Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert S. ``Bob'' Strauss who passed away last Wednesday, March 19 at age 95. Strauss was not only a fixture in Dallas and Texas, he was nationally revered as a close advisor to presidents of both parties, from Lyndon B. Johnson to George W. Bush. Not only was Strauss politically valuable to our nation, his personality was unforgettable. Bob Strauss was personally influential and I admire him greatly. Strauss' weight on our political world today was extremely vast. His contributions to Dallas and to Texas will not be forgotten. Strauss had early success as a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he campaigned for a state-assembly candidate and volunteered for Lyndon B. Johnson's first congressional campaign. Strauss completed his law degree at the University of Texas and worked as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations during World War II. At the end of the war, he and fellow FBI agent founded the law firm Gump and Strauss which later evolved into Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, and Feld. In law school, he met former Texas Governor John Connally who helped Strauss cultivate his political career. Strauss served as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee between 1972 and 1977. Strauss has been credited for the Democratic Party's reunification that helped to elect President Jimmy Carter in 1976. During the Carter Administration, Strauss served as the United States Trade Representative and as Middle East negotiator. During the first Bush Administration, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union and subsequently as the U.S. ambassador to Russia. Strauss played a major role for American interests during the Soviet Union's breakdown and the emergence of a democratic Russia. Strauss was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Carter in 1981. Strauss had the unique ability to serve presidents and political leaders on both sides of the aisle. His political astuteness and skill are rare traits and will be fondly remembered. I urge my colleagues to recognize and celebrate the life of Bob Strauss.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Women's History Month and specifically, the Economic Agenda for Women. While our women leaders in history have paved the way for our success, we must continue to fight for justice, rights, and values. The facts are staggering; women continue to earn only 77 cents for every dollar that a man makes, the poverty rate for women is at its highest in two decades, and family and medical leave protections do not cover nearly half of full-time employees. Each March, we celebrate our progress through Women's History Month. But we must not forget what more we can do for our future. When Women Succeed, America Succeeds is an agenda that each town, city, county, and state must adopt so that we can continue the work to provide women with economic security and opportunities. There are so many women that can legitimately be acknowledged during these days of Women's History Month. Women have been at the forefront in every community in every worthy cause. Today, I would like to call attention to a few extraordinary women that I have had the pleasure of sharing my congressional experience who have completed their earthly journey with care, skill, and commitment. Cardiss Collins was the first African American woman to represent Illinois in Congress and chaired the Congressional Black Caucus with leadership and skill. Julia Carson was the first woman and the first African American to represent the 7th District of Indiana and lead the House measure to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks. Juanita Millender-McDonald represented the 37th District of California and was the first African American woman to chair the House Committee on House Administration. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the first African American woman to be elected to Congress from Ohio and served as the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct during the 110th Congress. There are three outstanding former members who have retired back to their home areas who served with distinction as well. Carrie Meek was elected to Congress in 1992 after fourteen years in the Florida legislature. Meek, who retired at the end of her term in 2003, served as the first African American lawmaker elected to represent Florida in Congress since Reconstruction and faced the difficult task of helping her district recover from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Eva Clayton was the first African American woman, with Congressman Mel Watt being the first African American, to serve in the House of Representatives from North Carolina. When Clayton retired in 2003, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization appointed her Assistant Director-General. Diane Watson, who recently retired after the 111th Congress, represented the 33rd District of California and was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be the U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia. I applaud these African American women who truly are history makers. Though we see gains in leadership and in Congress for women each year, we are far from done. Hardworking, responsible American women are depending on us for leadership in policy. With smart economic policy changes, we can achieve even more. I urge my colleagues to think of the women who have shaped our history and to help support the women who have the potential to shape our future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate and update Medicare's payment system without the amendment to undermine the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. While there are positive provisions in H.R. 4015, the SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014, an amendment added by Chairman Dave Camp would delay the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate by five years. Commonly referred to as the ``doc fix,'' SGR Repeal has been on the table since the beginning of this Congress and desperately requires action. This legislation would repeal the cuts to physician Medicare payments and allow for small increases over 10 years. The second part of this legislation would make MEDPAC and GAO report more to Congress, including new payment rules that became final this year. There would also be additional protections against Medicare fraud. However, if this legislation passes with the Camp Amendment, the 5- year delay of the individual mandate provision will increase the number of uninsured Americans by 13 million in 2018. A CBO analysis said that premiums would likely increase 10-20 percent in the individual marketplace during the years without a mandate penalty. I urge my colleagues to heed my warning about this new effort to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Women's History Month and H.R. 863, the National Women's History Commission Act. I would like to recognize a few of the many important women from Texas. While there have been many women leaders in Dallas, one that stands out in my mind is former mayor Annette Strauss, the second female mayor and also the second Jewish mayor. Before her election to the Dallas City Council, Strauss worked tirelessly as a fundraiser for many organizations, poignantly for the arts in Dallas. During her tenure as Mayor-Pro Tern and as mayor, Strauss successfully provided a refuge for the many Texas families that fell into homelessness during the economic crisis. Today, the Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway remains a facility that provides empowerment for homeless people and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Strauss served as Ambassador-at- large for the city of Dallas until her death from cancer in 1998. In the world of education, Yvonne Ewell is a Texas legend. Ewell began her teaching career at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School in Dallas. Ewell was the first African American woman appointed as the district-wide elementary school consultant and subsequently was named associate superintendant of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). During her time as the court-appointed school desegregation monitor for DISD, Ewell began planning for a magnet school with her fellow committee members. From her vision, the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center was born and is extremely successful in educating students in its six semi-independent subject-based high schools. Ewell maintained a strong, controversial stance on education in Dallas schools until her death in 1998 of pancreatic cancer. When recognizing Dallas leaders, it is impossible to not highlight Margaret McDermott. At the age of 102, McDermott will lend her name to the second signature bridge which connects downtown Dallas to west Dallas over the Trinity River. McDermott and her late husband Eugene McDermott have been philanthropists and friends to civic, cultural, and educational organizations nationwide. Some recipients of the McDermotts' generosity include the University of Texas at Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Hockaday School, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Meyerson Symphony Center, and even the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While McDermott takes little credit for her philanthropic activities, she continues to do more civic good in her hometown of Dallas. While there are many women that we should recognize for their historic leadership in Dallas, we must recognize the young leaders in our community as well. Ariel Atkins, a senior basketball player at Duncanville High School, currently has her eye on a third state championship. The fourth-ranked prospect in the espnW HoopGurlz Top 100 for the class of 2014, Atkins has already made the decision to play basketball at the University of Texas next year. Despite her hard work and talent on the court, Atkins is committed to helping others, which she says she feels is her sole purpose in life. Young women like Atkins need encouragement from parents, coaches, and teachers so that they can reach their goals and beyond. The women I have recognized are true visionaries. I urge my colleagues to support Women's History Month so that we can empower women at every age to be leaders in their fields and in their communities.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the congressional digital day of action on the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 27 million women have access to insurance-covered contraceptives. Nearly 2 million of those women come from my home State of Texas. Unfortunately, Hobby Lobby, the largest importer in my district, asserts that employers should control the choices of women to have access to contraception and preventive care. However, 70 percent of Americans disagree with that heinous assertion. While individuals have their own religious beliefs and consciences, businesses that employ thousands of hardworking Americans do not. The implication that a boss could potentially decide what health care treatments any employee can receive are more far-reaching than just contraceptive care. What can be next? An employer denying coverage of routine immunizations or vaccinations because of religious belief? It is offensive that an employer believes they have the right to make these personal decisions for their employees. I urge my colleagues to stand up and fight against this discriminatory action taken by Hobby Lobby.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2431, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 2431, the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2013. This vital program, known as NIDIS, was originated by my friend and former committee chair, Mr. Ralph Hall, in 2006. The program provides critical drought information to communities all across our Nation. Over the past three decades, it is estimated that droughts have cost our country hundreds of billions of dollars in economic impacts. Loss estimates from the 2012 drought alone run upwards of $70 billion. Moreover, the effects of climate change are anticipated to exacerbate this problem in many parts of the country, including my home State of Texas. Right now, California is experiencing its driest period in recorded history. Sixty-seven percent of the State of California is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought conditions. We all know that farmers and ranchers bear the brunt of these dry conditions. That hits the pocketbooks of every American as food prices do go up, but the damage is not limited to agriculture. For instance, in the West, conditions are again ripe for extreme wildfires that scarred more than 9 million acres last year, putting homes and properties in jeopardy. Tourism is suffering as water levels in lakes and rivers plummet and snow packs languish, leaving boats on dry land and skis in the attic. Communities are imposing water restrictions, and power plants and grid operators are taking a serious look at the emergency plans should water for cooling towers and hydroelectric dams fall short. If you look at the top five most expensive disasters in the United States since 1980, three of those are due to drought. The NIDIS program is intended to help alleviate some of the economic impacts of drought. Notably, one of the program's goals is to improve drought early warning. Advanced warning of impending droughts would allow States, localities, and farmers to better plan their activities so that the economic costs associated with droughts could be reduced or mitigated. In light of the scope of the economic impacts of drought, and the potential of the NIDIS program to lessen these impacts, I remain concerned about the authorization levels in H.R. 2431. My Democratic colleagues and I tried to modestly increase the authorization levels during committee consideration of the bill, but we were not successful. Every witness who has ever testified or spoken to our committee about this program has highlighted the need to improve the program's early warning capability. This isn't a goal that can be accomplished for free. It will take a sustained investment of additional funds to achieve results we desperately need. While I wish the authorization numbers in the bill before us today were higher, they are much better than the numbers in the Senate bill, which locks the program into a funding cap that is below current spending for the next 5 years. When the Federal Government is spending tens of billions of dollars per year to mitigate the effects of drought, I think it makes sense to spend a couple million extra dollars to try to reduce those massive costs to our taxpayers in our communities. It is pretty clear that in this instance an ounce of prevention will get us a pound of cure. In spite of these concerns, however, I support H.R. 2431 and the reauthorization of NIDIS, a program which provides crucial information to help our farmers and communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of drought. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would simply urge support for H.R. 2431, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have joined the majority of Democrats and Republicans who unilaterally alike passed a bill that will fund our Nation's most important anti-hunger program which touches nearly 1 out of 7 Americans by a vote of 251-166. The bill now heads to the President's desk who has indicated he will sign it into law in a matter of days. In these tough budgetary times, we should not signal to our constituents that helping those most in need is no longer a priority. I am pleased that the bipartisan, bicameral five-year farm bill contains major reforms including eliminating the direct payment program, streamlining and consolidating numerous programs to improve their effectiveness and reduce duplication, and cutting down on program misuse. Additionally, this bill excludes the drastic $40 billion cut in the House-passed version of the farm bill, but makes progress in addressing hunger and poverty by investing new resources in other nutrition programs. The bill also renews critical investments in important programs for beginning farmers, local food systems, organic agriculture, and healthy food access, and also adds conservation requirements to the receipt of crop insurance premium subsidies. The final bill also rejected proposals to eliminate market and contract protections for livestock and poultry farmers. Congress first enacted the farm bill in response to the Great Depression in order to foster growth in our Nation's economy and to protect those who were most in need. Today, we are still recovering from what some economists call, ``the Great Recession.'' We find ourselves at a crossroads where we must decide how to manage our fiscal priorities while still protecting those who were hardest hit by the recent recession. President Eisenhower once said, ``Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.'' This bill is far from a perfect one. However, given a lengthy two- and-a-half-year process and the importance of renewing funding for the most innovative programs for the future of agriculture and nutrition, I supported this carefully negotiated package in an effort to do more good than harm. I have received letters from numerous groups including several of the largest general farm organizations in the country which have voiced support for this bill. I am pleased this bill maintains the long-standing bipartisan fashion in which urban and rural members unite to support this package.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Adelfa Callejo, a well-respected civil rights leader and attorney in Texas. Mrs. Callejo was 90 years old when she passed last week. She developed into her role as an advocate for justice at an early age. As the oldest daughter of a father who did not speak English, Mrs. Callejo often had to serve as an intermediary in the defense of her family against intimidation from Federal immigration agents or unfair treatment in schools targeted at Mexican American immigrants. As the first Hispanic woman to graduate from law school at Southern Methodist University, her background and education have not gone unnoticed. Mrs. Callejo emerged as a prominent civil rights attorney in Texas, battling questionable city council redistricting in the late 1980s, and staunchly opposing illegal immigration policies in Farmers Branch, among other prominent legal battles, that have helped to shape our State. Mrs. Callejo was known best for her forceful advocacy and fiery personality. She overcame tremendous adversity as a female and as a Hispanic, although nothing would deter her from becoming a powerful financial and social force in Texas. She once said: Only through education will we make the world a better place than we found it. She lived true to these words and worked with the Dallas Independent School District to ensure a better education was offered to a more diverse range of students; and for that, she was honored by a school being named for her in the Dallas Independent School District. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Callejo was an inspirational character who offered her talent and her resources to those who were less fortunate. While she had an incredible presence in Dallas, her reputation as ``the Godmother'' extended far beyond the city limits. While her passing comes as a great loss to many, we may continue to look to her life for an inspiration. I am proud to call her my friend and supporter. Mr. Speaker, we have lost a warrior.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to income inequality in the United States. As millions of Americans remain without work, while others are underpaid or underemployed, it is imperative that we address the growing threat to our country that is income inequality. Since the 1970s, we have witnessed a dangerous trend develop where wage growth for middle and lower income households has become stagnant while incomes at the very top continue to rise sharply. From 1973 to 2005, real hourly wages for the top 10 percent rose by 30 percent or more, whereas the bottom 50 percent of all Americans experienced only marginal real wage increases of a little more than 5 percent. The income gap is further amplified when comparing races. Overall, Caucasian males earn a median income of more than $40,000 per year while African American males average roughly $30,000 during the same period. Hispanic Americans average just over $26,000 in the same category. These discrepancies among demographics is alarming, considering those figures are even lower for women. The percentage of wealth controlled by the richest Americans is another disturbing fact that is often overlooked. The top 1 percent of Americans own 40 percent of our entire nation's wealth, while the bottom 80 percent of Americans share only 7 percent of the nation's wealth. In historical terms, the last time our nation faced such a wide income gap was during the 1920s leading up to the Great Depression. Mr. Speaker, while Congress struggles with raising the minimum wage, millions of working individuals and families across the country continue to struggle with stagnant pay and rising inflation. Unless we take a serious approach that transcends simply raising the minimum wage in order to curb income inequality, the consequences could prove catastrophic for our economy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, another week has passed while Republicans in Congress continue their blockade on the renewal of federal unemployment insurance. More than 1.5 million jobless Americans remain without unemployment insurance and another 72,000 hardworking men and women will be cut off with each additional week of inaction that passes by. House Democrats have continued their push to hold a vote on extending emergency unemployment insurance. In fact, this is the third time that I join my colleagues in making sure that we renew our promise to the American people by demanding a simple vote on a three-month extension. Every day that we fail to act means more families will be left wondering how they will put food on the table or pay for basic goods as they seek employment. Instead of devoting so much time in Congress trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act, House Republicans should reconsider the impact that allowing unemployment insurance to expire will have on the U.S. economy and American families. It is estimated that the lapse in unemployment coverage removed $400 million out of state economies in just a single week, while failing to extend unemployment insurance will cost the U.S. economy 240,000 jobs this year. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of restoring economic security for millions of Americans and their families. I am truly disappointed to see that the House Republican agenda for 2014 does not include renewing federal unemployment insurance. The long-term unemployed cannot wait on Congress to restore this critical support any longer, and I urge my Republican colleagues to act now.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 3824 to end the Republicans' refusal to extend unemployment benefits that protect over 72,000 workers in Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Ann M. Williams, Founder and Artistic Director of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Mrs. Williams will retire this May after 38 years of dedication to the performing arts community in Dallas. Mrs. Williams has a highly decorated career in the arts. She holds a Master of Arts degree and Related Arts from Texas Woman's University and was inducted into the Texas Women's hall of fame in 2002. Among her various accolades, she was honored at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as a part of the Masters of African-American Choreography series in 2005. Mrs. Williams had the vision to create a diverse and community- oriented dance institution with a strong emphasis toward the African- American community. Over several decades, Mrs. Williams built the Dallas Black Dance Theatre from the ground up, growing it to become one of the most well-known Dallas-based nonprofits. It has garnered recognition from the City of Dallas, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas and is host to a multi-ethnic troupe of dancers who specialize in contemporary modern dance. Since its founding in 1976, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre has brought cultural and artistic value to millions of people throughout 30 states and 14 different countries such as Great Britain, Japan, and Canada. Mr. Speaker, under Mrs. Williams' direction, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre has become an invaluable addition to the Dallas arts community. The Dallas Black Dance Theatre has contributed greatly to the revitalization of downtown Dallas by bringing added educational and artistic capital to the area. I would like to recognize Mrs. Williams for her contributions and I join my constituents in wishing her a fruitful and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker and House Republicans, happy new year. You look great, but we have failed to address the issues of the people who are unemployed. I call upon all of us today to remember that many people, as we sit here, are facing fiscal devastation. The social safety net is used to purchase very basic necessities, such as food and rent; and many Americans are treading now, just staying above the water. There were 1.3 million Americans who were without unemployment insurance as of December 28. In another few weeks, 1.9 million more will join them, and 174,000 of them are from Texas. I know that we have not really thought about this seriously. I know that so much time was spent in attempting to overturn the Affordable Care Act that we forgot that there are people we have failed to provide jobs for who are now unemployed and whom we cannot forget. This is not just their problem. This is our problem. Please join me in making sure that we restore their safety net.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of extending Federal unemployment insurance (UI) as part of a comprehensive and bipartisan budget agreement. Without Congressional action, 1.3 million Americans will lose access to vital UI benefits on December 28. Within the first half of next year, an additional 1.9 million Americans will lose access to Federal unemployment insurance. As Congress heads home for the holidays, it is important that we do not leave millions of Americans without a social safety net to protect against long-term job loss. Long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed still remains around 37 percent, meaning these individuals will be left without any support after their state unemployment insurance expires. Further, failure to extend the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program could cost the U.S. economy an additional 240,000 jobs. My home State of Texas is not immune from these expiring benefits. Once the UI benefits expire, 68,900 unemployed workers in Texas will lose access to Federal unemployment insurance. Within the first six months of 2014, an additional 106,900 workers will also lose these benefits. Mr. Speaker, as long as millions of unemployed workers struggle to find a job, Congress is doing a great disservice to this country by allowing Federal unemployment insurance to expire. Federal unemployment insurance serves as a vital lifeline for job seekers and their families. The very least we could do for these workers as we enter the holiday season is to provide them with the support they need to weather these challenging economic times. Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. Speaker, I very reluctantly vote for H.J. Res 59, having been quoted accurately that it is a D+ piece of legislation. It sadly represents what Congress has become. It is now a victory to avoid another government shutdown. It is a victory to temporarily prevent application of the Sustainable Growth Rate that would penalize medical providers and our senior citizens. It is the least we could do to find a tiny bit of budget breathing room so that it may be possible for the appropriations process to resume again. It is frustrating that, at a time when there are still many unmet needs of our citizens and while our economy is sputtering, people are celebrating legislation that doesn't damage the economy more. It is sad that it has come to this. I am hopeful, however, that this might serve as a point of departure over the next three months to be able to face the realities of what America needs. I, for one, will continue working for the big picture, on the three bills that I have introduced to help rebuild and renew America and on arguing for a grander bargain, rather than the least that we can do. I will fight to build on the platform of healthcare reform so that we get medical providers off the SGR merry-go-round, instead moving towards the promise of healthcare reform. It is shameful that Congress is willing to cut food stamps yet give money to wealthy farmers, while ignoring the plight of the long term unemployed, illustrating the gap between what the American public expects and what we should do. I am hopeful that the new year will be more constructive. In the meantime, we will celebrate avoiding another damaging government shutdown and we will celebrate not having a destructive resolution on the floor muddying diplomacy with Iran. I suppose in the holiday spirit we should be thankful for what we can get and then usher this least productive session in Congressional history out of town.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2019, The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. This bill completely bypassed procedure in the House, skipping any committee action prior to a full House vote and leaving no opportunity for discussion as to what could be the best way to fund pediatric research. While my colleagues and I fully support increased funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and pediatric research, the ``Kids First Research Act'' would not provide any additional funds to the NIH for this purpose. The bill merely authorizes that the Presidential Election Campaign Fund be available to a certain extent. These funds would still be subject to the Budget Control Act caps and the normal Appropriations Committee process. H.R. 2019 is merely a messaging tactic for House Republicans to appear to be supportive of biomedical research funding. House Republicans attempted to cut $1.6 billion from NIH funding in 2011. This year, sequestration cut the NIH budget by $1.55 billion and took an additional $255 million from the cancer institute and $66 million from the child health institute within the NIH. If House Republicans intend to increase funding for NIH research, they should do so by replacing sequestration with a more balanced approach. This bill not only restricts funding for the NIH, it represents Congressional micromanagement of research. Overall, HR. 2019 does nothing to advance the goals of biomedical research. I urge my colleagues to support the work of our scientists and researchers and oppose the Kids First Research Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act. I would like to applaud my colleagues for bringing this important issue to the floor today. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have long supported the principles for reforming patent litigation to prevent troll litigation. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology I have long supported policy in order to prioritize investments that will advance our knowledge, create new industries and jobs, and give our children the grounding in science and technology they will need to succeed in a competitive world economy. During this time of economic need, I support H.R. 3309 which is integral to curbing frivolous and costly patent litigation that currently hinders our ability to innovate, create jobs and economic growth. Many companies, from both the technology and non-technology sectors, have been the target of numerous, merit-less lawsuits from patent trolls. Since 2005, the number of defendants sued by patent trolls has quadrupled, activity that is estimated to have cost the U.S. economy $80 billion in 2011. And, what's even more startling is that in 2012 patent trolls sued more non-tech companies than tech companies. I am supportive of the Innovation Act of 2013 which takes a multi-faceted approach to end this abuse. While I recognize there may be no single solution that addresses all complexities surrounding our nation's patent process, H.R. 3309 is a good faith bi-partisan first step towards addressing patent trolling. I am pleased that the Administration is also supportive of H.R. 3309. Moving forward, I would like to work with all sides on this issue to curb patent trolling. I would like to think that all of us in Congress agree that we must work to address the problem of patent trolls.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Every day, persons with disabilities around the world must face undue physical, social, and economic hurdles in society. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is just one of many opportunities to focus on these individuals' accomplishments. Since 1992, the United Nations has promoted this international day of observance in order to promote a better understanding of disabilities and to enhance the well-being of persons living with disabilities. These individuals frequently lack access to basic resources such as gainful employment or healthcare. With over one billion people around the world living with some form of disability, it is critical that we raise awareness around these issues. The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is one organization that works to raise awareness and provide tangible services and assistance to those living with disabilities. NIB, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, works in 35 States at more than 250 locations across the United States to provide these invaluable services. NIB continues to promote new opportunities for individuals with disabilities through its widely recognized AbilityOne Program. In my district, I have had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit organization that provides job training and services to visually impaired individuals. The Dallas Lighthouse, a local National Industries for the Blind agency, employs 185 visually impaired persons and has provided training for employees within certain agencies of the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, as we join the international community in recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is important that we highlight the local organizations here at home that bring real value to communities across the U.S. The National Industries for the Blind is one such organization and that I am pleased to recognize as it celebrates 75 years of enhancing the lives of others.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the passing of an extraordinary and progressive individual, our 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. President Kennedy was elected during a time period when change was imminent even in the midst of resistance. Throughout a tumultuous time in this country's history, President Kennedy stood strong against those who saw this nation's progress as a threat. During the height of the civil rights movement, President Kennedy's willingness to engage in the struggle for the equal rights of all people transcended the era. He embraced civil rights and encouraged an entire nation to join him in the fight for justice. His civil rights engagement was seen as a turning point in the fight for equality. President Kennedy also advocated for technological advancement and encouraged unprecedented innovation during his time. As the ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology committee, I admire the will of President Kennedy to further our country's space exploration capabilities. President Kennedy placed an emphasis on the country's scientific competitiveness that few considered necessary. President Kennedy displayed a courageous and resilient vision for this country that is consistent, in every way, with the title of Commander-in-Chief. Today, many cities around the country, including my district in Dallas, will hold ceremonies to commemorate his legacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his legacy. May his eternal flame continue to burn as a symbol of his lasting impact on this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of World AIDS Day which we celebrated on Sunday, December 1. Each year since 1988, we commemorate those who have died and show our support for those living with HIV. While numerous scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is still destructive and that there is no cure. There is still a critical need for funding, research, and education in our country and abroad. The passage of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and Stewardship and Oversight Act (PEPFAR) is encouraging because of the necessity of an international response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic. Eleven years ago, I initiated the first round of PEPFAR talks with President George W. Bush while I was the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. As we embark on another reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, it is imperative that we remain diligent in the battle against AIDS. I will continue to do what is necessary to engage in this fight to promote public health around the world. I urge my colleagues to fight this battle and to join me as we recognize World AIDS Day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 3547, a bill to extend the application of certain space launch liability provisions through 2014. First established by Congress as part of the Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments of 1988, the commercial space transportation risk- sharing liability and insurance regime has been extended seven times since its original enactment. The current extension expires on December 31 of this year, so it is important for Congress to act now so that there is sufficient time for this legislation to make its way to the President's desk before the current authority expires. The liability and insurance regime that would be extended by this legislation is three-tiered. In the first tier, licensed commercial launch providers are required to purchase third-party liability insurance to compensate for possible losses from third-party claims by the uninvolved public up to the maximum probable loss level determined by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of its licensing process, or a maximum level of $500 million. In the second tier, for claims above those maximum probable losses, the U.S. Government may pay successful liability claims up to $1.5 billion in 1989 dollars, or about $2.8 billion in today's dollars, subject to funds being appropriated by Congress for that purpose. In the third tier, for successful claims above the aforementioned $2.8 billion, the licensee assumes responsibility for payment. It should be noted that the U.S. Government has not appropriated a single dollar to pay for the third-party claims in the two-decade history of this program. The existence of the liability risk-sharing regime has helped enable the development and the sustainment of a commercial space launch industry in the United States, including the emergence of several new companies in recent years. In addition, the regime has allowed U.S. companies to remain competitive with their international counterparts, almost all of whose governments provide similar or more generous risk-sharing liability regimes to that of the U.S. The commercial space transportation liability and insurance regime has worked. It has not cost the American taxpayer a single dollar in claims, and it has strengthened U.S. competitiveness in commercial space launch--and this is not a blank check since any potential payments for claims would be subject to prior congressional appropriation. The bill before us today extends the liability risk-sharing regime for a period of 1 year. While that is less than some in the industry would like, I believe it is an appropriate length. That is because much has changed since the risk-sharing liability and indemnification regime was established in 1988 and because the commercial space launch industry continues to evolve over time. Commercial providers are delivering spacecraft to orbit and commercial resupply services to the international space station, and companies are working hard toward providing commercial human spaceflight. I am excited about the entrepreneurial spirit many of these new companies exhibit, and I want them to succeed, but I also want to ensure that the Nation's commercial space transportation legislation reflects the changing industry and protects the American public. The commercial space industry has been evolving in ways that were not envisioned when the risk regime was first established, and we need to evaluate if changes are needed to this decades-old law. The 1-year extension provides the Congress with the time to conduct necessary hearings, perform our due diligence, and enable the enactment of a comprehensive update to existing commercial space legislation. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Mr. Lamar Smith; the chairman of the Space Subcommittee, Steve Palazzo; and the subcommittee's ranking member, Donna Edwards, for cosponsoring this bill with me. This is a good, bipartisan bill, and I urge Members to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).

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