Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the successful reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, it is important that we continue to bring awareness to the serious issue of domestic violence. It is a problem that affects one in every four women, and it is one that cannot be resolved by legislation alone. That is why I commend the efforts of Mayor Mike Rawlings, City of Dallas, for his own efforts at the local level to increase awareness and rally our fellow Texans against domestic violence. This weekend, Mayor Rawlings will lead a ``Men Against Abuse'' rally in front of Dallas City Hall in a show of unified support for victims of domestic violence. During this rally, Mayor Rawlings hopes to publicly challenge the moral character of any individual who believes it is acceptable to commit domestic abuse. Raising awareness has been a vital component of a comprehensive strategy to address this issue, and Mayor Rawlings' efforts are another step in the right direction. Domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes, and speaking out will help victims to not only identify their circumstances, but also empower these individuals to stand up against their abusers and seek outside help. Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is a problem that transcends race, age, and socioeconomic status, making the issue that much more important as we tear down boundaries across communities to stand up against domestic violence. While the Violence Against Women Act has historically provided effective tools to combat domestic violence for almost two decades, increased awareness is absolutely critical if we are to bring these lifesaving measures into the homes of victims of violence who would otherwise remain silent in the face of cruelty.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I rise today in opposition to the Republican budget developed by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan. This budget would not only jeopardize seniors, families, and the most vulnerable in our society, it would also destroy jobs and put our Nation's economic recovery at risk. In fact, some estimate that 2 million American jobs could be lost in 2014 under the Ryan budget. The Ryan budget would protect the wealthy while severely harming seniors and the American middle class. Millionaires would receive an average net tax cut of $200,000, while middle class families could see their taxes rise by an average of $2,000. This approach is neither equitable nor balanced. The Ryan budget would cut the crucial programs our families rely on by slashing non-defense discretionary spending by more than $1 trillion below the level of the 2011 Budget Control Act caps. This budget denies Americans access to life-saving health care by ending the Medicare guarantee, drastically cutting the Medicaid program, and repealing the Affordable Care Act. These cuts would immediately raise health insurance and prescription drug costs for women, while reducing access to care and support for nursing home residents. The Ryan budget could also result in an 18% cut in help with child care expenses to families working hard to make ends meet, and could cause about 200,000 children to lose access to Head Start in 2014 alone. We all know that tough decisions must be made regarding the deficit, but our budget must not be balanced on the backs of women, children, seniors, and middle class families. Instead, we must invest in our children, in our students, and in our families to move our Nation forward. We must ensure that all Americans have access to health care. And we must invest in our infrastructure to create jobs and pave the way for a stronger economic future. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Ryan budget and work together to create jobs and protect middle class families.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Congressional Black Caucus Alternative Budget for Fiscal Year 2014. As we debate the various budget proposals this week, the CBC has developed a budget that will reduce the deficit, continue to foster growth in our economy, and strengthen our Nation's safety net. The CBC's budget would raise $1 trillion in new revenue and avoid the drastic sequestration cuts that took effect March 1. In addition to raising new revenue, our budget protects and strengthens critical domestic programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. These are critical programs that the American people depend upon, and are slashed beyond recognition in the Ryan budget. In addition, a key factor in creating jobs is the continued investment in our Nation's infrastructure. The CBC's budget invests in rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, as well as in transit and workforce development programs. These investments are crucial to bolstering our economy and protecting working families. These priorities stand in stark contrast to those in the Ryan Budget. The Ryan Budget fails to replace the drastic spending cuts, cuts which would cost 750,000 jobs a year. The Republican budget also transfers the burden of the discretionary sequester to non-defense programs, further gutting the funding needed to pursue innovation and research, and to staff our country's air traffic controllers and food safety inspectors. By slashing these critical investments, we jeopardize domestic economic growth and the wellbeing of American families. Mr. Speaker, the American people spoke loudly in November concerning the fiscal policies we should pursue. The American people rejected the Ryan Budget, and the misplaced priorities of the GOP.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 803, the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act. H.R. 803 is a poor alternative to the critical reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and would ultimately limit access to employment resources and occupational training for the most vulnerable segments of the population. Numerous organizations, as well as Members of Congress, have come out in overwhelming opposition to H.R. 803 for its unsystematic approach to consolidate government programs and reduce costs. This legislation would collapse 35 federal job training programs and convert these targeted programs into a single indiscriminate fund administered through the states. H.R. 803 works counter to the original intent of the law, which was specifically tailored to support America's veterans, youth, seniors, disabled, and underprivileged workers. Instead of H.R. 803, I support H.R. 798, proposed by Representative John Tierney. H.R. 798 would preserve these important programs for workers, while taking reasonable and deliberate steps to streamline government operations without ignoring the original intent behind WIA. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, and will only support legislation that is genuine in its intent, and does not discriminate in terms of how it apportions benefits. Madam Chair, H.R. 803 would dismantle critical support structures that have helped develop the U.S. workforce since WIA's inception in 1998. Despite steady progress, our economy remains fragile, and we must do everything within our power to ensure that workers have the resources and support they need to excel in an increasingly competitive environment. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 803 in favor of a balanced approach that keeps the best interests of the American worker at its core focus.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 890, the Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Act of 2013. This legislation would overturn the Administration's proposal to allow states greater flexibility to help more Americans move from welfare to good jobs. Several states have requested this flexibility, including some states with Republican governors and legislatures. This is a politically disingenuous bill which only prevents Congress from devoting our time to finding actual solutions to lowering our unemployment rate. As a condition of receiving federal TANF funding, states are required to document the number of hours that welfare recipients spend in paid jobs, voluntary work, or other activities directly related to finding employment. Many states have argued that the current law's requirements are onerous and counterproductive to helping welfare recipients find work to lift their families out of poverty. In response to state feedback, the Administration proposed a program to allow states to use alternate, outcome-based measures for job placement, rather than relying solely on numerical work participation standards. This waiver would give states the flexibility needed to improve the effectiveness of TANF programs by focusing on the outcomes that matter to our families. The Administration's waiver program has strict requirements to hold states accountable for making measurable progress in job placement. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 890, which would hinder states' autonomy and flexibility in finding solutions that work for their residents. Instead of wasting time on partisan proposals, we must work across the aisle to find real solutions for working families in my Dallas district and across the country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Public School Week. This weeklong series of events is designed to inform and transform the civic conversation around public education. In order for America to lead in the 21st century, our foremost social and economic imperative should be to provide a quality education to all of our students. In my city of Dallas, four magnet schools were identified as Blue Ribbon schools. These four Dallas Independent School District (ISD) schools are the Environmental Science Academy, the Townview School of Science and Engineering Magnet High School, the Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and the Social Services Magnet High School and Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School. Being identified as a Blue Ribbon school means they are among the finest schools in the country, and I am proud of these four stellar institutions and others like them. Townview Magnet is one of the most diverse schools in Texas, with minorities representing over half of the student population. Townview is a gem in my Congressional district and home to some of the Nation's best and brightest students. Newsweek Magazine has consistently rated Townview's Science and Engineering Magnet as one of the top high schools in the Nation. Townview serves as a model for other institutions of learning across the country. Mr. Speaker, many of our best and our brightest students attend public schools and with encouragement and support from their principals and teachers they are capable of achieving remarkable success. We cannot allow our schools to lose the critical funding they need to operate simply because we as a Congress cannot work together to solve sequestration. Texas is poised to lose approximately $67.8 million for primary and secondary education, putting around 930 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 172,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 280 fewer schools would receive funding. Mr. Speaker, supporting our Nation's public schools will help us out- educate, out-innovate, and out-build the rest of the world. We must identify ways to help improve schools like these that provide educational excellence to our communities. We must not waver in our commitment to our children and the future of this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I oppose H.R. 933, which appropriates money for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and funds the rest of the government until the end of the Fiscal Year 2013. This bill maintains the across the board sequestration cuts that took effect last Friday. Democratic Members of Congress have repeatedly called for a common sense, bipartisan solution to avoid the sequester, and have been met by nothing but inaction by our colleagues in the majority. These indiscriminate cuts will seriously jeopardize the economic stability of this country. While our economy is still recovering from the worst recession since the Great Depression, sequestration will have the effect of slowing the recovery and costing 750,000 jobs. While the worst consequences of the sequester have not yet been realized, the wheels have now been set in motion. We are on a course that will have real impacts for millions of Americans. Furlough notices are going out to thousands of federal employees and contractors, and many services will begin to slow. Programs and services that millions of Americans rely on like Head Start, nutrition programs like WIC, and even the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be crippled by these cuts in funding. The critical support that our communities depend upon--the law enforcement officers who protect us, the air traffic controllers who keep our skies safe, FDA food inspectors, and the CDC's funding for disease prevention--all of it is being slashed. Mr. Speaker, in short the Republicans are putting the ability of our government to function at risk, and they are jeopardizing the safety and security of millions of families across this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, each year we celebrate March as Women's History Month, and I wanted to take this opportunity to honor the women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority for their decades of service and commitment to empowering their communities. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. AKA is the oldest Greek organization established by African American college-educated women. From its humble beginnings, AKA has grown to 260,000 members with chapters in the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, Korea, and on the continent of Africa. AKA membership is comprised of distinguished women who have excelled academically, and utilized the organization to promote our mission of ``Service to All Mankind.'' Through AKA's human rights outreach, the organization works to raise awareness of human trafficking and domestic violence. The sorority also works to promote social justice through voter empowerment, civic engagement, and expanding access to education in minority communities. Through the organization's global poverty initiatives, AKA has focused its efforts to end hunger throughout the world, and to promote sustainability and independence through women- owned businesses and sustainable agriculture practices. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and I am proud to highlight the many accomplishments of the organization. Throughout the years, AKA's outreach has expanded as it strives to promote high academic standards, mentorship, global health services, and the advancement of human and civil rights.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, March is Women's History Month, and I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the advocacy and public service of the members of The Links, Incorporated. As an organization, The Links has made service to others the founding principle of the organization. Through friendship, we build relationships based on the premise that by our numbers, we are strong. With that strength, we can uplift others. The Links, Incorporated had as its humble beginning the friendship of two women, Ms. Margaret Hawkins and Ms. Sarah Scott. Formed in 1946, these women worked to engage the African American community in Philadelphia in civic, educational, and cultural opportunities. Each friend invited a friend, and today The Links, Incorporated, is represented by 274 chapters and more than 12,000 professional women of color. Through its various initiatives, The Links, Incorporated is breaking new ground in providing humanitarian support and closing the achievement gap in our schools. In my role as Chair of the National STEM Career Readiness Initiative, I have used my platform as a Member of Congress to raise awareness about the need for students' science and math literacy, and to increase the ranks of women and minority STEM students, engineers, scientists, and those in academia. Throughout the history of The Links, we have focused our efforts on children, as they will be the future generations of leaders. Recent initiatives include tackling childhood obesity in our communities, increasing the retention and graduation rates of minority students, and facilitating international involvement and global awareness to serve the educational, health, and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of March we will be acknowledging women in history who have taken courageous steps and made significant impacts in their communities. The Links, Incorporated, have taken up the call for more than six decades, and through their efforts have transformed the lives of individuals and communities throughout the world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013, as amended by the Senate. This legislation will reauthorize programs first established in the 2002 Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, the 2004 Project Bioshield Act, and the 2006 Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. These programs are crucial to ensuring that our Nation is prepared to respond to public health emergencies, including those caused by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and bioterrorism. The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013 will reauthorize programs such as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement, which provides grants to state and local health departments, the National Disaster Medical System, which helps manage the government's medical response in emergencies, and bio- surveillance programs, which help states coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track and detect disease outbreaks. The legislation also allows the Food and Drug Administration to collect and analyze data about the safety and efficacy of products used in emergencies. Mr. Speaker, in our changing world, public health emergencies can be created by sources as various as disasters due to climate change, global epidemics from an increasingly interconnected planet, and terrorists who target us. As we face these threats, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and prepared for the sake of our children and our communities. The programs covered under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013 serve as essential tools in our endeavor to protect the health of all Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, when the Congress adjourned last week, it did so without addressing the drastic spending cuts known as sequester. Now the March 1st deadline has passed, still with no action. Without the attention of Congress, these cuts will wreak havoc on our fragile economy and jeopardize the safety and security of families in this country. House and Senate Democrats have both offered reasonable, balanced plans to avert these damaging cuts, but the GOP has refused to work towards a bipartisan plan to reduce the deficit. We have had more than a year to reach a bipartisan agreement, and without an agreement these cuts will be balanced on the backs on our most vulnerable citizens. I am specifically concerned about the effects of sequestration on the 30th District, and the state of Texas as a whole. Texas will lose approximately $67.8 million for primary and secondary education, putting educators at risk and compromising our children's education. In Texas alone, approximately 52,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $274.8 million in total. These are not just numbers. Madam Speaker. These are mothers and fathers trying to provide for their families. Under sequestration, 9,730 fewer children in Texas will receive vaccines, and our state will lose approximately $3,557,000 to help provide meals for seniors. Texas will also lose approximately $2,402,000 to help respond to public health threats including infectious diseases and natural disasters. Madam Speaker, we must confront our federal debt and deficit, but we must do so in a balanced approach that does not further harm our weakened economy. Deficit reduction must be comprised by both decreased spending and enhanced revenue measures. I implore the House leadership and the Republican Members of Congress to come back to the table and get back to work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has historically provided a vast network of support for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking since its initial passage in 1994. As the House considers the reauthorization of these critical protections, Members of Congress will have to choose between two vastly disparate futures for the women of our Nation. In one future, the House extends these important protections for all Americans by approving the Senate-passed reauthorization of VAWA, S. 47. This bipartisan bill not only extends the protections afforded to women under previous reauthorizations, but also expands those protections to LGBT individuals, Native Americans, and immigrants. In this future, abusive partners and perpetrators of violence are swiftly brought to justice as Congress builds upon the successes of VAWA, and incorporates new and innovative approaches to combating violence against women. However, in a harshly dissimilar future that could be realized through the passage of the House substitute bill, only select groups of battered and abused women are protected from violence or sexual assault. In this dismal scenario, college students, Native Americans, LGBT individuals, and others are left to fend for themselves against their attackers. In this future, perpetrators may remain confident that the strain on limited law enforcement resources will prevent them from being prosecuted for these gross violations of the law. This is not the future that I would want to envision for these victims of violence. Madam Speaker, the Senate-passed version of the VAWA reauthorization is the result of extensive deliberation and consultation with real victims of violence, law enforcement personnel, and outside organizations that specialize in combating domestic violence and abuse. This Congress must vote to pass S. 47 immediately if we are to stand behind the women of this Nation, and send a strong message that these acts will not be tolerated. Every victim of domestic violence in America deserves equal protection under the law, and the House substitute to VAWA does not acknowledge the pervasiveness and severity of the violence that women must face each and every day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about H.R. 667, a bill to rename the Dryden Flight Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. I, along with millions around the world were terribly saddened to hear the news this past August of the passing of Neil Armstrong, a genuine American hero and an inspiration to countless people around the world. This bill was introduced as one way of paying tribute to a man who exemplified the true meaning of public service through a life of inspiring others through his bravery and self-sacrifice. It would rename the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, while still naming the Western Aeronautical Test Range within the center as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. For those who may be unfamiliar with him, Dr. Dryden was a true aeronautics visionary, and an individual worthy of our recognition and esteem. Last year, in my capacity as ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I had the opportunity to participate in the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring Mr. Neil Armstrong, along with John Glenn, who is also a former senator, Michael Collins and Edwin ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr. Each of these individuals is a genuine national hero and worthy of our gratitude. They and the astronauts that preceded and followed them were willing to put their lives at risk and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice in order to push back the frontiers of knowledge and help our country achieve preeminence in space exploration. Yet, it is clear from the way he carried himself and his public statements, that Mr. Armstrong did not seek public tributes such as the House is voting on today. Instead, he cared deeply about the future of our Nation's space program, and in his testimony to our Committee he stressed the importance of sustaining our commitment to a strong NASA. So it's worse than ironic that in the same week that we are voting to rename a NASA Center for him, we are going to allow a sequestration to proceed that will make devastating cuts to NASA's budget and set back the very human space exploration and aeronautics activities that Mr. Armstrong championed when he was alive. These cuts will also hurt the Flight Research Center we are proposing to rename, likely leading to layoffs and furloughs of dedicated individuals who work at the Center-- individuals who in many cases were probably inspired by both Dr. Dryden and Mr. Armstrong's examples to work for NASA in the first place. Mr. Speaker, we can and should do better than this. I would urge the Majority to bring a bill to avoid this sequester to the House floor this week so we can vote on it. We should not be cutting our critical investments in R&D and in NASA. That is no way to honor the legacy of either Neil Armstrong or Hugh Dryden.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 77, the Academic Competition Resolution of 2013. For years, the annual art competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives recognizes imaginative high school students from every congressional district in the United States. Like the congressional art competition, H. Res. 77 establishes an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to be held each year among students in each congressional district across the country. It is just and appropriate for the United States House of Representatives to incentivize STEM education by highlighting outstanding youth across our country who are excelling in these disciplines. The highest growth sectors, such as information technology, require a workforce proficient in STEM. Producing students with the STEM skills needed to fill the jobs of the future is necessary to maintaining our nation's innovation capacity and creating new high-skill, high- paying jobs at home. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I know that to strengthen our nation's technological workforce and infrastructure we must encourage and incentivize STEM education. Mr. Speaker, as we rise in support of H. Res. 77 to encourage STEM education and American innovation, with the fiscal cliff looming I would be remiss if I did not warn against cutting our critical federal R&D investments. As we struggle with our own deficits, we too can make the strategic choice to continue to invest in our future--both in our human capital and physical infrastructure--or we can make the strategic choice to permanently cede our leadership, to fail our current generation of young people, and to put our economy in a state of stagnation for years to come. It is when our economy is hurting the most that we should be redoubling our efforts to innovate our way into a brighter future of new jobs, new technologies, and untold societal benefits.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in Shelby County v. Holder this week, it is critical that we recognize the importance of upholding the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in order to preserve the rights of all Americans. To strip the VRA of its most effective provision now would be to turn our backs on millions of Americans who continue to be targeted by discriminatory voting practices. The 2012 Presidential Election exemplified the persistent threats that work to disenfranchise voters. Long lines at polling places, the purging of voter registration rolls, and blatant efforts to intimidate select groups of voters have mired the electoral process in many localities. In Texas, two harsh voter mandates were passed in 2012 which were designed to create hurdles to voting with restrictive voter ID laws, and to dilute the voting power of the burgeoning minority population. In a testament to the necessity of the VRA, both measures were blocked under Section 5, preventing inequality of voting rights in Texas. Historically, Congress has always reauthorized Section 5 of the VRA on a bipartisan basis, and as recently as 2006. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed more than 1,000 objections under Section 5 since 1982, protecting millions of voters from discrimination. The Supreme Court has upheld Section 5 of the VRA four times. Mr. Speaker, voter disenfranchisement still poses a great threat to the electoral process. The Voting Rights Act is an essential tool in our fight to preserve equal voting rights for all Americans. Through the VRA, Congress has exercised its constitutional authority under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to ensure voters have free and fair access to the polls. Until there is sufficient evidence to suggest that efforts to suppress minority voters have been mitigated, the Voting Rights Act must be upheld in its entirety.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Dr. Marvin E. Robinson in business leadership and community service. Dr. Robinson received his undergraduate degree at Southern University, where he served as president of the student body and found great success in his athletic pursuits as the co-captain of the Jaguar Tracksters. He began his career with the Congress of Racial Equality, first working as Field Secretary and then serving as Southern Regional Director during the early 1960s. Dr. Robinson earned his juris doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1968. Continuing his work for racial equality, Dr. Robinson assisted in the development of a high school specializing in business and management during the height of desegregation of the school system. As the first director of this school, he oversaw a student body of 1,500 youth. Dr. Robinson's entrepreneurial spirit soon drew him to the Xerox Corporation, where he was responsible for the operations, telecommunications, and planning for Xerox's Office Products Division facilities across the nation. Based on his success in this position, Dr. Robinson became Assistant to the President of Community Affairs at Xerox, responsible for the creation and implementation of a community involvement program. This program established Xerox as an excellent corporate citizen in Dallas. Dr. Robinson moved on from Xerox in 1985 to purchase a Burger King Franchise. With his business acumen, he was able to increase the restaurant's gross income by over $150,000 in just one year. In 1988, Dr. Robinson was named the President and CEO of Accommodations, Inc., a concession management company. He purchased the company and became its sole owner in 1995. Dr. Robinson is a pillar of the Dallas community not only because of his leadership in business, but also because of his community service. Dr. Robinson has been involved in the Dallas County Salvation Army, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Council for Technical Vocational Education, and Dallas Dash with the Disabled, among many other local organizations. As a patron of the arts, Dr. Robinson served as the Board President of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre for twenty years. In 2007, Dr. Robinson received the Dallas Historical Society's Award for Excellence in Community Service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the significant contributions that Dr. Robinson has made to the Dallas community. As a business and community leader for decades, he has worked hard to change Dallas for the better.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas. Dr. Mitchell-Brooks, a native born Texan from South Dallas, is the first woman to lead the Dallas Urban League since its founding in 1967. Dr. Mitchell-Brooks has proudly served as Dallas Urban League President and CEO since 1990, and has helped the Dallas Urban League to achieve its prominence. Under Dr. Mitchell-Brooks' leadership, the Dallas Urban League has grown to serve more than 60,000 clients by providing comprehensive employment training, housing and education services, and specialized ex-offender re-entry programs to low and middle income families throughout Dallas County. The Dallas Urban League has been praised for its remarkable success in implementing these programs, and has been the recipient of numerous federal grants in recognition of their successes. Dr. Mitchell-Brooks is also widely recognized for her diverse achievements outside of her work with the Dallas Urban League. Dr. Mitchell-Brooks, in her capacity as an environmental specialist for the EPA and the City of Dallas, was charged with analyzing lead contamination in West Dallas, and consequently contributed to the closing of hazardous smelters in that area. She also served as Director of Public Affairs for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, DART, system, where she expanded access to public transportation for working families by establishing the first crosstown bus route to Oak Cliff. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mitchell-Brooks deserves great recognition for her endless efforts to empower members of the Dallas community. Dr. Mitchell-Brooks has demonstrated leadership in bringing community- oriented services to Dallas, and in making those services accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. She has devoted her life working to improve the quality of life for countless individuals, and I join with my constituents in expressing my incredible gratitude and appreciation for all that Dr. Mitchell-Brooks has done for Dallas, and the great State of Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 273, a bill that would extend the pay freeze on federal employees' salaries for the third consecutive year. By bringing H.R. 273 to the floor for a vote, House Republicans have once again singled out federal employees and their families as they look to place the burden of reducing the deficit squarely on the backs of middle class families. Like their private-sector counterparts, federal employees are subject to the same economic trends as any other worker in America. Federal employees have families just as their counterparts in the private sector, and have the same responsibilities to provide for them. With federal employees currently under a pay freeze for the past two years, it would be unfair to ask for continued sacrifice from only this select group of middle-income workers. Federal employees have already contributed $103 billion toward reducing our deficit through a series of pay freezes and reductions in benefits. The critical role of federal employees is often overlooked, and demanding further cuts to pay and benefits will diminish our ability to deliver on this government's promise to protect the American people. Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to reining in wasteful government spending. However, I am opposed to continually placing an undue burden on federal workers to make up for wasteful spending in other areas of the federal budget. If we are serious about addressing our budget deficits, this Congress should focus more on passing a comprehensive budget that reflects shared sacrifices by all Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this month the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Shelby v. Holder, a case that challenges the constitutionality of section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. It is imperative that the Voting Rights Act be upheld in its entirety, for without it, a fundamental piece of our democracy will be out of reach for millions in this country. Mr. Speaker, I stand here after two decades, and I'm supposed to be standing here representing a district that has been altered twice. But, Mr. Speaker, I stand here representing a district that has been altered three times--that many times--in this last two decades. As we saw in the recent election, discrimination on the basis of race is a persistent reality throughout many localities in States protected by section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Without these protections, voters are at risk of losing their fundamental right to vote and to have that vote counted. The Voting Rights Act provides a remedy to protect voters, either by addressing actual instances of discrimination or by preventing discrimination from happening in the first place. Section 5 provides localities the opportunity to prove that they are fully committed to ensuring everyone has the right to vote, and sets out clear criteria for doing so. In this way, section 5 of the Voting Rights Act encourages localities to establish fair voting practices, but demands real proof of the progress. I cannot tell you how many cases that come to the attention of the Justice Department, almost on a monthly basis, of discrimination in this area. The Constitution is unequivocally clear that the Congress has the authority to protect voters. That is why Congress spent so much time in 2006 reviewing all the data and hearing from all sides. The 2006 reauthorization was recognition that discrimination still exists but that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that every voter must continue to exercise their right. If every State would prove to the voters that they are willing not to discriminate, there would not be the need; but that has not happened. Even States not covered have had difficulty of allowing minorities to express themselves. Now, I have been a victim of discrimination through redistricting and cracking and packing and every other technique that can happen in redistricting. Mr. Speaker, until we, in this country, can guarantee that voters will be handled fairly, there is no way that we should be talking about doing away with section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of a tragic event in the history of the country of Azerbaijan. On the night of January 19, 1990, Azerbaijan was invaded by thousands of Soviet troops. These troops entered Azerbaijan under the pretext of restoring public order, but with the true aim of ending peaceful demonstrations for independence. Despite resistance to the Soviet troops by Azerbaijanis, more than 130 Azerbaijani people were killed and hundreds more were wounded or detained indefinitely. This episode came to be known as ``Black January,'' a terrible event that only sharpened the desire for independence among the people of Azerbaijan. By 1991, popular pressure had restored the independence of Azerbaijan. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved. The United States established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan in 1992. Since then, Azerbaijan has been a steadfast ally to the United States and an important strategic partner in the region. Each year, the people of Azerbaijan remember those who lost their lives on Black January in 1990 and honor their sacrifice through their commitment to the ideals of democracy. I urge my colleagues to commit to fostering a strong partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan so that together, we can promote freedom and democracy around the world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ambassador Ron Kirk for his outstanding service as United States Trade Representative. As a member of President Obama's Cabinet, he has led the United States toward a stronger economic future. A former Texas Secretary of State, Ambassador Kirk became the first African-American mayor of my hometown Dallas, Texas, in 1995. During Ambassador Kirk's tenure as Mayor, he pursued trade policies and economic development initiatives that helped generate over 45,000 jobs and billions of dollars of investment in Dallas. He also prioritized public safety and oversaw the lowest crime rate in Dallas in 20 years. In his role as U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Kirk brought together a broad coalition of Americans to support free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, opening up new markets for American businesses and creating jobs here at home. Ambassador Kirk advanced high stakes regional Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and worked to maintain significant U.S. engagement in the World Trade Organization. His stellar list of accomplishments also includes supporting U.S. businesses and workers with his strong enforcement of U.S. trade rights and assisting small businesses eager to access international markets. Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Kirk is both a dear friend and an ardent public servant. I applaud Ambassador Kirk's commitment to serving U.S. businesses and workers, and his dedication to moving United States trade policies forward. He has been a devoted advocate for American workers and our economy, and I am thankful for his service to our country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of Bishop James Neaul Haynes. Bishop Haynes is a valued leader and member of the Dallas community, who has dedicated his life to service, with a ministry spanning more than sixty years. Bishop Haynes was born in Denton, Texas, and graduated as valedictorian from Fred Moore High School. He continued his education at the University of Denver in Colorado and North Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Texas College in 1986. Bishop Haynes began his ministry at the Open Door Church of God in Christ in Pampa, Texas in 1952. He later served congregations in Dennison, Texas and Wichita Falls, Texas. Since 1979, Bishop Haynes has served at Saintsville Sanctuary Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. Bishop Haynes was appointed Prelate of Texas Northeast Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in 1978, after serving the Jurisdiction in multiple different capacities. He also served the Church of God in Christ on the national level in several roles, including as a member of the National Trustee Board, the Assistant General Secretary, the Secretary of the General Board, and the First Assistant Presiding Bishop. Bishop Haynes is now a lifetime member of the General Board with emeritus status. In 1997, Bishop Neaul Haynes was chosen by over 200 pastors to serve as the Bishop of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. As part of his responsibilities, he presided over more than 400 pastors and 45 districts. Holding this title allowed him to travel the world and appoint other Bishops both locally and internationally. It is very fitting to honor Bishop Haynes among his peers at the 2013 Annual Prayer Breakfast. For more than 6 decades, he has tirelessly served the north Texas community, as well as the Nation as a long-serving member on the General Board of the Church of God In Christ. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Haynes is a pillar of the Dallas community, and his life's work has been devoted to improving the lives of others. Bishop Haynes is joined in his service by his wife, Ms. Vivian King Haynes. The couple has two daughters, Pia and Vrai, and two sons-in- law, Supt. Reginald Williams and Mr. William C. Morris. Bishop Haynes is the proud grandfather of 4 children: Darius Craig Morris, J. Neaul Williams, Chandler Ellington Williams and D'Aria Jesslyn Morris.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and achievements of Ms. Ollie Lee McMillan Mason. Ms. Mason lived her life with determination and with a commitment to serving others. As the first black nurse on the staff of Parkland Memorial Hospital in 1937, Ms. Mason was a trailblazer for others who would follow in her path. A Dallas, Texas, native, Ms. Mason moved to Washington, DC, to study at the Freedmen's Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating in 1929, she served as chief nurse at the McMillan Sanitarium in Dallas, an institute founded by her father, Dr. W. R. McMillan. Ms. Mason later studied obstetrics for a year at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. During her time in New York, she married Duane B. Mason. When Ms. Mason and her husband returned to Dallas, Ms. Mason began working at Parkland Memorial Hospital in the obstetrics department. She became a public health nurse for Dallas in 1941. Ms. Mason continued her nursing education at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, and earned her bachelor's degree in nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Ms. Mason always used her education to serve her community in Dallas, whether teaching others to care for premature infants or working for the school district. Never shying away from a challenge, Ms. Mason joined the Peace Corps in 1972 and served in Mauritius. After working overseas, Ms. Mason came back to Dallas and worked for Tremont Health Care Center until her retirement at the age of 84. Ms. Mason died last week at the age of 107 in Irving, Texas. Her lifelong dedication to helping others and her love for nursing changed our Dallas community for the better. Ms. Mason is survived by her daughters, Sandra Ruth Dixon and Anne Young, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 297, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013. The Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program not only provides a critical investment in the pediatric health workforce, but also helps improve children's access to health care. The Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program was first authorized in 1999 and has achieved incredible success. The program has enabled children's hospitals to host teaching programs while maintaining high-quality clinical care. It currently supports 56 children's hospitals and is responsible for a significant increase in the number of physicians trained in children's hospitals. As the first registered nurse in Congress, I know firsthand that a well-trained primary care workforce is crucial to our health system. Only by ensuring the security of pediatric residency programs can we successfully work to promote the health of all Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of common-sense immigration reforms that will foster economic growth, keep our families and our communities together, and protect workers' rights. America's immigration system is broken, and we must forge a bipartisan agreement to fix it. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I will ensure that the needs of all communities are addressed in immigration reform. Many undocumented immigrants were brought here as children and know the United States as their only home. I support the DREAM Act to allow these bright young people to build their futures here and contribute to our nation's prosperity. Strong families are the cornerstone of our Nation, and I believe provisions to guarantee family unity must be included in any serious immigration reform bill. I am dedicated to keeping families together by supporting a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. At the same time, Congress must ensure that immigration reform positively impacts economic and employment opportunities for all Americans. I will prioritize improving access to adult education programs and increasing job training opportunities so that all Americans can pursue their dreams and provide for their families. It is time to come together to enact fair and reasonable immigration reforms that advance our national interests and honor our history as a country of immigrants. I will work hard in Congress to ensure that these reforms strengthen our communities and drive our economy forward.