Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Margaret Bracy Pleasants, a Florida-born teacher and active member of her community. Ms. Pleasants was 79 years of age. Ms. Pleasants placed great value in her involvement in various civic organizations and social clubs. Despite moving several times throughout her life, Ms. Pleasants was always an active member of her community, and made lasting connections with her neighbors. From her humble beginnings in Jacksonville, Florida, to her eventual move to Texas and California, Ms. Pleasants always left a lasting impression on those around her. Ms. Pleasants was blessed with musical talents, and used them in service to her local church. Ms. Pleasants always wanted to become an educator, and it was her dream to inspire future generations. She taught at the Bryant Academy and later at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas. Ms. Pleasants inspired her students and taught them the value of life. While teaching at Whaley Middle School in California, Ms. Pleasants formed the Human Relations Club, a group focused on bringing multicultural events to the entire student body. She used her love of different cultures to inspire her students, expand their horizons, and help them to embrace cultural diversity. Mr. Speaker, Margaret Pleasants enjoyed many simple pastimes and was always eager to share in those experiences with others. She understood well the importance of living in the moment and bestowing those values upon future generations. While her passing comes as a great loss to many, we may continue to look to her life for inspiration.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Herb Weitzman, a Dallas-born commercial real estate professional who has been in business for over 51 years. Mr. Weitzman is 72 years old, the owner and chief executive of the Weitzman Group and Cencor Realty Services, and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Texas is widely known for its thriving economy and deeply-rooted culture. Over the past five decades, Mr. Weitzman's contributions have added considerable value to the Texas economy, and he has helped to define the dynamic culture found in cities all across Texas. In North Texas, Mr. Weitzman established the first locations for a number of retail chains including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Toys R Us, and T.J. Maxx. Mr. Weitzman has also brought newfound prominence and economic diversity to various shopping centers throughout Texas by bringing anchor stores like Whole Foods and Krogers, among many others. In addition to the economic benefits enjoyed by many Texans through the creation of jobs, Mr. Weitzman has helped to breathe new life into a number of Texas communities. Mr. Speaker, Herb Weitzman is a man who understands the importance of building lasting relationships with his clients. In doing so, those relationships have helped Mr. Weitzman launch a long and successful career in real estate, and has had such a keen insight in business that he has weathered the difficult times in the economy. Mr. Weitzman is a model of what it takes to lead a successful business, and I am pleased to recognize his accomplishments and integrity in commercial real estate.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me express my appreciation to the leaders of this bill. This is a good bipartisan bill, and it is nearly identical to the legislation that passed the House by an overwhelming majority in the last Congress. I would like to certainly cite Mr. Lipinski and Mr. McCaul for their leadership and work on this bill. The Internet--and our access to the Internet through computers, tablets, smartphones, et cetera--has greatly increased our productivity and connectivity. Unfortunately, this connectivity and the dependence of our infrastructure, our commerce, and a great deal of our day-to-day lives on information technologies have increased our vulnerability to cyberattack. For example, you may recall last year, the networks of 48 companies were penetrated for at least 6 months by a hacker who was looking for intellectual property to steal, and it was reported that the personal information of nearly 80 million video game users was compromised. So we need to do what we can to help ensure that these sorts of intrusions are minimized. To do this, we need to build strong partnerships between our Federal agencies, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and educational institutions. I am pleased that H.R. 2096 strengthens the public-private partnerships, guarantees a proactive and comprehensive Federal cybersecurity R&D portfolio, trains the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and ensures the development of robust cybersecurity technical standards. These activities are essential to our efforts to advance the security of our current information and communication systems and to build future systems that are more secure from the outset. I would simply close by saying thank you to Mr. McCaul and to Mr. Lipinski. I hope that we get this bill passed. Both of the agencies covered in H.R. 2096, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, play an important and unique role in the Federal effort to secure cyberspace. While I support the passage of H.R. 2096, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to express some disappointment over the language in H.R. 2096 that authorizes a cybersecuity awareness and education program at NIST. During Committee consideration of H.R. 2096, I offered an amendment to ensure that the education and awareness activities authorized by the bill accurately represent NIST's current role as the coordinator of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, or NICE. I was pleased that my Republican colleagues offered to work with me to address this concern. However, the language in the bill we are considering today still falls short and fails to accurately reflect these activities. NICE, under NIST's leadership, is playing an important and critical role in improving cybersecurity education in this country. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues were resistant to language that specifically addressed NICE's role in formal cybersecurity education. I believe that this is a regrettable omission and that we missed an opportunity to ensure that the initiative focuses sufficient attention on developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. I hope that this shortcoming can be addressed as the bill moves to the Senate. President Obama has stated that cyber threats are ``one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation'' and that cutting edge research and development and a commitment to science and math education are central to securing America's information and communication networks. I couldn't agree more. H.R. 2096 will help to advance these important goals and improve the Nation's resiliency to cyber attack. I'd like to take a moment to thank both the Majority and Minority staff for their work on this bill, and in particular thank Marcy Gallo on my staff for her hard work. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 3834, the Advancing America's Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012. H.R. 3834 is a good bipartisan bill which I was pleased to join Chairman Hall in introducing. It is largely based on the 2009 House- passed bill that was introduced by then-Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall. But the current bill also includes some updates from the 2009 bill that appropriately reflect changes to the networking and information technology landscape, as well as policy and management recommendations made by an outside panel of experts charged with evaluating the NITRD Program. The NITRD Program, as it is known, involves the collaboration of 15 Federal research and development agencies, each contributing its own unique expertise. To ensure that we make the most effective use of our Federal R&D resources and remain a leader in these fields, H.R. 3834 requires that all 15 agencies come together to develop and periodically update a strategic plan for Federal investments in NIT R&D. H.R. 3834 calls for increased support for large-scale, long-term interdisciplinary research in NIT that will help us tackle national challenges such as improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our health care and energy-delivery systems. The bill also promotes partnerships between the Federal Government, academia, and industry to foster technology transfer. In particular, I would like to highlight this bill's role in ensuring that the education of a future NIT workforce remains an important component of the NITRD Program. I am hearing every day from small and large companies alike that the demand for skilled American IT professionals is higher than the supply. We hear the same message from university faculty who tell us that computer science graduates are snatched up the moment they graduate even while we're in the midst of a recession. This gap between supply and demand exists, despite the fact that these jobs are among the highest paying and most stable jobs out there. It is imperative that we encourage more young Americans to pursue studies in NIT fields. In particular, because of the stark gender and racial gaps that we see in computer science programs, it is imperative that we encourage more young women and students of color to enter these fields. We simply cannot afford to ignore more than 50 percent of our Nation's brainpower. H.R. 3834 doesn't go quite as far as I'd like it to go in addressing these education challenges, but it still sends an important message about the need to educate more of our students in NIT fields and provide the necessary authority for the agencies to play an appropriate role here. Finally, since this is Cyber Week, I would be remiss not to mention that the NITRD Program serves as a coordinating and planning umbrella for all unclassified Federal cybersecurity R&D. Our committee addressed specific needs in cybersecurity R&D in a separate bill just considered today, but in doing so, we made sure that both the intellectual and financial resources for cybersecurity R&D are appropriately integrated into the rest of the Federal NIT portfolio. Information security R&D should not take place in its own silo. It bears on all network and information technologies. In closing, NIT technologies cut across every sector of our economy and our national defense infrastructure. Our relatively modest 20-year investment in the NITRD Program has contributed immeasurably to our economic and national security by enabling innovation and job creation in NIT and providing American students with the skills to fulfill these jobs. Let's authorize this program today and ensure it remains strong. I want to thank my friend, Chairman Hall, and his staff, especially Mele Williams, for working so collaboratively and openly with us on this good bipartisan bill. I'd also like to thank my staff, and in particular Dahlia Sokolov, for their hard work on the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3834. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 4628. This bill forces an unnecessary and immoral choice between students' education and the health care of women, children, and seniors. Since January, President Obama and the Democratic Members of Congress have urged Republicans to address the pending increase in student loan interest rates. Over the last month, many Republicans have stated that they had no qualms about the additional borrowing costs. In fact, they spoke loudly with their votes in support of the Ryan Budget just last month, which would double student loan interest rates. Republicans are not working in good faith to help students and their families, but are rather using this situation to continue their efforts to defund programs that provide critical illness prevention and wellness screening. Cutting the Prevention and Public Health Fund will have a disproportionate impact on America's women and children. Defunding this program means stripping away vital funding for cancer detection, childhood immunizations, and screening newborns for birth defects. The GOP repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund is opposed by nearly 800 organizations, including the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. In 2007, Democrats in Congress provided relief to students from high interest rates on need-based loans. We passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act that lowered interest rates on subsidized Stafford Loans each year until they reached a low of 3.4 percent this past year. Since then, 15 million students have benefitted from lower rates. Unfortunately, without Republican action in the House and action in the Senate, those rates are set to double on July 1st from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. The doubling of loan rates will hit students at a time when they can least afford it. In the current weak economy, young Americans have the highest unemployment rate of any other group. Two-thirds of the Class of 2010 graduated with an average of student loan debt of $25,000. Congress should not be building more hurdles for young people to get the education and the skills needed to succeed. We should be facilitating the ability of students to pursue higher education and training. Every year Congress does not act, it will cost a student borrower $1,000 in additional repayment costs, and failure to act now will add $6.3 billion to students' debt burden in one year alone. Mr. Speaker, it is stop playing politics with American's students and the health care of women, children, and seniors. I urge the passage legislation maintaining the current student loan rate that does not undermine the access to health care that would affect millions of Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a global economy, putting a college education within reach for every American has never been more important, but it has also never been more expensive. Our Nation's young people have been hit particularly hard over the economic downturn in the last several years. In Texas and all across the country, students and recent college graduates are now facing the highest unemployment rate of any other group. Two-thirds of the class of 2010 graduated with an average of $25,000 of student loan debt. Young Americans are rightly concerned about their future, and so am I. Mr. Speaker, on July 1 of this year, Stafford loan interest rates are set to double unless Congress takes action. As we sit here as a Congress, we need to work together to prevent this increase. I, along with my Democratic colleagues in Congress and President Obama, have been working on a number of efforts to make college more affordable.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing H.R. 4483, the ``Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act.'' This bill aims to increase the number of students from underrepresented minority groups who receive undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines. It also seeks to increase the number of STEM faculty members from underrepresented minority groups at institutions of higher education. The U.S. faces a severe shortfall in students graduating with degrees in STEM fields. With approximately 20 percent of our undergraduate degrees awarded in science and engineering disciplines, we rank 27th among developed nations in producing graduates qualified for 21st Century STEM careers. Statistics become even more alarming when you look at the number of students from underrepresented minority groups who receive degrees in STEM disciplines. As of 2011, only about 8 percent of 24 years-olds from these groups had obtained a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline. This is more than just a question of equity. We have a vast, untapped pool of talent in America, and this pool is continuing to grow. It is estimated that, by 2050, 52 percent of the U.S. population will be from underrepresented minority groups. We have to drastically increase the number of students from these groups receiving degrees in STEM disciplines or we will undoubtedly relinquish our global leadership in innovation and job creation. There are many reasons why the number of underrepresented minority students receiving degrees in STEM fields is so appallingly low. It starts at the K 12 level, where too many of our teachers are not well prepared to teach math and science and too many of our schools lack even basic science laboratory equipment. But even those minority students who enter college intending to major in a STEM discipline abandon science and engineering for other fields at a much higher rate than their peers. These young people are smart and motivated and small steps such as improved mentorship and increased access to research experiences have proven to keep students from all backgrounds on track to complete their STEM degrees. Statistics are equally troubling when it comes to underrepresented minorities and their pursuit of academic careers in STEM disciplines. Underrepresented minorities currently make up about 29 percent of the U.S. population, but only about 8 percent of tenure-track science and engineering faculty members at universities and four-year colleges. Less than one percent of tenure-track science and engineering faculty members at the nation's top 100 research universities are from underrepresented groups. One consequence of having such a low number of minority faculty, among other things, is that they are called on much more frequently than their peers to serve on commissions, committees, and the like as a way of showing that a college or university is committed to diversity in their administrative procedures. As a result, minority faculty have less time to conduct research, publish papers, mentor students, and do other work that is required for them achieve tenure status and otherwise thrive in their research careers. More fundamentally, the low number of minority faculty is another indicator of the untapped potential that we have in the STEM disciplines. Passing the ``Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act'' will help address both of these issues. By authorizing the Director of NSF to award grants to colleges and universities that want to implement or expand innovative, research-based approaches to recruit and retain students from underrepresented minority groups, we will take a necessary step toward increasing the number of students from these groups who successfully complete undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. Similarly, by making grants available to colleges and universities to allow them to make an effort to increase the number of faculty members from underrepresented minority groups, we will take a necessary step toward achieving equality at our institutions of higher education. These are admittedly small steps toward maintaining American leadership in innovation, but they are necessary and achievable steps and we need to act now. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting H.R. 4483.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 2146, the DATA Act. I join all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting greater transparency in Federal grants and contracts. But the details in how we reach that goal are important. The bill as reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform would have created an extra level of bureaucracy and duplicative reporting of financial data in addition to an administrative tax on scarce Federal research dollars and an unfunded mandate imposed on our already struggling universities. Research universities, the economic engines of our Nation, typically receive research grants from 6 7 Federal agencies, each with its own financial reporting requirements and data standards. The bill as introduced would simply have added one more agency, in the form of the new Commission, to which universities would have to report. This would have increased the administrative costs on Federal research dollars without providing any new information about funding to those institutions. The amendment being considered today is a big improvement on the original bill in ensuring that financial reporting of Federal grants and contracts is standardized and consolidated to reduce the overall administrative burden on grant recipients such as universities while providing the increased transparency that is the goal of this bill. I want to express my appreciation to Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings for working closely with the university groups to address these issues. However, I believe that more work still needs to be done on this bill to guarantee that financial reporting is fully streamlined and agencies are required to comply with a consolidated reporting system. I understand that the transition will be difficult for all involved, including both the granting agencies and the grant recipients, but I also believe that a consolidated financial reporting system is good for the government and good for the taxpayer. I share with some of my colleagues other concerns that have been expressed about this bill, but today I speak only in my role as Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. I hope that Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings will maintain their open dialogue with the universities and other Federal grant and contract recipients about the details of this bill as it moves forward. I believe we all share the goal of increased transparency while keeping U.S. research dollars directed to ground-breaking research that is the foundation of our economic growth, rather than to additional paperwork.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me thank my ranking member and chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I rise in support of the provisions included in the Senate version of the reauthorization. It was my hope that we would have a longer-term bill, one that would reauthorize surface transportation, transit, and rail provisions for several years. I support the Senate version because it will provide certainty to the State departments of transportation, to transit agencies, and to contractors, which will help create and sustain jobs for out-of-work Americans. Most of the roads and bridges in this country are in serious disrepair, and States and municipalities are unable to address these needs with piecemeal extensions. The Senate bill preserves transit funding and continues funding major transit programs from the highway trust fund. I was very concerned with the elimination of transit funding included in the House version. Transit funds are essential to both urban and rural areas by providing alternative transportation, easing congestion, and reducing emissions. In addition, I support the expansion of the TIFIA program to $1 billion annually, and the modifications that make it easier for public transportation agencies with dedicated revenue sources to apply for TIFIA loans. Madam Speaker, we are currently operating under the ninth extension of SAFETEA LU. This really is unacceptable, and we owe it to the American people to address our crumbling infrastructure and to get them back to work. I voted for the most recent extension of SAFETEA LU, but for the purpose of getting to where we are now, so we could get to conference and consider the Senate amendment to H.R. 4348 in conference. I implore my colleagues to support the instructions to put the Senate transportation bill before us in conference so that we can bring it to the floor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker for his heroic efforts on April 13, 2012. Mayor Booker returned home last Thursday evening to find flames erupting out of his neighbor's home. His neighbor screamed that her daughter was still inside. The mayor ran inside without hesitation, hoping to rescue the woman he had known for years. In doing so, Mayor Booker suffered second-degree burns and smoke inhalation. The woman who was trapped inside the burning home suffered second-degree burns on her back. Mayor Booker's neighbor, Zina Hodge, said ``If Cory wouldn't have came in there and rescued me, I would have died in there.'' Mayor Booker is one of our Nation's foremost Mayors. As Mayor of Newark, he has worked diligently to create thousands of jobs, reduce crime, and improve education. Mayor Booker's leadership has attracted approximately $100 million in private philanthropy to the City of Newark, and a variety of nonprofits and public-private partnerships have been created with the goal of improving the lives of Newark residents. Mayor Booker is a shining example of what being a public servant truly means. Mr. Speaker, Mayor Booker continues to strive to improve the lives of the citizens of Newark. I would like to recognize the Honorable Cory Booker for his determination, hard work, and bravery. His dedication and leadership are outstanding models for public service.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, roughly 120,000 jobs were added to the economy in March, marking the 25th consecutive month of increased private sector employment. In 2 years, American businesses have created 4.1 million jobs. Just last month, the unemployment rate was down to 8.2 percent. While the stimulus bill enacted in 2009 aided in the recovery, there is still much more that this Congress can do to close the employment gap. Instead, Republicans in Congress have insisted on either blocking Democratic job creation proposals entirely or aggressively pursuing legislation that concentrates on special interests and the superwealthy. Mr. Speaker, as long as millions of Americans continue to struggle, we have the responsibility to engage in a meaningful way that will get our economy back on track.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise to support H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II, but I do so with a great deal of reservation. The simple fact is that we must pass a transportation reauthorization for the benefit of the country, as the piecemeal extensions cannot provide cities and states adequate time to plan, and result in wasteful spending of our precious infrastructure dollars. The current bill was crafted in backrooms of the GOP leadership, without the benefit of hearings or a markup. This bill does not include one Democratic amendment, and contains numerous poison pills such as the Keystone XL pipeline that will be non-starters with Senate conferees. Up until the present time, the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee has worked in a fashion that focused on shared goals and producing the type of legislation that creates jobs, improves safety, and keeps Americans safe on the roads they travel. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I can say that this reauthorization process in the House has been a stark departure from the traditional bipartisan process, and the quality of the bill has suffered as such. Nevertheless, I support final passage of H.R. 4348 because it will enable the House to conference with the Senate on the reauthorization, and with a reauthorization in place, we can begin to repair our crumbling infrastructure and get thousands of American back to work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Baylor women's basketball team for winning the 2012 NCAA national championship. I was born in Waco, Texas, home of Baylor University, and I am so proud of my hometown team. The Baylor Lady Bears did more than win, they made history. The Lady Bears completed a 40 0 season on April 3rd, 2012, by defeating Notre Dame 80 61 in the championship game. They became the first team, men's or women's, to go undefeated and win 40 games in one season. Baylor University women's basketball team also made television history. With 4.24 million viewers, their game ranks as the most viewed national championship final since 2004. Brittney Griner, the Associated Press Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament, led the Lady Bears in their sound defeat of Notre Dame. I am pleased to hear that Brittney intends to stay in school and is on track to finish her undergraduate degree. Baylor University, which also happens to be the alma mater of my own sister, has the most wins combined in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball of any Division I school this season. Baylor should be proud of their many accolades. They have worked so hard to succeed not only in sports, but academically as well. Baylor is a top ranked national university and is an academic gem for the State of Texas and our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the Baylor University women's basketball team for their historic accomplishments.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Bernard Rapoport, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Mr. Rapoport was 94 years old when he passed away in his hometown of Waco, Texas. Bernard Rapoport was born into humble beginnings. As the son of Russian immigrants, Mr. Rapoport began working at an early age to help his family survive the most trying times of the Great Depression. Out of this experience, Mr. Rapoport developed a tremendous value for education and hard work, and would promote this universally throughout his life. After moving to San Antonio, Mr. Rapoport began a career selling insurance, where he quickly realized his true talents and passion for the work. Mr. Rapoport opened his own insurance agency in Waco, and launched a long and successful career. Mr. Rapoport ultimately founded the American Income Life Company and expanded it to become one of the Nation's largest providers of supplemental life insurance. Mr. Rapoport understood well the values of social responsibility, and used his success to help others in need. Using $46 million of his own money, Mr. Rapoport established the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation in 1987. Consistent with his values, the Foundation focuses on promoting educational, healthcare, and cultural programs for the community in Waco and elsewhere. For his widespread generosity, Mr. Rapoport was named as one of America's ``40 most generous philanthropists'' by Fortune magazine. Mr. Rapoport's civic involvement continued well beyond his philanthropy, and he was well-known for his dedicated political involvement at all levels of leadership. Mr. Rapoport built strong relationships with presidents, senators, and representatives, and was frequently praised for his fierce advocacy. Mr. Speaker, it takes a special person to become as successful in business and political activism as Mr. Rapoport. It takes an extraordinary person to use that success to contribute so selflessly to the community. It has come as a great loss to many people to hear of Mr. Rapoport's passing. I am pleased to honor Mr. Rapoport for his contributions, and his legacy will be preserved in the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation and the American Income Life Company.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. John S. Chase, a renowned architect, entrepreneur, and father. Mr. Chase passed away at the age of 87. Mr. Chase was a man of many firsts. Just two days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the University of Texas must desegregate its graduate and professional schools, Mr. Chase enrolled to become one of UT's first black students. In his passionate pursuit to become an architect, Mr. Chase endured hate mail and heightened discrimination, and had to be shadowed by federal marshals in order to ensure his safety. After graduating, Mr. Chase became the first African American licensed to practice architecture in the state of Texas. Unfortunately, his struggles with racism persisted, and white firms refused to hire him. Not easily discouraged, Mr. Chase overcame these obstacles by moving to Houston and opening his own firm. There, Mr. Chase went on to build homes, churches, schools, and public buildings that have left a lasting legacy throughout Houston. Mr. Chase was diverse in his skills, and in addition to his career he was devoted to his community. In 1980, Jimmy Carter appointed Mr. Chase to serve on the United States Commission on Fine Arts, where Mr. Chase contributed to the design and aesthetics of federal interests as the first African American to serve on the Commission. Mr. Chase also made notable contributions toward expanding the educational resources for the University of Texas, including his work on the Martin Luther King Humanities Center and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Building. Mr. Speaker, I am greatly saddened to hear of Mr. Chase's passing, and my thoughts are with those family members who are grieving his loss. We must honor his bravery for facing overwhelming adversity during a time of such uncertainty and racial strife. While there is little comfort in mourning a loved one, I hope his family can take solace in the lasting legacy he has left behind. Mr. Chase's many structures will serve to remind us of his personal triumphs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, equality and justice are the underpinnings of our society. By adhering to the rule of law, we as a society place tremendous trust and faith in our judicial system to do what is righteous and just. The judicial branch of government, as established by the Founding Fathers, is the necessary check on the Executive and Legislative branches. Article III of the Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial and a jury of one's peers. Justice is not something to be taken lightly or for granted. The integrity of our justice system is only as good as the people who participate in it. We must continue to work to uphold the integrity of the judicial system by embedding these guiding principles into the fabric of society for future generations. With the passing of John Payton, we lost a true civil rights pioneer and someone who fought every day to uphold the rule of law. Mr. Payton was a fierce advocate for equality and justice during a time, not so long ago, when such protections under the law were not enjoyed by all. Mr. Payton frequently appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, in passionate battles to win equal rights for minorities. Mr. Payton showed us that there was still much work to be done--and now, millions more Americans can enjoy greater equality and enhanced protection from discrimination as a result of his contributions, in pursuing this ideal. Mr. Speaker, the United States is still a beacon and a moral compass for the rest of the civilized world. Not only do the people of this country rely on us for our guidance, but so do the people around the globe. As we once again find ourselves fighting to advance social progress, we must ensure that we continue to move forward by upholding the integrity of our laws and our judicial system.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize parliamentarian John V. Sullivan for his long and distinguished service to the House of Representatives. Tomorrow, after 25 years of service to the House, John is retiring. John is one of only four Parliamentarians who have served the House of Representatives. In this rare company, John stands out. In many ways, the Parliamentarian is the keeper of order in a House increasing lacking in civility. That John is equally respected on both sides of the aisle is testament to his fair hand and steady demeanor. Before coming to Congress, John served in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG). In this capacity, John had to represent, in a legal capacity, many odd and unruly individuals: an experience that prepared him well for his current position. I will miss John's steady presence as Parliamentarian. However, I know the House will be well served by the excellent staff John assembled during his tenure. John, thank you for your lifetime of public service, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 4281, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012. I am opposing this measure because it is merely a 3-month extension, as opposed to a long-term reauthorization. States and municipalities need time to adequately plan their transportation projects, and these piecemeal extensions will not offer the certainty needed to see these projects through. It has been more than a month since House Republicans reported their seriously flawed bill, and they do not have the votes to pass it. I have served on the Transportation Committee for 20 years, and up until now, the committee has worked in a bipartisan fashion to produce a sound and commonsense transportation policy. Instead of voting on another extension, we should be considering the bipartisan Senate transportation bill. While I would prefer a longer reauthorization, the 2-year bipartisan Senate bill will provide the kind of investment in infrastructure and job creation that is desperately needed.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose the Republican Budget. This budget is another giveaway to the wealthy, balanced on the backs of middle class families, the elderly, and the poor. The Republican's budget would reduce spending to support Medicare program management by $207 million in 2013. These cuts hinder the ability to keep pace with growing Medicare and Medicaid enrollment. These cuts would restrict patient access to care and delay payments to providers. Under the GOP budget, 9.6 million students would see their Pell Grants cut in 2012. Their budget would also result in $430 million in cuts to the Head Start program, with 60,000 low-income children losing access to early childhood education. The GOP budget would also cut $350 million from nutritional assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This would cut off funding for 700,000 women and children from receiving food necessary for healthy child development. This ill-conceived budget would cut funds for Social Security by 5.4 percent in 2013 and 19 percent in future years, reducing vital services for our Nation's seniors. This budget ends the Medicare guarantee and increases costs for seniors--replacing Medicare's guarantee of health security with a voucher that shifts higher and higher costs onto seniors and the disabled over time. It cuts Medicaid by a third, while turning it into a block grant. These are the priorities of the Republican majority in the House, Mr. Chair. The Republicans' FY2013 Budget favors tax cuts for the wealthy over the needs of children and seniors. The corporate tax cuts alone would cost $1 trillion in lost Federal revenue over the next decade. The Republican leadership's budget is a giveaway to the wealthiest Americans, who would receive an average tax cut of at least $150,000, while inevitably forcing drastic cuts on those most in need.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Ryan Republican budget that will end Medicare as we know it. Reminiscent of last year, the Republican budget provides tax breaks for the millionaires and billionaires while ending the Medicare guarantees for our seniors, sticking them with the bill for rising health care costs. The proposals in the Republican budget lack balance and jeopardize the health and economic security of our Nation's seniors. The 300,000 Texas seniors, who have saved almost $200 million on prescription drug costs since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, will be forced back into the prescription drug doughnut hole. I urge my Republican colleagues to end this attack on our seniors, as they have already been through enough, and we have given the rich too much leeway while the middle class and the poor pay the bills.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) alternative budget. The CBC Budget proposes an additional $10 billion in funding for general Science, Space and Technology activities. Specifically, this funding will apply towards agencies I oversee as Ranking Member of the Committee, such as NASA; the National Science Foundation and NIST; and to many programs we specifically authorized in the America COMPETES Act and the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, including Noyce Scholarships; the ADVANCE program for women faculty; Graduate Research Fellowships; and many other important research and STEM education related programs. The CBC Budget also invests an additional $2 billion towards Energy providing additional funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency at the Department of Energy which also falls under my Committee's jurisdiction. We all know that our nation's future strength is directly dependent upon our commitment to a robust science agenda. As Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we urge support for programs that broaden participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also called STEM. As we call for increased funding for programs which broaden participation for STEM, we are concerned that the Administration's FY2013 budget holds funding for these critical programs flat even as other STEM programs grow and new ones are created. We remain concerned that we still have not actually moved the needle much in terms of participation in STEM by underrepresented groups nationwide. Given the low participation by these groups in most STEM disciplines, the changing demographics of this country are going to catch up with us very soon with respect to having a STEM-skilled workforce for 21st Century jobs. In some industries we are already seeing a troubling skills gap that will only become worse if we don't broaden participation in STEM by minorities, and women for that matter. As the first African American and first female Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, broadening participation in STEM remains a top priority of mine. Broadening participation is not a minority issue or a gender issue, it is a national competitiveness issue we all must work to address for our country's benefit. The under-representation of women and minority groups in STEM fields is a severe impediment to the formation of an adequate American STEM workforce. The increased education and participation of this segment of the workforce is essential to supplying the American economy with the STEM expertise the country needs to innovate and remain competitive. In 2008, the US Census Bureau recorded African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans as making up 28.2 percent of the US population, and yet, these groups only represent a mere 10 percent of the science and technology workforce. By the year 2050, minorities are predicted to represent 55 percent of the college population. As a Caucus we support funding increases in programs which broaden participation in the sciences. Low-income and minority communities bear a disproportionate share of the national shortfall of highly qualified STEM teachers. Schools in these areas often lack adequate facilities such as science laboratories and other college preparatory tools that cultivate a hands-on, interactive learning environment. Of great importance to us are funding and programmatic focus on high- need areas, low-income populations, and underrepresented groups wherever possible. We are pleased and supportive of the many provisions within the America COMPETES Act Reauthorization of 2010 which will result in improving the effectiveness and impact of activities to broaden participation across the entire $6 billion in research grants at the National Science Foundation. However, in order to expand participation of minorities in the sciences we still have some work to do. We need to strengthen the capacity of community colleges in which many of our students are enrolled. We need to award more grants directly to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) involved in research collaborations, enabling these institutions to build their research capacity in ways that serve their own faculty and students best. We should provide more scholarships and other avenues to decrease the financial burden many African American students disproportionally face. Finally, we need to support programs which will lead to more African American teachers and mentors. Mr. Speaker, as you know my commitment to priorities of the Congressional Black Caucus remains strong and as Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to identify solutions to new, or persistent issues that threaten to set our nation back even as we continue to look forward to our future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, legislation which makes it more difficult for injured patients to hold medical providers, the drug industry, insurance companies, and nursing homes accountable for patient deaths and injuries. The so-called ``Protecting Access to Healthcare Act,'' is simply the same, repackaged tort reform proposal that has been considered on the House floor many times. This ``medical malpractice'' bill is a one-size-fits all, anti-individual rights bill that denies individuals their rights to redress when injured. The medical liability components of H.R. 5 do little to control health care costs and do more to undercut the rights of patients. The $250,000 cap and high standard of proof for punitive damages would severely weaken the deterrent effect that punitive damages have on egregious misconduct. Forever freezing the damage caps further weakens future deterrent effects while further reducing benefits to injured parties. According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 98,000 people die each year in the United States from preventable medical errors. The best way to lessen healthcare costs associated with malpractice is to reduce incidents of malpractice, not bargain away the legal rights of injured patients and consumers. This bill does nothing to address patient safety, quality measurement, and care improvement strategies that could actually reduce costs. Mr. Chair, H.R. 5 will not do anything to lower the cost of health care. If the compensation for injured patients is not sufficient, American tax payers will be left to pick up the tab. I urge my colleagues to consider very carefully who will end up paying at the end of the day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, for decades, women in this country have unfairly borne the burden of excessive health care costs. Fortunately, through the Affordable Care Act, millions of women no longer have to worry about going bankrupt if they get sick. The Affordable Care Act ensures that being a woman will no longer be treated as a preexisting condition. The Affordable Care Act bans insurance companies from requiring women to obtain a referral for access to necessary OB/GYN care and bans insurance companies from dropping women when they get sick or pregnant. Despite these accomplishments in women's health, the war on women continues in Texas. Governor Perry's political decision to forgo nearly $40 million in Federal funding for the Texas Medicaid Women's Health Program will leave 130,000 women without access to preventative health services. Despite these obstacles, I will continue to fight for the increased access to quality health care for women in Texas.