Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1545, The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Stewardship and Oversight Act (PEPFAR). Eleven years ago, as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I initiated PEPFAR talks with President George Bush to discuss the necessity of an international response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. President Bush helped make a $15 billion commitment to worldwide AIDS relief. Not only has PEPFAR driven down the cost of commodities, it has seen real success targeting each country's specific epidemic by coordinating resources within numerous AIDS responses. PEPFAR is a vital emergency response and it has been able to transition to long-term sustainability through country ownership. This bill not only strengthens all that PEPFAR has achieved, it extends critical oversight and authority in order to continue its success. While PEPFAR has been a major accomplishment, we must continue to support its efforts. The U.S. investment in the Global Fund is key to the success of PEPFAR. Our contributions have not only secured resources but also helped to increase coverage of health services and saved millions of lives. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 1545 and continue to support this critical program.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Family Caregiver Awareness Month. This November, let us take a moment to celebrate the 90 million family caregivers in the United States. During this month, it is important that we not only thank these selfless individuals, but that we also raise awareness and increase support for caregivers. While some care for parents, veterans, or even children with special needs, we must recognize the important tasks that caregivers perform. Whether it is managing multiple medications, providing wound care, operating home medical equipment, family caregivers work tirelessly each day. Family caregivers provide nearly $450 billion worth of unpaid care each year and should be recognized as the backbone of our nation's long-term care system. More than 15 million family caregivers provide care to 5 million individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease rapidly increases the total number of family caregivers in this country. Overall, two out of every five adults are family caregivers. Approximately 39 percent of all American adults are considered family caregivers in some capacity, an increase from 30 percent in 2010. There are many different types of caregivers and each deserves recognition and support. Many do not realize that they have become a family caregiver and need additional support and guidance. Others have been the primary caregiver for years and struggle with the stress of caring for a loved one. Some are part of a family care giving team and provide support from far away. Whatever role a caregiver takes, it is vital that we not only thank them but also commit to supporting their efforts. I urge my colleagues to recognize National Family Caregiver Awareness month and to support the caregivers of our nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings for working with the university community to address a number of their concerns with specific provisions of H.R. 2061. I understand that the universities are still seeking some improvements to the legislation in order to ensure a transparent, fair, and effective process for improving the collection of data on federal funding, including of research grants to universities. I hope that the Chairman and Ranking Member will continue to work with the universities as this bill moves forward. What concerns me most about this legislation is the sudden inclusion of major portions of H.R. 313 in this otherwise unrelated bill. I expressed my concerns about H.R. 313 when it was under consideration earlier this year, and these concerns remain in place today. I think we can all agree that federal agencies need to be wise and judicious in their use of travel funds, and that highly publicized past abuses, while very much the exception, were a wake-up call for us to exercise stricter oversight of taxpayer dollars. The Administration itself, through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has also sought to curb these abuses by instituting new travel caps and new reporting requirements on all agency travel and I applaud them for taking this seriously. However, the scientific community, which includes tens of thousands of federal scientists and engineers at agencies such as the Department of Energy and NASA, depend on face-to-face interaction through conferences and workshops to foster innovation and launch new scientific directions. The scientific community, therefore, is rightfully concerned about the unintended consequences of travel restrictions stifling innovation and stunting economic growth by preventing federal scientists from participating fully in scientific exchanges with their fellow scientists and engineers from across the country and the world. Once again, I want to thank Chairman Issa for taking into consideration some of the concerns expressed by the agencies and the scientific community regarding the travel restrictions in H.R. 313 that have now been incorporated into H.R. 2061. However, this legislation still requires significant improvement. While OMB requires all agencies to publicly report on conference expenses in excess of $100,000, H.R. 2061 would require even more detailed reporting for an agency sending even a single employee to a conference for which the conference's total cost--which may or may not be borne by taxpayer dollars--exceeds $10,000. In other words, while the intent may have been otherwise, the language as written would not create any reasonable threshold for agency reporting. Are we really going to pay agency staff to post an explanation of how the participation of an employee advanced the mission of the agency for every $30 roundtrip train ticket to a large meeting or workshop? It seems to me that in any given fiscal year, the cost of the additional bureaucratic resources necessary to meet this requirement will exceed the actual expenses incurred. I also remain concerned about what I see as arbitrary limits on the number of agency employees who may participate in large, international, scientific conferences and on the total amount an agency may spend not just next year, but through fiscal year 2018. I hope that, if this bill should continue to move forward, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work with our colleagues in the other body to continue to perfect this bill. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I stand by to assist in whatever way I can to ensure that we do not implement new regulations with unintended negative consequences for the progress of U.S. health, science, and innovation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the devastating impact of hunger in America. The debate surrounding cuts to nutrition assistance coupled with nationwide food insecurity is a recipe for disaster for our neediest citizens. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital tool that help feed Americans struggling economically. More than 90 percent of SNAP beneficiaries are children, elderly, veterans, or disabled. Four to six million low-income people will be affected by cuts to SNAP funding, including the 450,000 residents in Dallas County, that are food insecure, 300,000 of which are children. The GOP's efforts to cut $40 billion in SNAP are unconscionable and we must stand strong for the 16.4 percent of our population that remains food insecure. According to the USDA, one in every five Texas households experiences food insecurity. Out of the estimated 1.8 million Texas children, one in four live in food insecure households. Approximately 3.6 million Texas residents receive some type of federal food assistance. In my district, I chair the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions which is composed of organizations dedicated to fighting hunger and making Dallas County food secure. I strongly support the federal programs that work to support the needs of our citizens nationwide. I urge my colleagues to oppose any proposed cuts to nutrition assistance. Collectively, we can do so much to confront food insecurity in our nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the opportunity that my home state of Texas lost when it opted out of expanding Medicaid. Denying health care coverage to seniors, veterans, and low-income residents is unconscionable. Texas has the most uninsured residents among the 24 states that refuse to expand Medicaid. At very little cost to the state itself, 1.5 million uninsured people could have health insurance coverage by now. However, Governor Rick Perry's refusal to expand Medicaid to 133 percent of the federal poverty line ultimately hurts our most vulnerable citizens. Another adverse effect of choosing not to expand Medicaid falls on our neediest hospitals. Because of reductions in payments to safety-net hospitals, or disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), low-income patients suffer reduced access to care. With these reductions to hospitals, refusals to expands Medicaid, and cuts to Medicare subsidies, we are exposing our most susceptible patients to incredible risk. If expanded in Texas, the Affordable Care Act would fully fund each state's coverage for the first three years. Over time, the federal government would continue to pay for no less than 90 percent of coverage for newly eligible individuals. This increase in spending is partially offset by the DSH payment reduction. However, in states that do not expand Medicaid, low-income residents who seek treatment at safety-net hospitals suffer. Our veterans, seniors, and low-income residents are forced to miss the opportunity to have quality and affordable health insurance simply because of political posturing. I urge my colleagues and each state to support the expansion of Medicaid.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding man, Lawrence Eliot Marcus. Born in Dallas, TX, ``Lawrie,'' as he was generally known, was the last surviving child of the second-generation in the family that built the Neiman Marcus retail chain to international prominence. The department store, founded by Lawrence's father and aunt, would eventually become a transcendent international retail chain. Following the death of his father, Herbert Marcus, in 1950, Lawrence Marcus and his brother Stanley took leadership of the the family's iconic department store. Neiman Marcus continued to serve as Lawrence's funnel for dedication to quality and service well beyond his retirement in the early 1980s. As a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas, Lawrence Marcus earned both a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Harvard University, served in World War II, and eventually earned a Purple Heart during his military service before returning to Dallas to assume a bigger role in the Neiman Marcus' operations. While he was known and recognized for many great qualities, most notable was his attention to detail. He once flew to New York to approve the yarn for a new store's carpet before weavers could begin putting the carpet together. Even on the day before his passing, Lawrence Marcus was said to be critiquing shirt fabric. It is with great respect that I recognize the life and accomplishments of Lawrence Marcus. Both his memory and legacy serve as examples of hard work and tireless dedication to many and I ask that my colleagues keep his family in our hearts and prayers.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2655, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act (LARA). This deceptively-named bill would roll back Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by removing a judge's discretion to impose sanctions against any party that files a frivolous lawsuit. The language in H.R. 2655 is based upon long-discredited procedural requirements, previously rejected by the American Bar Association and the Judicial Conference of the United States. An overwhelming majority of the legal community reject the underlying principles behind the 1983 version of Rule 11. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Federal Judicial Center, 87 percent of federal district judges prefer the current version of Rule 11 over the old version. Further, 91 percent of these judges oppose the requirements specifically found in H.R. 2655. Mr. Speaker, I have grave concerns about H.R. 2655 and the impact it would have on civil rights cases all across the country. History has shown us that mandatory sanctions can be used as a tool against legitimate plaintiffs in civil rights cases. Passage of H.R. 2655 would revive this abuse, and actually prolong litigation--not reduce it. I urge all of my colleagues to oppose this legislation so that we can get back to working on issues that the American people truly care about.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the efforts to revitalize American Manufacturing. Manufacturing has long been a central part of the American economy. Right now, there are more than 11 million Americans employed in high- paying manufacturing jobs. And in 2010, manufacturing accounted for 60 percent of all U.S. exports and contributed $1.7 trillion to our GDP. These figures are impressive and lend support for the importance of maintaining a vibrant manufacturing sector. Unfortunately, the dominance of the United States in manufacturing has been steadily challenged. The U.S. share of global manufacturing value added declined from one-third in the early 1980s to just one-fifth today. At the same time, manufacturing activity has rapidly increased in emerging economies such as China and Korea. Even more troubling, is the fact that countries such as Korea, Japan, and Germany have a more R&D-intensive manufacturing sector than the United States. Additionally, each of these countries has a positive trade balance in advanced manufacturing products unlike the $81 billion dollar trade deficit observed in the United States in 2010. The truth is that the perception of manufacturing as low-skilled, assembly line work is outdated and no longer applies. The future of manufacturing is advanced manufacturing, a high-tech endeavor that uses sensors, robotics, and cutting-edge modeling and simulation. If we do nothing and settle for the status quo, our position will almost certainly decline further and our economy will continue to struggle. Thankfully, the Administration has renewed its commitment to American manufacturing and is focused on ensuring that the United States is the global leader in advanced manufacturing. The President has put forward a number of initiatives, including the creation of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. The purpose of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation is to establish up to 15 public-private manufacturing institutes across the country. These institutes will serve as centers of manufacturing excellence and will accelerate manufacturing and help transition cutting-edge technologies from the lab to the factory floor. The Administration has also called for a number of tax reforms that will provide incentives to companies that bring jobs back to the U.S. These include making the R and D tax credit permanent, reducing tax rates for manufacturers, and doubling the tax deduction for high-tech manufacturers. The President's commitment to advanced manufacturing appears to be paying off. We are adding manufacturing jobs for the first time since the 1990s. These jobs will have a downstream impact on our economy since it's been shown that for every manufacturing job we create, we add five additional jobs along the supply chain. And for every dollar in manufacturing value added, we create $1.40 in new value in other sectors of the economy. We need to continue to move forward with policies and programs that will expand and support the development of advanced manufacturing. I have worked on two such efforts. First, my bill, H.R. 1421, the AIM Act makes strategic investments in advanced manufacturing research, development, and education. It brings the public and private sectors together to tackle the research needs of industry. It provides small and medium-sized manufacturers with innovation vouchers that will allow them to make their companies and products more competitive. And finally, H.R. 1421 ensures that our community colleges are preparing students for the manufacturing jobs of the future. Secondly, I have circulated a discussion draft of the America Competes Reauthorization Act which includes several initiatives that would help revitalize American manufacturing such as innovative technology federal loan guarantees to small- and medium-sized manufacturers to help them become more efficient and stay competitive and the creation of a network of industry-led manufacturing centers that will accelerate the development and commercialization of manufacturing technologies and processes. I strongly believe that if the United States is to remain competitive in the long term, we need to ensure that American companies maintain the capacity to manufacture new and innovative products here at home. The decline of U.S. manufacturing is a threat to middle class jobs and our economy. We need our manufacturing sector to be the most sophisticated in the world, using transformative technologies and innovative manufacturing processes. H.R. 1421, the manufacturing provisions in the Competes Act, and the ``Make it in America'' agenda will help to ensure that U.S. companies have the tools and the workforce they need to meet the challenge ahead.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the ranking member. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak against H.R. 982. This legislation requires that asbestos trusts, which were set up to manage a company's asbestos liability exposure, disclose names and personal information of any individual who is seeking compensation from such trusts. The negative health effects associated with asbestos have been under investigation since the early 1990s. Premature death, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are known effects of asbestos exposure. While asbestos industry officials were aware of these negative health impacts since the 1930s, it wasn't until the 1970s that evidence emerged that the industry concealed these dangers from the public. Lawsuits resulted; and in 1973 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the first successful asbestos liability suit. Today, hundreds of thousands of claims have been filed, amounting to billions of dollars in damages. The key principle behind this legislation is to prevent duplicative and fraudulent claims from being filed against companies. However, there is zero evidence to support any allegation of endemic fraud in the filing of asbestos claims. In fact, in 2011, during an examination of asbestos trusts, the Government Accountability Office, the GAO, did not find any evidence of such fraud. Make no mistake, this bill does nothing to enhance transparency and simply increases the burden on the victims who are seeking compensation for asbestos exposure and the related side effects. Instead, the FACT Act simply makes it more difficult for asbestos victims to receive compensation for their injuries. The individuals who file asbestos disease claims do so in order to receive compensation to pay for medical bills or to make up for lost income when they are too sick to work. Many others were not as fortunate and ultimately died from the consequences of asbestos exposure, leaving family members and friends behind. The FACT Act not only fails to enhance transparency, but it may also expose these victims to added fraud and abuse. This bill would require asbestos trusts to publish the claimants' name, address, work history, income, and even personal medical information onto the Internet, where it can be accessed by people all around the world. This gross invasion of privacy could unwittingly expose these victims to identity theft or other forms of fraud, while completely failing to enhance the operation of these trusts to compensate legitimate victims. Mr. Speaker, the FACT Act is a terrible piece of legislation that undermines the safety and privacy of many Americans, while giving unjustified deference to companies that have wittingly exposed individuals to asbestos. Instead of focusing on legislation that creates jobs or enhances U.S. competitiveness abroad, House Republicans continue to waste our time with poorly crafted bills that have obvious ties to industry. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote no on this legislation so that we may continue to compensate legitimate victims of asbestos exposure.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for National Bladder Health Week, November 11-15, 2013. Since 1995, the second week in November has been designated as a time to encourage individuals to talk to their friends, loved ones, and health care professionals about bladder health and pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrated that nearly one-quarter of all women and more than one- third of older women reported symptoms of at least one PFD. As the population of older women increases, the national burden related to PFDs in terms of health care costs, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life will be substantial. It is critical to educate women about PFDs now. PFDs will impact one in three women at some point during their lives, yet most Americans underestimate or are unsure about their prevalence. The lack of awareness continues to affect the millions of women who remain undiagnosed, untreated and whose quality of life remains negatively impacted by these common disorders. Women need to understand the facts about PFDs and to feel empowered with information on how to pursue individualized solutions for improved quality of life. Unfortunately, we may not realize that someone we know--a sister, mother, daughter, aunt, or another loved one--is suffering in silence not realizing their condition is treatable. This week is the time to raise awareness and begin talking about pelvic floor disorders. Please join me in supporting National Bladder Health Week.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In the past, no group has been more negatively impacted by rising health care costs than seniors. Because of the Affordable Care Act, some of the financial burdens have been alleviated. The Affordable Care Act has already helped to close the Medicare part D doughnut hole by saving 6.6 million seniors more than $7 billion on prescription drugs. It also provides a free annual wellness visit and coverage for key preventive services that many seniors avoid because of high cost. As for waste and fraud in Medicare, the Affordable Care Act strengthens the system and gives more effective tools to identify and remove the unnecessary costs. The Affordable Care Act not only provides essential quality care; it does so while lowering costs for our aging population. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and the President to support the Affordable Care Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013. As the Senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cosponsor of this legislation, I am glad to once again be addressing water resources legislation on the House Floor. Such legislation has not been passed by this esteemed Body since 2007, when I served as Chairwoman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee that helped craft and usher the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 into law over a presidential veto. With this background, I understand the challenge of composing and advancing such legislation to this point. I applaud the leadership demonstrated by the Chairman and Ranking Members of both the Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee for bringing this bill to the Floor today. While I ultimately support the passage of this legislation, I am concerned about the weakening of environmental protections and the ability of the public to participate in that process as a result of the streamlining provisions of this bill. The Army Corps of Engineers project construction backlog and astronomical figure it carries demonstrates that project efficiency must be improved. I understand the desire to expedite Army Corps of Engineers study and project completions, yet do not believe that the environmental safeguards such as the National Environmental Policy Act are the cause of those delays. If properly funded, necessary projects can be completed with appropriate environmental considerations. I am discouraged that environmental protections are being weakened under this guise. As Co-Chair of the Texas Maritime Caucus, I have supported language in this bill to increase commercial navigation capabilities for Texas' ports and waterways. I am excited about Texas' ports and the role that they play in cultivating the Texas economy, the National economy, and the global economy. With expansive coastlines, established intermodal infrastructure, and strategically beneficial location, maritime commerce has a bright future in Texas. Moreover, the American economy has a brighter future because of Texas' transportation investments and capabilities. I am glad to have worked in a bipartisan fashion to include language in this legislation for an assessment of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This assessment will be a valuable tool for the State of Texas to determine its current and future operation and maintenance needs for navigation improvements to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, allowing it to be utilized more efficiently and productively in maritime commerce. Further, I supported the inclusion of projects at the Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas and at Freeport Harbor, Texas--both of which are authorized in this legislation. The Sabine-Neches Waterway project will contribute to the economic effectiveness of commercial navigation in a system of navigation channels in the Sabine-Neches estuary of Texas and Louisiana. The Freeport Harbor project provides for a deep-draft waterway from the Gulf of Mexico to the City of Freeport through the original mouth of the Brazos River. It will contribute to the economic efficiency of commercial navigation in the region and will significantly improve Freeport Harbor's ability to compete in international maritime commerce. These projects will help bring nearly a billion dollars of Federal funds to Texas' ports and waterways. In turn, these improvements will be a boon for Texas' economy and the National economy. Further, with the expansion of the Panama Canal, these improvements will allow Texas' ports to play an increased role in the global economy. The increased economic benefit and movement of goods will be felt throughout Texas, including in my home district in Dallas, home to two Class One rail lines, an intermodal facility, numerous interstate highways, and a strong consumer marketplace. It is my hope that the passage of this legislation will revive the biannual WRDA authorization schedule. Monitoring the streamlining provisions of this bill, as well as assessing the expenditures of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be ripe for reconsideration during the next Congress--as will many other issues. It is my belief that the overall objectives and purposes of water resources legislation are vital to America and should be considered on a biannual basis. The importance of this bill should not be lost in politics. In closing, I want to once again thank the Chairman and Ranking Members of both the Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee for their leadership in advancing this legislation to the floor today.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lucy Billingsley who received the 2013 H. Neil Mallon Award from the World Affairs Council on Friday, October 25. Mrs. Billingsley is a Dallas native and well-known real estate developer in North Texas. Past recipients of the H. Neil Mallon Award include Stanley Marcus, Ray Hunt, President George H.W. Bush, Ross Perot, and Trammell Crow. The World Affairs Council was founded by H. Neil Mallon in 1951 in order to educate and involve Americans in global issues. The only daughter of developer Trammell Crow Sr., Mrs. Billingsley is not only a local real estate mogul but also has a major global impact. Billingsley serves as the International Board Chair of Women for Women, the Chiapas International Founder, a member of the National Geographic Society Council of Advisors, a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, a member of the Tate Board at Southern Methodist University, and on the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brain Health Advisory Committee. Before developing Billingsley Company with her husband, Henry, Mrs. Billingsley was the Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Market Center and the Crow Design Centers across the United States. Billingsley also grew her travel agency, Wyndham Jade, to be the largest privately owned travel agency in the Southwest. The recently re-imagined and acclaimed Dallas Arts District was just one brain child of Billingsley's many. Lucy Billingsley has served as an inspiration not only to women of Dallas, but also nationally and internationally. Her humanitarian efforts to promote business and diplomatic relations across the globe will not go unnoticed. Mrs. Billingsley is a personal friend and I applaud her efforts in Dallas and globally.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During each October since 1981, we mourn those who have died due to domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect those who work to end violence. Many of us know someone who has suffered from domestic violence. Whether you are a sibling, parent, or friend, your support is necessary. Each day, three women die as a result of domestic violence. Your support could turn a battered woman into a survivor. Domestic violence not only affects more than 12 million people each year, but one in four women have been a victim of physical violence by a partner. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a helpful tool to combat violence, but the fight against domestic violence must continue. VAWA improved the criminal justice response to violence against women and the reauthorization this year extends protection to native women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Though policies are put in place to end domestic violence and to support women who are survivors, it is essential that we also provide critical resources to save lives and prevent future domestic crimes. When women are silent, domestic violence thrives. But when women speak out, domestic violence can end. I urge my colleagues to support programs and shelters nationwide that provide safety for the many survivors each day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the recent determination by a federal judge that new Texas abortion restrictions directly violate the U.S. Constitution. When Governor Rick Perry signed into law Texas H.B. 2, a smattering of new limitations on access to abortion, he threatened to take away a woman's right to choose. The Texas law would ban abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, mandate that abortion providers have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility, and requires doctors to administer the abortion-inducing medication in person rather than at home. These provisions would cause dozens of abortion clinics to shutter their doors, restricting access to women. District Judge Lee Yeakel struck down the regulation that would require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, a notion that creates an undue obstacle for women seeking an abortion. Yeakel also blocked the provision that would require physicians to follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration procedure for abortion medication because a physician can ultimately determine what route of medication is best for the preservation of the life or health of the mother. Unfortunately, the law still bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy and requires all physicians to perform abortions in surgical facilities. Restricting care for women is unconscionable. Currently, a woman's access to abortion depends mostly on her zip code. While the U.S. Constitution federally protects women, states with anti-abortion leaders impose restrictive laws. These state laws cannot stand up to the U.S. Constitution. I urge my colleagues to support a woman's right to choose, a law that was established in 1973 with the decision made in Roe v. Wade. I am proud to stand as a pro-choice legislator and vow to protect fair access to abortions in my state.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Catalina Garcia, an accomplished anesthesiologist from El Paso, Texas, and one of the first Mexican-Americans to graduate from the UT Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Garcia is being honored as a ``Latina Living Legend'' by the DFW Hispanic 100, a local service organization that enables Hispanic women to participate in social issues. Dr. Garcia was inspired early in her youth to pursue a career in medicine. From a family of doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, Dr. Garcia grew up with the value of helping others embedded in her psyche. Today, Dr. Garcia blazed her own path as a prominent community leader. In addition to her accomplishments in medicine, Dr. Garcia spearheaded a number of philanthropic endeavors. She is a founding member of the Dallas Women's Foundation, an organization that promotes women's issues through education, and dedicates much of her time to teach English to immigrant women. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Garcia deserves great recognition for her efforts to empower members of our community. Dr. Garcia demonstrated tremendous resolve in bringing community-oriented services to Texas, and I am proud to recognize her many accomplishments.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable man, a twenty four year distinguished Member of this body and an outstanding American, Congressman Major Owens. It was through his work in the community as a librarian, chief administrator of New York City's anti-poverty program and a State Senator where he learned the benevolence of kindness and value of public service. In Congress, Congressman Owens worked tirelessly to improve education for all. His dedication to this cause extended further than the boundaries of our country and touched countless lives. Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent upon this body to acknowledge Congressman Owens service which has improved our Nation. On behalf of the people of the 30th Congressional District of Texas and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family and celebrate his life of service.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3080 and want to express my appreciation to the committee leadership, both the chairmen and ranking members of both the full committee and the subcommittee. As the senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I applaud the chairmen and ranking members for their leadership in advancing this legislation to this point. While I ultimately support the passage of this bill, I am concerned about the streamlining provisions of this bill. If properly funded, necessary projects can be completed with appropriate environmental considerations and public participation. I am discouraged that the environmental protections are being weakened under this guise. Within this bill, I supported language to increase commercial navigation capabilities for the Texas ports and waterways. With the expansion of the Panama Canal, these improvements would allow for an increased role in global trade and interstate commerce. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013. As the Senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cosponsor of this legislation, I am glad to once again be addressing water resources legislation on the House Floor. Such legislation has not been passed by this esteemed Body since 2007, when I served as Chairwoman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee that helped craft and usher the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 into law over a presidential veto. With this background, I understand the challenge of composing and advancing such legislation to this point. I applaud the leadership demonstrated by the Chairman and Ranking Members of both the Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee for bringing this bill to the Floor today. While I ultimately support the passage of this legislation, I am concerned about the weakening of environmental protections and the ability of the public to participate in that process as a result of the streamlining provisions of this bill. The Army Corps of Engineers project construction backlog and astronomical figure it carries demonstrates that project efficiency must be improved. I understand the desire to expedite Army Corps of Engineers study and project completions, yet do not believe that the environmental safeguards such as the National Environmental Policy Act are the cause of those delays. If properly funded, necessary projects can be completed with appropriate environmental considerations. I am discouraged that environmental protections are being weakened under this guise. As Co-Chair of the Texas Maritime Caucus, I have supported language in this bill to increase commercial navigation capabilities for Texas' ports and waterways. I am excited about Texas' ports and the role that they play in cultivating the Texas economy, the National economy, and the global economy. With expansive coastlines, established intermodal infrastructure, and strategically beneficial location, maritime commerce has a bright future in Texas. Moreover, the American economy has a brighter future because of Texas' transportation investments and capabilities. I am glad to have worked in a bipartisan fashion to include language in this legislation for an assessment of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This assessment will be a valuable tool for the State of Texas to determine its current and future operation and maintenance needs for navigation improvements to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, allowing it to be utilized more efficiently and productively in maritime commerce. Further, I supported the inclusion of projects at the Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas and at Freeport Harbor, Texas--both of which are authorized in this legislation. The Sabine-Neches Waterway project will contribute to the economic effectiveness of commercial navigation in a system of navigation channels in the Sabine-Neches estuary of Texas and Louisiana. The Freeport Harbor project provides for a deep-draft waterway from the Gulf of Mexico to the City of Freeport through the original mouth of the Brazos River. It will contribute to the economic efficiency of commercial navigation in the region and will significantly improve Freeport Harbor's ability to compete in international maritime commerce. These projects will help bring nearly a billion dollars of Federal funds to Texas' ports and waterways. In turn, these improvements will be a boon for Texas' economy and the National economy. Further, with the expansion of the Panama Canal, these improvements will allow Texas' ports to play an increased role in the global economy. The increased economic benefit and movement of goods will be felt throughout Texas, including in my home district in Dallas, home to two Class One rail lines, an intermodal facility, numerous interstate highways, and a strong consumer marketplace. It is my hope that the passage of this legislation will revive the biannual WRDA authorization schedule. Monitoring the streamlining provisions of this bill, as well as assessing the expenditures of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be ripe for reconsideration during the next Congress--as will many other issues. It is my belief that the overall objectives and purposes of water resources legislation are vital to America and should be considered on a biannual basis. The importance of this bill should not be lost in politics. In closing, I want to once again thank the Chairman and Ranking Members of both the Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee for their leadership in advancing this legislation to the floor today.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, brinksmanship makes for poor politics, and defaulting on America's debts will make for a poor national economy and a poor global image. It should not be understated how devastating defaulting on the debt ceiling would be for America's growing economy. A default as a result of political games would be even more embarrassing. Most games have winners and losers, but if the political games being employed by the Republican party cause a default on America's financial obligations, everyone loses. To be clear, this is not a game. The consequences on the American economy, our country's global image, and the lives of all Americans will be very real. The Republican government shutdown has illuminated the party's willingness to put politics before people. If the Republican political brinksmanship causes a default on America's obligations, it will demonstrate their willingness to torpedo a growing American economy. This brinksmanship must end and we must raise the debt ceiling and continue advancing policies that have and will continue to allow our economy to grow.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a senior Texan on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am very concerned about the transportation safety issues created by the Republican government shutdown. For example, aviation safety is in peril as the Federal Aviation Administration has furloughed approximately 1,700 safety inspectors and drastically limited aircraft maintenance. These types of safety risks created by the Republican government shutdown are intolerable. Further, the National Transportation Safety Board has been forced to furlough more than 90 percent of its staff. As a result, it has not been able to continue investigating deadly transportation incidents nor initiate new investigations of accidents that have occurred since the Republican government shutdown began. Mr. Speaker, the political games being played by the Republican leadership are causing serious harm to transportation safety for all Americans, and it is totally unacceptable. We do have a spending problem created by the two Republican wars.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, brinksmanship makes for poor politics, and defaulting on America's debts will make for a poor national economy and a poor global image. It should not be understated how devastating defaulting on the debt ceiling would be for America's growing economy. A default as a result of political games would be even more embarrassing. Most games have winners and losers, but if the political games being employed by the Republican party cause a default on America's financial obligations, everyone loses. To be clear, this is not a game. The consequences on the American economy, our country's global image, and the lives of all Americans will be very real. The Republican government shutdown has illuminated the party's willingness to put politics before people. If the Republican political brinkmanship causes a default on America's obligations, it will demonstrate their willingness to torpedo a growing American economy. This brinksmanship must end and we must raise the debt ceiling and continue advancing policies that have and will continue to allow our economy to grow.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Energy's National Laboratories are vital to our national security, our economy, and our environment. They have often been called ``crown jewels'' of our federal research and development infrastructure, and for good reason. This is why I am extremely concerned about the impacts of this senseless government shutdown on these important facilities-- and this is on top of the harmful cuts that they have already had to endure under budget sequestration. It is worth reminding my colleagues here today that we have seen how our past investments in the national laboratories have paid off when it comes to energy development. DOE labs were key to the development of high-efficiency gas turbines for coal plants, nuclear reactors, and the directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing practices that have led to the shale gas boom of today. I think it is also important to note that DOE's Office of Science-- which oversees most of these national laboratories--is actually the largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the nation, and it operates more than 30 national scientific user facilities whose applications go well beyond energy innovation. Our nation's top researchers from industry, academia, and other federal agencies use these facilities to examine everything from new materials that will better meet our military's needs, to new pharmaceuticals that will better treat disease, to even examining the fundamental building blocks of the universe. I believe that this stewardship of unique scientific research, including the nation's major national user facilities, is another very important role that the Department plays in bolstering our national competitiveness today and in building the industries of the future. It's no secret that Congress's inability to date to come to an agreement on a sensible budget plan has led to some devastating cuts to many of these important facilities, with serious impacts to our nation in both the short-term and the long-term. Until we resolve the current crisis, even more of our nation's best and brightest will be forced out of work and some of their most critical research tools--for which the U.S. taxpayers contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to build-- will have to cease operations. I believe that we are doing damage to the seed corn of our future, and as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I believe that ending this shutdown and reversing these drastic cuts need to be our highest priorities going forward.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Malala Yousafzai. On October 9, 2012--one year ago today--Malala was the target of an assassination attempt by the Taliban because she chose to speak out against their efforts to ban girls from school in her Swat Valley neighborhood of Pakistan. Since then, Malala has emerged as a leading voice for underprivileged children, especially girls, in the fight for global education equality. Along with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the ``A World at School'' movement, Malala will work to raise $500 million over the next three years to provide education to the 300,000 Syrian school- aged children living in Lebanon. In addition to this and winning an International Children's Peace Prize for her overall efforts, Malala was recently honored at the opening dedication of Europe's largest public library. In a recent address given at the UN, she reiterated her mission, ``They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed . . . and then, out of that silence, came thousands of voices.'' For many, Malala Yousafzai, is a symbol of resilience and courage in her fight for global education equality. Please join me in supporting Malala and her efforts on the anniversary of the Taliban's heinous failed assassination attempt. I proudly acknowledge and encourage her to continue her efforts for education equality.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Instead of approving the Senate- passed funding bill, House Republicans have placed politics before people while important decisions on government funding and the debt ceiling await votes. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with excitement to express my support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which has already significantly improved health care for Americans. In my State of Texas, families have saved $46.3 million in insurance company refunds. Medicare beneficiaries in the doughnut hole have saved $420.7 million in prescription drugs. More than 40,000 Americans and 17 million American children with preexisting conditions gained insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Because of the health insurance marketplaces, in my district, about 204,000 individuals will have access to quality, affordable health care coverage. The Affordable Care Act will grow stronger and expand access to quality care for all Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which has already significantly improved health care for Americans. The six month enrollment period for Americans to sign up for affordable health care coverage in the state-based Health Insurance Marketplaces has begun. Important decisions on government finding and the debt ceiling await votes while politics take center stage and the soundness of our economy remains in question. House Republicans have caused a government shutdown in order to advance a delusional political agenda spearheaded by disdain for the Affordable Care Act. In a demonstration of hollow leadership, politics are being placed before people. Instead of approving the Senate-passed funding bill, House Republicans have cast yet another vote to undermine the Affordable Care Act for the forty-third time since its passage. However, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and many have already benefited from its implementation. In Texas, families have saved $46.3 million in insurance company refunds. Medicare beneficiaries in the ``donut hole'' have saved $420.7 million in prescription drugs. More than 40,000 Americans and 17 million American children with pre-existing conditions gained insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The Congressional Budget Office released a study showing that the Affordable Care Act will provide coverage for an additional 32 million people while reducing overall health care costs. The new health care law will only grow stronger and expand access to quality coverage with the state-based Health Insurance Marketplaces for those who cannot receive coverage through an employer. The Affordable Care Act not only provides increased access to quality care but it marks the beginning of fewer health disparities across the nation and more investment in preventative health care. I am proud to stand with the President and my colleagues in support of the Affordable Care Act.