Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the fifth day of the Republican government shutdown, thousands of federal employees and their families must continue to face the uncertainty of how soon they will be able to return to work. The longer that this shutdown continues, the harder it will be for the more than 800,000 workers on furlough to budget and plan for the future. That is why, in a gesture of basic equality, I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. This common sense legislation would provide retroactive compensation to federal employees who have been furloughed due to the House Republican leadership's refusal to pass a clean budget. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers, many of whom belong to the middle class, are still recovering from a three-year pay freeze. Placing the additional burden of unpaid leave of absence on these families is both unnecessary and unjust. The consequences of the Republican government shutdown extend far beyond federal workers and their paychecks. Federal research activity is already grinding to halt, impacting our longterm competitiveness and capacity to innovate. Consumer protections through the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and others have ceased. Further, the U.S. economy is losing millions of dollars in lost economic output each day that the federal government remains closed. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans have been determined to cause a government shutdown in order to advance an extreme political agenda. Now, the American people and the U.S. economy are stuck with the consequences. Retroactively paying these federal employees will help mitigate the negative effects of this unexpected furlough. We owe it to the American people to practice good governance and Republicans in Congress have failed at this most basic responsibility.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since 1985, October has been designated as the month in which we campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer and celebrate the victories in research and innovation in treatment. In 2013, an estimated 300,000 new cases of invasive and non-invasive breast cancer in women will arise and almost 40,000 women will die of breast cancer. In men, more than 2,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be detected and about 400 men will die from breast cancer. Though the numbers are disheartening, breast cancer research has made significant strides. Early detection of breast cancer through mammograms improves survival rates. Regular screenings remain the best way to detect breast cancer and women should be encouraged to get regular exams. While 70 percent of women receive regular mammograms, this number can still be higher to increase prevention. Unfortunately, we all know someone--a sister, mother, daughter, aunt, or another loved one--who has been diagnosed and suffered through breast cancer. Each year, the month of October reminds us of those lost and the survivors whose stories can empower us to continue to raise awareness and strive to find a cure for breast cancer. Please join me in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since 1985, October has been designated as the month in which we campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer and celebrate the victories in research and innovation in treatment. In 2013, an estimated 300,000 new cases of invasive and non-invasive breast cancer in women will arise and almost 40,000 women will die of breast cancer. In men, more than 2,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be detected and about 400 men will die from breast cancer. Though the numbers are disheartening, breast cancer research has made significant strides. Early detection of breast cancer through mammograms improves survival rates. Regular screenings remain the best way to detect breast cancer and women should be encouraged to get regular exams. While 70 percent of women receive regular mammograms, this number can still be higher to increase prevention. Unfortunately, we all know someone--a sister, mother, daughter, aunt, or another loved one--who has been diagnosed and suffered through breast cancer. Each year, the month of October reminds us of those lost and the survivors whose stories can empower us to continue to raise awareness and strive to find a cure for breast cancer. Please join me in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans have forced the government to shut down, and it's a disservice to the hardworking professionals in the Federal Government and to the American people. Our Federal agencies have a long history of working hard on research and education programs that return huge payoffs to the American people, both in economic growth and societal benefits. Unfortunately, 97 percent of NASA employees are being furloughed, and all public NASA events and activities will be ended. The National Science Foundation will make no payments for the duration of this shutdown. The Department of Energy will furlough nearly 7 percent of their employees, jeopardizing research done all over our national laboratories. Most research activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration will be suspended. Weather research and United States Geological Survey studies will also shut down. As ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I want to highlight that our competitors in other countries surge ahead in their R&D as we shut ours down. We are closing the door to our future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary person, Mrs. Willie Mae Kirk. Mrs. Kirk attended what now is known as Huston-Tillotson University, where she met her husband Lee Kirk. Lee and Willie Mae Kirk became the proud parents of four children. Mrs. Kirk served as a teacher for 32 years, where she championed equal opportunities for her students in East Austin and also helped lead protests against segregation at Austin businesses, schools and Barton Springs Pool. As a teacher, she lived a committed life ensuring the future of young Americans was a bright one. Mrs. Kirk was a leader in her community and played an important role in Austin politics for over five decades. In her younger years she worked to repeal the poll tax and register African Americans to vote. Even late in life, she continued to speak out about how minorities were treated in Austin, particularly in the wake of police shootings. Last year, the city of Austin named the Willie Mae Kirk Branch library in her honor. It is with great respect and admiration that I ask this esteemed body to keep her son, former Mayor of Dallas and former United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and the rest of the Kirk family in our hearts and prayers. May we all rejoice in having known such a great woman and cherish both her memory and her legacy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Reverend Clarence Booker Taliaferro Smith, the late pastor of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas. The street on which the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church is located will be renamed in his honor for his unwavering commitment and dedication to his community. Rev. Smith was best known for his remarkable energy, unyielding devotion to the faith, and his humility and love toward his neighbors. He grew up in San Antonio where he said the life-changing decision to pursue a life of faith came to him in a dream. Rev. Smith served as pastor for 45 memorable years, first assuming the position in January 1943. As a devoted member of the community, Rev. Smith remained loyal to his followers. In a decisive moment, Rev. Smith refused to relocate the church out of Oak Cliff and into a more prestigious locale. Although Rev. Smith stepped down as pastor in 1997, he remained active in his community. Nationally, Rev. Smith is recognized as an archetypal follower of the faith and a model for his peers. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Smith was an inspiring and devoted individual. He prided himself on his faith and others frequently turned to Rev. Smith for spiritual guidance. His passing is a great loss to the community; however, his invaluable contributions to his friends and neighbors will be immortalized in renaming this street in his honor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Hugh Olin Hall, Jr. who passed away on September 24, 2013 at the age of 93. Mr. Hall, Jr. is a brother of my dear colleague, Congressman Ralph Hall. Mr. Hall, Jr. was the youngest person to graduate from Rockwall High School at the age of 15. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and North Texas State University in Denton. Hugh Olin hall, Jr. was born on January 29, 1920, in Fate, Texas. Hugh honorably served in the in the Field Artillery Unit of the United States Army during WWII and served in the Field Artillery Unit in Germany. After his military service, he worked on the pipelines with his father for the Oklahoma Contracting Company. He was employed with Lone Star Gas, where he worked until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Rockwall Masonic Lodge and member of First United Methodist Church of Rockwall. He was an avid reader and a historian of WWII, later having the opportunity to travel back to Europe and Germany to visit the areas where he had served. He is survived by his loving wife Doris Jane Hall; brother Ralph M. Hall; sister Rosemary Hall Scott; grandchildren Christopher Andrew Jeanes, Hugh Olin Hall IV and Christopher Leigh Hall; four nephews: Ralph Hampton Hall and wife Jody, Brett Allen Hall and wife Karen, Jay Blakeley Hall & wife Catherine and Dr. Victor Mark Scott & wife Vickie; grandnephews Jay Hampton Hall and wife Katherine, Steven Lule and wife Leeanna and Alexander Cole Scott; and grandnieces Haley Nicole Scott, Sarah Elizabeth Hall, Amanda Ellen Hall and Crystal Tucker Hall. Hugh was preceded in death by his son Hugh Olin Hall, III; daughter Rebecca Ann Hall Jeanes; and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Hall. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Hugh Olin Hall, Jr. I urge my colleagues to please join me in conveying my condolences for their loss.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the lives of the nearly 30,000 Americans who die each year by their own hands, it is important that we recognize the emotional and mental trauma that our nation's veterans specifically face while serving abroad and at home. As we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, I believe that there are important steps that we can all take to acknowledge and prevent suicides among our veteran population. Each day, an estimated 22 veterans commit suicide, or one veteran every 65 minutes. Veterans commit suicide at more than double the rate of the civilian population, which has totaled to more than 49,000 deaths between 2005 and 2011. Veterans make up nearly one in every five suicides nationwide. This is simply unacceptable. Our veterans face unspeakable challenges in the defense of our nation. Every day, they must endure mental and emotional trauma while spending months, if not years, in foreign countries away from their family and friends. The unique circumstances of their work often have a lasting impact on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As our veterans return home, it is critical that we provide them the sufficient resources and support needed to minimize or reduce any trauma. The Department of Veterans' Affairs, working in conjunction with Members of Congress, has the power to provide this support. Now more than ever, as the number of suicides continues to grow, it is absolutely imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to end this before any more lives are needlessly lost. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our veterans to address this tragedy now. It is clear that as long as the number of suicides among our veterans continues to increase, there is plenty more that we can do as lawmakers and leaders to minimize the number of tragedies.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a government shutdown will damage the economic recovery, slow our growth over the long term, and severely undermine our ability to extend our recovery and put people back to work. As we debate the continuing resolution, I must emphasize investments in education, which are the wisest investments we can make for the long-term fiscal survival of our country. We are jeopardizing our future as a Nation by threatening educational services, as well as eliminating or reducing financial aid for millions of students attending pre-K, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. This week, I introduced a resolution to honor our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I am concerned that these institutions will be disproportionately affected by any cuts. Each day, Historically Black Colleges and Universities help us bridge the achievement gap. The fact is that we cannot move forward as a country until all of our children have the opportunity to succeed academically.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act. The GOP's efforts to cut $40 billion in SNAP benefits over 10 years show how disconnected they are with our most vulnerable citizens; 4 million to 6 million low- income people will be affected by these cuts, including 450,000 residents in Dallas County that are food insecure. Almost 300,000 of them are children. Many of our citizens are already living on the edge of poverty, and these cuts would virtually eliminate the assistance they desperately need. I am deeply troubled by this aggressive agenda to dismantle the SNAP program. It is not just the African American or Hispanic populations who receive these benefits. It is the working class, the elderly, the children, and the disabled. Cutting this program would be devastating to millions of Americans who are working hard to provide for their families. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and support our neediest citizens.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize baseball legend Ernie Banks for being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among other recipients of the nation's highest civilian honor will be former President Bill Clinton; the late Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut; country singer Loretta Lynn; North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith and Oprah Winfrey. Ernie Banks made his debut to the Major League on September 13, 1953, 60 years ago. I am proud to say Ernie Banks is a native of my Congressional District in Dallas, Texas. Ernie Banks, who went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs, grew up at 1723 Fairmount Street, Dallas, Texas. His parents, Eddie and Essie Banks raised Ernie and 11 other children there. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, also in Dallas, which didn't have a baseball team at the time. Despite that, he excelled playing on the school's softball team. He was a wide receiver on the football team and also ran track. He played basketball down the street at the Moorland YMCA. He worshipped at St. Paul United Methodist church. As Banks states, ``Our North Dallas--was a great place to grow up.'' After two years in the Army and a brief return to the Monarchs, Ernie Banks, at 22, was selected to play for a Major League team, the Cubs, becoming only the ninth black player to take the major league field. To date, Banks holds Cubs records for games played (2,528), at- bats (9,421), extra-base hits (1,009), and total bases (4,706). As one of the Nation's pioneers in baseball, Ernie Banks has inspired and enlightened so many throughout his life. Our country has benefitted immensely from his career, and I hope he will continue to inspire others. I wish to commend Ernie Banks and thank him for his service to this great nation. As a pioneer in baseball, he has created positive pathways many future generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of an organized workforce, and the critical role that labor unions play in the building of a robust and diverse economy. The United States has benefitted greatly from the labor movement, and protecting workers' rights is more important now than ever before, particularly for African Americans. Labor unions have provided a range of benefits for working men and women throughout our history, many of which we take for granted as being a normal part of life in the workplace. Simple concepts such as weekends and paid vacation time are thanks to the efforts of labor unions. More complex protections such as workplace safety standards and anti-discrimination laws also are the result of an organized and informed workforce coming together to resist unfair demands by employers. Within the African American community, labor unions have provided a pathway to greater income equality and fairness in the workplace. While African American union workers can earn up to $10,000 or 31 percent more than non-union members, workers across all races enjoy better wages when they are a member of a union. More simply, organized labor enables fair wages, safe working conditions, and equality in the workplace. Mr. Speaker, as our economy continues its recovery, it is important that we preserve a sense of decency and respect among our workers. Fifty years ago, the March on Washington was as much a civil rights movement as it was a labor movement. Labor unions have fought to protect working men and women across all races, and I encourage my colleagues to continue this legacy by standing up for the rights of all working men and women across our great nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bobby E. Collins, the newly appointed Postmaster for the Dallas Post Office. In this new position, Mr. Collins will oversee 1,435 employees across 31 stations, managing more than 540,000 deliveries throughout Dallas and its suburbs. Mr. Collins spent decades refining his career with the U.S. Postal Service, which dates as far back as 1980 when he started as a letter carrier in Houston, Texas. Throughout his career, Mr. Collins advanced quickly within the Postal Service. He served in a number of supervisory roles in various parts of the country such as Texas, Arizona, and Missouri. Today, after devoting 33 years of service to assist the Postal Service with its mission to reliably deliver mail to every corner of our Nation, Mr. Collins takes this new responsibility with much enthusiasm. The United States Postal Service is an important American institution that is fortunate to have such dedicated employees on board. Mr. Collins has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Postal Service and his fellow neighbors through decades of service and this new position will enable Mr. Collins to achieve even more. Mr. Speaker, as we work together to address the various issues that the Postal Service currently faces, it is important that we recognize the individuals working diligently behind the scenes to keep postal operations running smoothly. I am proud to congratulate Mr. Collins for achieving this milestone in his career, and I have every confidence that he will serve the Dallas area well as Postmaster.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jim McCasland, recipient of the 2013 Heroes of Labor Award by Dallas American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Mr. McCasland recently retired as the Executive Secretary of the Dallas AFL-CIO, but his contributions to the Dallas labor community will forever stand proud. During his career which spanned over four decades, Mr. McCasland was widely recognized for his steadfast commitment to many Dallas area and national organizations. Mr. McCasland has been a member of Communications Workers of America since 1969, where he was both a job steward and a chief steward. He also served on the community services committee, public relations committee, and the legislative committee. Mr. McCasland joined the Central Labor Council (CLC) in 1981 and was elected to be the CLC Vice President in 1983. He also proudly served as the Picket Chairman on two occasions. In 1984, Mr. McCasland was elected the State AFL-CIO Vice President from District 7. Mr. McCasland was also active in the Dallas County Democratic Party serving on multiple committees on different occasions. In 1992, Mr. McCasland was on Bill Clinton's Dallas County steering committee and was previously on the steering committees for Michael Dukakis and Mark White. He also served as a delegate to numerous precinct conventions and State Democratic conventions. Mr. McCasland served on the Board of Directors for both the United Way and the Dallas County Red Cross. In 1987 Mr. McCasland was the Labor Chair of the Muscular Dystrophy campaign. Mr. McCasland's leadership and dedication to the community have made an impact on the Dallas area and beyond. Mr. Speaker, Mr. McCasland deserves great recognition for his service to our community, as he is a true hero of labor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency Act of 2013--or the TRANSFER Act, and yield myself such time as I may consume. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation. It is a good bill that represents a bi-partisan effort to accelerate the transfer of technology from our universities and federal laboratories to the market--creating jobs from federally funded research. The federal government has strategically invested in R&D with the confidence derived from decades of results that it will yield back a return in the public good that betters the lives of Americans. We cannot minimize the role R&D has played in the prosperity of the United States and we must continue these critical investments. The next great idea with applications in advanced energy, aeronautics, life sciences, and defense technologies could be sitting on a shelf, and this bill will help the academic community and start- ups to bridge the gap between an innovative idea and a commercially viable technology. One of the ways this bill helps bridge that gap is by supporting translational research activities such as proof of concept. It will also help to bridge the gap by providing advice, mentoring, and entrepreneurial education to our scientists and engineers. As one would expect, most of our researchers do not have the project management and technology and business development expertise needed to run a business and exposure to this type of expertise is important to creating a successful company. We need to build innovation ecosystems that sustain long-term and mutually beneficial collaborations between the public and private sectors. Just as we are seeking to commercialize innovative ideas, we have to be willing to take innovative approaches to accelerate technology transfer of federally funded research. As the title of this bill states, accelerating technology transfer and research are key to sustaining our national security and future economic vitality. This is a good bipartisan bill that should assist universities, research institutions, and national labs help turn R&D into successful, profitable, and sustainable small businesses. I urge my colleagues to support the TRANSFER Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage renewed efforts to bring about reunification on the island of Cyprus. In 2004, the inhabitants of the island participated in a referendum put forward by the United Nations under Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The proposal known as the Annan Plan foresaw a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality. Unfortunately, it was overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots in 2004 despite vast support by Turkish Cypriots. Had it been accepted, it would have brought about a resolution to this longstanding separation of the island and contributed to political stability in this region of the world. In 2008, the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions. These talks proceeded through May 2012, often being guided by former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The framework included a federal government with a single international personality as well as a Turkish Cypriot constituent state and a Greek Cypriot constituent state, both of equal status. Unfortunately, this process has been put on hold for more than a year, as Cyprus has dealt with serious economic crises and political reforms. The time has come for both sides to resume this process and seek long-term solutions that will bring peace and prosperity to the island. On July 28, Turkish Cypriots successfully completed elections, advancing the cause of democracy on the island. I congratulate the Turkish Cypriots for holding free and fair elections, and wish them well as they endeavor to form a new government. But a broader solution, involving the participation of both sides of the island, is essential to Cyprus's long-term success. It is my strong hope that economic conditions have stabilized sufficiently on the island to allow this process to move forward. The United States should do all it can to support this process.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express concern about the decision to bring H.R. 850 to the floor for a vote today. We must act strongly and strategically to prevent a nuclear- armed Iran, and I believe diplomatic negotiations are currently the best possible means at our disposal for achieving this goal. Unfortunately, I am concerned that voting on H.R. 850 now may undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful, negotiated elimination of Iranian nuclear capacity. At a time when a new Iranian President-elect has made statements indicating a greater openness to diplomacy, returning this message with a vote on tougher sanctions only serves to empower Iranian hardliners and weaken Iranian moderates. U.S. policy must make it clear that the goal of sanctions on Iran is to elicit verifiable concessions from Iran that have a material impact on its ability to develop a nuclear weapon. In order to achieve this goal, the President must have the ability to waive sanctions in exchange for Iranian concessions. Yet H.R. 850 places significant restrictions on the President's authority to waive sanctions. Mr. Speaker, while we must maintain a credible military threat towards Iran, we must also make every effort to promote the success of diplomatic negotiations with Iran. If we fail to negotiate a solution that ensures the safety of the U.S. and our close ally Israel by verifying that Iran does not have the capacity to develop nuclear weapons, we will be left with few alternatives but military engagement. I urge my colleagues to come together and support tough but fair diplomacy with Iran.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ambassador Lindy Boggs. I was profoundly saddened to learn of her recent passing. Ambassador Boggs was deeply respected for her civility, dignity, and political acumen by those across the political spectrum. A nine-term Member of Congress and champion of women's rights, Congresswoman Boggs spent much of her time working for civil rights and to address poverty. She and her husband, Congressman Hale Boggs, welcomed civil rights activists into their New Orleans. I personally worked with Congresswoman Boggs on the successful Head Start program when she was a Member of the House of Representatives. I am pleased to recall that I was in consultation with her back when she was working on her Head Start legislation. Congresswoman Boggs was also responsible for successfully amending the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to protect women from lending discrimination. After retiring from Congress in 1990, Ambassador Boggs worked with civic and cultural institutions in New Orleans and nationally. More recently, Ambassador Boggs was appointed by President Clinton to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See at the Vatican. She continued her record of excellence in this role, and I was honored to have had the opportunity to visit her in Rome during her service. Ambassador Boggs is survived by two children, Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr. and Cokie Roberts, whom I have had the privilege of meeting, as well as eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered in Washington for her extraordinary service and dedication.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the Fiscal Year 2014 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, THUD, appropriations bill being considered before the House. This bill fails in almost every regard to prioritize our Nation's crumbling infrastructure, expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Americans, and strengthen local economies through direct investment and job creation. The House bill cuts $7.7 billion from the enacted level for FY2013, slashing funds for vital community development programs, TIGER grants and high-speed rail projects, and even key assistance grants for our most vulnerable segment of the population: homeless individuals and families. This bill already cuts more than $4 billion below the post- sequester amounts for FY2013, consistent with the terrible assumptions included in the Ryan Budget that the Defense Department will be spared from this shared sacrifice. Simply put, this bill will place the burden of these cuts squarely on the backs of low- and moderate-income Americans. The FY2014 THUD appropriations bill is just another example of House Republicans' refusal to work across the aisle to develop a sensible and bipartisan budget agreement that does not threaten our economic growth and competitiveness. Instead, my Republican colleagues have deliberately chosen to ignore the demands of the American people by developing a budget that makes drastic cuts to public programs without any deliberation on the basis of need or the public good. Mr. Chair, the FY2014 THUD appropriations bill is simply unworkable in its current form. The drastic and indiscriminate cuts found in this bill will undermine critical investments in our Nation's infrastructure, hollow out vital housing programs, and destroy jobs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to join my colleagues in strong support of the Community Development Block Grant program and the tremendous benefits that this program has afforded millions of low- and moderate-income Americans since its inception in 1974 under Republican leadership. The Community Development Block Grant is a vital tool that the Department of Housing and Urban Development uses to provide for new developments and affordable housing in local communities all across the country. The fiscal year 2014 House Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill indiscriminately slashes the grants by almost half, or $1.6 billion less than the current $3.3 billion for fiscal year 2013. These cuts do not reflect a change in need or have any basis in reality, and they would do incredible harm to local communities across the entire Nation. The House version of this bill is simply unworkable in its current form, and it plainly ignores many of the benefits that the CDBG program provides for the 1,209 State and local governments that receive these grants. Since 1974, CDBG has invested over $135 billion in local economies. Every dollar that has been invested leverages an additional $3.55 in non-CDBG funding, which can go toward improving existing infrastructure, new jobs, and housing repairs, as well as homeownership assistance. By slashing CDBG funding, the House majority will invariably bring harm to countless low- and moderate-income Americans. I'm not prepared to do that, and neither are many of us, even many Republican colleagues. Cuts from years prior have already had devastating consequences. The city of Dallas, for example, is considering another round of cuts or eliminating certain programs entirely in light of projected budget reductions. For Dallas, this could mean eliminating grants for affordable housing developers, shrinking the Mortgage Assistance Program, and decimating new home construction in areas targeted by CDBG revitalization. Mr. Chairman, the fiscal year 2014 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill will bring considerable harm, and considering it this week is just another example of the misguided policies of the current Republican majority. As long as the current majority Republicans refuse to work together with House Democrats to develop a sensible budget framework, the American people will continue to suffer the consequences of draconian cuts to invaluable social programs. When we shut down everything, it does not help us economically. It shuts us down. It moves us backwards. There is a right way and a wrong way, and we cannot continue to do it the way this current Republican majority is pushing. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Mary Kay, Inc. This year marks the Dallas-based company's 50th anniversary, and it has a great deal to celebrate. Founded by Mary Kay Ash and her son, Richard Rogers, the company now operates in 37 foreign markets and will bring in an estimated $3.5 billion in wholesale sales this year. Beginning today, 50,000 members of Mary Kay's workforce will come to Dallas in waves to celebrate this landmark anniversary and attend the annual Mary Kay seminar being held at the Dallas Convention Center. Those coming to Dallas represent only a fraction of Mary Kay's workforce that includes over 2.5 million independent beauty consultants. Mary Kay, Inc. supports The Mary Kay Foundation, which has a mission of eliminating cancers that affect women and ending domestic violence. The Foundation supports research on breast, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers, and provides grants to women's shelters and community domestic violence programs. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to celebrate the success of this extraordinary company. As a company founded by a driven and entrepreneurial woman, and employing a workforce composed primarily of women, I am proud that Mary Kay, Inc. has chosen the great city of Dallas as its home base.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, a new fight for the preservation of equal protection and justice under the law has emerged. Just last month, the United States Supreme Court overturned a critical component of the decades-old Voting Rights Act, effectively exposing millions of Americans to discriminatory voting practices. Our inability to protect American citizens from discrimination while exercising the right to vote brings into question our ability to implement other aspects of the law without regard to race. In fact, there is significant evidence that we have much more work to do to create a non- discriminatory justice system. The recent court decision involving Trayvon Martin's death is the latest injustice suggestive of discrimination throughout this system, which is further exemplified by the harrowing statistics as they pertain to minorities. For example, African Americans account for only thirteen percent of the U.S. population, yet they represent more than 28 percent of all arrests. Further, while more than half of all the individuals on death row are people of color, 42% are African American. Mr. Speaker, we must reflect on our values and determine what kind of future we would like to see for our children. Do we want to leave behind a divided nation where the rule of law applies only to select groups of individuals? Or do we want to live in a nation united under equal opportunity and justice for each and every American? I choose to support an equal and just America, one that is built upon uncompromising pillars of democracy, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same by speaking out against this blatant discrimination.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, funding for education and STEM education is an investment in our future, and perhaps one of the most important investments we make as a Nation. I am very concerned that H.R. 5 guts education funding by 1.3 billion dollars in order to lock in the sequester preventing Congress from being able to appropriate above sequester levels. According to an analysis carried out by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the United States ranks second to last of the 44 countries and regions analyzed in terms of progress in innovation-based competitiveness over the last decade. It used to be that the world's best and brightest flocked to our shores. Now many of our own best and brightest are finding better opportunities in other countries, and we are losing our edge in the competition for top talent from around the world. Mr. Chair, I have many concerns with this bill. H.R. 5 opts to convert Title 1 funding into a block grant program. This change will disproportionally harm many disadvantaged low-income students. Schools across the country, including some in my Congressional district, rely on these funds to help ensure that all children meet State academic standards. Even the highest performing students in the urban schools are faced with an uphill battle in obtaining the same academic achievement present at the high performing schools. While college preparatory courses are standard for many students in our highest performing public schools, urban school districts often lack the resources to provide the same advantages to their students. According to the National Education Association, H.R. 5 ``as a whole it erodes the historical federal role in public education: targeting resources to marginalized student populations as a means of helping to ensure equity of opportunity for all students . . . [and] perpetuate[s] a system that intentionally delivers unequal opportunities and quality to children across this country.'' Even according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, H.R. 5, ``Would reduce school-level accountability, would not provide consequences for low-performing schools, and would not require states to adopt college- and career-ready standards and assessments.'' Mr. Chair, the cuts in this bill which will ultimately result in a poorer education for future generations of young Americans represent a gigantic step backwards for our Nation. I strongly believe an investment in education funding is the most sensible investment we can make. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was first enacted at the height of the Civil Rights Movement in order to increase investments in primary and secondary education, strengthen equal access to education and establish high standards and accountability. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, I cannot support the bill we have before us today which erodes and dismantles the key principles of this law.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668, two cynical Republican bills that play politics with Americans' lives. Instead of spending our time voting on the 38th and 39th Republican attempts to delay, undermine, or repeal the Affordable Care Act, we should be focused on implementing the law of the land and supporting real solutions to getting Americans the health care we all need. The requirement that individuals have health insurance is the foundation of the Affordable Care Act's ability to improve access to quality, affordable health insurance. H.R. 2668 would delay this requirement, threatening access to affordable health insurance for an estimated 129 million Americans with pre-existing health conditions. The Affordable Care Act has already begun to improve Americans' access to health care. Insurance companies are now required to cover children with pre-existing conditions, and in 2014 insurers will be prohibited from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions as well. An estimated 3.1 million young adults now have health insurance through their parents' plans because of the Affordable Care Act, and 6.3 million seniors have saved $6.1 billion on their prescription drugs. The patient protections and health system reforms that will go into effect in 2014 rely on the individual responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act. This provision does not apply to those who cannot access affordable coverage, and it protects all Americans from sharp increases in health insurance premiums in the health insurance marketplaces. H.R. 2667, which would delay the employer health insurance mandate, is unnecessary and detracts from the important work of ensuring that more Americans gain access to affordable, quality health insurance. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668 to defend the advances already made under the Affordable Care Act and the benefits yet to come. These bills are not intended to help Americans access affordable health care. They are merely the most recent Republican efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, and it is already helping Americans improve their health. We must come together to implement the law effectively and ensure that more Americans have the opportunity to access affordable health insurance and improve their health.