Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was an extraordinary woman, wife, mother, and leader. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones made history by becoming the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress from her State of Ohio. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones demonstrated a serious commitment to her constituents and represented them well. She dedicated her life to uplift and inspire those around her. Her dedication, strong will, and spirit gave hope to so many people. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones and her work will never be forgotten as she lives in us all. She has left her mark in history, in Congress, and in our hearts. I will deeply miss her and my thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, the 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill allocates $47.7 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is $4.6 billion above 2008 and $2.9 billion over the President's request, for veterans' medical care, claims processors, and facility improvements. This bill makes available resources to support military construction projects and ensures America's servicemen and women have more effective training facilities, and better housing, health care and day care facilities. I would like to take this opportunity to once again commend my colleagues, Congressman Edwards and Chairman Obey for providing a comprehensive Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations for FY 2009 possible. This Congress has made veterans our No. 1 priority. We understand the needs of our returning heroes and we will ensure that they receive the quality of care they deserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3957, a measure aimed at increasing research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and conservation technologies at the Environmental Protection Agency. It is evident that current water use and management practices are draining supplies and it is critical that we obtain knowledge of newer technologies that will increase sustainability. It is our hope that this legislation will promote technologies and approaches that will contribute towards ensuring a healthy and sustainable water supply. EPA's research, development and dissemination of technologies that promote greater water use will also help to advance water conservation as a national goal. More importantly, however, it is our hope that it will reduce the threat of a diminishing water supply and prepare us for water shortages that are increasing in frequency. As the Chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I am keenly aware of the need for increased Federal research on new and emerging technologies for water use efficiency and conservation. As noted in testimony before my Subcommittee, the growing water-related challenges facing our nation, including the need to repair and replace much of our antiquated water infrastructure, urban sprawl, and the threat of global warming, requires us to address these challenges in an integrated, comprehensive fashion--including the need to develop the next generation of water-related infrastructure. I was pleased to work with Chairman Gordon and the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Matheson, on an amendment to include within the scope of research and development program technologies and processes to enable the collection, storage, treatment and reuse of stormwater, as well as the creation of a publicly-accessible clearing house for information on technologies and processes developed under this program. This amendment was adopted during the Committee on Science and Technology's markup of this legislation. In an effort to bring this legislation to the floor for consideration as quickly as possible, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure did not seek a referral of the bill. The Transportation Committee did this, however, with the understanding that this decision does not waive, reduce or affect the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I look forward to a continuing dialogue with both the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology in Conference as we work to resolve our differences in this important piece of legislation. Working together we will be able to advance sustainable water use and management practices that will contribute to the overall health of our nation. I also look forward to the next Congress when I hope to work with my colleagues on both the Science and Transportation Committees on improving research of water quality, as well as on improving the nation's monitoring systems for all facets of our precious water resources. I urge my colleagues to join with me to support this bill, and authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research and development program that will promote water use efficiency practices and promote water conservation as a national goal.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act. It has been 45 years since the passage of the landmark Equal Pay Act of 1963, and while pay disparities have narrowed, a strong wage disparity still exists. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau women still make only 77 cents on the dollar to their male counterparts. We cannot deny that this gender disparity exists, and it is essential that we close the loopholes that allow it to continue. The Paycheck Fairness Act helps close these loopholes by increasing enforcement and accountability in cases of discrimination. This bill provides relief for women who face retaliation for standing up for equal pay, and it requires the Department of Labor to increase their effort to end pay disparities. This is not only a bill for women, but a bill for children and families. For the millions of working mothers in America--many of whom are heads of households--it offers financial stability. This wage disparity is costing women between $400,000 and $2 million over a lifetime. Lower wages factor into long-term financial planning. Retirement and Social Security is based on income. Retirement aged women today are far less likely to receive a pension, and rely on Social Security benefits to survive. The wage discrimination women are facing today will continue to follow them well into retirement. We cannot continue to simply accept this disparity, and the Paycheck Fairness Act is a strong statement that this type of discrimination will not be tolerated. I would like to thank Congresswoman DeLauro for offering this important piece of legislation, and commend Chairman Miller and the Democratic leadership for bringing this bill to the floor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. Caesar Arthur Walter Clark, a remarkable and compassionate leader whose legacy has touched so many North Texans. Reverend Clarke passed on July 27, 2008. His is a deep loss felt by his family, his church congregation, the North Texas community, the State of Texas, and most assuredly, our nation. Reverend Clarke will long be remembered for his social activism and advocacy on behalf of those individuals suffering from poverty, homelessness, and injustice. He fought for the common person and his influence was far reaching, both inside and outside the African American community. Reverend Clark was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and attended the public schools in his native state. He was converted to Christianity in 1928 at age 14. Pastor Clark began preaching in April 1929, and was ordained four years later in 1933. His first pastorate at age 19 was the Israelite Baptist Church in Longstreet, Louisiana. Dr. Clark has served as the venerated pastor of Good Street Baptist Church in Dallas for over 58 years. He has delivered his vibrant sermons all over the world during his extraordinary career in the clergy. In addition, he has served as president of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas and as vice president of the National Baptist Convention. While his professional focus has always been squarely on the valued worshippers at Good Street Baptist, Dr. Clark is also an involved community leader who continues to enjoy membership on the Boy Scouts of America Advisory Committee and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Dr. Clark played an active role in our Nation's civil rights struggle. Perhaps most notably he was responsible for drawing Dr. Martin Luther King to his church in 1958 for his first of many speeches in Dallas. Madam Speaker, Dr. Caesar A.W. Clark's life is one of dedicated service, compassion, faith and devotion. For all these reasons, please join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Carolyn Elaine Clark; his son, Dr. Caesar Arthur Walter Clark, Jr.; daughter- in-law, Dr. Slyvia Clark; granddaughter, Chelsi Om'Nira Clark; step daughter, Tonya Bunche; step son, Maurice Bunche and his many relatives and friends. I urge my colleagues to please join me in conveying our gratitude to his family for sharing this great man with us, and to accept our condolences for their tremendous loss. He was an inspiration to us all.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3999, the National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. Madam Chairman, I believe it goes without saying that not only the State of Texas, but all of America stood in solidarity with Minnesota on August 1, 2007, after the tragic 1-35 bridge collapse. Since this unfortunate tragedy, our Chairman, Mr. Oberstar, has worked tirelessly to aid his State and the Nation to ensure that priority attention is given to the state of our country's aging transportation infrastructure. Texans are intimately familiar with Interstate 35, as roughly one- third of the overall length of the interstate exists within Texas' borders. The State of Texas--with roughly fifty-thousand bridges--has roughly forty percent more bridges than any other State in the nation. To its credit, the State of Texas has one of the most aggressive bridge programs in the country. As a testament to this aggressiveness, only four percent of the State's bridges are categorized as structurally deficient. In spite of this success, Texas is facing enormous and rapidly increasing transportation needs. Increases in population, trade growth, and travel in state have placed unprecedented demands on an under invested system. Based on Texas's annual Report on Texas Bridges for 2006, Texas has approximately thirty-three thousand on-system bridges. Twenty-one percent of these were built before 1950 and fifty-four percent have been in service for more than three decades. The bridges that are, or will be, structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or sub-standard for load only in the coming years must also be improved to ensure design standards are current and up to date. According my State Department of Transportation, 282 bridges categorized as structurally deficient are currently being rehabilitated or replaced. Another 1,303 bridges classified as structurally deficient are under development as part of the State's ten-year Unified Transportation Plan. The State's remaining 439 bridges classified as structurally deficient are not currently scheduled for rehabilitation or replacement, and no funding has been identified for them. The need for additional funds and resources for inspections, maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of bridges is desperately needed in Texas and it is my hope this bill is able to assist my State in a measurable way. Recently in my congressional district a 2-foot-by-2-foot hole emerged in an eastern span of the Interstate-30 Bridge in Dallas. According to my State DOT, in addition to the disruption to commuters, the bill just to rectify a 2-foot-by-2-foot hole will cost upwards of $1.4 million dollars. As a country we are falling behind other industrialized nations tremendously in upgrading our Nation's infrastructure. It is imperative that government at all levels begin to make transportation investment an urgent priority. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6532, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance. Our Nation's highway trust fund serves as the lifeblood for funding our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Regrettably, the fund is facing an imminent shortfall due to decreased revenue into the fund. This shortfall comes at a most inopportune time as many states across the country are struggling to provide funding just for adequate highway maintenance--let alone new construction. The bill before us is important to my home State, as Texas has one of the most extensive surface transportation networks in the world. Texas has more than 10,000 miles of rail track; more than 300,000 miles of roadway and more than 50,000 bridges--more than any other state in the Nation. Our transportation network is bursting at the seams, and failure to enact this bill render a significant blow to transportation construction and maintenance jobs across my State. We simply cannot allow this to happen. In the absence of passage of H.R. 6532, the State of Texas stands to lose $859 million in funding and a projected loss of 30,000 good-paying jobs. The state has identified a funding gap of $86 billion between available resources and what is needed to achieve an acceptable level of mobility by 2030. By the year 2030, TXDOT predicts the state's population is expected to increase by 64 percent. My State cannot afford a lapse in receiving its share of Federal highway funding made available by SAFETEA-LU. In the absence of bold and decisive action by this body in the next highway bill authorization, stagnant transportation policy and inadequate funding will cripple our country. It is past time for government at all levels to make investment in transportation infrastructure an urgent priority. Madam Speaker I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3298. The Clean Water Act is clear in its mandate that point source discharges into waters of the United States are subject to regulation. But while the law is clear on this point, the Act is less clear in providing guidance on how to deal with the concerns of mobile sources. Discharges from vessels complicate this matter all the more. First, the sheer numbers of vessels make pollution control and regulation challenging. Second--and very importantly--we are unclear on the effects of many of the discharges that emanate from vessels. Third, efforts to address mobile sources of pollution are inherently more complicated than that of stationary ones. For many years--from 1973 to 2005--the Environmental Protection Agency avoided these vexing issues by decreeing that discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel were exempt from regulation. While a convenient and understandable approach to the challenges of regulating vessels under the Clean Water Act, EPA did nothing to control or even understand the nature of discharges that stemmed from vessels. In 2005, however, a federal court ruled that EPA had acted in excess of its authority in ``exempting an entire category of discharges'' from regulation under the Clean Water Act. As a result of this Court decision, all vessels would be subject to Clean Water Act permitting requirements by September 30th of this year. in both pieces of legislation before us today--in this bill, S. 3298 as well as in the Clean Boating Act--we seek to strike a balance among the various factors that have been central to the issue of minimizing pollution from vessels. And I believe we have been successful in realizing this challenge. Central to S. 3298 is a moratorium of 2 years from regulation for a majority of vessels potentially eligible. During this time, the EPA will do what it has not done enough of before--rigorously study what vessels actually discharge, and what the human health and environmental effects of those discharges might be. This will provide the Congress with additional information that will allow us to properly address whether, what, and how the discharge of pollutants from vessels should be addressed. Among the vessels that will be subject to the moratorium is much of the Nation's fishing fleet. We recognize the financial margins that fishermen are subject to, and realize it would not be prudent to control their various discharges without better information. However, given the uncertainty related to the types, volumes, and composition of discharges from larger commercial vessels, such as cruise ships and super-tankers, these vessels are excluded from the 2 year moratorium. This is only right. Our Nation's valuable fisheries and coastal areas should not be subject to the discharge of pollutants that enter our Nation's waters in such quantities. Mr. Speaker, S. 3298 strikes an appropriate balance between precaution and commerce, and between aquatic health and pragmatism. I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation today.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2766, the ``Clean Boating Act of 2008,'' which provides a targeted Clean Water Act exemption for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel. This legislation is in response to a 2005 Federal district court decision, which struck down a decades-old exemption for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. Although the focus of the 2005 court decision was the discharge of ballast water, the implications of this decision are likely to affect the more than 13 million recreational boaters in the United States. The committee believes that the discharge of pollutants from recreational vessels is likely to pose a minimal adverse impact on water quality and the environment, even on a cumulative basis. Accordingly, it is appropriate to reaffirm a limited exclusion from the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, requirements of the Clean Water Act for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel, such as graywater, bilge water, and weather deck runoff. S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act, would amend the Clean Water Act to provide a limited statutory exemption for discharges from recreational vessels, which would be clearly defined in the statute. In addition, the scope of coverage for ``discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel'' is intended to mirror those discharges that were included in the EPA regulatory exclusion, found at 40 CFR 122.3(a). However, in order to further minimize any potential adverse impact to water quality and the environment, the Administrator must further examine the potential adverse impacts of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel, and develop appropriate management practices to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the waters of the United States. Accordingly, S. 2766 also amends section 312 of the Clean Water Act to establish management practices for any discharges from a recreational vessel that would be excluded by this act, other than the discharge of sewage regulated under section 312 of the act). This provision directs the Administrator to develop ``reasonable and practicable'' management practices to mitigate the adverse impacts that may result from discharges from a recreational vessel excluded by this act. Under this provision, the Administrator must complete its evaluation of management practices for discharges excluded by this act within 1 year of the date of enactment, and review its evaluation, and revise, if necessary, every 5 years thereafter. S. 2766 also requires the Administrator, in consultation with the Coast Guard, the Department of Commence, and other interested Federal agencies, to develop performance standards for management practices based on the class, type, and size of the vessel, and directs the Coast Guard to conduct a rulemaking governing the design, construction, installation, and use of management practices for recreational vessels as are necessary to meet these performance standards.- Finally, this legislation includes a savings clause to ensure that this act does not affect existing Clean Water Act prohibitions against discharges of oil or hazardous substances under section 311 of the act. I urge my colleagues to support this targeted legislative proposal to properly address discharges from recreational vessels.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1241, congratulating Ensign DeCarol Davis as valedictorian of the Coast Guard Academy's class of 2008, with the distinction of being the first African American female to achieve this high honor. Ms. Davis's outstanding achievements truly exemplify the character and work ethic that we strive to see in all of our Nation's young people. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy not only maintains the highest academic standards but provides students with rigorous professional development and leadership training. After years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence at the Academy, Ms. Davis' academic accomplishments have earned her the honor of valedictorian in a class of over 200 other outstanding cadets. In addition to making history by becoming the first African American woman to serve as class valedictorian of the Coast Guard Academy, Ms. Davis also earned awards in science and technology--academic fields historically dominated by men. In addition to being named valedictorian, Ms. Davis was also named a 2007 Truman Scholar and was a recipient of the 2008 Connecticut Technology Council Women of Technology Award. A well-rounded student, Ms. Davis excelled at sports, and was selected as a 2006 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Women's Basketball First Team Scholar. No stranger to outstanding academic accomplishments, she also served as the 2004 valedictorian of Forest Park High School in her hometown of Woodbridge, VA. Making community service a priority as well, Ms. Davis regularly volunteered at a local elementary school, introducing students to science, technology, and engineering as career paths. At a time when Congress has encouraged the Academy to seek diversity in recruiting cadets, Ms. Davis stands as a testament to the quality of candidates that would result from this practice. It is truly a pleasure to honor such an exceptional young woman who has now gone on to dedicate her career to serving and defending our country. I have no doubt that the rigor and discipline utilized to propel her academic career will certainly aid her development and success at the U.S. Coast Guard. I congratulate this exceptional young woman for her service and commitment to excellence and wish her the very best. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 1241.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6493--The Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008. Mr. Speaker, as many of us know, FAA's stated mission is ``to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.'' Regrettably, recent aircraft groundings and flight cancellations by our Nation's air carriers to ensure compliance with safety directives calls into question whether or not the principal Agency charged with protecting the flying public is living up to its mission. I think it goes without saying that over the years, the standing of our Nation's aviation system as one of the safest in the world can be directly attributed to the diligent efforts of dedicated inspection and maintenance personnel. However, these respective personnel are only as good as their managerial and operational framework, and according to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and our own Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Oversight and Investigations staff, serious flaws exist within the management of FAA's safety inspection framework. In a letter dated December 20, 2007, to Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters outlining allegations of two FAA inspectors, now known as the whistleblowers, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel states, ``The whistleblowers allege that safety and adherence to regulatory compliance have taken a back seat to personal friendships and favors at the Southwest Certificate Management Office. They have disclosed serious allegations of a compromise of the public safety mission at FAA. ``Even in the face of investigations substantiating wrongdoing and safety breaches [with respect to the ADs] FAA does not appear to have held management and safety inspectors appropriately accountable for their actions and inaction. The information disclosed by [the whistleblowers] reveals a substantial likelihood that serious safety concerns persist in the management and operation of the inspection and maintenance programs at FAA.'' Mr. Speaker, this type of behavior is simply unacceptable and warrants a complete overhaul of how the FAA goes about its business of safety inspections and over-reliance on Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Programs. H.R. 6493 is a step in this direction. The bill establishes an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office with an independent Director; modifies the Agency's customer service initiative; imposes post-employment on FAA inspectors; restricts the time a principal maintenance inspector may oversee a single carrier; and increases scrutiny of the Agency's air transport oversight system database. When it comes to the proper adherence to safety protocols, FAA should be in the business of zero tolerance. If a plane is out of compliance for whatever reason, it should be grounded until it comes into compliance--period. Yes, the American economy is dependent on the movement of people and goods, but this movement should not and cannot come at the expense of safety. Given the current, delicate nature of the airline industry, I cannot imagine that there exists a single airline executive in this country that would sanction the operation of a noncompliant or unsafe plane. As I close I want to thank the leadership of the Aviation Subcommittee, in addition to the leadership of the Full Committee for advancing this vital piece of legislation to the floor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, many of my colleagues have supported a settlement of the Cyprus issue for decades. They have come to the floor and urged Turkish and Greek Cypriots to overcome the difficulties and reach an agreement regarding the future of the island. On July 1, 2008, Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in a positive and cooperative atmosphere. At this meeting, the two leaders reviewed the progress of the Working Groups and Technical Committees, and, momentously, agreed in principle on the issue of a single sovereignty and citizenship. The Cypriot leaders will meet again on July 25 to undertake a final review of preparations for full-fledged negotiations. This is not the first time there has been cause for hope. After four and a half years of negotiations and numerous failed attempts, a United Nations Comprehensive Settlement Plan was completed on March 31, 2004. The final hurdle was two separate, simultaneous referenda to be held on both sides of the island on April 24, 2004. Turkish Cypriots approved the plan by 65 percent, while their Greek Cypriot counterparts rejected it by 76 percent. The ironic outcome was that the Greek Cypriots, having turned down a peaceful settlement, became full member of the European Union, while the Turkish Cypriots were excluded, further isolating the North. Congress should evenhandedly support these developments, and refrain from taking any actions which would disrupt the process. I congratulate both leaders on this important breakthrough and urge them to continue the process which will provide a bright future for the peoples of Cyprus.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, I could not be present for rollcall votes 500 to 508, due to a previous commitment to a distinguished constituent of mine. Had I been present, I would have cast the following votes: ``yes'' on rollcall vote 500, 501, 504, 505, 507, 508 and ``nay'' on rollcall vote 502, 503, 506.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1315, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA has made a major impact on our national competitiveness in space and aeronautics research. Since the Sputnik era of the late 1950s, the United States has established world leadership in space flight. Along with that accomplishment, our Nation's investments in NASA have created a strong aeronautics and engineering workforce. This intelligent, talented, well-prepared workforce is one of NASA's most powerful legacies. NASA is of great economic importance to Texas. Johnson Space Center employs 15,000 civil servants and contractors. An untold number of small spin-off companies have been formed as a result of good ideas from the brain power at NASA. Research discoveries from our time in space have also greatly benefited our populace. Each year since 1976, NASA has published a list of every commercialized technology and product linked to its research. The NASA journal ``Spinoff'' highlights these products, which have included things like improved pacemakers, state-of-the-art exercise machines and satellite radio. All of these everyday products have stemmed from NASA-funded research: Invisible braces; scratch-resistant lenses; memory foam; the ear thermometer; shoe insoles; long-distance telecommunications; adjustable smoke detectors; cordless tools; and water filters. During my 15 years on the House Committee on Science and Technology, I have proudly advocated for strong support of NASA. Its education activities, particularly its efforts to encourage under-represented minorities to pursue engineering and science careers, are exemplary. I want to congratulate the great work that NASA has done in its 50 years of existence to conduct research that benefits all members of our society. May the next 50 years be as productive and as successful as the first.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6052, the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act. At the onset I want to commend the bipartisan leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their efforts in getting this measure to the floor. The legislation before us is a good bill; one that will provide a much needed hand up to our Nation's transit agencies as they work to meet record demands for public transportation services. Dallas Area Rapid Transit Agency, or DART, headquartered in my congressional district and one of the best transit agencies in the country, fully supports this bill. Similar to other agencies around the country, DART ridership is setting records, as more north Texans recognize the immense value transit offers. In May, DART had its busiest month ever, providing 10.3 million trips. North Texans are flocking to transport by rail in record numbers as ridership by light and commuter rail is up 5.4 percent and 7.1 percent respectively over 2007 numbers. During the first 7 months of 2008, DART has witnessed a dramatic 33.8 percent increase in its vanpool ridership. The agency has acted aggressively to accommodate the increased demand. The agency is utilizing a new super light rail vehicle to increase passenger capacity. The agency now has a record 145 vans in operation for vanpool commuters and has reached its budget maximum. My transit agency could benefit immediately from the tools provided under H.R. 6052. H.R. 6052 will help transit agencies expand services and reach more people as it authorizes $1.7 billion dollars for capital and operating funds for transit agencies; increases the Federal cost share for alternative fuel transit buses; extends transit benefits to all Federal employees; establishes a vanpool pilot program; and increases the Federal cost share for commuter parking facilities so more people may have access to commuter stations. Madam Chairman, without question, there is a need for an overall expansion of transit programs across this country. However, in order for this to happen, there must be a realignment of infrastructure investment priorities and increased support at the local, State, and Federal levels. H.R. 6052 is a step in the right direction as it highlights importance of transit expansion across the Nation. Public transit takes drivers off the road; uses one-half the fuel of private automobiles; and saves working families billions annually in transportation costs. Studies show transportation costs are the second largest household expense behind housing costs. Nationally, for every dollar a working family saves on housing, it spends 77 cents more on transportation costs. While public transit remains an option for some--for poor and working families, public transit exists as a means for economic survival. So with that said Madam Chairman, I would merely like to reiterate my strong support for H.R. 6052 and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in giving transit agencies across the country, and the millions of people they service, a hand up today. This sound, bipartisan piece of legislation is deserving of passage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of National Homeownership Month. This month marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark 1968 Fair Housing Act, which opened the dialogue of equal homeowner opportunities and growth. The National Homeownership Month continues with the same principles by promoting the very core of American values of fairness, opportunity, and growth. National Homeownership Month reflects the importance of homeownership and the American dream. For most Americans, owning their own home will be their largest and most significant financial investment. It represents security, builds neighborhood pride, and is essential in creating positive productive communities. National Homeownership Month focuses on creating affordable housing opportunities for all and economy sustainability. Home affordability and financial education is the key to overcoming the housing crisis and promoting good housing practices and policies. Financial education not only directly benefits American families, but, in turn, helps to ensure a robust and strong economy. Mr. Speaker, it is vital that we continue to empower people of all races, economic status, and backgrounds who desire to own their own home. It is a valuable stabilizer for both families and communities.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, on rollcall No. 444, I was delayed due to traffic--fundraising for DCCC. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge Congress to enact legislation to lower gas prices and invest in alternative energy. In Texas, the price of a gallon of gasoline has risen more than $1.05 in the past year. No one drives more than Texans do. With thousands of miles of highways and cities located far from one another, efficient transportation is frequently on our minds. Nationwide, gas prices have risen from $2.20 per gallon in December 2005 to $4.10 per gallon on June 19, 2008, according to the Energy Information Administration, the entity that collects official energy statistics for the United States Government. Gas prices are hurting our local families. Citizens must make tough economic choices because of the crippling effect that high gas prices is having on their lives. Congress must show leadership and take action to address this problem of high gas prices. Congress should work toward the goals of long-term energy solutions that promote economic and environment stability. We should invest in research to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Wind-, solar-, hydrogen-, nuclear-, and geothermal energy sources are all viable options that should be considered. We should mandate stricter fuel economy standards on all automobiles. We should utilize alternative fuels that are environmentally sustainable. We should incentivize the use of public transportation and improve our transportation infrastructure. We should conduct stronger oversight to determine if gas prices are being artificially inflated. My years on the Transportation and on the Science Committees have heightened my sensitivity to this subject of rising gas prices. I have worked to help these committees pass legislation that: Funds research for environmentally-friendly highway materials; Secures dollars for our local transportation infrastructure; and Supports research on alternative fuels, plug-in hybrid cars, hydrogen, ethanol, and other energy sources. In Texas, we spend a lot of time in our cars. High gas prices are particularly impactful to our economy. There is no simple or quick solution to this problem of gas prices, but Congress must show leadership and take action to address it. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about my constituents. They are asking for relief from escalating gas prices, and I want to be proactive. The time to act upon this issue is today.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow Community Right-To-Know Act, offered by my colleague on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Bishop, is an important commonsense proposal to enhance the monitoring and public notification of sewage spills. I applaud Mr. Bishop's work to raise the public's awareness of sewage spills and for his tenacity in bringing together relevant stakeholders on this issue to work through potential differences and produce the fine product under consideration today. I also applaud the work of our colleague, Mr. LoBiondo, for his efforts in supporting and advocating for H.R. 2452. Public notification of sewage overflows is an important topic that has not received the attention it rightly deserves. During committee hearings on this legislation last summer, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment received testimony on the overwhelming extent of the problem of sewage overflows. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's own numbers, the frequency and volume of annual sewage overflows is staggering. For combined sewage systems, EPA estimates that 850 billion gallons of raw or partially treated sewage is discharged annually into local waters. For separate sanitary sewer systems, EPA estimates that 23- to 75,000 of these sanitary sewage system overflows occur each year in the United States, discharging a total volume of between 3 and 10 billion gallons annually. Worse still is the fact that these sewage overflows can be laden with potentially harmful chemicals, pathogens, viruses, and bacteria and often wind up in local rivers and streams, city streets, parks, or, in unfortunate cases, directly into people's homes. These statistics further emphasize the importance of investment in our Nation's water-related infrastructure. For too long our communities and citizens have been waiting for us to renew our commitment to meeting the water-related infrastructure needs of this country. While the House of Representatives strongly approved legislation to reinvest and rebuild and replace our failing and outdated waste-water treatment infrastructure and sewers, we have faced continued opposition from this administration investing in our Nation's infrastructure. I remain hopeful that we will be able to send legislation to the President this year that will meet the water-related needs that we all know exist and are necessary to ensure the economic and environmental health of our Nation. However, in the interim, we need to make sure that the public is aware of sewage levels to give the individuals the opportunity to stay out of harm's way. It makes no sense for sewage agencies to know where and when overflows are occurring but to avoid making this information readily available to the public. This type of practice defies common sense. Equally troublesome are agencies that lack sufficient monitoring technologies or programs to alert them to the presence of sewage overflows. The legislation under consideration here today is an essential step in protecting the public's health and environment from the dangers of sewage overflows. H.R. 2452, the Sewage Community Right-to-Know Act, is a commonsense approach to enhance the monitoring and notification of sewage overflows to protect human health and the environment. It is also an approach that can be achieved without significant burden to States and local governments. Monitoring and providing public notification on sewage overflows provides the greatest opportunity to avoid direct contact and potentially harmful pollutants as well. Facilities' rapid responses to overflows in order to minimize the potential harm to the environment, this legislation amends the Clean Water Act to ensure that all publicly owned treatment works incorporate enhanced monitoring notification and reporting requirements into the existing permits for those systems under their operational control. Under this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is given 1 year to issue regulations to define the parameters for monitoring and notification to be carried out by the publicly owned treatment works. Following completion of this rulemaking, all publicly owned treatment works are required within a defined time period to incorporate the monitoring and notification criteria from the rulemaking into the existing clean water permits. However, to help minimize potential paperwork concerns, this legislation allows owners and operators to incorporate the enhanced monitoring provisions in their existing permits as such permits come up for periodic renewal modification. To enhance the availability of public information on sewer overflows, H.R. 2452 requires the enhanced notification requirements to take effect 30 days after completion of the rulemaking. The legislation under consideration today is slightly modified from the version that was reported favorably from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on May 15 to address a few technical and transitional concerns that were unresolved before the committee markup. In addition, the bill under consideration today provides a mechanism for States with active notification programs to petition EPA for the ability to carry out the existing notification programs provided that these programs are determined to be functionally equivalent to the national standard for State notification programs called for in this legislation. I commend the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mr. Boozman, and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Mica, and my Chair, Mr. Oberstar, for working in a bipartisan fashion to resolve all the outstanding issues related to this important legislation. Let me conclude by thanking the following organizations for their efforts in reaching the compromised language that is under consideration today: The American Rivers, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies. The hard work and willingness of each of these organizations made it possible to reach this agreement and to bring forward this important bipartisan legislation. Madam Speaker, I submit the following for the Record. June 23, 2008. Hon. James L. Oberstar, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Hon. John Mica, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Hon. Tim Bishop, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Hon. Frank LoBiondo, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, and Representatives Bishop and LoBiondo: On behalf of our members and supporters across the nation, thank you for reporting H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act. Our organizations strongly support this legislation and applaud your efforts to suspend the rules and pass the bill. By requiring public notification, H.R. 2452 could protect millions of Americans from exposure to untreated sewage spills that could make them sick. This first line of defense is critical as hundreds of billions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage are dumped into our streams, rivers and lakes every year. Many American are unaware when a sewage spill occurs in the local waterways where their families swim and play. The bacteria, viruses and parasites found in untreated sewage can cause severe symptoms including gastrointestinal problems, infection and fever, as well as heart, liver or kidney failure, arthritis and even cancer. By requiring the public to be notified when sewage spills threaten their health, we can help Americans protect their families by avoiding contaminated areas until the threat has passed. Thank you again for your hard work on this important legislation. We look forward to working with you to see this bill enacted into law this Congress. Sincerely, Eli Weissman, Director of Government Affairs, American Rivers; Christy Leavitt, Clean Water Advocate, Environment America; Tiernan Sittenfeld, Legislative Director, League of Conservation Voters; Nancy Stoner, Director, Clean Water Project, Natural Resources Defense Council; David Jenkins, Government Affairs Director, Republicans for Environmental Protection; Angela Howe, Legal Manager, Surfrider Foundation. Paul Schwartz, National Policy Coordinator, Clean Water Action; Shawnee Hoover, Legislative Director, Friends of the Earth; Corry Westbrook, Legislative Director, National Wildlife Federation; Will Callaway, Legislative Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility; Debbie Sease, National Campaigns Director, Sierra Club.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 2452.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2452) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that sewage treatment plants monitor for and report discharges of raw sewage, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I ask for support of this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Michigan. I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1293, a bill commemorating the lives of three civil rights activists who were murdered outside Philadelphia, Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan in June of 1964. In 1964, Mississippi had the lowest percentage of registered African American voters in the country. Rampant fear and intimidation, along with literacy tests and poll taxes, had kept more than 90 percent of the African Americans in Mississippi from registering to vote. In June of 1964, thousands of young people volunteered to go to Mississippi in order to register African American voters and fight educational disparities. What would come to be known as ``Freedom Summer'' ignited backlash and violence against these volunteers and civil rights activists. Many homes and black churches were firebombed or burned down that summer, and more than 1,000 volunteers were arrested. Among these Freedom Summer volunteers were James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, who went to Mississippi to investigate the fire-bombing of the Mount Zion Methodist Church. On June 21, these three men were arrested and held for several hours on alleged traffic violations, but later that evening they were taken from the jail and turned over to the Ku Klux Klan, where they were beaten, shot and killed. These men gave their lives in the name of freedom and justice. The media coverage surrounding their deaths sparked outrage amongst Americans, millions of them all over the country. Their deaths and the activities of Freedom Summer helped set the stage for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I would like very much to thank Congressman Lewis for introducing this resolution, who himself has a closer experience than most of us in this body, and as a matter of fact paved the way for many of us to be here today. I thank you, Congressman Lewis, for the many sacrifices you have made. And it is an honor to serve alongside Congressman Lewis, who coordinated the Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee's efforts to organize voter registration drives and community action programs during Freedom Summer. I strongly support this resolution to honor the sacrifices of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, and all of the volunteers of the Mississippi Freedom Summer who helped to pave the way of voting rights for all Americans.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back and ask for support for this measure.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6040, introduced by the ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. Mica, and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources Environment, Mr. Boozman, makes a technical change to title IX of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Title IX of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 establishes the framework for the creation of the National Levee Safety Program to enhance the safety of levees and those living in levee-protected areas. In the 3 years since hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Nation has refocused its attention to the safety and reliability of flood-control structures and how lives and livelihoods can be affected by their failure. It is especially evident that to our colleagues from the States of Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, who have been experiencing the challenges of flooding from the Mississippi River and its tributary system over the past few weeks. The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has held numerous hearings on the condition of the Nation's levees and other flood-control structures. Throughout these hearings, one consistent theme was readily apparent, the condition of the Nation's flood control infrastructure is, at best, unknown, and in a few notable instances, is in desperate need for repair and upgrading. The subcommittee received testimony from noted experts in flood control infrastructure that of the thousands of miles of Federal, State, local, and privately owned levees, in this country little is known about the current condition, including whether levees were designed to meet current conditions or whether they have been properly maintained by the non-Federal interests. Although rare, failure of flood control structures, such as levees, does occur, and has become more frequent in recent years, and actually, in the last recent weeks. Levees are typically built in a certain location and to a specified height to provide a certain level of protection. However, the level of protection provided by a levee may change with time, due to natural or manmade changes. Natural changes may include land subsidence, sedimentation, vegetative growth in the floodway, or the potential implications of climate change. Land use changes in an area such as upstream development, and the loss of natural upstream storage capacity, can induce hydrologic changes, including faster runoff that will reduce the level of protection provided by a levee. Given the important flood damage reduction and development opportunities provided by levees, it is important for the Nation to understand the true nature and condition of our flood control infrastructure, as well as to develop a comprehensive national policy to address issues related to the construction, operation and maintenance of projects and other management techniques for flood damage reduction. In that light, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure included language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 for the creation of a national Committee on Levee Safety. The committee would be chaired by the Corps of Engineers and would include experts from around the Nation, working towards a short-term recommendation to Congress for the creation of an effective and efficient National Levee Safety Program. The House and Senate conferees on the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 agreed on the importance of soliciting the recommendations of the Nation's leading experts in levee safety to aid in the drafting of a future National Levee Safety Program. Whatever recommendations are made by the Committee on Levee Safety, these recommendations will be referred back to the Congress for enactment in future legislation. It is my understanding that the Corps has been working towards the creation of the committee, including the identification of a broad array of experts in levee safety. Unfortunately, the Corps believes it has hit a roadblock due to the specific wording of the authorization language that has prevented the Corps from utilizing available funding to pay for the travel expenses of the committee members. H.R. 6040 is a simple modification to the existing authorization language to ensure that the Corps can utilize already identified funding to pay these expenses so that the Committee on Levee Safety can formally be assembled and begin its important work. I applaud my colleagues on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Ranking Member Mica, and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for volunteering to move this legislation through the House. It is my hope that the other body can, also, quickly move this legislation to the President's desk so that the Levee Safety Committee can begin its important work and complete it later this summer. I urge adoption of this legislation. Madam Speaker, I submit the following for the Record. American Society of Civil Engineers, Washington, DC, June 23, 2008. Hon. James Oberstar, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. John Mica, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman and Congressman Mica: I am writing on behalf of the more than 140,000 members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to support passage of H.R. 6040, a bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 to clarify the authority of the Secretary of the Army to provide reimbursement for travel expenses incurred by members of the Committee on Levee Safety. As you recall, ASCE was a strong supporter of legislation to enact a national levee safety program in WRDA 2007. We believe that it is essential to clarify that the members of the Committee on Levee Safety be eligible to receive reimbursement for their travel incurred as a result of their volunteering to work on the Committee. The outcome of the Committee's study undoubtedly will have an important bearing on future legislative efforts to improve the safety of the nation's levee systems. Sincerely yours, David G. Mongan, President. I reserve the balance of my time.