Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I continue to reserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I continue to reserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I continue to reserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I'd like to reserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I would like to yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the chairman of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I reserve my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I would like to inquire of my colleague, Mr. Boozman, how many more speakers he has.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey, who is the author of the bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I would like to yield to our distinguished Chair of the full committee for a unanimous consent request. (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Kagen from Wisconsin.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2537, the Beach Protection Act of 2007. This legislation extends the authorization of appropriations for the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, the BEACH Act, through 2012. First signed into law in October 2000, the BEACH Act has provided States, local governments and tribes vital funding for assessment and public notification programs that monitor our coastal waters. Over the years, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has held numerous hearings on EPA's BEACH program. In fact, the history of the BEACH Act goes back to 1990 when Congressman William Hughes of New Jersey first introduced the Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure and Health Act of 1990. I applaud his vision for effective coastal water quality criteria and public notification, as well as the efforts of Congressman Pallone and Congressman Bishop, the primary sponsors of this legislation, to carry forward this legacy. As reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Beach Protection Act of 2007 increases the annual authorization level for State and local monitoring and notification grants by $10 million and expands the eligible uses for grants under this program. For example, H.R. 2735 allows States to utilize a portion of their BEACH grant funding to develop and implement pollution source identification and tracking programs for coastal recreation waters, which will enable interested States to locate the likely sources of coastal water contamination. H.R. 2537 also encourages the development and implementation of rapid testing methods for determining where and when coastal recreational waters exceed coastal water quality criteria. These rapid testing methods are designed to ensure that the public is notified of potential harmful recreational waters within a few hours, rather than days as under the current system. This provision will have a significant impact on efforts to protect the public from coming into contact with potentially harmful pollutants and contaminants at their favorite beaches. In addition, H.R. 2537 enhances existing public notification requirements, including making beach warnings and closures available on the Internet. The bill clarifies that the public must be notified within 24 hours of the authority receiving results of contaminated water quality samples. However, because many States utilize a system where two contaminated samples must be identified before a beach is closed, H.R. 2537 also requires that a physical sign must be posted at any beach where the results of a water quality sample demonstrate the likelihood that the water may be contaminated. Again, providing more information and notice on the condition of the Nation's coastal water quality is essential to ensure that the public can avoid contact with potentially harmful pollutants while visiting their favorite beach. The bill also enhances EPA's review of individual States' compliance with the requirement of the BEACH Act by requiring the Administrator to conduct an annual review of implementation of the BEACH Act by State and local governments and to take corrective action if State and local governments are not in compliance with BEACH Act requirements. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to audit EPA's administration of the BEACH Act. Finally, the bill requires EPA to conduct annual compliance reviews of State and local BEACH programs. Later today I plan to offer a bipartisan manager's amendment to the bill to address several technical recommendations made by the Environmental Protection Agency and others that will improve the bill. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the manager's amendment and the underlying legislation that I believe will make significant improvement to EPA's BEACH program. Much of our efforts are to provide additional safeguards for our families to make sure that they do not come into contact with potentially harmful pollutants and contaminants along the Nation's coastlines. I believe this legislation accomplishes what we tried to do. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 and include extraneous material on H.R. 2537.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a special privilege for me today to honor the nation of Israel on its 60th birthday. As Israelis celebrate their country's 60th anniversary, the international community is celebrating with them 60 years of independence. In north Texas and in the 30th Congressional District of Texas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Dallas Chapter of State of Israel Bonds, Dallas Chapter of Hadassah, Dallas Holocaust Museum, B'nai B'rith International, Congregation Beth El Binah, and other organizations have scheduled a series of events to commemorate this occasion. As someone with a great interest in Israel, Middle Eastern affairs, and world peace, I believe that the political transformations in this region during the past few years have been dramatic. We have come a long way, despite attempts by extreme factions to harm Israel and the cause of peace in the region. I would like to quote an excerpt from Israel's ``declaration of independence,'' published 50 years ago as the British mandate over the area drew to an end: We extend our hand in peace and neighbourliness to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. It is in that spirit, and with that faith, that I will continue to work with this and the new administration to ensure the United States remains firm in its commitment to the security of Israel and to those principles necessary to guarantee the success of the Arab-Israeli peace process.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, Tuesday, March 25, 2008, has been designated ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.'' I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the unique contributions to our civilization from those of Greece and of Greek American descent. Democracy was first born in Greece over 2,000 years ago, based on the fundamental principle of consensual government self-determined by free citizens. The ideas forged in ancient Greece by brilliant minds of the day have such clarity and force that 2,000 years later they still hold more power than a host of armed weapons. The priceless ideas of democracy and equality born in ancient Greece have strongly shaped the American national identity, which became a beacon of freedom and dignity to individuals. They continue to give hope and inspiration to the millions around the world who yearn to live in a free society like ours. Greece set the example for us and we, in turn have set the example for countless others. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that the Congress has set aside this national day of celebration again in 2008. Each year, it seems, we have a greater appreciation for the tremendous contribution of Greece to our American values and our priceless democracy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support designating the post office located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, INndianapolis, IN, as the Julia M. Carson Post Office Building. This past December, my friend and colleague, Julia Carson, lost her battle with cancer. She had devoted her life to public service and her loss is still felt greatly. Congresswoman Carson was an extraordinary person, and a woman of principle who unabashedly championed the issues in which she believed. Her constituents and the Nation have lost a great legislator and an outstanding leader. Congresswoman Carson made history in 1996 by becoming the first woman and the first African-American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress. And she came to Congress with one mission--to improve the lives of the people of her community. Even as she rose to a position of prominence in this body, she never forgot the people she was sent here to serve. She truly dedicated her career to them--and for that, earned the respect and gratitude of all Americans. Since her days in the Indiana State Senate, Congresswoman Carson was committed to helping seniors live with independence and dignity as they age. Throughout her career, she has provided exceptional leadership and devoted service to America's senior citizens. Congresswoman Carson was also a strong proponent of civil rights movement, scaling the barriers imposed by poverty and sexism. She was a leader in advocating for voting rights, and worked diligently for the health and income needs of people experiencing homelessness and families at risk of homelessness. Today her grandson continues her legacy here within the House of Representatives. I know that this honor is very meaningful to the Carson family and to her constituents in the 7th District of Indiana, and I'm certain if Julia were here today she would be touched as well. This post office designation is a fitting honor for a woman so dedicated to public service, and I fully support this resolution.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, NFCC, financial literary poster contest held among students to raise awareness of financial issues. The winners include: National winner, Harrison Noh of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Elementary School winner, Christopher Saker of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Middle School winner, Levi Travis of U.S. Army Base, Seoul, South Korea; and High School winner, Victoria Guerra of Crowley, Texas. I applaud the efforts to bring financial literacy to students by engaging them in proactive learning and knowledgeable ideas about how to manage money effectively. The skill of managing money wisely and effectively is something that needs to be taught early in life. The earlier a person knows the importance of good investments, solid savings, and sound purchasing, the better able that person is to successfully manage their money throughout the remainder of their lives. With the current economic conditions, there is no better time than now to educate our youth on how to be financially savvy. The poster winners exhibited this knowledge in a creative and engaging manner as they articulated the contest's theme of ``financial responsibility begins with me.'' It is my honor to recognize the financial literary poster winners for such an outstanding job. Through their artistic abilities, it is obvious that these winners have taken it to heart that financial responsibility truly begins with each of them.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague from Georgia Mr. John Lewis for introducing this resolution which honors the life and legacy of one of America's greatest citizens, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, nearly 40 years after he was tragically taken from us, we are still striving to create a society of equal opportunity which he so eloquently called for. We still have a long way to go before his goals will be achieved, but at least he left for us a beacon of hope toward which we can all strive. I am privileged to represent the Thirtieth District of Texas in the Congress and would note that there are many in North Texas who have endeavored to maintain the legacy of Dr. King. Indeed, in their everyday actions, the clergy, elected officials, students and community in the district strive to implement Dr. King's philosophy. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. It is ironic that his life was taken so prematurely at the hands of violence as he visited Memphis, Tennessee to help lead sanitation workers in a protest over black workers being sent home with no pay because of bad weather when white workers remained on the job. This tragic incident happened the day after he gave his ``I've been to the Mountaintop'' speech during which he seemed to almost prophetically foreshadow his impending death. Dr. King stood for the common man and for social and political justice in every facet and echelon of life. As a man of vision and determination to do God's will, King was truly destined to lead the people to the ``promised land.'' Sadly, like Moses, Dr. King was not able to go into the promised land of opportunities with those he led so far through the wilderness of injustice, hatred, and bigotry. Still today, there are many that have been left to rough their way through the thicket of discrimination and racism. Therefore, it is our responsibility to carry on the beacon he left for us that lights the way to true equality and justice. Mr. Speaker, we can honor Dr. King by bowing our heads in memory of him, but only for a moment. For we must then lift our heads, hold each other hands, look ahead, heads high, and continue the fight for his sacrifice for this Nation which was freedom, equality and opportunity for all.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for millions of American families it is becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet. Our economic outlook is grim in light of the recent housing crisis, fluctuating interest rates, and increasing prices. Working Americans are feeling a serious squeeze on their family finances, because for too long, Republicans and this administration ran up big deficits and ignored priorities here at home. With the economy continuing to decline, African American households are suffering disproportionately. In 2006, African Americans were two times more likely to get high-cost subprime loans. In my district, more than half of loans given to working Americans were subprime; of these loans, 80 percent were African American. One in six resulted in foreclosure; this is unacceptable. In 2007, the Democratic led Congress passed an increase to the minimum wage, but this does not help Americans who cannot find jobs. The African American unemployment rate has climbed from 8 percent this fall to 9.2 percent in January, with 1.6 million African Americans currently looking for work. I applaud the Congressional Democrat Leadership for their rapid agreement on an economic stimulus package to aid families across America. While I feel that this stimulus package is a step in the right direction, I am disappointed that there was no aggressive plan for job training programs such as: adult education and literacy, welfare-to- work, and vocational education. As a senior member of the House Science Committee, I feel it is important to invest in our children's futures. This Congress has led the fight to address access to higher education, enrichment programs in STEM fields, advancement in educational programs for minorities, and spur critical research and development to meet the needs of the country. Education is the foundation to building a better and brighter future for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, honest, hard-working men and women are struggling to make a decent living as they go about their daily routines. The economic disparities of African American and other minorities are truly hurting this country. I am hopeful that the President will join this Congress to help find long-term, comprehensive measures as opposed to a temporary bandaid to our economic problems.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairwoman Kilpatrick, the Congressional Black Caucus and my colleague, Congressman Scott from Virginia, for their leadership and unwavering support for the development of this alternative budget. The CBC alternative budget is filled with progressive and visionary funding that is motivated by principle and compassion. It is a budget that voices the concerns and needs of the poor, the children, and the elderly that have been so easily set aside by this current administration. The CBC alternative budget understands that our Nation's transportation system is the backbone of our economy and our way of life, neither of which we cannot afford to shortchange. Funding included in the CBC budget also supports great competitiveness in science and technology. As a senior member of the House Science Committee, I feel it is important to invest in our children's futures, which is also an investment in our own future. Provisions for the science and technology fields will address access to higher education, enrichment programs in the STEM fields, and spur critical research and development to meet the needs of this country. Our Nation's future depends more and more on the quality of our innovative ideas. The fruits of these investments meet vital national needs and improve the quality of life for all Americans. The CBC alternative budget also provides funding for programs and services crucial to the American people, rather than continuing to provide tax breaks for those who least need it. By repealing several of the tax cuts implemented under the current administration, the CBC budget provides robust funding for much-needed programs and services. Such programs include health care for uninsured children, education, and job training programs, an expanded GI Bill for post-9/11 veterans, as well as increases in benefits and services, juvenile justice prevention and intervention programs, community and regional development, public housing, the Army Corps of Engineers, and homeland security needs. Mr. Chairman, we are in a position to provide funding for long- neglected programs and to advance on our promise for progress. The CBC alternative understands that our Nation's transportation system is the backbone of our economy and our way of life, neither of which we can afford to shortchange. Funding included in the CBC budget also supports greater competitiveness in science and technology. As a senior Member of the House Science Committee, I feel it is important to invest in our children's futures. Provisions for the science and technology fields will address access to higher education, enrichment programs in STEM fields, and spur critical research and development to meet the needs of our country. Our Nation's future depends more and more on the quality of our innovative ideas. The fruits of these investments meet vital national needs and improve the quality of life for all Americans. I ask, Mr. Chairman, that Members of this body listen to their conscience.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in appreciation of the Texas peanut industry. March is National Peanut Month, and it is timely to thank peanut farmers all over the great State of Texas for the work of their hands. Texas ranks second in the Nation in peanut production. The annual value of peanuts to our State is more than $96 million. As baseball is America's favorite pastime sport, what would a day at the ballpark be without a bag of peanuts? How would a child's favorite sandwich taste without the creamy goodness of peanut butter? Few can deny the deliciousness of peanut brittle, peanut butter cups, plain roasted or boiled peanuts. The legumes are used in a great variety of ways and are an important industry to our State and Nation. Texas peanut farmers produced nearly 370,000 tons of peanuts last year. The primary uses of peanuts, nationwide, are for popular confections. Peanuts are roasted and packaged in plastic bags or sealed cans. They are also used in significant quantities for peanut butter. Texas is a state of grand scale. There were 190,000 acres of peanuts grown in Texas in 2007; the varieties include Runner, Spanish, Virginia and Valencia. Agriculture and cattle ranching are major Texas industries, and it is fitting to recognize those who work the fields so that people everywhere can enjoy the products of their labor. Madam Speaker, the Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Western Peanut Growers Association are valuable assets to Texas as leading producers in their industry. It is my privilege to recognize their contributions to our State's economy.