Eddie Johnson

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr., who transitioned on February 24, 2021. It is with sorrow that I mourn his passing, but with great joy that I remember his rich legacy. Dr. Hunter was born in Lindale, Texas on July 12, 1940 to Oliver and Malissa Hunter, the fourth of six children. He excelled in school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas College and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Tuskegee Institute in 1963. Thereafter, he continued his education at the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry, where he earned his doctorate degree in dental surgery as only the second African American to earn a degree from this institution. Dr. Hunter launched his dental practice in Dallas, dedicating his career to consistently focusing on the health and healing of his patients. Throughout his robust career, he served as the President and Chairman of the Board of the Gulf State Dental Association for three terms. Other noteworthy leadership roles included President and Chairman of the M.C. Cooper Dental Society, and affiliation with the Dallas County Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Along with his impressive career, Dr. Hunter was consistently engaged with his community, serving on the founding Board of Directors of the Sunbelt National Bank. Furthermore, he was President, Ball Chair, and Chaplain of the Cotillion Idlewild Club; a loyal donor to the YMCA Mooreland Branch; and a regular volunteer at several Dallas area schools. He remained closely affiliated with is alma mater, Texas College, serving on the Trustee Board of Directors and regularly attending a host of Texas College events. Known for his approachable and kind demeanor, Dr. Hunter was a loving husband of 58 years, dedicated father of two, and respected community member. Beyond his passion for his career and community, he will be remembered for encouraging the young people in his life to dedicate themselves to their studies as they pay it forward. Dr. Hunter is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dr. Oliver Hunter, Jr, and sisters, Ruth Byrdsong, Faye Stull, and Rosalind McClellan. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Staphalene; daughter, Constance Hunter Wilson; son, Dr. Irby Hunter, Jr.; sister, Nancy Curtis; grandchildren Cecily, Clarke, Camille, Chad, Peyton, Irby III, and Thomas; a host nieces and nephews; and the dedicated medical team at the East Illinois Clinic in Dallas. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in expressing my condolences to the loved ones of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr. His loss will be felt by many, including myself. But I find hope in knowing that his legacy will live on for years to come.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the National Gun Violence Research Act. As Chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to elevating the voice of science in the consequential deliberations taking place in this body. In our efforts to develop fair, effective, and sustainable policy solutions to the challenges facing the American people, we must ensure we are drawing from a strong base of evidence. My fellow Committee Members and I are dedicated to ensuring that the U.S. scientific enterprise is equipped with the resources it needs to derive that evidence. As the COVID-19 crisis has clearly demonstrated, there are enormous benefits to having a thriving research ecosystem in place that is poised to respond when called upon. Gun violence is a threat to our national welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report reviewing the latest gun mortality data last month entitled A Public Health Crisis Decades in the Making. And the numbers are stark. For the past three years in a row, nearly 40,000 people were killed by guns in the United States. The vast majority of these deaths, 86 percent, were males. Tragically, one in ten were children and teens. Put another way, guns were the leading cause of deaths for Americans age 1 to 24. After years of slow, but steady decline, gun homicides are on the rise, accounting for one third of gun deaths in 2019. Black men are more than 20 times as likely as White men to be victims of firearm homicide. The majority of firearm deaths are suicides. The rate of suicide fatalities has steadily increased over the past decade, with white men more than twice as likely to die by firearm suicide than non-white men. And the stressors associated with the COVID-19 crisis have not helped. Early research suggests that the rate of gun violence has risen dramatically during the pandemic, with factors such as increased unemployment, increased alcohol consumption, and increased firearm purchases potentially playing a role. The fact is that gun violence is rampant in our society and lives will continue to be lost unless we act decisively to stem this tide. I commend my colleagues in the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for their leadership in advancing the policy discussions surrounding this issue. I was thrilled to see the appropriations committees approve $25 million for the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support gun violence research, finally putting an end to the de facto ban on federal funding for this important area of study. We are heading in the right direction, but there is much more to be done. We must take a bold, comprehensive approach to grow the field of gun violence research. We need to attract more students to careers in gun violence research and support interdisciplinary collaboration to connect experts in public health with those in criminology and the social and behavioral sciences. We need to support the translation of research into effective policy interventions. We need better coordination among key agencies like the CDC, NIH, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Justice. The National Gun Violence Research Act takes a whole-of-government approach to addressing the paucity of federal funding for research on gun violence by directing the President to establish a six-year National Gun Violence Research Program. To carry out the program, funding is authorized for the National Science Foundation ($15 M), the National Institute of Standards and Technology ($1 M), the Department of Health and Human Services ($25 M), and the Department of Justice ($3 M) to conduct or support gun violence research. In addition to awarding individual research grants, the National Science Foundation is directed to establish a much-needed national center for violence research to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration and train the next generation of gun violence researchers. Research enabled by this legislation will improve our understanding of gun violence so we can advance effective solutions and save lives.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to affirm my support as an original cosponsor for H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. This is not a new issue. But one that we continue to revisit over. And over. And over. Madam Speaker, how many times will my Republican colleagues affirm that Black Lives Matter as the blood of Black Lives cry out from American cities and streets? Despite what my Republican colleagues are purporting, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will not defund the police. But what it will do is bring us one step closer to justice by: banning chokeholds; prohibiting no-knock warrants; ending the qualified immunity doctrine that is a barrier to holding police officers accountable for wrongful conduct; Combatting racial profiling; Mandating there be data collection of these incidences for tracking, including body cameras and dashboard cameras; and; establishing new standards for policing. George Floyd's death should not be in vain. And as a mother of a black son. Grandmother to three black grandsons, I do not want to have to worry about their safety when they encounter the police who are sworn to protect and serve. Not be the judge, jury, and onsite executioner. Black lives matter, Madam Speaker, and it is past time that the laws of our nation reflect it. That is why I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. It goes without saying that I strongly encourage its immediate consideration and passage in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to affirm my support for H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. Last summer, in the wake of George Floyd's horrific murder, people in communities sweeping the nation and the world took to the streets to express anger born of despair. His death was not an isolated incident-- but another in a long, tragic pattern of injustices committed against the Black community at the hands of law enforcement. And each incident, however severe, serves as a sobering reminder of the systemic racism still woven into the fabric of our institutions. For many, the death of George Floyd is merely an eye-opening introduction to the harsh, unequal application of justice unfairly meted on the Black community. But for us, this is nothing new. Many decades ago, I remember having the conversation with my parents about how to act during a police encounter. Fast forward to a newer generation, I was forced to have that same conversation with my son-- but it does not stop there. As my son raised his three sons, he too had to repeat this morbid discussion with my grandsons. For far too long, for too many generations, we have tolerated and suffered the consequences of racism in our way of life. But at this moment, in the wake of so much pain and grief, Congress has a moral responsibility to meet the calls for bold and transformative change. As such to support federal policies to address this ongoing issue, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This proposed legislation would: ban the use of no-knock warrants and deadly chokeholds; limit the transfer of military-grade equipment to police departments; and, most importantly, put into place several reforms to make it easier to hold police officers accountable for misconduct. If enacted, the Justice in Policing Act will be a critical first--but necessary first--step on the path towards racial reconciliation. It is important to note that this legislation alone cannot right the wrongs of the past, nor will it guarantee the total prevention of injustices in the future. Rather, we must empower our communities to reimagine public safety in an equitable manner. This means reinvesting--not defunding--police department resources to prioritize community-based safety efforts. Further, I am pleased that the Justice in Policing Act supports this proposal by providing public safety innovation grants for localities to reassess current practices. To those who called, wrote, and visited my offices to relay your support for this bill, know that my vote today lends action to your voices. You have inspired me with your dedicated and tireless advocacy for justice, and it is because of you that I am optimistic for the success of our individual and collective cause. Black lives matter, Madam Speaker, and it is past time that the laws of our nation reflect it. That is why I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. It goes sans saying that I strongly encourage its immediate consideration and passage in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and in strong support of this rule. Madam Speaker, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores a year ago, researchers across the Nation and across many fields of science and engineering jumped into action. The Nation's STEM talent redirected brainpower and resources to combatting the pandemic. And thanks in large part to these efforts, we now have some positive news about our fight against COVID. However, important scientific work remains to be done in this effort. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's provisions included in this package direct funding through the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for vital research related to prevention, response, and recovery from COVID-19. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues across the House for their work on this important rescue package, and I urge its adoption.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as dean of the Texas Congressional delegation, I rise to express my condolences on the passing of Congressman Ron Wright of Arlington. In his death, Congress has lost a statesman, Texas has lost a dedicated Representative, and I have lost a dear friend. Congressman Wright was an energetic and bright presence in our delegation. He had a passion for public service, and was willing to work with anyone, regardless of party or politics, to get things done. He leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Texans to commit themselves to public service. Though his presence will certainly be missed, we will find comfort in knowing that his memory will always be with us. Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), my colleague and ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask that we all rise for a moment of silence.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements in the life of Billie Holiday--a gifted vocalist, a dedicated activist, and a cultural icon. Billie Holiday's story is one of perseverance and resiliency. Born into modest means and harsh circumstances, she suffered through a dark and difficult childhood in the face of poverty, parental absence, and trauma. But it was music--specifically, that of Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith--that reignited her dimming spark. Through song, she found the uncanny ability to express her pain through her true voice. And what a voice it was. Amid heightened racial tensions in the 1930s, Billie Holiday introduced a new genre of protest--melody. In her hit rendition of ``Strange Fruit,'' she posed an unapologetic and uncensored challenge to the injustice of lynching of black Americans at one of the darkest moments of history in our nation. Burdened by the weight of the song's message and facing public backlash, she continued to perform and record it to reach a greater audience. Despite the vitriolic backlash, Strange Fruit quickly became the unofficial anthem of the anti-lynching movement and was an early mantra towards the success of the larger civil rights movement. Madam Speaker, until her passing at only 44 years old, Billie Holiday had already established a legacy that would survive for generations to come. As she fortuitously predicted, her lyrics remain a main stay in modern pop culture. May we be confident in her everlasting influence, because ``life dies but forever there will be music.''

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, this evening, on the occasion of this special order hour, I rise to commemorate the Congressional Black Caucus and its rich history of representation of Black voices across the nation. Today's Black Caucus is the materialization of the vision that our founding members had 50 years ago. Now nearly 60 members strong, our caucus has fought to empower the Black community so that they too may achieve the American Dream. And our success in doing so, as well as upholding the fundamentals of democracy, is unparalleled in this body's history. Now, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we face one of our toughest challenges yet. While it is true that the pandemic has affected all of us in some way, it has especially highlighted and exacerbated the inequalities that the Black community still faces in our society. We have been forced to battle the pandemic on two fronts-- health-wise and economically. Studies show that the comorbidities most closely associated with COVID-19 complications are diabetes and hypertension, which disproportionately affect the Black community. The prevalence of these diseases is systemic in nature--a result of decades of a lack of access to quality, accessible, and culturally competent medical care. I have also met with Black business owners in North Texas, who credited preexisting funding gaps and feeble relationships with lenders for their hardships during the pandemic. Disadvantaged at the onset, these businesses became increasingly unable to meet market needs, and reports now say that the pandemic has wiped out nearly half of Black small businesses in our country. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Caucus has played a critical role in the drafting and enacting of legislation to support Black Americans-- including President Biden's newest package. Billed as the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion relief package consists of several provisions advocated for by the Black Caucus. Among them include $400 billion for vaccine distribution with a focus on minority communities, $15 billion for equitably distributed grants to minority-owned small businesses, and investment in infrastructure projects to create more jobs for unemployed minorities. Madam Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus will certainly play a prominent Congress for generations to come. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the caucus to advance better, more equitable policies for all.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, to recognize and congratulate Mr. Samuel Moon on his impressive tenure as President of the Sam Moon Group. Mr. Samuel Moon's keen business acumen has played a critical role in the development of the Texas retail sector over the last few decades. Mr. Samuel Moon followed in the footsteps of his father and joined their family franchise, the Sam Moon Group, in 1984. Under his leadership and creative direction, the Sam Moon Group flourished in the state of Texas, expanding its horizons beyond the retail line. Now, as President of the company, Mr. Samuel Moon's duties are diverse. They include the management of the real estate and retail development, overseeing the design and development of new hotels and shopping centers, and the operations of the Sam Moon Trading Co. stores, among others. Mr. Samuel Moon is a graduate of North Texas University and currently resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Sandra. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor Mr. Samuel Moon today, and I wish him good fortune and happiness in the New Year.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition for and in support of the Texas Nurses Association during their 2021 Nurse Day at the Texas State Capitol. Nurses from across my home state will gather virtually to make their voices heard. It is critical that the concerns of our front-line essential workers are heard by policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels. The timing could not be more apropos as our nation is still faced with fighting the COVID-19 public health global crisis. As the first Registered Nurse elected to the Congress, I am grateful that nurses across Texas are convening today to support of one another. They will learn about the health landscape in Texas, meet with legislators, and discuss ways that they can positively influence policy. It is essential that nurses are supported by our policies and programs, and I look forward to continuing my work in the House of Representatives to bring light to the needs of our medical professionals in Texas and across the nation. Prior to my time as a federal legislator, I had first-hand knowledge of the hard work, sacrifices, and expertise that nurses bring to their work. Therefore, during these particularly challenging times, we must provide nurses with the adequate resources to meet the dangerous demands of the nursing profession. My commitment to recognizing their selfless contributions to the medical field will always remain at the forefront of my work in the Congress. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of Texas nurses during the Texas Nurses Association 2021 Nurses Day at the state Capitol. I invite House colleagues to join me in honoring the sacrifices and tireless work of nurses in Texas and across these United States.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, to recognize and congratulate Mr. David D. Moon for his success as the Chairman and Founder of the Sam Moon Group. Mr. David Moon's impressive career in the retail sector has made an immeasurable contribution to the Texas economy. Mr. David Moon's career began after his relocation from South Korea to the United States as a salesman for a wig manufacturing firm in 1971. A little more than ten years later, he followed through on his vision of building a family business rooted in integrity and diligence and established Sam Moon Trading, Inc. As the success of this business grew, he continued to open new Sam Moon Trading Company locations, which now span the state of Texas. Marked by their savvy ability to offer desirable women's fashion at low costs, Sam Moon Trading Company quickly became a household name. The Sam Moon Trading Company has now expanded into the Sam Moon Group, an enterprise of real estate development, dining, retail, and entertainment. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. David Moon has served on the Board of Trustees for Dallas Baptist University and received numerous accolades including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Dallas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce; a Citizen's Medal of Merit from the Government of the Republic of Korea; and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Dallas Baptist University. Mr. David Moon has a degree from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and currently resides in Las Colinas, Texas with his wife In Sun Moon. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the achievements of Mr. David Moon, and wish him good fortune and happiness in the New Year.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when the COVID-19 crisis hit, the National Science Foundation rose to meet the challenge. The agency has already invested $200 million in research to understand the coronavirus, understand and model how the virus spreads, and enable approaches that lessen the harm of COVID-19 to public health, society, and the economy. The additional funding provided for in this budget resolution will enable our Nation's best and brightest researchers to continue to help us through this crisis and will contribute to better preparedness for the next one. Similarly, the National Institute of Standards and Technology reacted quickly as the pandemic unfolded, asking Manufacturing USA institutes to submit their best proposals for rapid, high-impact projects to help with the crisis. Several institutes had already redirected their efforts, but more funding was needed. Congress provided $10 billion in the Cares Act. The additional funding provided for in this resolution will support important manufacturing innovations across a range of needs, including therapeutics, accelerating production of critical supplies, and ensuring supply chains for the pandemic response. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which I chair, held numerous hearings, briefings, and roundtables last year to discuss the role of the National Science Foundation, NIST, and other science agencies in helping the Nation through this pandemic. $750 million represents just a fraction of what is needed, including to recover all the science and, more importantly, the talent that is hemorrhaging from the STEM pipeline as a result of this crisis. I will continue to push for such funding as part of the stimulus discussions. Finally, while I do support the entire package, I want to lend my voice in particular to the support of vaccinations and immunizations, another topic my committee has spent considerable time on. We will not begin to move beyond this crisis until we have widespread immunization and vaccination.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 335, a bill to provide Ret. General Lloyd Austin an exception to a limitation against appointments of persons as United States Secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. It is incumbent upon Congress to consider a waiver for such persons who are deemed not far enough removed from active duty to head the Department of Defense. Previous exemptions through a waiver have only been granted twice in our nation's history, most recently in 2017. However, my colleagues and I in the Congressional Black Caucus find it altogether fitting and proper that Ret. General Lloyd Austin is the recipient of the third. Ret. General Austin is an experienced leader, a brilliant strategist, and a decorated hero. He has seen war from the frontlines as a soldier, and from afar as a commander. He is not one that seeks the spotlight or controversy, but one who quietly, but confidently gets the job done-- earning him the nickname of ``invisible general.'' Mr. Speaker, as the first African American to hold the title of Secretary of Defense, I am confident that Ret. General Austin would carry out the mission of the Department of Defense with the utmost sense of professionalism and civility. That is why I am proud to support his waiver today and look forward to his swift confirmation in the Senate.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to be joined by Ranking Member Lucas in introducing the STEM Opportunities Act. The need for full engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by women and other underrepresented groups goes beyond enabling individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming a scientist. As the global competition in science and technology continues to intensify, the lack of diversity in the U.S. STEM workforce creates a significant drag on our own capacity to innovate. Our future prosperity depends on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent that will be necessary to keep pace with our competitors and deliver benefits to all Americans. Study after study has shown that the underrepresentation of women, and racial and ethnic minorities is not attributable to a lack of interest or talent. Institutional and cultural barriers, including discrimination, harassment, unconscious bias in hiring and promotion, limited access to the internet, poor mentoring, and limited support networks serve to disadvantage, marginalize, and push talented individuals at all education and career levels to abandon their interest in pursuing STEM careers. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated these challenges. The goal of the STEM Opportunities Act is to develop and implement evidence-based policies to promote the advancement of women, minorities, and other groups underrepresented in STEM studies and research careers. This bill is focused on identifying and lowering barriers for those who have already chosen a STEM path. First, so that we better understand the nature and scope of the challenges, the STEM Opportunities Act requires more comprehensive demographic data collection on the recipients of federal research awards and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities. These data would be available to researchers to study the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM so that policy makers can design more effective policies and practices to reduce barriers. Next, this bill requires the development of consistent federal policies, such as no-cost award extensions, for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child and care for a sick family member. The bill also requires consistent federal guidance to grant reviewers and program officers on best practices to minimize the effects of implicit bias in the review of federal research grants. It requires OSTP to develop guidance for universities and Federal laboratories to aid them in identifying any cultural and institutional barriers limiting the recruitment, retention, and achievement of women, minorities, rural students, and other underrepresented groups in academic and government STEM research careers and in developing and implementing current best practices for reducing such barriers. Finally, the legislation authorizes NSF to award grants to universities to implement or expand research-based practices targeted specifically at increasing the recruitment and retention of minority students and faculty. The STEM Opportunities Act has been a priority of mine for well over a decade. Every Congress since 2007 I have worked to raise awareness among my colleagues about the urgent challenges this bill addresses. While we were successful in passing this bill out of the House last year, we have yet to garner the necessary support to advance this bill in the Senate. I am hopeful that this year will be different. I am honored to be joined by my good friend, Ranking Member Lucas, again in this effort and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the President's desk. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas for his continued partnership in advancing thoughtful solutions to the challenges we face in maintaining our standing as the global leader in science and innovation. The STEM workforce is the bedrock of this effort and, in the wake of the COVID- 19 crisis, the need to act is more urgent than ever. I encourage the rest of our colleagues to join us and to help us move this bill forward into law.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am joined by Ranking Member Lucas in introducing the Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act. As access to COVID-19 vaccines continues to grow, so too does our optimism for emerging from this long national crisis. I look forward to the day when this virus is under control and we can begin the process of recovery. While the full scope of the damage is not yet known, there can be no doubt that this virus has touched every segment of our society. As Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am deeply concerned about the severe and long-lasting impacts of this pandemic on our nation's research enterprise. In order to slow the spread of the virus, universities across the country were forced to cancel in person classes and shut down campus operations as they slowly transitioned to remote learning and hybrid approaches. I commend universities for their dedication to doing their part to slow the spread of the virus and for their commitment to ensuring the safety of their students, faculty, and staff. Universities also stepped up to donate personal protective equipment, reconfigure laboratory space and equipment for COVID-19 research and provide for testing and contact tracing. These actions, while likely life-saving, came at a cost. The full extent of the financial loss incurred by universities is unknowable at this point. In order to stave off catastrophe, many universities instituted hiring freezes and cancelled new faculty hires. I am deeply worried about the disappearance of STEM job opportunities and the potential long-term consequences for our STEM pipeline and consequently our innovation ecosystem. For established researchers, the COVID-19 crisis has severely limited their access to their laboratory space. But for early career researchers, these disruptions came at a critical juncture in their research career, threatening to derail their career path. Even in normal times, postdoctoral research positions provide little job security, with most postdocs employed on two-year contracts. With the academic job market severely contracted, postdocs find themselves in a truly precarious position. Many of them may be forced to abandon their career path altogether in order to support themselves and their families. I am thrilled that, after months of deliberations, a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package has been enacted. While this package includes funding for universities, it falls far short of meeting the need. We must act now to avoid losing an entire generation of talented scientists and engineers from our research pipeline. These are they very people whom we will need to overcome the next health crisis, to protect our population against the consequences of catastrophic climate change, and to ensure we remain a global leader in science and technology--leadership that is essential to our economic and national security. The Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act establishes a $250 million postdoctoral fellowship pilot program at the National Science Foundation. This program would provide authorization for a much-needed bridge to help early career researchers weather this storm and prevent a permanent loss of STEM talent our nation can ill afford. I look forward to moving this bill quickly.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I acknowledge the passing of Charley Frank Pride, but with great joy that I recall his storied career as an artist, gifted musician and professional baseball player, and with even greater joy that I recall our significant friendship. Charley Frank Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi, on March 18, 1938. Charley's parents were both sharecroppers and cotton pickers. Since he was young and couldn't decide for himself what he could or couldn't do, he was forced to pick cotton as a child. However, he grew up listening to country music. He walked around the house singing songs of Hank Williams and Roy Acuff. At the age of six, he found himself listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the country music radio station. At one time, Charley was given the nickname ``Mocking Bird'' by a neighbor who says Charley's daily chores were to sing each morning and to play baseball. When Charley Pride was fourteen, he bought his first guitar from Sears and Roebuck and taught himself how to play by listening to different songs on the radio. Charley didn't want to follow his father's footsteps. His plan was to become famous in baseball, but his dream was to be a country singer. At the age of seventeen, he began to seek his fortune. In 1958, he played baseball in the American Negro League for the Birmingham Black Barons. But his baseball career didn't last long. Charley stated ``I'm not a black man singing white man music, I am an American singing American music. I worked out those problem years ago, and everybody else will have to work their way out of it too.'' That was the end of Charley Pride's baseball career. Later Charley had an audition for Jack Clement, a song writer and record producer. After the audition, Charley proved to Chet Atkins and the manager for the Mets that he wasn't trying to fit in with the whites, he was just a business man singing American music. Chet Atkins, vice-president of RCA recording in Nashville, realized that Charley Pride's country singing was a talent. This led Pride to a RCA recording contract. Two of his best and popular records are Snakes Crawl at Night, and Just Between You and Me, which earned a Grammy in 1968. Pride's first number one hit on the singles chart was (``All I Have to Offer You Is Me'' in 1964. ``Kiss an Angel Good Morning'' was a million-selling crossover single recorded in 1971. Charley Pride has more than 36 number one country singles. He has produced more than 35 albums. On May 1, 1993, Pride joined the Grand Ole Opry. In 1994, the Academy Of Country Music presented him with its prestigious Pioneer Award. In 1994 his autobiography Pride: The Charley Pride Story was published by William Morrow. In 1996, he received a Trumpet Award by Turner Broadcasting, marking outstanding African-American Achievement. His song ``Roll On Mississippi'' was considered as the official song of his home state, a stretch of Mississippi highway was named for him, and he performed a special Christmas performance for President and Mrs. Clinton at the White House. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2008 Charley Pride's talent earned him the state of Mississippi's top arts award for Lifetime Achievement in the 2008 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, December 12, 2020 Texas and this Nation has lost the presence of one of its most humble and talented individuals on many fronts in American life. Charley's loss will be deeply felt among many, but his work will not. His caring nature, his artistic work and for me more importantly, his friendship will live forever.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support House passage of S. 1694, the ``One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act.'' I want to thank Senator Peters and Senator Cruz for initiating this legislation in the Senate. I also want to extend my appreciation to House Science Committee Ranking Member Lucas, and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairwoman Horn and Ranking Member Babin for joining me in cosponsoring the House companion bill. We all share the goal of protecting human heritage in space, and it is fitting that we are working together to seek passage of the ``One Small Step'' legislation. More than 50 years ago, the world watched in awe as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the lunar surface and became the first humans to set foot on another planetary body. Prior to their successful landing, NASA implemented a series of tests, including robotic landings and human in-space test programs in preparation for the Apollo human landings. The culmination of those precursor efforts resulted in the safe and successful Apollo 11 lunar landing, a moment that changed the course of humanity. Apollo human landing missions explored a total of 6 sites on the Moon, leaving indicators of human presence, including rover tracks, footprints, and scientific experiments and spacecraft hardware, among other lunar landing site artifacts. Those artifacts that remain imprinted in the lunar dust and on the surface of the Moon are cultural, historic, scientific, and archeological artifacts. The bill we are considering today, the ``One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act,'' directs the NASA Administrator to take important actions toward preserving those artifacts. The United States led the way in lunar exploration with humans and we must also lead the way in setting examples and guiding responsible behaviors in outer space, including behaviors related to our lunar landing site artifacts. Congress and the American taxpayers made possible the United States' historic and momentous Apollo lunar landings by authorizing the program and investing four percent of the nation's federal spending at the time to successfully carry it out. It is incumbent upon the House of Representatives to honor these historic lunar artifacts and to honor America's investment and commitment to making the Apollo program a success. The direction in the One Small Step bill will put into law our commitment toward preserving America's human heritage in space. Apollo remains an inspiration; it brought the world together during a period of unique challenges and resulted in long-lasting benefits to Americans. As we plan and prepare to send Americans into deep space once again, and as other nations and actors become increasingly capable of lunar activity, honoring and preserving Apollo's historic and cultural significance must be prioritized. In doing so, we celebrate American ingenuity and the awe-inspiring, humanity-changing achievements of which we are capable. In closing, I want to also extend my support of S. 2472, the ``Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act'' to honor an American hero in our space program. I urge my colleagues to support passage of both S. 1694, the ``One Small Step Act'' and S. 2472, ``the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act.''

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Founded and chartered in 1970 as the first of its kind, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has since served as America's chief Black think tank inside the beltway. Though diverse in their research and advocacy, the Joint Center has remained a consistent presence in the application and advancement of empirical-based policies supporting strategies to advance Black America. Madam Speaker, it is common that any resolution addressing the disproportionate impact of a policy on the Black community introduced in this chamber cites a study conducted by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Even I, along with countless Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) colleagues have referenced their reports when legislating and communicating with my constituents. The Joint Center plays a critical role in keeping our leaders properly informed and educated on the issues that Black Americans face daily. Just last year, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies was credited for several efforts to achieve diversity in the workforce. Among them include bringing increased awareness to congressional staff diversity, culminating with the establishment of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the U.S. House of Representatives; encouraging companies to consider the future of their work through a racial equity lens, resulting in companies like McKinsey & Company. Another example of the fruition of their work would be The Atlantic and the National Skills Coalition releasing, `The Future of Work' reports and hosting listening sessions. Over the last five decades, they have successfully convened leaders of major cities to discuss workforce modernization in Black communities. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' work is more relevant and necessary now than ever before. In the face of a crisis disproportionately affecting Black Americans' health outcomes and economic security encompassed by a global pandemic, we must push for a national agenda with viable solutions that address the systemic racism that prompted these inequities. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies for their successes over the years, let us also reaffirm our commitment as a body to working alongside them and others to advance noble ideas and policies that promote the Black community.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This legislation authorizes the funding for a national defense strategy that is built on Democratic principles and advances American values. As Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation, I would be remiss if I did not briefly take a moment to recognize and acknowledge Congressman Mac Thornberry--a longtime colleague of mine and the namesake for this bill--for his service to our country. I wish him and his family a fruitful retirement. This year's National Defense Authorization Act reflects the priorities of the American people. As an appointee on the NDAA conference committee, I was proud to fight for the inclusion of key bipartisan provisions like a pay raise for our servicemembers, expanded paid parental leave for civilian DOD employees, and new investments to combat climate change in the final version of the bill. The Congressional Black Caucus played a critical role in the shaping of this legislation. Among the several bold initiatives ushered through the House, Senate, and conference deliberations by the CBC is the establishment of a commission to rename military installations that honor Confederate officers. This proposal, paired with the required modification or removal of any symbols, monuments, and paraphernalia that commemorate the Confederacy, is a necessary step in achieving racial equity in the military. Mr. Speaker, despite the President's veto threat, I look forward to the passage and enactment of this legislation.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S 1811, the Water Resources Development Act. I would like to thank Chairman DeFazio and my fellow colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, along with my colleagues in the Senate, for their diligent work to produce this much needed water resources bill. Everyone is the U.S. is impacted by the need for clean water and I believe this bill takes a giant step forward to ensuring this becomes a reality for every American. Within my district, The City of Dallas is appreciative to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for their funding of the Dallas Flood way, Dallas Flood way Extension flood risk management projects and Lewisville Dam repairs and their continued efforts to complete these projects quickly. I look forward to continuing to hear good reports on the progress of these projects. I am pleased that the Corp is moving forward with these projects. Please allow me to note that it is helpful for the Corps to accept input from non-federal sponsors in the development of WRDA guidance. The Corps, working with local non-federal sponsors instead of developing guidance independently, will result in more resilient projects with multiple benefits. The role of resiliency in the construction, operation and maintenance of projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) must continue to be a priority. The Dallas area falls within the Southwestern Division of the Army Corps of Engineers. Flooding and flood control continue to be issues that are ever-present on the minds of residents along the Trinity River. I have held several meetings on flooding in the Dallas area to address this issue and hope to continue to work with the Corp to combat flooding in Dallas. Other parts of North Texas have also benefited from projects included in previous versions of WRDA legislation. The projects addressing pump stations and levy heights in Dallas, along with bridge projects in Ft. Worth would not be where they are today without the Corps and this legislation. Madam Speaker, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is growing at a quite rapid pace and this updated legislation will help to provide adequate water and wastewater infrastructure to meet the demands, given the rapid pace of growth and development in our area. Furthermore, the bill will help in addressing maintenance needs, replacing aging infrastructure, and help in accounting for human behavior in all aspects of our water system--from sewer overflows, to promoting water conservation through drought tolerant outdoor landscaping. Lastly, I want to thank the committee for working with me to include language in the bill regarding the embankment of Lake Waco, on which Lake Shore Drive is located, so that we may keep the public safe from danger. We were able to work with the Senate on language that was direct and clear. It is very encouraging to know that we can continue to work in a bipartisan way to work with the committee to ensure that Lakeshore Drive is not a safety hazard. Madam Speaker, the projects I just mentioned are a tiny piece of the multitude of projects the Army Corps of Engineers works on to help address the water needs of the United States and its residents. Every American is impacted by this legislation and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Passed by the House of Representatives on January 31, 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified and put into effect on December 6, 1865. Section 1 of the 13th Amendment states, ``Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.'' This amendment is what allows Black people the legal status to be free, unbound, and unchained here in our country. If this amendment were not in place, we would still be slaves and subject to the forced subjugation of others. Before the ratification of this amendment, Black people in the U.S. were enslaved and owned by other people. Now, we are owned by no one. This legacy in the U.S., this original sin, is recognized as an abomination to mankind. As I travel throughout the world, I am reminded of the greatness of our nation, but I am also intensely aware of the faults, shortcomings, and injustices that still plague us today. It is a sad reflection on our society that we are still fighting for complete and pure freedom in our country, to share in the fundamental rights guaranteed by our constitution to every person. It is without question that we love this country and for most people, know no other place to call home. We have struggled, fought, and even died along the path to freedom. Our very existence has been met with severe hardships. No one today can imagine the horrors that slaves were subjected to daily. However, there are those who, even today, say that slavery for Black people was a good thing and a blessing in disguise. This errant view is void of reality and ridiculous on its face. The evils of slavery are too many to comprehensively and adequately express. There are thousands of helpless people who were bound, shackled, whipped, quartered, hung, burned and endured unspeakable horrors whose stories will never be told. The lasting effects of slavery permeate many aspects of society today. Institutionalized racism, discrimination and prejudices are each lasting remnants of our history and are present with us even now. Our challenge is to continue to fight to wipe out these insidious vestiges of a time long passed and a gruesome period of every day American life. Our nation will be forever stained with the blood of slavery. Our nation will be forever blessed by the freedom and liberty that the ratification of the 13th Amendment brings. Let us continue the never ending fight for freedom as we move towards prosperity for everyone. While the 13th Amendment legally ended slavery in the United States, we know that for many it did not end in 1865. Thousands of Black people were either uninformed of their liberty or just outright denied their rights to be free. They were forced into continued servitude and grueling work to support the needs of their owners and masters. In Texas, word of freedom and liberation from the slave owners and masters of plantations and farms did not reach Black people until a whole two years later. Slavery in the United States was not just a way of life, but an oppressive institution that was designed to profit off of the free labor of Black folk. It was extremely prosperous. It is without question that our nation was built on the backs of Black people who continuously suffered the indignities, degradation and humiliation of being enslaved. We cannot afford to rest, sleep or be caught off guard. Even though the 13th Amendment is in place, it does not mean that it cannot be changed. All we truly have to do is look at the last administration and its constant attacks on the freedom of people in the U.S. and its attacks on our democratic institutions. Our freedom must be protected. Please allow me to briefly turn my attention to the relationship between the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, proposed after the Civil War, granted enslaved Black people freedom, citizenship, and the right to vote. The 15th Amendment declared that the right of U.S. citizens to vote could ``not be abridged or denied'' by any state'' on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.'' These rights are still being attacked by those who would deny all people of color freedom, citizenship and the fundamental right to vote. The third and final Amendment during the Reconstruction Era--was adopted to protect the freedoms outlined in the 13th and 14th Amendments. Make no mistake--Reconstruction for Black people was devastating and a gross erosion of rights that were supposed to be guaranteed. Mr. Speaker, our country is no longer divided between free states and slave states. We are now one. While we take this time to recognize and celebrate this critical benchmark in the history of our country, we must continue to fight to be the land of the free.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our communities of color across this nation. This virus has deeply impacted every segment of our society, but the harms that have befallen certain populations have been disproportionate and devastating. For our Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian, and immigrant families, COVID-19 has exacerbated longstanding inequities in our health care and economic systems, and our communities of color have been burdened with higher rates of comorbidities, more barriers in accessing medical care, and worse health outcomes due to this virus. This has been devastating to observe, as many of these same communities have also been dealing with significant economic turmoil in these recent months. Never has our society faced a challenge such as this. These are truly unprecedented times, and it merits our relentless efforts to lessen the damages of this pandemic, which is expected to worsen during this upcoming winter season. It is our responsibility as members of this chamber to prevent the imminent disparate harms of COVID-19 on communities of color. We must also address the systematic issues of structural racism in our society, which affects the health and economic wellbeing of our families. Everyday, our nation sees the need for further action to combat this public health crisis. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting additional federal assistance to fight this pandemic and protecting our communities of color.

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Mrs. Curtistene Smith McCowan, Mayor of DeSoto, Texas, who passed away on October 28, 2020. Mayor McCowan's experience in public service was commendable, and the extension of her influence cannot be measured by the positions she held--of which there were many. Among her laudable achievements included Mayor of DeSoto, DeSoto City Councilmember, President of the DeSoto Economic Development Cooperation Board of Directors, Founder and President of the Concerned DeSoto Citizens nonprofit, and Chair of the Trustee Board at the Kirkwood Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, just to name a few. Even in the 21st Century, Mrs. McCowan was the first African American elected to public office in DeSoto and the first woman to hold the office of mayor. In our countless meetings together, Mayor McCowan and I always left with a greater understanding and appreciation for one another's perspectives. We shared the same vision for the future of DeSoto where its citizens and institutions flourished under her fervent leadership. During her tenure, Mayor McCowan made significant strides towards access for quality education, fiscal accountability, and the economic development of the city, among several other initiatives. Mayor McCowan saw adversity as simply a bump in the road--a necessary hurdle on the way to success. She met her challenges, both personal and public, with a fierce, yet gentle tenacity. When announcing her cancer diagnosis during a city council meeting in early October 2020, she made it clear that her priority would remain the wellbeing of DeSoto and its residents during these trying times. ``I've always said that when we work together, there's nothing that we can't accomplish,'' she remarked during that meeting. It is in that spirit that we carry on her legacy, so that generations to come may feel the significant impact of her life. Mayor McCowan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Leon R. McCowan, two sons, and three grandchildren. Also among her progeny include the students of Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School and the many of us she inspired along the way. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Texas Congressional Delegation and this legislative body, I compassionately extend my sincere condolences to the McCowan family, friends and loved ones. We know that DeSoto is a better place because of the well-lived life of Mayor Curtistene Smith McCowan.