Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the many achievements and honor the countless unique contributions to the United States made by Asian Pacific Americans across our Nation. May 7, 1843 marked the first arrival of Japanese immigrants to the United States and May 10, 1869 signaled the completion of the transcontinental railroad which is greatly credited to the labor of the Chinese immigrants. Therefore, it is appropriate that during this month we recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Asian Pacific Americans. Today, there are over 14 million Asian Pacific Americans living in the United States, representing 5 percent of the population. The rich history associated with the Asian Pacific American has left a lasting imprint on our country. Over the years, the Asian Pacific American communities have made significant contributions to Texas's diverse culture. In my district, Dallas, TX, I am privileged to have the largest Asian American Chamber in the United States with more than 1,200 members. I believe that we all can learn from those who come from different backgrounds and cultures, and I can truly say that I have learned a great deal from my Asian Pacific friends and constituents. I would also like to offer my deepest condolence to the families and friends of those who perished from recent tragedies in China and Myanmar. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution and the Asian Pacific American communities in North Texas and across the United States.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a registered nurse with a Master's in Public Administration, it is a privilege and a delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week, which is May 6th through the 12th. My colleagues, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, are also nurses and champions of this resolution, and of the profession. I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 Congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses. The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the legislation, and I appreciate Members' efforts to rally support for H. Res. 1086. National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nurses are a key component of our Nation's health care system. Whether on the battlefield or at sea, in a skilled nursing facility, in a hospital or even in a patient's own home, the care that a nurse provides is so very valuable. Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient. Nurses are recognized as the patient's primary advocate. Nurses are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in patients' health. Nurses are tough. They often do their work under duress, and in difficult conditions. For 15 years, I provided hands-on patient care as a psychiatric nurse. The work was challenging and fulfilling. Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States, our Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage. Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are fewer individuals entering the profession. The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration, with a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by 2016. Nursing schools need help attracting well-prepared faculty to recruit the best and brightest into their educational programs. Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help, but Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing. Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time, and it is fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th Anniversary this year. For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908, women worked as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals. As early as the War of 1812, volunteers performed nursing duty in places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of adversity. Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms. They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe. They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health-care team. The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care. It enjoys a rich heritage accompanied by high-tech training. A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected Officer, serving in modern facilities at home, at sea, around the country and across the globe. I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women. Today's resolution honors the good work that all nurses do. H. Res. 1086: (1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States; (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded by the American Nurses Association; and (3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients. Along with my many supportive colleagues, I want to thank the House leadership for bringing this important resolution to the Floor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on May 10, we commemorate the 85th Jubilee of the late President Heydar Aliyev. President Aliyev's significant contributions to the country of Azerbaijan provided a fertile ground for the seeds of democracy to flourish after Soviet rule and have paved the road for Azerbaijan's regional and international success. Azerbaijan is the gateway to Central Asia. It is on the modern Silk Road which transports goods and services from China through Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Remarkably, with only 19 years of independence, Azerbaijan has become a key player in this region. After brief independence from 1918-1920, Azerbaijan fell under Russian domination for 70 years. When Soviet troops invaded Baku on January 20, 1990, many died, including innocent civilians, thereby giving birth to the independence movement in the country. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the emergence of a democratic Azerbaijan Republic, the first few years were not easy. While Azerbaijan became the first former Soviet Republic outside the Baltic States with no foreign troops on its soil, it was a small country with powerful neighbors. Mindful of its geography, Azerbaijan developed close ties with the United States, Western Europe, Turkey, and Israel. In 1993, Heydar Aliyev became President of the Republic, first by appointment under the constitution, then through direct election. A cease-fire in the war with Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan was negotiated and implemented in 1994. During this time, the country's economy was wrecked by war and burdened by the effects of communism. Parliament began enacting laws to make the country friendlier to foreign investment and a member of the international market economy. In 1994, the ``Contract of the Century'' was signed between American and western companies and Azerbaijan. The Contract was designed to allow Azerbaijan to develop its energy resources in order to diversify western energy supplies. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (supported by both the Clinton and Bush Administrations) is now fully operational, and helps to bolster the political and commercial independence of the countries in the region, while diversifying Europe's energy supplies. President Aliyev was clear regarding Azerbaijan's western orientation. Azerbaijan joined NATO's Partnership for Peace Program in 1994, and has consistently integrated into the Euro-Atlantic security architecture; further deepening U.S.-Azerbaijani military to military cooperation. Azerbaijan works with the U.S., both bilaterally and multilaterally, through the GUAM framework (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) to prevent illegal trafficking and to secure borders. A strong friend of the United States, President Heydar Aliyev offered support for the fight against terrorism immediately after 9/11. Today Azerbaijani troops are in Iraq and Afghanistan with the coalition. Azerbaijan has excellent relations with Israel and a 2,000 year old Jewish community with representation in Parliament. As a secular country with a predominantly Shiia population, the participation of its troops in Iraq and Afghanistan sends the right message regarding international cooperation. Because of the late President Aliyev's efforts, today Azerbaijan is a developing democracy with a growing and vibrant economy. There are no longer any doubts regarding the viability of this Republic. The future of U.S.-Azerbaijani relations is bright, as our two countries share values and interests in the region.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me thank my colleague and friend of longstanding. I want to also thank the minority side for their assistance, and both Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton. As a registered nurse with a master's degree, it is a privilege and a delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week which is May 6 through 12. I have two outstanding colleagues that we have found to have something in common, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who are also nurses and champions of this resolution and of the profession, and I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses. The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the legislation, and I appreciate Members' efforts to rally support for H. Res. 1086. Nurses are a key component of our Nation's health care system. Whether on the battlefield or at sea, in a skilled nursing facility, in a hospital or even in a patient's own home, the care that a nurse provides is very valuable. Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient, even before the physician arrives. Nurses are recognized as the patient's primary advocate and every poll shows that nurses are always very trusted by the patients. They are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in a patient's health. Nurses are tough, directed, decision-making people who work under stress and in difficult situations. For 15 years I provided hands-on patient care as a psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. The work was challenging but fulfilling. That's why I still remain very interested in quality care for all of our veterans. Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States, our Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage. Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are fewer individuals entering the profession. The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration, with a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by 2016. Nursing schools need help attracting well-prepared faculty to recruit the best and brightest into their educational programs. Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help, but Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing. Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time, and it is fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th anniversary this year. For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908, women worked as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals. As early as the War of 1812, volunteers performed nursing duty in places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of adversity. Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms. They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe. They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health care team. The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care. It enjoys a rich heritage, accompanied by high-tech training. A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected officer, serving in modern facilities at home, at sea, around the country and across the globe. I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women. Today's resolution honors the good work that all nurses do. (1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States; (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week as founded by the American Nurses Association; and (3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients. Along with my many supportive colleagues, I want to thank the House leadership for bringing this important resolution to the floor. I urge its support.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to eight beloved mothers of the Dallas community who passed away this year. These women made a lasting impact not only in the lives of their own families but in their churches, neighborhoods and throughout the Dallas community. Mrs. Bessie Nash will be remembered as the full-fledged ``church mother.'' She was active in driving the church bus, in charge of the primary Sunday school and primary choir. Children were truly her heart. She devoted her life to children not only in her actions but in her words by offering her wisdom and guidance to make sure they stayed on the right path in life. Mrs. Lillie Fuller will be remembered as the ``neighborhood mother.'' Known for being kind, gentle, and generous, her love extended beyond her own children to anyone in need. Her heart and door were always open to help others. She especially loved children, and her life reflected it well. Mrs. Ruby Page will be remembered as the ``feisty mother.'' As the unofficial neighborhood crime watch captain, she kept a watchful eye on crime. She also looked out for her guests. When anyone visited, her culinary skills not only produced food for their body, but the warmth and care she prepared it with was food for the soul. Mrs. Barbara Hogg will be remembered as the ``mother whose love traveled across great distances.'' Despite the many miles between her and her children, her love went beyond borders and boundaries to the hearts of those that loved her most. Her compassion for her children could not be contained. Her love knew no limits. Mrs. Ruthie Davis will be remembered as the ``mother that held out hope in the midst of impossible odds.'' The love she exhibited exemplified the biblical scripture ``love covereth all things.'' Whether it was her children or anyone else's, her motherly eyes saw beyond the crust of contrary behavior, to the core of humanity. Mrs. China Randle will be remembered as the ``gentle-hearted mother.'' Although gentle, her resilience allowed her heartstrings to be stretched by those she loved the most, yet still return to original shape. Her love never failed. Her gentleness was her strength. Mrs. Peggy Washington will be remembered as the ``mother who forged a path through life for her children to follow.'' She led by example in hopes that her children would follow. Along the way, she planted seeds of values and principles. May the seeds that she planted bring a fruitful harvest. Mrs. Florine Anderson will be remembered as the ``mother with enduring strength.'' The love she had for her children endured throughout her lifetime. Through the stresses and strains of motherhood, her strength and love were steadfast and unmovable. Her life reflected the quote that true character is shown under pressure. Her strength stands a pillar for all to see. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to pay respect to these honorable women. Individually, they were invaluable members of the Dallas area.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for bringing this bill to the floor. On Monday of this week, millions of people worldwide recognized Workers Memorial Day. I introduced H. Res. 1154 because each year this country has thousands of workers who are killed due to workplace- related injuries, and tens of thousands more die of occupational illnesses. It is staggering to think that each day an average of 16 workers are killed due to injuries on the job. Worldwide, more than 2 million workers die of occupational illness and injuries annually. That means more people are killed on the job each year than in wars. The bottom line is that everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace. Many of us may take this basic right for granted. But for millions of Americans, the threat of being permanently disabled or even killed on the job is very real. Workers Memorial Day not only recognizes and honors those who have been killed or injured on the job, it also reminds us of the overwhelming need to improve health and safety standards in our Nation's workplaces. It has been 38 years since the creation of OSHA, and over this time worker health and safety standards have vastly improved. However, there is still work to be done, as evidenced by the Sago mine disaster and the recent combustible dust explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Georgia that killed 12 workers. Today we will take a step toward improving those safety standards by considering the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Act. This bill represents a pressing need for OSHA standards to prevent combustible dust explosions which have killed more than 100 workers since 1980. That's 100 workers who went to work in the morning but never returned home to their families and loved ones. Workers Memorial Day remembers those workers who gave their lives and the families they left behind. I would like to thank House leadership and Chairman Miller for his support in bringing this resolution to the floor today; and, of course, Mr. Davis. I would also like to thank the House Labor and Working Families Caucus, and in particular Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, for their assistance in bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support recognizing this Workers Memorial Day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this coming Monday, April 28, millions of people worldwide will recognize Workers Memorial Day. Each year, in this country, thousands of workers are killed due to workplace related injuries, and tens of thousands more die of occupational illness. It is staggering to think that each day an average of 16 workers are killed due to the injuries on the job. The bottom line is that everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace. Many of us take this basic right for granted, but for millions of Americans, the threat of being permanently disabled or even killed on a job is very real. Workers Memorial Day not only recognizes and honors those who have been killed or injured on the job, it also reminds us of the overwhelming need to improve health and safety standards in our Nation's workplace. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced a resolution to recognize Workers Memorial Day, and I certainly encourage all my colleagues on Monday to pay respect for those who have lost their lives this past year.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1117, as it supports the goals and ideals of Earth Day. Greenhouse gas emissions in Texas are the highest in the Nation. In fact, if Texas were its own separate country, it would rank seventh in the world in carbon dioxide emissions. Unless Texas significantly alters its fuel mix towards lower emitting fuels or renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to continue to rise rapidly. I am unhappy that the overall energy use in Texas is projected to increase by 36 percent over the next 20 years. We must act now to stop this trend. This pattern is bad for our environment. It is bad for the health of our children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, let us not leave a legacy of waste and pollution for tomorrow's citizens. Let us act now to pass policies to protect our environment and be good stewards of the Earth.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as taxpayers filed their income tax this week, many were probably wondering just how much of their individual taxes would be invested in Iraq instead of here in the U.S. at home. Consider that every single second, the Bush administration is spending $4,000 in Iraq. That means that income taxes paid by the average taxpayer would not even cover the cost of one second of this war. This country is already facing difficult economic times. We cannot afford to continue spending $339 million a day on a war that has no strategy for victory. If we invested one day of this sum in America instead, we could give 2.6 million American children access to medical and dental care, or we could hire more than 2,000 more border patrol agents to protect our borders. And we could send 18,000 more students to college. Madam Speaker, at a time when Americans are getting squeezed at the pump and the supermarket and are suffering in the housing market, Washington Republicans need to realize that we should prioritize the needs of America over those of Iraq.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. This amendment offers a significant improvement to the underlying bill by assuring that the public is made aware of identified sources of contamination to our Nation's coastal recreation waters. I support those efforts of the gentleman in offering this amendment, and I urge its adoption.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I support this amendment offered by the gentleman from California. First let me commend my colleague from California for working with us to address some of our concerns with the initial draft of this amendment. The amendment calls for the Administrator of EPA to conduct a short- term study to assess the benefits of using molecular testing for monitoring and assessing the quality of coastal recreation waters. This amendment is consistent with other changes made by this legislation to encourage EPA to quickly move on the adoption of rapid testing methodologies for pathogens and pathogen indicators. These studies and changes are essential for shortening the time period between when a water quality sample is taken and when the results of that testing can be made available to the public. As I have stated before, the goal of these changes is to move as close to the same day realtime information on the condition of the Nation's coastal recreation waters as possible. This amendment helps move us closer to our goal. Again, I appreciate the willingness of the gentleman to work with us in crafting this amendment, and I urge its adoption. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, my amendment makes a few technical and clarifying changes to H.R. 2537, as reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on December 12, 2007. First, it makes a technical change to section 5(c)(2) of the bill, substituting the word ``criteria'' for ``guidance'' to remove any potential confusion on the intent of this language. Second, it makes a technical change to section 8 to address potential constitutional concerns raised by the administration on requiring States and local governments to perform certain actions. The manager's amendment shifts the focus from requiring States and local governments to take certain compliance actions to conditioning a percentage of their annual BEACH grant should they choose not to take such actions. And, third, it puts in a statutory deadline of October 1, 2010, for the Environmental Protection Agency to complete its evaluation and validation of ``rapid testing methods'' for the existing coastal recreation water quality criteria. This significant improvement to the bill will ensure that same-day monitoring data will be available before the end of the decade. Finally, the amendment changes the requirement of section 303(i)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act to ensure uniformity among States in the implementation of water quality criteria and standards. This amendment will ensure that should a State choose not to incorporate potentially new or revised coastal recreational water quality criteria into their own programs, the burden falls on the Environmental Protection Agency to propose regulations for such State setting forth the revised or new water quality standards. This was the structure of the original BEACH Act with respect to the first round of water quality criteria that should be carried forward to subsequent revisions to coastal recreational water quality criteria. The manager's amendment was developed jointly by the majority and minority staffs of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. I am unaware of any opposition to this amendment, and I urge its adoption.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2537 and include extraneous materials in the Record.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee do now rise.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Germaneness. It is not germane. H.R. 2537, the Beach Protection Act, speaks only to beaches. It does not address the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, and is clearly on a subject different from the bill under consideration, the Beach Protection Act of 2007. FISA is an outside issue.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I insist upon my point of order regarding this amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for two essential programs for our children and families--Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG) and Head Start. We know that early investments in our children pay off in the long run. Early childhood education programs increase school readiness and achievement, and improve cognitive and social skills needed for academic success. Investing in Head Start is a good investment, as for every $1 spent we save nearly $9. These benefits include less welfare dependency, lower crime rates, and a reduction in grade repetition and special education services. CCDBG programs also offer a life line for many low income families. By offering subsidies for quality child care parents have broader employment opportunities which result in higher incomes, less turnover, and increased productivity. In addition, these funds are improving the quality, as well as the amount of child care available, to low income families. In Texas, there are nearly 90,000 children enrolled in Head Start. Current proposed funding levels for Head Start in the FY 2009 Presidential Budget will leave this program in peril. If enacted at the President's requested level, 14,000 fewer children will be able to be enrolled in Head Start in 2009. Last year, Congress made many needed improvements to the Head Start program during reauthorization. Many of these improvements will not be enacted without a significant increase in funding. CCDBG faces similar prospects if there is not an increase in funding. Wait lists for CCDBG programs continue to rise. In Texas, there are currently 15,000 children on a waitlist for child care assistance. If funding continues at current levels 300,000 fewer children nationally will receive child care assistance by 2010. Without this much needed assistance, parents will be forced to make increasingly difficult choices. Many will be forced into debt, will choose lower-quality child care, or end up back on welfare rolls. Mr. Speaker, we must increase the resources to these programs. Flat funding for CCDBG and near-flat funding for Head Start over the past decade has left hundreds of thousands of children without needed assistance. Current economic conditions have hit many of our low income families the hardest. Now, more than ever additional assistance is needed. I strongly encourage an increase in funding for these essential programs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Irma Hall, a grand American and educator, for her commitment to the arts and to the community of Dallas. The daughter of Josephine Hall, Irma Dolores Player Hall was born in Beaumont, Texas. She was raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, where her father was a saxophone player who performed jazz music. She then went on to attend Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. This native Texan taught school in Dallas ISD for 30 years inspiring many of our youth to succeed. Irma Hall retired from teaching in 1984. An interest in acting eventually led her to co-find the Dallas Minority Regional Theater with Reginald Montgomery in 1973. She made her stage debut there in ``Happy Endings.'' An acclaimed actress, Ms. Hall shined in such plays as ``Raisin In the Sun,'' ``Zooman and the Sign,'' and ``Take a Giant Step.'' Ms. Hall's career on the silver screen also began in 1973 after a director saw her at a poetry reading. An accomplished poet, Irma Hall's reading was so poignant that Raymond St. Jacques cast her in the crime film Book of Numbers. This led to frequent television roles. In 1979, Ms. Hall appeared in ``The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders'' and its 1980 sequel, Ron Howard's ``Skyward.'' In 1981, she acted opposite Joanne Woodward in ``Crisis at Central High.'' Throughout the 1990s, Ms. Hall had roles in several well known feature films including ``Backdraft,'' ``Straight Talk,'' ``Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,'' and ``Beloved.'' Her role in the film ``A Family Thing'' earned her acclaim and a Chicago Film Critics Association Award. In 1997, Ms. Hall was voted Chicagoan of the Year and also won an Image award for her role in the film ``Soul Food.'' Ms. Hall continued her television career in the early 2000s with roles in the television series ``Soul Food,'' ``A Girl Thing,'' and ``All Souls.'' In 2004, she received the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her role as the landlady in the film ``The Ladykillers.'' In 2007, the UIL Competition was renamed in honor of Ms. Hall as the Irma P. Hall Theater Festival in order to honor her for her work and achievements. The arts are, above all, about human communication and interaction. I am one who believes that Ms. Irma Hall has achieved the fullest definition of a role model, not only as a woman, an African American, and an artist, but as an ambassador of creativity and goodwill. She has shared the beauty of the arts and the written word with our multicultural community that is Dallas. Today, Ms. Hall continues her work with the Dallas Minority Repertory Theater, the Artist & Elaine Thornton Foundation for the Arts, the African American Museum, the Afro American Artists Alliance, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and her membership at the Inspiration Boy of Christ Church. Madam Speaker, on April 19, 2008, the Dallas community will gather at a special dinner to honor and celebrate Irma Hall's career. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting an exceptional woman, Irma Hall, for her outstanding service and many contributions to Dallas, and to all who love the magic and vitality of art.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a shame that the research tax credit expired at the end of 2007. Our failure to re- authorize it is counter to the ideals of the America COMPETES Act, passed into law last summer. At least nine research tax credit bills have been introduced in this Congress. Last March, I introduced H.R. 1712, a companion bill to that of Senator Baucus, the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. It changes the formula so that the credit is based on a company's research spending instead of gross receipts. It proposes a 20 percent credit for U.S. research expenses exceeding 50 percent of a company's average expenses over the preceding 3 years. It establishes a more streamlined 80 percent reimbursement rate for all contract research expenses and allows a credit for equity investments in small business innovation companies. Most importantly, the Baucus/Johnson proposal makes the R&D tax credit permanent. Texas ranks 4th in the Nation for total R&D funding and 3rd for gross State product. Innovation and research are critical for my State. Again, I strongly support a generous and permanent research tax credit.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, this amendment is a proposed solution in search of a problem. The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, or the BEACH Act, which this legislation amends, was introduced to limit and prevent human exposure to polluted coastal recreation waters, including those along the Great Lakes. The initial BEACH Act authorized $30 million annually to assist States and local governments to implement beach monitoring, assessment and public notification programs. Funds authorized under the initial BEACH Act and under the legislation we consider today go either to the Environmental Protection Agency or are distributed to individual States on a formula basis. Each State receives a portion of annual appropriations which have hovered around $10 million based upon a calculation of the State's variant beach monitoring and notification needs. The committee is aware of the concerns that the current formula utilized by EPA for the distribution of grant funds may not provide for an equitable allocation of funds among States at current appropriation levels. Section 9 of this legislation requires EPA to conduct a study of potential revisions to the formula with a specific focus on base costs to States of developing and maintaining water quality monitoring and notification programs, the State's varied beach monitoring and notification needs, including beach mileage, beach usage and length of beach season and other factors that the administrator determines to be appropriate. None of the funds appropriated under this legislation go out to the States or local communities under a ``congressional earmark.'' This amendment has no bearing on the authorities under the BEACH Act or EPA's beach program. Madam Chairman, I yield back.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.