I strongly urge my colleagues to take this bill back to the drawing board and make sure that education in America is reflective of our principles as a nation. I urge my colleagues to make sure that we protect the American Dream and keep America the land of equal opportunity. If you work hard and play by the rules, everyone deserves a fair shot and a fair shake at a fulfilling life. The ZIP Code you grow up in should not determine the life you live.