Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate those remarks. He is describing my constituents as well. And if we had done as requested by the President, we would have left the authorization levels at the level he is trying to bring it to, and it would not have taken away from the other part of the research that is needed so badly in the other areas. I do not oppose what he is trying to do. What I oppose is how he is trying to do it. And for that, I still oppose the total amount because it is not treating the other program fairly. It is not that I oppose MEP. My constituents are no different than yours. They get up every day to work hard and need opportunities. I am sure many of yours get more opportunities than some of mine. And so I agree with that totally. I agreed with the President's level of recommendation of where he wants to take it. What I disagree with is he is taking it out of another area when it is not necessary. We are not appropriations. We are to recommend authorizations. We can do the authorization for his level without taking away from an area they don't like. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, it is not surprising that the Biological and Environmental Research program at DOE is targeted with harmful provisions in this bill. It is targeted because the program is a leader in advancing our understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change. Hiding our heads in the sand will not solve anything, and it certainly won't stop the Earth from warming. Allowing partisan politics to skew the scientific understanding of climate change is cynical and shortsighted. It is especially cynical considering that in the majority's own bill, they state that climate change is happening. They just had to take the statement out that it is caused by human beings. The gentleman from California's amendment would simply strike those harmful provisions so that scientists supported by BER can continue their important work without political interference. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, it is deeply troubling to me that this amendment had to be offered. This amendment fixes a provision in this bill that strips away a foundational component of the ARPA-E program. As virtually every preeminent climatologist in the world agrees, greenhouse gas emissions are growing so rapidly and are a growing threat to our way of life. Why wouldn't we want one of the most innovative agencies to develop technologies that could address this critical issue? ARPA-E has made good funding choices supporting valuable research, as proven by its impressive track record of successful projects since it was first authorized. I certainly see no value in changing something that no serious energy policy analyst believes is broken. Mr. DeSaulnier's and Mr. Beyer's amendment sets this clearly misguided provision aside. I enthusiastically support it and urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, so much of today's debate has been about how harmful the underlying legislation is for our Nation and how it violates every one of the principles of the original COMPETES bill. I am now pleased to be offering a positive way forward in the form of a substitute bill cosponsored by every Democratic member of the committee in addition to the minority leader, Mr. Hoyer. I spoke earlier about the history of the COMPETES bill and the principles it has embodied since the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report set us on this path 10 years ago. The substitute amendment, which we introduced as H.R. 1898, stays true to one of these principles. It sets targets that provide for steady and sustained real growth in funding for our research and development agencies. It makes a strong statement that the U.S. Congress sees funding for research across all fields of basic research as a top national priority. It does not include false and detrimental choices and tradeoffs among different fields of science and engineering. It ensures that scientific experts, not politicians, continue to set priorities for funding within and among different fields of basic research and for individual grants. The principles embodied in my substitute amendment continue a pact that the Federal Government made with our Nation's great research universities following our victory in World War II and the onset of the space race that led us to the creation of NSF and NASA. This pact is what has made NSF, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, and the Department of Energy among the world's greatest and most admired research agencies. Specifically, my amendment fully funds these agencies at the fiscal year 2016 request level and continues to provide 5 percent annual increases for 5 years. This modest investment is already a compromise, given the immense economic return on our basic research investments. The original Rising Above the Gathering Storm report called for even greater increases. My amendment also reauthorizes and fully funds ARPA-E, which was created in the 2007 COMPETES Act and has exceeded every expectation for creating innovative new energy technologies and spurring private sector follow-on investment. In addition, my amendment authorizes and funds important innovation programs at the Department of Commerce, including an innovation voucher pilot program that will help small- and medium-sized manufacturers across the country grow their businesses and create new jobs. My amendment fully funds the standards work of NIST, in addition to their work to help accelerate growth in U.S. advanced manufacturing. We need to bring those manufacturing jobs back home, and we need to Make It In America. NIST is an essential partner in this effort. Finally, my amendment takes seriously the issue of STEM education, including broadening participation in STEM. Our STEM language is not just senses of Congress about how important STEM is and other filler provisions. Our language directs real important policy changes to help ensure that all U.S. students and researchers have the opportunity to fully develop their talents in STEM and pursue successful STEM careers. We are facing a demographic imperative. If we do not find a way to turn around the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM fields, our Nation will fall well short of the skilled workforce our industries demand. Our substitute puts our money before where our mouth is when it comes to STEM and corrects a glaring deficit in the underlying legislation. I am proud of my work that I have done on this committee for many years and of the contributions that many of my colleagues made to this substitute amendment. It truly is a COMPETES Reauthorization Act in every way. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to carefully consider the fork in the road before us. If you really want to do right by this great Nation and by our children and our grandchildren, you will vote for the substitute amendment and replace the underlying legislation with a positive path forward. This amendment will open the doors for innovation and education for our Nation's future. It will not be trade, as many have said, that will cause us to lose these jobs; it will be our companies searching around the world looking for talent and innovation. Look out for America's future. Vote for this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I simply will close by saying, as we have been on this floor, we continue to get emails and letters from universities and scientists around this Nation. I am not presenting this substitute to be funny; I am presenting this substitute to take us to the professional level that the research brought us when we first had America COMPETES. It is not a picking and choosing; it is a professional approach to funding scientific projects. If we mean to look out for the future of the Nation, as we say we are, this is the legislation that will do it. I urge everyone to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the leadership of this committee for getting to this point. I am very, very sorry that this is another kicking the can down the road, but we don't have much choice but to support the bill before us today. We have missed a major construction season already. Bridges are falling; accidents are happening; traffic jams increase because of the crumbling infrastructure. This is all very costly, and it is more costly when we have a winter like we just had that hits already crumbling infrastructure. We must address this costly neglect of our infrastructure around the country. It is not partisan. There are no Democrat and Republican bridges or streets. We must address our responsibility to this Nation. Sensible, large projects must have time to plan for those long-term projects. They cannot do that. No city or State can do that kind of planning without knowing whether we have a long-term source of funding that will keep it going. It is unwise for us to continue just to put this off. We have got to pay for it no matter when we do it. The time is now. We have extended this time too long. The Nation has suffered too long. Traffic is jamming; accidents are happening; and it will not get better until we take on our responsibility. I would urge all of us today to support this short-term bill for the last time. It is time for us to have a long-term infrastructure bill for this Nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1561, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2015. I want to take a moment to acknowledge that getting to where we are today was not easy. This is an update to a bill the House passed two years ago, and we have spent several months in this Congress negotiating over how to rework that legislation. I want to especially recognize the efforts of Environment Subcommittee Chairman Jim Bridenstine and Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici as well as the bill's sponsor, Mr. Lucas. Their leadership and commitment has really driven this process forward. Today's bill is a testament to their dedication and represents one very positive step forward on the long and continuous road to improving the American weather forecasting system. America has some of the most diverse and dangerous weather events of any country. From my home state of Texas, all the way to Maine, hurricanes and tropical storms annually batter our coasts. Likewise, the central portions of our country, from Texas to Illinois are the most tornado prone areas in the entire world. Unfortunately, all you've had to do over the last few weeks is pick up a newspaper or turn on the television to see the true impact tornadoes can have on American families. To help our citizens cope with these potentially devastating events, we need to have the very best weather forecasting and warning capabilities. The National Weather Service and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research at NOAA play a central role in protecting the lives and property of every American. The bill before us today will help accelerate innovation and the transition of cutting-edge weather research into essential weather forecasting tools and products. The legislation accomplishes this goal by breaking down the barriers that exist between the weather research community, our nation's forecasters, and the private-sector weather enterprise. Improving collaboration and cooperation within NOAA, but also between the agency and the broader weather community will extend the accuracy and timing of our weather predictions. Such improvements will ultimately save lives and make our communities safer. Mr. Speaker, the weather is a central part of everyday life and resiliency to severe weather events is an important part of strengthening the nation's economic security. H.R. 1561 will advance our weather forecasting capabilities and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Head Start. ``Project Head Start'' was launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 18, 1965. Originally designed as an eight week summer demonstration project, Head Start has expanded into an array of prerchool programs that provides children from low-income families with a comprehensive array of services to prepare them for successful entry into kindergarten and illuminates the pathway for a brighter future. In the State of Texas, 71,465 children and pregnant women were benefitted by Head Start last year. 4,068 of those served were from the 30th Congressional District of Texas--the district that I serve. Head Start is instrumental in uplifting families in my home state by providing resources to families who, just like you and me, want to see their children reach their full potential. In its 50 year history, Head Start has served more than 30 million children and their families. Head Start alumni are more likely to finish high school, continue on to college and become self-reliant wage earners. This is only possible because of the access to services Head Start provides to disadvantaged children. It is important that, at this critical juncture in our nation's history, we increase our support of all Head Start programs. Every child in America should be afforded an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic background. President Obama recently called upon all Americans, including leaders of private and philanthropic organizations, communities and governments at every level, to make investments in our next generation of thinkers, dreamers and doers. Investing in early childhood education is one of the best investments we can make as a nation. There is no better way to strengthen our economy and bolster our communities. As a body of legislators, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to lead by example. We can help hardworking, low-income families build pathways out of poverty. We owe it to our future and the future of our great nation to ensure that all of our children have all equal opportunity to succeed. If, as a society, we are serious about giving children a bright and promising future, we must increase our investment and expand the vital programs Head Start offers. Mr. Speaker, today, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Head Start, I ask, that as a body, we reaffirm our investment in the children of America. Now is the time to expand upon the vision of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and his ``Great Society'' programs that resulted in the creation of Head Start. I urge my colleagues to support bipartisan efforts to give all of America's children a head start in life and close the educational opportunity gap.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus, in support of today's Special Order Hour: ``The Urgency of Now: Addressing Reform, Accountability, Equality and Diversity.'' As the conscience of the Congress since 1971, these issues are of paramount importance to the Congressional Black Caucus in the 114th Congress. There is a crisis in America--one that centers on criminal justice reform and law enforcement accountability. Just over a month ago, Freddie Gray lost his life at the hands of the police in a city plagued by a weak economy, high levels of crime, and a lack of good-paying jobs. While Baltimore is a city with a unique set of issues, its problems are common to many of America's inner cities. The pressure to address, not only the police accountability and criminal justice issues, but the context in which those issues arise, grows exponentially with each new tragedy. As we watch American cities battered, bruised and burned during demonstrative outcries against injustice, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ``We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ``is'' such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.'' These words are just as true today as they were when Dr. King delivered them at the 1963 March on Washington. Far too often, unarmed African American men die at the hands at police officers with little or no accountability. This reinforces the painful narrative that black life is not valued in this country. It is sad, yet very telling, that Americans celebrated when state officials announced that criminal charges were being brought against the Baltimore police involved in Freddie Gray's death. For too long, African-American communities nationwide felt as if no one could hear its cry. But the cries are not just the result of pain caused by police brutality. They are the result of a nation divided: one that grants access to quality healthcare to some, while denying it for others; one that provides economic security for a privileged few, while denying opportunities to the poor and the middle class; one that seeks justice for the unwarranted taking of a human life; while ignoring the rising death toll of American youth at the hands of police officers. We cannot view the situations in Baltimore and Ferguson as limited incidents; instead, we have to look at the toxic environments that birthed these situations of unrest. If we do not comprehensively address the systemic issues that plague cities like Baltimore, relations between the people and its government will only grow worse. It is time that we honor the sacred truth of this nation--that all men are created equal, and demand equal justice. As we strive to become a more perfected union, it is imperative that the commitments of the American system be applied to African-Americans, just as it is to every other American. Madam Speaker, the urgency of addressing these issues has reached its pinnacle. Congress must act. We must act swiftly, and we must act now.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This legislation is yet another attempt by conservative lawmakers to dictate a woman's reproductive rights. This bill calls for a nationwide ban on abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There are 14 similar bans in states. The bill also makes it much more difficult for sexual assault survivors to obtain abortion care by requiring that she obtain counseling or medical treatment from a list of specific locations. This counseling may not be from a health center that provides abortion care. The bill also requires incest survivors who are minors to provide written proof that the crime was reported to law enforcement or the government. This is extremely limiting and an unreasonable burden to place upon a sexual assault survivor. The legislation also forces abortion providers to divulge private health information regarding which patients have received abortion care after 20 weeks to the government. This essentially creates a ``hit list'' of providers around the country for anti-choice supporters to target when they are merely providing legal and necessary care. While the right to choose is of the utmost importance, this bill would also add unnecessary pain and suffering to women who experience fatal fetal anomalies late in pregnancy. It is callous and uncompassionate to deny an abortion to a pregnant woman who knows that her child has no chance of survival. Banning abortion care based on arbitrary gestational limits decided by federal lawmakers is unconstitutional and unjust. This legislation is extreme and blocks a woman's access to safe health care options such as the freedom to make personal reproductive decisions.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Police Week, which was first established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962. National Police Week was initially created to coincide with the National Peace Officer Memorial Day established by President Kennedy in the same year. This week, we give special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. I want to express my personal gratitude for the hard work and dedication that law enforcement officers selflessly give to their communities all over the country. I also wish to thank the family members of those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of others. They deserve our nation's highest respect and admiration. On behalf of the residents in the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank every officer in the Balch Springs, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Hutchins, Lancaster, Mesquite, Ovilla and Wilmer Police Departments. I am thankful for the leadership of our capable police chiefs and sheriffs, who are working hard to implement major reforms within their departments to decrease the instances of police related violence. I look forward to continuing our positive working relationship. Now more than ever, there is a great need to build trust in our communities between police and the people that they pledge to serve and protect. I understand that what we ask of our police officers is a dangerous, difficult, and sometimes thankless job. Far too frequently, the actions of a few individuals overshadow the dedication and service of the hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers who perform their duty with the utmost courtesy and integrity. I am thankful for their courage, their professionalism, and their daily sacrifice to protect and serve our communities across the country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in just 5 legislative days, the highway trust fund authorization will expire. Transportation projects all across the country will come to a screeching halt. Thousands of workers will be unnecessarily laid off. Despite the Republicans now having a majority in both House and Senate, we continue to find ourselves legislating by crisis. Today, 65 percent of our Nation's roads are rated as less than good condition. Twenty-five percent are in poor condition. In Texas alone, we have over 300,000 miles of public roads, almost 10 percent of which are rated poorly. I urge my colleagues to commit to a long-term plan that will provide certainty, increase transit revenues, and keep workers in our construction industries on the job, especially during this upcoming construction season. As our roads erode and our transit system decays, it is imperative that we do our jobs and be responsible legislators. I urge my colleagues to enact a long-term bill as soon as possible.

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 Former Speaker of the House James ``Jim'' Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6th at the age of 92. Speaker Wright served in Congress for more than three decades and left an indelible legacy as chairman of the House Public Works Committee. He was elected by his peers as Speaker in 1987. Jim Wright 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. Jim Wright dedicated his life to serving the public. He bravely served in the United States Army Air Forces 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. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1954 and 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 its most prolific periods. Speaker Wright demonstrated his skill as a political leader and master legislator by shepherding extraordinarily complex legislation through the House. He understood that the business of legislating and good politics required great skill in the art of compromise. Speaker Wright never backed down from a challenge, and even after leaving office, he continued to serve the public diligently. I was always able to consult with Speaker Wright regarding difficult legislation, and he never failed to provide thoughtful and principled insight. Our country has lost one of its finest statesmen, and I have lost a 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. Mr. Speaker, Jim Wright is an unforgettable public servant and leader. A man fueled by passion and concern for others, he set the bar high for his successors. He is survived by his wife, Betty and four children. I stand today to honor Former Speaker of the House, Jim Wright, and to thank him for his work in service to the people of Texas and throughout this great nation. He left a powerful legacy that will live for generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 43, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Reproductive Health Non- Discrimination Amendment Act. While this resolution is certainly an abuse of Congress' authority over the District of Columbia, it more importantly undermines the right of a woman to make personal, private healthcare decisions. The Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act of 2014 (RHNDA) was passed by the D.C. Council in order to protect employees and their families from discrimination. RHNDA ensures that an employee cannot be terminated based on personal reproductive healthcare decisions. For instance, the use of birth control, the decision of when to start a family, or the use of in vitro fertilization are not grounds for termination in the District of Columbia. The RHNDA does not impose any new requirements on employers to provide health insurance coverage or to pay for any reproductive or abortion services nor does it discriminate against pro-life organizations. The RHNDA actually clarifies that every employee in D.C. is able to follow their own moral or religious beliefs, including when and how to start a family, without fear of facing consequences at work. Religious liberty is of the utmost importance and the RHNDA respects religious and moral decision-making without impacting anyone outside of the person making their own decisions. We must allow religious liberty to also mean allowing people to work in an environment that respects their dignity and private life and is free from discrimination. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.J. Res. 43 because it not only infringes upon the personal decision-making of an individual, it also blatantly disregards D.C.'s local laws.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I seek time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me thank my friend and colleague from my home State of Texas (Mr. Barton), who I share the lake with. This is a commonsense amendment. I want to thank all of those who have helped to arrive at this acceptable language for this amendment. The language of the amendment has been scored by the Congressional Budget Office and has a zero score. More importantly, the amendment would provide a revenue for the government. It would make good on unintended consequences that came as a result of a now antiquated metric of calculating costs for such projects. In the 1986 WRDA bill, Congress recognized this mistake in its formulas for rates and added a provision allowing for the recalculation of such project rates for ever 5 years, but it was not retroactive. This amendment will enable the Trinity River Authority to make a final payment to the Corps of Engineers, begin providing water supply and storage, and allow the Federal Government to finally begin collecting revenue on this investment. I will remind my colleagues these contracts are congressionally approved, but this contract was agreed to on terms no longer favorable to the U.S. Government. The original formula has tripled the valuation of the project, and as it stands, the project will never be completed, and we will never collect on the contract. There is no existing obligation to pay for the completion of the project, so what we have now is a half-completed project and no path forward for the government to collect on its investment. This is revenue for our government. It has a zero CBO score, and it is a commonsense amendment. I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I thank all those who helped us to arrive at this point.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. That is true. They are ready to pay it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Yes, indeed; $30 million is a lot of money for the government these days.