Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's Heritage Month to commend the accomplishments of two astonishing black women, Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks and Ms. Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis of Dallas, Texas. Born, raised and educated in south Dallas, Ms. Mitchell-Brooks received a master's degree in genetics from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas, becoming the first African-American to achieve the degree in pure science from the school. In 1990, she became the first woman to head the Urban League of Greater Dallas, which has set the path for future generations of young women. Under her leadership, the Urban League built its first permanent headquarters and state of the art technology center in the heart of Oak Cliff. Currently serving as president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Dallas, Dr. Brooks has also served as executive director of the Greater Dallas Community Relations Commission, director of public affairs for Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and director of the Martin Luther King Center. I pay tribute to another prominent Dallas community leader, my dear friend who left us on March 1, 2008, Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis. Throughout her life, Nellie Lewis was a well-known, respected figure in Dallas who leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments that will be remembered for years to come. Mrs. Lewis moved to Dallas in 1977 with her late husband Dr. Lewis, where they were both employed with the Dallas Independent School District. During her 20 years with DISD, Mrs. Lewis' duties included serving as an instructional specialist, a curriculum coordinator and an area director. She also served as director of learning services, the administrative assistant to four superintendents and supervisor to a group of 10 elementary school principals. In 1997, Mrs. Lewis received the Charles D. Moody Founder's Award, presented by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. As our Nation experiences great technological innovation and success in the global market, the value of an education takes on even greater importance. Mrs. Lewis has exhibited the characteristics we seek in our educators, school administrators, and community activists. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to recognize and commend these two prominent women Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks and Ms. Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis of Dallas, Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arbella Perkins Ewing in celebration of her 114th birthday on Thursday, March 13, 2008. As the third-oldest living person in the world and the second-oldest living American, Ms. Ewing is a fixture of the Dallas community. Born in 1894 on a farm in Freestone County, Mississippi, as one of 12 children and the great-granddaughter of Mississippi slaves, Ms. Ewing endured continual racial problems that eventually led to her move to Dallas. In 1936, she and her husband Frank settled into a house in South Dallas, where she lived until she was 106. As a wife and a mother to one daughter, Ms. Ewing not only made sure to keep a clean house for her own family, but extended her charity beyond her own home, often cooking for her sick neighbors. Known as a God-fearing woman, her faith has greatly contributed to her way of life. I am reminded of a quote by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ``The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.'' I can truly say that the quality of Ms. Ewing's life extends past even her longevity. Her reputation for ``good living'' includes not smoking or drinking, eating healthily, and not staying out late. She serves as an example for all of us to honor our bodies and cherish our health. After her husband and daughter passed away in the 1970s, Ms. Ewing lived an independent and self-sufficient life until a fall that broke her hip in 2007 at the age of 113. Ms. Ewing's strength and resolve has seen her though this rough time of surgery into recovery much as it saw her through the years of the Great Depression, Jim Crow segregation and the Civil Rights Era. Ms. Ewing stands as a beacon of will and determination. She makes us all mindful that a life well spent is a life worth living. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Arbella Perkins Ewing on reaching the monumental age of 114. I wish her continued life, good health and strength.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. The GIVE Act will expand the Corporation for National and Community Service which has been instrumental in helping connect Americans to high quality, meaningful service and service-learning opportunities. The GIVE Act will increase the benefits of service available to more participants and more communities, improve program quality, ensure participant diversity, increase the value of the AmeriCorps education award, and reduce the age eligibility for Senior Corps to 55. In the last 14 years more than 500,000 individuals have served through AmeriCorps and have earned education awards worth more than $1.5 billion. Senior Corps members have generated more than 1 billion volunteer service hours, and more than 15 million young people have participated in service-learning initiatives funded by Learn and Serve America. In addition, the national service programs have provided opportunities for growing numbers of Americans to serve our Nation. Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 22,000 young people serving for at least 1 year in our communities. Through programs such as the ``National Civilian Community Corps'' and ``City Year,'' AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in the areas of education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation. These programs serve the important role of providing an outlet for service to the country in a manner previously not afforded. Mr. Chairman, the AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas and this Nation as a whole, as is reflected in the AmeriCorps members pledge to ``get things done.'' I am indeed honored to support this wonderful program which represents the very best of the United States of America.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise with a great sense of loss as I pay tribute to Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis, an educator, prominent Dallas community leader, and my friend who left us on March 1, 2008, at the age of 70. Throughout her life, Nellie Lewis was a well-known, respected figure in Dallas who leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments that will be remembered for years to come. A native of North Carolina, Mrs. Lewis received her bachelor's degree from Howard University and her master's degree in education from George Washington University. For the first 17 years of her career, she taught in the public schools of Washington, DC, where she became the supervising director of reading for the District. Mrs. Lewis moved to Dallas in 1977 with her late husband Dr. Lewis, where they were both employed with the Dallas Independent School District. During her 20 years with DISD, Mrs. Lewis' duties included serving as an instructional specialist, a curriculum coordinator, and an area director. She also served as director of learning services, the administrative assistant to four superintendents, and supervisor to a group of 10 elementary school principals. She continued her lifelong devotion to education, even after her retirement from DISD, serving on several committees and as the president of the Dallas region of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. In 1997, Mrs. Lewis received the Charles D. Moody Founder's Award, presented by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. As our Nation experiences great technological innovation and success in the global market, the value of an education takes on even greater importance. Mrs. Lewis has exhibited the characteristics we seek in our educators, school administrators, and community activists. Mrs. Lewis was married to Napoleon B. Lewis, who preceded her in death. In addition to her son, Mrs. Lewis is survived by three sisters: Inez Riley McClain of Fayetteville, NC; Carolyn Riley Payne and Deborah Riley, both of Seattle, WA; and three grandchildren. On this day, Madam Speaker, I join her family, her friends, and all of Dallas and the Nation, in mourning the loss of a dear and special friend. She will be greatly missed.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, in order to attend a funeral in my congressional district, I missed 17 votes on March 5 and March 6. Had I been present I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall 91, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, to redesignate Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park in the State of Ohio as ``Wright Brothers-Dunbar National Historical Park'', and for other purposes; ``Yea'' on rollcall 92, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008; ``Yea'' on rollcall 93, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, Condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, and for other purposes; ``Yea'' on rollcall 94, Will the House Now Consider the Resolution, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall 95, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, ``Yea'' on rollcall 96, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall 97, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building; ``Yea'' on rollcall 98, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, Expressing the sense of Congress that Earl Lloyd should be recognized and honored for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African-American to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago; ``Yea'' on rollcall 99, On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair; ``Nay'' on rollcall 100, Motion to Recommit H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, ``Yea'' on rollcall 101, Final Passage of H.R. 1424--Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007; ``Yea'' on rollcall 102, H.R. 5400--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building; ``Yea'' on rollcall 103, H. Res 1015--Democratic Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on H.R. 2857--Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall 104, H. Res 1015--On Agreeing to the Resolution-- Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act; ``Nay'' on rollcall 105, on agreeing to the Flake amendment, H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall 106, on agreeing to the Inslee amendment, H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act; and ``Yea'' on rollcall 107, Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a psychiatric nurse with 15 years of hands-on patient care experience, I strongly support mental health parity. All health insurers should provide coverage for mental and behavioral care. An overwhelming body of evidence links mental- and emotional well- being to physical well-being. Simply put, the two go hand-in-hand. For too long, too many health insurance companies have cut corners, when it comes to providing mental health benefits. Left to the ``free market system,'' many insurers have opted not to cover mental health care, claiming that it is not medically necessary, or simply ignoring the issue and forcing patients to absorb the costs. For too long, patients have suffered unfair expenses or delayed getting care, and the economic impact to our society has been large. Suicides, missed work due to depression, and other mental health issues have been the result of private industry's refusal to offer mental health benefits. It is time that we put this harmful practice to a stop. I want to commend Representatives Patrick Kennedy, Jim Ramstad, and Senators Ted Kennedy and Pete Domenici for their tireless work to develop this legislation. While I strongly support mental health parity, I believe that the Senate bill has been better tested by the stakeholder and business communities. The House version contains a provision, intended to help pay for the mental health benefit, that would result in reduced spending for physician-owned hospitals. Baylor cardiovascular hospital, in my district in Dallas, would be affected by the provision. In order to collect future Medicaid reimbursements, the hospital would need to reduce its percentage of physician ownership; and growth of the hospital could be severely restricted. It is my belief that Dallas residents are best served with as many options of affordable health care as possible--including mental health care. I hope that the House and Senate can resolve differences in the final legislation that will not harm local hospitals, yet pay for the benefits without increasing the Federal deficit. For me, the bottom line is this: mental health parity should have existed from the onset of our modern health insurance system. Mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness. The two are the foundation for a life of wholeness and satisfaction. Again, I thank my colleagues, stakeholder groups, and members of the Other Body for their hard work on such a critical issue.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, had I been present today, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 89, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 90.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime civic and political leader from East Houston--Debbie Haley of Terrell--who died recently at the age of 72. Mrs. Haley was an outstanding citizen who devoted a lifetime to helping those in her community, and she will be missed by all those who knew her. Leona Deborah Penn Haley was born on February 24, 1935, in Queens, a borough of New York City, the daughter of Edward and Rella Penn. She was a graduate of Queens College. From 1958 to 1966, Haley taught in elementary schools in New York and Nashville, TN. In 1968, Haley and her husband, a physician, moved to Houston. Mrs. Haley emphasized education as the key to advancing minority interests. Founder of the Texas Black Caucus, in 1976, she was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Debbie Haley was also a president of the Cultural Arts Council of Houston and Harris County. For years, she also was a board member of the United Negro College Fund. Madam Speaker, Debbie Haley's commitment to her community, her legacy of generosity, and her selflessness serve as an example to all Americans. It is people like Debbie, working together in communities in Texas that make our Nation so great. We can celebrate the power of one individual, Debbie Haley, by bringing the best out of all us in our neighbors, our community, and our Nation. In addition to her son Anthony, survivors include her husband, Ronald Haley of Houston; two other sons, Sean Haley of Pearland and Kyle Haley of North Hollywood, Calif.; and a daughter, Rhonda Sewell of Sugar Land. She was well-loved and well-respected in Houston and Texas, and she will be missed by all those who knew her. Madam Speaker, I am honored today to pay a final tribute to this outstanding community leader, Debbie Haley.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on its 99th Anniversary. In 1909 the founders of the NAACP came together with the purpose of promoting the rights guaranteed under the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. Today, the NAACP works to ensure that all individuals have equal rights and to end racial hatred and discrimination. The NAACP has influenced some of the greatest civil rights victories of the last century, including: the integration of our nation's schools and the Brown v. Board decision; the Voting Rights Act; striking down segregation; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Despite the advancements of the past 99 years under the leadership of the NAACP, there is still much work to be done. The NAACP continues to promote new ideas and leadership in the fields of: educational and employment opportunities, ending health care disparities, and economic empowerment. The NAACP instilled in America a sense of consciousness, and it continues to do so today. I commend the NAACP on this anniversary and the thousands of individuals who continue to fight for equality and justice.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would simply ask for support of H. Res. 966 and thank the Speaker, as well as the gentleman on the other side and all the staff for assisting. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for speaking, and I reserve.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 966) honoring African American inventors, past and present, for their leadership, courage, and significant contributions to our national competitiveness.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in celebration of February as Black History Month, I offer this resolution to celebrate the accomplishments of four outstanding inventors. The first, Garrett Augustus Morgan, lived from 1877 to 1963 and was a son of former slaves. He grew up in Kentucky on the family farm, but as an adolescent, he worked as a handyman for a wealthy Cincinnati landowner. Surely that early experience, as well as his education, influenced and shaped his interest as an inventor. Among his inventions, Garrett Morgan designed a traffic signal that greatly improved public safety. In the early 1900s, bicycles, animal- powered carts, and motor vehicles shared the roads with pedestrians. Accidents frequently occurred between the vehicles. After witnessing a collision between an automobile and a horse-driven carriage, Morgan was convinced that something should be done to improve traffic safety. He was the first to be granted a patent for a traffic signal containing the caution provision. Prior to Morgan's invention, most of the traffic signals in use featured only two positions: stop and go. Because the manually operated traffic signals of the day allowed no interval between the ``stop'' and ``go'' commands, collisions at busy intersections were common during the transition moving from one street to another. Morgan's traffic signal, as well as others, such as a safety hood and smoke protector, contributed greatly to public safety. Such a simple innovation, yet a major impact. The second innovator mentioned in this resolution is Ernest Everett Just, who lived from 1883 to 1941. He grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and was the son of a dock builder. He dedicated his life to cell biology research and earned a Ph.D at the University of Chicago. He studied the fundamental role of the cell surface in the development of organisms. He performed his research in the District of Columbia, Chicago, and Massachusetts, as well as in Italy, Germany, and France. Ernest Just was truly a trailblazer during the time when African American researchers were rare and underappreciated. The third individual to be honored is Archibald Alphonso Alexander, who lived from 1888 to 1958. Born in Iowa, the son of a janitor, Alexander was the first African American to graduate from the University of Iowa. He studied bridge design in London, England, and founded his own business in the 1920s. He and his partners designed and constructed many roads and bridges, including the Whitehurst Freeway, the Tidal Basin Bridge and an extension to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. He designed the Tuskegee Airfield and the Iowa State University heating and cooling system. He was truly a Renaissance man. He excelled in football, designed highway infrastructure, and served as Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Finally, my resolution honors David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr., who lived from 1898 to 1976. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from Purdue University in 1913 where he studied mechanical engineering, he took a job with the C.A. Dunham Company. During his 40 years with the company, he became an expert on heat transfer, air ventilation, and central air-conditioning. He authored a manual on heating and cooling with water. He also wrote guides and standards as well as codes that dealt with heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. During the 1920s and 1930s, he invented an improved boiler, a new thermostat control, and a new differential vacuum pump, which were all more effective for the heating systems in larger buildings. He also held numerous patents and designed the heating systems for Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center. These four individuals and so many others overcame the tremendous personal challenges to excel in their careers and benefit society. The National Society of Black Engineers has chosen to lift up these innovators, and I thank the society for its helpful input in designing this resolution to honor these exceptional men. Let their light shine as an example to the thousands of African American young students across the Nation. The message of their lives, that of Black History Month, and that of this resolution: with challenge comes perseverance, with perseverance comes endurance, with endurance comes strength, and with strength comes success. It is my goal to wish success to all students of color who aspire to future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 to include extraneous materials on H. Res. 966.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues the contributions of a great public servant, Cathy Travis, on the occasion of her retirement from the staff of Congressman Solomon Ortiz and the House of Representatives. On January 1, 2008, after more than 25 years on the Hill, Cathy retired from her position as the senior advisor to Congressman Ortiz. Through her dedication and diligence, Cathy also enabled me to maximize my efficiency as the chairwoman of the Texas Democratic congressional delegation. For that, I am grateful. A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Cathy graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor's degree in public relations and an emphasis in political science. Politics always fascinated her, and after graduation, she went to work for former Congressman Bill Alexander (D- Arkansas) as a press assistant. She also worked on the floor of the House of Representatives, for the Office of the House Majority Whip, and on numerous political campaigns. She performed all assignments with a sense of humor, a sense of duty and above all, a sense of patriotism. Since the early 1990s, Cathy Travis saw a need for more educational tools to give the American people a better understanding of how our Government works and the fundamental rights accorded by the Constitution. Thus was born her book, Constitution Translated for Kids, an accessible translation of the document that serves as the foundation of the United States Government. The original text is paired side-by- side with a kid-friendly interpretation to pique interest and stimulate further discussion of American liberties. It also includes a discussion of proposed amendments to the Constitution that have been strongly debated, and a detailed explanation on the separation of powers. Cathy Travis is a dedicated American in the finest tradition, and this institution will greatly miss her.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee and his staff for working with me on these important issues that will help to deliver for the needs of our Nation's students. I thank Mr. Young, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Johnson-Young amendment to expand higher education opportunities for the children of fallen soldiers. Since the year 2001, more than 4,400 U.S. servicemembers have died during their deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. Historically, war has cost America the lives of our sons and daughters. However, the soldiers serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan are not just single men; 40 percent of the servicemembers in Iraq are married and 30 percent have children. The soldiers we have lost are not only our sons and daughters, but our husbands and wives and fathers and mothers. As we reflect on the cost of this war, we must realize that many of these brave young men and women have left families and young children behind. These young men and women include Sergeant Paul Sanchez, a native of Irving, Texas, who was killed last January by an IED in Iraq, leaving behind a wife, a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son; and Second Lieutenant John Craver who was killed in October 2006 in Baghdad. A native of McKinney, Texas, he left behind a wife and three children. As well as Specialist Jessica Cawvey, who was killed in Fallujah in 2004. She was a 21-year-old single mother and left behind a 6-year-old daughter. These are just a few of more than 2,100 children who have lost a parent in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The death of a parent is not only emotionally devastating for a child but often creates financial hardships for their family. The Johnson- Young amendment offers financial assistance and access to higher education for children who lost a parent or guardian as a result of this war. It allows the children who have been left behind to have access to a maximum Pell Grant award. Through this Pell Grant award, we can offer a chance for a bright future for the children of those brave young men and women who gave their lives in the name of service for our country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Congressman Al Green's resolution to honor Black History Month. As the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the celebration of the many contributions of African Americans to this Nation has evolved from its 1926 inception as Negro History Week, to what we now know as Black History Month. As apparent by the change in titles, the mentality of our nation towards race and race relations has made significant improvements with each generation. Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of this nation dating hack to at least to the colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books. Prior to Woodson's vehement efforts to write African Americans into the history of the Nation, books largely ignored the African American population except to mention them in the context of slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of African Americans continue to he preserved and taught so that future generations of all Americans will know our abundant heritage. An ancient proverb states, ``Who has no past. has no future.'' African Americans have made significant contributions to this nation's history, and we continue to build that rich legacy today. Because of the continued efforts of those who educate our schoolchildren, future generations will know about how a race of oppressed people overcame the social and political obstacles of slavery and Jim Crow to become great innovators, scientists, novelists. musicians, philosophers, and political leaders. The inclusion of African Americans in academic curriculums ensures that children can continue to be inspired by Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X, Mac Jamison, Benjamin Carson, Richard Wright, and Shirley Chisholm. Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the achievements of African Americans, but it has paved the way for other nationwide celebrations of the contributions of other races and cultures. Therefore, by supporting Congressman Al Green's Resolution to honor Black History Month. I also support the American idea of diversity and multiculturalism. I commend Congressman Green for bringing this important resolution to the floor, and I strongly urge my colleagues' support.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize House Concurrent Resolution 283, calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. As a result of the elections held on December 27, 2007 chaos has erupted in Kenya. It was suspected that the administration police were used to rig elections in favor of Part of National Unity aligned to President Kibaki. During the announcement of the results from different polling stations, it was discovered that there were serious inconsistencies between results released at the polling stations and those that were announced by Electoral Commission of Kenya. Since then, Kenya has been experiencing civil war and people are suffering. As the people of Kenya face ongoing violence, they stay strong in proclaiming, through electoral process, their country deserves a fair democracy. I praise the courage and commitment of the Kenyan citizens towards democracy. We must support their efforts towards liberty and justice by persuading the international community. With passage of this legislation, the international community, United Nations aid organizations, and all neighboring countries are called upon to assist those affected by violence and asked to use diplomatic means to persuade relevant political actors to commit to a peaceful resolution to the crisis. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to support passage of House Concurrent Resolution 283.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the retirement and celebrate the career of a true community leader, Ms. Bettye Banks. This year will mark 30 years of her outstanding service with Consumer Credit Counseling of Greater Dallas, with whom she has dedicated her professional career to providing financial education to citizens of North Texas. Ms. Banks began her career as a secretary with Consumer Credit Counseling of Dallas in 1978. Her work ethic, diligence, and intellect allowed her to easily move up through the ranks, serving as office manager and counselor, among other positions. In 1990, Ms. Banks singlehandedly created the education program, aimed at teaching financial wellness and literacy. Today, Ms. Banks is the senior vice-president for Consumer Counseling of Dallas and responsible for overseeing the financial wellness initiatives of the Education Department. With her vision and leadership, the department has also grown to include 41 individual presentations on money and credit related topics. Ms. Banks has truly been an asset to the department and has left a lasting impression on its growth and impact in the community. In a true testament to her spirit, while working full time at CCCS Dallas, she completed her bachelor's degree in applied business practice. She has also earned professional certification as a Consumer Credit Counselor, Certified Financial Counseling Executive and Housing Counselor. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Banks has authored a series of consumer-finance workbooks and taught over 3,000 seminars and workshops. Her reputation as an expert in the fields has generated contributions in multiple publications, including Today's Dallas Woman and Dallas Family. She has appeared on CBS, NBC and ABC and is sought out as a conference speaker on the topics of financial wellness. Additionally, Ms. Banks is an active community leader, serving on the boards of the Greater Dallas Rotary Club, the Dallas Legal Roundtable, and Friends of Consumer Freedom, among others. She has been a member of numerous local organizations including the North Texas Affordable Housing Coalition, Family Financial Advisory Council and the Dallas Downtown Rotary. There is no doubt that Ms. Banks has generated a monumental legacy at CCCS Dallas. Through her drive and fortitude, she has undoubtedly elevated the organization, and her leadership will be missed. At this milestone in her life, I would like to take the time to commend her for her commitment to the community and education. I extend my best wishes for her retirement and thank her for her invaluable friendship.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I simply want to ask everyone to support the resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I'm pleased to support H.R. 3913, a bill to make a needed technical amendment to the International Center Act, P.L. 90-553. H.R. 3913 authorizes the Department of State to lease land to Intelsat at the International Center, which is located on Connecticut Avenue at Van Ness Street in northwest Washington. The amendment clarifies and ensures that Intelsat's long-term lease of the land, on which its headquarters is located, is consistent with the International Center Act. Intelsat was originally established in the early 1900s as an international organization. In 2000, Congress passed legislation which essentially required Intelsat to become a private company. Unfortunately, at that time, Congress overlooked a change in the ICA that would be necessary when Intelsat completed its transition to a private company, and this bill corrects that omission. I support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.