Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pete Schenkel, recipient of the 82nd Annual Linz Award. Given each year, the Linz Award is bestowed upon individuals or couples for outstanding work in the community or humanitarian efforts. In addition to his distinguished career with Dean Foods, Mr. Schenkel has been greatly involved in assisting the Dallas community. He has been particularly active in the areas of civic involvement, health care and public safety. Mr. Schenkel was a leader in securing the Cotton Bowl as the location for the annual Red River Rivalry game between the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Schenkel worked to raise millions of dollars for the renovation of the Cotton Bowl ensuring that this historic football game remains in Dallas for years to come. Mr. Schenkel has been immensely involved in local law enforcement and helped launch the Dallas Blue Foundation over 20 years ago. The Dallas Blue Foundation assists families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in the line of duty. He also played a role in raising funds to provide rewards for tips in solving major crimes. Assisting the Dallas community in healthcare access and advocacy, Mr. Schenkel has served as a board member and former chairman of the Methodist Hospital System Foundation. During his 20 years of service he has supported programs in emergency, cardiology, orthopedics and neurology. A recipient of the 2010 Norman Brinker Humanitarian Award, Pete Schenkel and his wife Pat are renowned for providing outstanding work and leadership in the healthcare field. Amongst many other recognitions, Mr. Schenkel serves as a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, and Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and Salesman Club. He also formerly served as chair of the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Board, and as former chair of the State Fair of Texas Board. Pete Schenkel has made an immeasurable impact on Dallas, and made our community a better place. He is an outstanding citizen of our community and this recognition is imminently well deserved.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here this morning very troubled because the Republican budget will end Medicare and eliminate the guaranteed coverage. This is un-American. It slashes Medicaid for seniors in nursing homes, health care for children, and Americans with disabilities. This is un-American. It increases the cost of college education for close to 10 million middle class students and their families. It gives away billions in subsidies to tax breaks for Big Oil, and it gives tax cuts for the wealthy that will add $1 trillion to the deficit. It gives tax breaks to corporations that send jobs overseas. Yes, we must cut, but we must cut with common sense. We must not gut the future of America. It has to be sensible.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of the Thirtieth Congressional District of Texas, I want to congratulate my friend, Jennifer Stimpson for her work with the Dallas, ``Cease the Grease'' program. Jennifer who is science faculty with The Hockaday School, is helping citizens understand the benefits of recycling used cooking oil. Jennifer, a scientist by profession, has taken her passion to the classroom, incorporating within her lectures the ``how-to's'' of converting used cooking oil into bio-fuel. Jennifer Stimpson's passion is what will ultimately get more young people involved in the sciences. I am so proud when I hear of leaders like Jennifer who are thinking outside of the box. We need more individuals like Jennifer who are finding new creative ways to inspire many more future generations to pursue rewarding careers in science and engineering. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of science and engineering. As a country we have been falling behind other nations in Math and Science education for several years now. The number of scientific papers published by Americans is declining. Americans are receiving fewer Nobel Prizes in the sciences. There is evidence that the foundation of our innovation-based economy is experiencing dangerous deterioration. For America, this is unacceptable. Jennifer, I congratulate you and wish you much continued success. Our nation is a better place because we have individuals such as you. I ask all of my colleagues to join in celebrating Jennifer Stimpson on her many accomplishments and dedication to educating our nation's future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Christopher Crowe, a remarkable public servant and extraordinarily devoted congressional staffer. Chris passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 30, at the youthful age of 29. He was my legislative aide who mastered our budget, tax, and international trade issues. He was still on the payroll as of Wednesday before his abrupt passing. Most of Texas's 30th congressional district residents did not know Chris Crowe personally, but I would like them to understand exactly how this dedicated public servant made a real difference in the lives for my constituents and our country. Chris always exceedingly performed his job in the name of the American people with remarkable efficiency, tenacity, pride and integrity. Nearly each and every time I would return to the district for town hall meetings or other business, I would hear from my constituents their gratitude for Chris's selfless work. Likewise, Chris would always talk about what a great community we had in Dallas--an appreciation that was reflected greatly in his work. On Capitol Hill, Chris served as an inspiration and an unwavering ally. His work ethic demonstrated for others what personal sacrifice truly meant and redefined the term ``public service'' for his constituents. His great interest in international events, cultural trends and current events taught others how to be global citizens. He was a person who enjoyed life and always had a smile to share. He never met a stranger. On behalf of Texas's 30th congressional district, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Crowe family, his friends, and his colleagues. As they honor their beloved son, brother, friend, and neighbor, know that we will always miss his presence. Mr. Speaker, I add my statement and my staff's comments about Chris to the Congressional Record and I encourage my colleagues to read them. ``Chris worked in politics to make a difference, he always stood up for what he believed in and always did so with a smile on his face. He was a committed colleague to work with and was always a joy to be around.'' J. Collin Chlebak ``Christopher Crowe's unparalleled commitment to service to our congressional district, our Member, and to the causes he believed in made him a professional role model for me. Yet, his unflinching spirit and vibrant personality are what I will truly miss and carry forever.'' Cameron Trimble ``Chris was a young man who had a sincere passion for public service. His commitment and dedication was evident in the approach he took when serving the constituents of the 30th district and the state of Texas. We will dearly miss his upbeat and joyous personality.'' Esperanza Worley ``Chris was a comedian when you needed a laugh, a strong voice of reason when you couldn't focus and mighty force to be reckoned with when he had your back. His light will forever shine and anyone who ever had any contact with him knew right away that he was special.'' Dena Craig ``Chris put simply, was a great guy. I admired and respected his knowledge of political issues and the process. He had a zest for life and it was evident in his every action which impacted many. I know I am a better person to have met and worked with such an amazing person. He will be dearly missed by us all, however, he will live on through every person he interacted with.'' Eric Hammond ``Chris was a colleague that was easy to work with and always willing to help. He enjoyed life and we (my wife & I) will surely miss him. RIP my brother!'' Rod Givens ``Chris had the ability to light up a room wherever he went. I was always amazed at how many people he knew and was friends with. People could tell what a special individual he was and were drawn to him. He didn't believe in letting life, opportunity or fun pass him by. He lived more in his 29 years than some people experience in a lifetime. I believe all the lives he touched and inspired will be his legacy.'' Jennifer Stiddard ``Chris beamed life!'' Nanette Spencer ``Chris Crowe was a friend to everyone he met and always had a smile on his face. His bright presence, good humor, and friendship will be sorely missed and remembered fondly by many.'' Chris Kelley ``Rarely do you meet a human who is ray of sunshine that is coupled with a warm, radiant smile. And, when this unique person comes along, you never forget the impact on your life. For me, that is who Christopher Crowe is and will always be.'' Kwamme Anderson ``Elif and I are shocked and saddened by Chris's passing and we share the Crowe family and friend's grief and deep sadness. Chris was an exceptional individual, friend and a global citizen. He will be missed by all of us privileged to have known and worked with him.'' Murat Gokcigdem

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today to reluctantly oppose the passage of the legislation before us: H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. I say reluctantly because the FAA is in urgent need of a long-term authorization to guide it in this critical period of air traffic control modernization. As most folks know, FAA has been operating under a series of short-term extensions, the last of which passed the House on Tuesday. While these short-term extension have been necessary, they have made it difficult for the agency to engage in long-term planning. However, while H.R. 658 reauthorizes the agency for four years, I must oppose this bill. There are several reasons for this opposition. First, H.R. 658 imposes arbitrary and poorly considered spending reductions on the FAA. This bill imposes over 1 billion dollars of annual cuts from FY 2010 spending levels. These cuts will lead to costly job losses. This is not a ``job-creating'' bill--far from it! As Marion Blakey, the FAA Administrator under the Bush Administration, said at a hearing earlier this year about this bill, ``the prospect is really devastating to jobs and to our future, if we really have to roll back [to 2008 levels] and stop NextGen in its tracks.'' As we begin to climb out of a deep recession, I question the wisdom of cutting air travel infrastructure spending which is critical to the continued growth to the industry. And this is an industry, I might add, that contributes approximately 1.3 trillion dollars and nearly 11 million jobs to our economy. These funding cuts occur at a time when air traffic is increasing. It defies logic that we can cut funding for air traffic infrastructure and safety while at the same time experiencing a growth in civil air traffic without leading to reduced levels of safety. You cannot. Let's be clear: this bill will reduce the safety of the American flying public. Period. In the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where I serve as Ranking Member, the Majority pushed through a 23% cut to FAA's research account. What got cut? Fire safety research, icing research, and research into reducing pilot and ground crew errors--and many other important initiatives. My Democratic colleagues on the Committee tried to restore funding to the safety programs I just mentioned, at a modest cost to the overall bill. However, we were rebuffed in our efforts in party line votes. I find it unfortunate that the flying public will have to sacrifice their safety so that our Republican colleagues can hew to an arbitrary budget cutting number. I would also like to express my strong opposition to the provision of this bill which repeals the National Mediation Board's Fair Elections Rule. The notion that your vote only counts if it is actually cast is a fundamental principle of democracy. I am particularly disappointed that the Republican Majority has decided to go about attacking worker rights in a bill that should be about creating jobs for American workers. In addition, I want to comment about an omission in this bill. This bill does not address the issue of flight attendant occupational hazards. According to 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, air transportation workers are exposed to more workplace injuries and illnesses than construction workers and workers on factory floors. Despite this, flight attendants are not protected by occupational safety and health standards. Moreover, flight attendant fatigue has been identified by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute as a safety problem, and one that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, H.R. 658 addresses neither of these important issues related to flight attendant safety. There are several provisions in this bill that I do support. Namely, I am glad to see that the Airport Access Flexibility Program is included in the bill we are considering today. The Airport Access Flexibility Program was created through my leadership in 2009 and directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program at five airports where passenger facility charges may be used to finance the eligible cost of an intermodal ground access project. This program is of critical importance to Dallas Love Field Airport for a project that would link the airport to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System. Congressional intent is quite clear that Dallas Love Field Airport should receive priority consideration to be included in this program. I look forward to working to with colleagues in the Senate to ensure that this program is retained in the final legislation. Finally, in the Manager's amendment there is a provision to prohibit any new safety regulations affecting crew or passenger spaceflight safety until 2020 or even later. That is bad policy that will have adverse consequences for safety if enacted. FAA has notified us that they are strongly opposed to the provision, as am I. Mr. Chair, I would have liked to support a bipartisan FAA reauthorization today. Unfortunately, Majority has decided to bring a bill to the floor today that costs American jobs, attacks American worker rights, and sacrifices the safety of the American flying public. Therefore, I will oppose the bill today, and hope that we can work together to fix the problems I have identified in this legislation as we move forward.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus. What began forty years ago as a formation of 13 Members who set out to fight racial injustice has now grown nearly 3 times with 43 Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The Caucus is a stalwart political force within the United States Congress. It is unfortunate that we yet remain in the struggle for the fight for social, educational, economic/ financial, and health equality. As an active member of the Caucus for nearly 2 decades, it is a pleasure to work among those who are the voice for our most vulnerable populations. Our Congressional Districts know no boundaries and for many of us, we are the Congressional Representatives for minorities who, otherwise, would not have representation on issues of importance to them and their families. It is no secret that what gives soul to these United States is our unique ability to seamlessly blend many cultures into one; and we do so respectfully. However, there are miles to go. Until we get there, we will continue to fight for the least among us on critical issues that impact minority communities. Four decades as the conscience of the Congress was and still remains the reason we have stood the test of time. It is an honor to serve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 839, the Home Affordable Modification Program Termination Act. The Home Affordable Modification Program is designed to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure by providing homeowners with financially responsible and affordable loans. The program provides incentives to loan investors and servicers in consideration for the loan modifications, and incentives for homeowners to continue to make on-time payments. At the end of January, there were 539,493 homeowners with permanent Home Affordable Modification Program loan modifications. New permanent Home Affordable Modification Program modifications have averaged around 29,000 per month over the last six months of 2010. This program saves homeowners on average 527 dollars per month. If this bill is passed it would deny modification loans to more than a half million homeowners at risk of foreclosure. I encourage my colleagues to stand up for homeownership in your districts and vote against this irresponsible bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to talk about a crisis that our country is facing. We all know that our Nation's future strength is directly dependent upon our commitment to a robust science agenda. The cuts to our Nation's science programs in the CR threaten to set our Nation back even as we continue to look forward to our future. An investment in science is about ensuring our Nation's memories are honored, by investing in dreams that are yet even brighter. As an author of the first bipartisan America COMPETES Act, we responded to many top academic, corporate and business leaders who knew that investments in STEM education is what will ensure that our Nation's future science and engineering leaders will never need to leave our shores in order to obtain a world-class education. December 2010 was one of our finest hours when, as a Congress, we returned to our triumphant moment of passing the comprehensive, bipartisan America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, to provide our Nation with a roadmap for investing in our global economic competitiveness and our future growth. Mr. Speaker, our country cannot afford to go backwards by giving up on science and innovation. An investment in science is about ensuring America's memories are honored by investing in dreams that are even brighter. We all have a responsibility to preserve this vision in order to help rebuild our economy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 28, a resolution requiring the removal of all United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan. I believe it is time to bring the United States Military's involvement in Afghanistan to a close. Since the beginning of the Afghanistan War, the United States and Coalition Forces have lost 2,347 service men and women. Tens of thousands have suffered from other disabilities or psychological harm. With thousands of Texas Guardsmen currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will never forget their bravery in fighting for the freedoms, liberties, aid human dignity of the Afghanistan people. Our nation's economic and national security interests are not served by a policy of an open-ended war in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, our soldiers have fought for us, now it's time for us to fight for them. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution and help bring our soldiers home.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1076, a bill to Prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content. NPR is a congressionally chartered non-profit organization that provides independent and non-partisan news and education to approximately 27 million Americans each week. This is a politically motivated bill that would hurt over 900 local radio stations across America that rely on NPR for fact based news content and the millions of Americans who listen to NPR for their daily news. NPR enjoys very strong support from the American public as nearly 70 percent voiced their opposition to eliminating funding for public broadcasting according to recent polling. Constituents in my home of Dallas, Texas have contacted my office by the hundreds; making phone calls, sending emails and faxes to express how important NPR is to them. This bill will do nothing to create jobs or improve our economy. In fact, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has stated that this bill would produce zero savings to the taxpayer, and do nothing to reduce the deficit. Families with low incomes, families living in rural areas, and minorities would be especially hurt by this legislation. Smaller radio stations in rural America rely on NPR more than large cities for radio content so they would be more greatly impaired by the bill's prohibition against using federal funding to local radio stations to pay for any content from any source, depriving them of hours of programming every day. At a time when our national news is driven more and more by commercial interests and obsession with viewing ratings, it's more important than ever for Americans to have an objective and unbiased source of news and national commentary that is based on facts and reporting. I also object to the process that the Republican Leadership has brought this bill under consideration today. The Republican Leadership have reversed themselves on their own promise to for every bill to undergo 72 hours of review. The American people have not heard a single hearing on this bill nor have they heard a single minute of testimony from any expert witness on the merits of this bill. Not only was this bill rushed to floor of the House without sufficient review and scrutiny by the public, but the Republican Leadership has brought this bill to the floor that prohibits any opportunity for any other Representative in this House to offer a single amendment to improve it. This is not the way to run the people's House. This legislation is pure political posturing and is distraction from what we should be doing today, which is working to create jobs and improve our economy. I urge all of my colleagues to stand with me today in voting ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Skyline High School for 40 years of outstanding service to the Dallas community. Skyline first opened on March 1st, 1971 as our nation's first magnet school. Since then, thousands of students have graced the halls of Skyline, and many have gone on to make immense contributions to the Dallas Metroplex. Skyline's diverse student body has excelled academically with students earning nearly $25 million in scholarships last year. Under the leadership of Principal Harold Wright, Skyline earned a ``higher performing school'' rating from the National Center for Education Accountability. The motto of ``Unity in Effort...Pride in Result'' exemplifies the drive and achievement of Skyline's students, teachers and administrators. Skyline has had many illustrious alumni, including: Dallas City Counsel Member, Pauline Medrano; Olympian, Michael Johnson; and Bryan Trubey, principle designer and architect of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. These individuals continue to utilize their education at Skyline to give back to the community. Skyline High School was the first of many outstanding magnet schools in the Dallas area, and helped revolutionize the way we approach education. They have shown with the proper resources and motivation students can and will succeed. I am proud to represent Skyline High School, and look forward to its success in the years ahead.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 861, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Termination Act. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was established in 2008 to help stabilize communities across American that has suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds give states and local governments the tools needed to purchase and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned homes. Without this funding whole neighborhoods suffer sliding real estate values, increases in crime, and decreases in the overall morale of its citizens. From the total Neighborhood Stabilization Program appropriations of $7 billion, HUD estimates that 100,000 properties in the hardest- hit areas will be impacted. In my district, Dallas, Texas, a little over 7.9 million dollars was awarded through Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding. At the beginning of the foreclosure crisis Dallas' housing market suffered from an average of 300 foreclosures a month. The City of Dallas has identified 13 areas in the city that can benefit from this funding. Without programs like the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, neighborhoods in my area would have nowhere else to turn. Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds help to redevelop hard-hit communities, creates jobs, and grows local economies. With nearly 14 million Americans out of a job, Americans need a Republican Congress that works to create jobs and strengthen the economy. In the last 11 weeks, the House Republicans have passed reckless spending proposals estimated to destroy 700,000 jobs and stall our economic growth. I encourage my colleague to stand by struggling neighborhoods and vote no on this measure.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, throughout March we celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments women have made in the United States and around the world. Before the 1970s women's history was largely overlooked, but today we cannot ignore the significant contributions women have made in shaping our country and building for a brighter, more peaceful future. The theme for the 2011 Women's History Month is ``Our History Is Our Strength.'' Women's History Month celebrates millions of women who helped make our world a better place. We must continue to promote and encourage our future generation of young women and girls to strive for the very best. In the 111th Congress, the Democratic-led Congress focused on a number of key concerns of America's women, including: quality affordable health care; investments to create jobs and stimulate growth; investments in early childhood education; providing resources for our military families; and ensuring equal pay for all of America's working women. Unfortunately, the Republican-led House has moved in the opposite direction. House Republicans have passed a spending bill that reduces or eliminates funding to key women services and wellness programs. Their spending plan is projected to destroy up to 700,000 jobs and reduce economic growth. Ending vital programs and offering reckless spending proposals will only move our country backwards. Mr. Speaker, while cuts are necessary to address the nation's long- term fiscal problems, cutting too deeply before the economy is in full expansion will add unnecessary risk to our economy and to America's women and families.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to sit and not say anything about how we are damaging our future. We cannot consider the kind of cuts that are proposed to our future and think that this country will be prosperous. This plan eliminates the funding for math and science partnerships. We must make strategic investments in STEM education in order to maintain a competitive workforce. This plan eliminates Even Start, Reading is Fundamental, and Striving Readers. It cuts more than $1 billion from Head Start. This represents a massive setback for youth who are most in need. This plan is especially damaging for our youngest children just beginning their academic careers. These children will fall behind before they even get started. The Reading is Fundamental program has provided books for young children whose families cannot afford them. Mr. Speaker, we must not allow our country to continue to fall behind in competitiveness.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 836, the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act. This legislation would end the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Homeowners' Relief Program, a program designed to help unemployed homeowners keep their homes. Buying a home is one of the biggest commitments and the most valuable investment of our adult life. If this program is eliminated unemployed homeowners will have nowhere else to turn when their home is threatened. Our unemployment rate is now 8.9 percent. We must not forget those still struggling to pay their bills and trying to provide for their families. Ending vital recovery programs and offering reckless spending proposals will only move our country backwards. While cuts are necessary to address the nation's long-term fiscal problems, cutting too deeply before the economy is in full expansion will add unnecessary risk to the housing recovery. I encourage my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act. This legislation would end the FHA's short-term refinance program authorized under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. A program designed to help homeowners refinance their existing mortgage for lower interest rates. With declining home values, borrowers are caught in mortgages that they can no longer afford. This is because their rates have reset or because their interest-only payments have not allowed them to grow any equity in their homes. They are making their payments--but just barely. Mr. Chair, we should continue to help hard working Americans who are paying their bills on time every month stay in their homes. Ending this vital recovery program with no alternative plan is just wrong. The Republicans reckless spending proposals will move our country backwards not only domestically but globally. Eliminating this program will cost us more in the long-term. While I believe cuts are necessary to address the Nation's long-term fiscal problems, it must be done responsibly and with the American public's interest in mind. I encourage my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I voted against the H.R. 4, the ``Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011'' commonly known as ``the 1099 provision''. I would like to submit a statement for the Record to clarify my position on this issue. Forms 1099 have been used by the IRS for decades to better track income. The rules would have required businesses to file Form 1099 with the IRS to report payments made to corporations for goods and certain services to help the IRS collect taxes that are legally owed, and in turn, keep taxes lower for all taxpayers. Although I support the measure in principle, I do believe this type of reporting keeps track of what businesses owe the federal government in taxes and close any loopholes for any misreporting. In fact, during the 111th Congress, a repeal bill was approved by the Democratic House that would close tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas and protected people from any tax increases with incomes below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $88,000 for a family of four) from having to pay back the IRS their tax credit if they saw a change in income. The Republican 1099 repeal removes this protection. So, if a family earning $88,000 a year gets a $250 Christmas bonus, and because of it, are bumped up to 401 percent of the federal poverty level, this family would be required to refund to the IRS the entire tax credit of $4,640--out of their own pockets. As a Senior Member of Congress who proudly represents a vibrant small business sector, I know firsthand the value of small businesses in north Texas. I remain committed to improving tax administration and enhancing voluntary tax compliance without making the middle class pay. I look forward to working collaboratively with the small business community to improve the ability of small businesses to meet their tax obligations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Black History Month. In February of each year, we recognize the many contributions of African Americans throughout this Nation. It brings to life a rich and vibrant history that was all too often left untold. Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of this Nation, it was not until the 20th century that they gained any respectable recognition in our history books. Prior to Carter G. Woodson's passionate efforts to write African Americans into the history of the United States, books largely ignored the African American population except in the context of slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of African Americans continues to be taught and preserved in order that future generations from all reaches of America will understand our rich heritage. African Americans have made significant contributions throughout history, and it is clear that we continue to build that rich legacy today. As our nation moves forward, we must never forget the great pioneers of scientific innovation, writing, music, philosophy, and politics. Honoring these contributions through Black History Month has allowed us to expand educational opportunities, enhance economic stability, workforce advancement and training, and community involvement. Today, we find ourselves facing economic uncertainty. However, we must not lose sight of our current accomplishments and continued progress. The current budget proposal led by Republicans seeks to cut spending without any regard to our economy or the needs of the American people. The proposed budget diminishes our investments in education, job creation, and future innovation. I believe that we can and must do better to serve all Americans. We must fight against immoral and unwise cuts to our budget in order to preserve the heritage of African Americans as well as the United States as a whole. Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the achievements of African Americans, but it has also paved the way for other nationwide celebrations honoring the contributions of other important races and cultures. Now, we must look to our youth to carry on our history and to create their own legacy. Long before the election of more than a hundred African Americans to the U.S. Congress, African Americans made a large contribution to our Nation's Capitol by building the Capitol itself as slaves.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I've come to the floor today to talk about a crisis our country is facing. I'm not here to talk about the deficit, which is also a problem, but one which pales in importance to the crisis of America's declining economic competitiveness. I say that the deficit problem pales in comparison to our declining competitiveness because without a robust and innovative economy, it will be next to impossible to ever truly reduce our national deficit. For some time, important leaders in our business and academic community have warned us about this crisis. In 2005, a National Academies panel chaired by former Lockheed Martin CEO Norm Augustine released the report, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' This report warned that without a focused effort by the Federal Government, the future of American competitiveness was bleak. It recommended increased efforts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, also referred to as STEM education, and increased federal investment in research and development. It's not a mystery why that distinguished group made those recommendations: it has long been clear that technological innovation creates jobs, and that Federal investments in R&D have had a major positive impact on innovation in this country. Our economic rivals understand all too well that America's great economic success has been a direct result of our innovation. And these competitors have begun to pour their resources into research and development and into STEM education. Those investments are bearing fruit: In 2004 China overtook the United States to become the world's leading exporter of information and communications technology goods. China, Japan, India, and South Korea all graduate more engineers each year than the United States. U.S. student scores in STEM achievement continue to decline in worldwide comparisons. So what do we do about it? Once the problem was identified, the Democratically-controlled Congress immediately focused on coming up with solutions. Over the past four years, we passed bills like the America COMPETES Act, which put NSF, NIST, and the Department of Energy's Office of Science on a doubling path. We've been changing the way America's children are taught science and math by putting in classrooms teachers who actually have a background and training in those fields, and we've been working to increase opportunities for minorities to contribute their talents to our scientific and technological initiatives. And we've been investing in clean energy technology development so that America can one day be an energy exporter instead of an energy importer. Unfortunately, all that work, and all that progress in keeping America competitive is about to be undone. My Republican colleagues have proposed a budget for the rest of 2011 which will severely wound our country's research and development capabilities, and stifle our innovation engine. Let me cite just a few of the consequences that would flow from enactment of this ill-considered CR: At the Department of Energy: Cuts to the Department of Energy will slow down the progress the country has made in demonstrating and deploying carbon capture and sequestration technologies, solar energy and cost-saving energy efficiency technologies. The cuts in the CR will force a number of world-class labs, which undertake research on cutting edge energy technologies to solve economic and environmental problems, to shut down. Thousands of scientific and technical staff at the national labs, universities and companies will be laid off, or worse, go to our competitors for support. This could lead to the United States being even more dependent on other countries for clean energy technologies. STEM education programs will be cut or eliminated at a time when China is graduating six engineers for every one of ours. We need to capitalize on the interests of our students who are ready and willing to solve our country's energy and environment problems. At the EPA: A reduction on the order of $3 billion to EPA's science programs will negatively impact our ability to find new and innovative solutions to 21st century environmental and public health challenges. The proposed water research reductions will impact EPA's ability to ensure the Nation's water infrastructure is capable of the sustained delivery of safe water as well as the safe and sustainable removal and treatment of waste water. At NOAA: NOAA's weather satellite programs are already in trouble during this difficult economic time. Without proper additional funding of our satellite programs, we will be faced with less accurate and timely weather predictions. We are not just talking about taking our country back to 2008. We are talking about rewinding the clock two decades. We could soon be relying on 20 year ago weather forecasting capabilities. I think we are all very well aware that over 70 percent of airplane flight delays are caused by weather. If FAA doesn't have the weather information it needs to safely and efficiently control the nation's air traffic, we face both increased delays and risks to the flying public. We are potentially putting our lives, property, and critical infrastructure in danger. Without accurate and timely information, we would no longer see the 2-3 day advance warnings of extreme weather events on which we depend. This will also make it extremely difficult to conduct safe and strategic evacuations of American people during extreme weather events, which have been faced by many regions of our country in recent years. I could go on and on and cite some of the adverse consequences to each of our agencies and to vital governmental activities that will occur if this CR is adopted, but I think Members now have an idea of what is at stake. And make no mistake, this is job-killing CR. What makes this bill so dangerous is that it won't just kill jobs today. It won't just kill jobs this year. These cuts to our research and development funding will kill jobs for years to come. As President Obama noted in his State of the Union address, if an airplane is overloaded, you don't lighten the load by cutting off the engines. That's exactly what this Republican budget plan does: it cuts the engine off of our economy. Unfortunately, our children and our grandchildren will be the ones who ultimately pay the price for these efforts when they inherit an America that is no longer the world leader in innovation. I urge my colleagues to reject the cuts being proposed in the Republican CR. We can do better.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to talk briefly about the amendment number 260, offered by my friend from Ohio, Mr. Latta. This amendment would cut $10 million from the construction budget of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. NIST's buildings were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, and are no longer adequate for the research needed to support U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness, particularly in emerging technology areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology. Independent analysis of NIST's maintenance needs recommends an annual investment target of $70 to $80 million to address critical deferred maintenance and bring the NIST facilities to fair condition. The CR already slashes NIST's construction budget to $58 million. This is an $89 million reduction (60%) below the FY 2010 enacted level and significantly below what NIST requires. Further cuts to the construction budget as proposed by the Latta amendment will erode basic repair and maintenance capability and hamstring NIST's ability to deal with emergencies like water or gas line breaks, storm damage, and power outages. Improving and maintaining its laboratory facilities is critical for NIST to continue to engage in cutting edge research, delivering high quality science and research to foster innovation and technological advancement for the benefit of U.S. industry. For these reasons, I must oppose this amendment and urge its defeat.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I would like to talk briefly about the amendment offered by my friend from New Jersey, Mr. Pascrell. The Pascrell amendment would restore funding to the fire grant programs which was cut by the Republicans in the CR. I wholeheartedly support the notion of restoring this funding. However, I must oppose this amendment because it restores the fire grant funding by cutting an equal amount from the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. The proposed $510 million cut to the Science & Technology Directorate is on top of an $85 million cut already proposed in the CR. If this amendment is adopted, the budget for the Science and Technology Directorate will fall to $410 million from $1.005 billion in FY 2010. This would be a 59 percent cut from FY 2010 levels. The magnitude of this cut would cripple the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. Some of the specific effects of this cut include: Elimination of all border security and maritime security research and development which includes cargo security research and development; Termination of all first responder research and development; Termination of all cyber security research and development; Termination of all non-aviation explosives research and development; Elimination of all human factors research and development including all biometric identification work; Elimination of all infrastructure and geophysical research and development including first responder monitoring and tracking work; Significant cuts to chemical and biological research and development; Significant cuts to radiological and nuclear research and development; Elimination of all university programs including the Minority Serving Institution program. While the Republican cuts to the fire grants program in the CR are devastating, I cannot support solving one problem by creating an equally devastating one. And make no mistake, these cuts to the S&T Directorate will cripple our nation's ability to respond to future threats. As terrorists evolve and adapt, we must do so as well, and the S&T Directorate is at the forefront of this effort. For these reasons, I must reluctantly oppose the Pascrell amendment, and urge a ``no'' vote on its adoption.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise to reluctantly speak against the amendment offered by my friend from New York, Mr. Weiner. The amendment offered by the gentleman from New York would cut $298 million from NASA and increase the COPS program by a corresponding amount. While I wholeheartedly support the COPS program, and would like to work with the gentleman to find ways to restore the COPS funding, which was so irresponsibly slashed in the Republican CR, taking this money from NASA would do serious damage to NASA's ability to carry out its programs. Specifically, the amendment would cut NASA's Cross Agency Support (CAS) account, which funds operations and maintenance of NASA's 9 Centers, component facilities and headquarters, including agency-wide management functions, and safety and reliability activities to assure safety and mission success. This account also funds the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STIR) programs at NASA. Cuts proposed by the Weiner amendment would cut the SBIR/STTR program and reduce the number of grants awarded to small businesses. A reduction of $298M in CAS would represent 10% reduction to the CAS account--equivalent to shutting two of NASA's smaller Centers, for example, Dryden Flight Research Center, Stennis Space Center, or Ames Research Center. The resulting budget after a $298M reduction would not be sufficient to provide the minimum Center support required to safely implement NASA's mission. As these reductions would occur so late in the operating year, they would result in thousands of layoffs to on-site contractors, with 50 percent of the contractor workforce at risk. This equates to over 4,500 layoffs across all of NASA Centers. As I said before, I am an ardent supporter of the COPS program. I am appalled that the Republican Majority has chosen to address deficit reduction by making our communities less safe by cutting the number of police officers on the street. However, I simply cannot support righting that wrong by creating another. At a time when our nation's economic competitiveness is being seriously challenged by our foreign competitors, it would be irresponsible to make further cuts to one of our nation's great innovative research and development agencies. For these reasons, I must oppose this amendment and urge its defeat.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the estimated 1,000 civilians who on February 26, 1992 were indiscriminately scalped, tortured, and killed in the town of Khojaly, an Azerbaijani-populated town in Nagorno-Karabakh. Many of us know that post-Soviet conflicts in Eastern Europe and Central Asia led to brutal ethnic cleansing, but few have heard of the people of Khojaly, who were massacred by Armenian militants. The ethnic cleansing was successful, and the town no longer exists. Although the tragedy received widespread media coverage, since then it has largely been forgotten. I hope that now and every year after this atrocity, we can pray for the victims. Azerbaijan's Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities come together against ethnic cleansing at this time of the year, commemorating the lives of the Khojaly victims and calling on the international community to condemn the bloodshed. Their pleas do not fall on deaf ears. There are still victims of the conflict in the region of Nagorno- Karabakh. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced, and ethnic cleansing has continued even after 1992. I have met victims of the Rwandan genocide, who are still healing to this day. I went to Bosnia shortly after the war and saw the effect of ethnic cleansing there. I know what a detrimental effect this can have to a region, in this case even wiping a small town off the map. I recognize that even now, atrocities are occurring in Kashmir and Darfur, and innocent civilians are paying the price while we in the international community have more to do. Mr. Speaker, I hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia can come to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and I hope that the civilians suffering right now will soon see an end to ethnic cleansing. The memories of the women, men, and children of Khojaly should propel us to condemn such practices.