Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3913) to amend the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act to an entity other than a foreign government or international organization if certain conditions are met.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back my time and urge passage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3913.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time, and I yield back my time and urge passage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4140 is a bill to designate the Federal building located at 138 West First Street, Port Angeles, Washington, as the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building. Private First Class Richard Anderson was born in 1921 in Tacoma, Washington. He joined the Marine Corps on July 6, 1942, and received his Marine Corps training in San Diego, California. He died at the young age of 22 during World War II and on Roi Island, part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. His heroism is marked by his actions on Roi Island when he hurled himself on a live grenade in a shell hole to save the lives of many people. He was severely injured and died of his injuries on February 1, 1944. He was buried at sea with full military honors. In 1945, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson was named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Anderson. It is both fitting and proper to honor the life and courageous actions of Richard B. Anderson in this designation. I support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 4140.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4140) to designate the Port Angeles Federal Building in Port Angeles, Washington, as the ``Richard B. Anderson Federal Building''.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Texas Water Development Board was created in 1957 with the mission ``to provide leadership, planning, financial assistance, information and education for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas.'' Additionally, the Texas Water Development Board provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of the State. The Texas Water Development Board was selected this past November as a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Performance and Innovation in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success Award at the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities annual conference in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, this is extraordinary for Texas because normally we get on the other end of things of this sort. But the Texas Water Development Board provides loans and grants to local governments and entities for various projects. The financial assistance programs are funded through State-backed bonds, a combination of State bond proceeds and Federal grant funds, or limited appropriated funds. To date, the Texas Water Development Board has successfully awarded communities approximately $4.3 billion in low-interest loans to finance 472 water infrastructure projects across the State of Texas. The State of Texas currently administers the second largest Clean Water State Revolving Fund in the Nation, second only to New York. In 2007 alone, the Texas Water Development Board made 32 loan commitments through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, for a total of $692 million. Of the 32 total commitments made out of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in 2007, approximately 8 percent of the funds were committed to disadvantaged communities, and 10 percent were committed to small communities with populations consisting of less than 10,000 residents. The Texas Water Development Board is working with the EPA to strengthen the program, including the ability to offer extended term financing up to 30 years to help communities that may need more time to repay the loan. Additionally, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is being proactively marketed to ensure that all Texas communities are aware of the benefits offered by this program. And, Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be able to honor such a vital organization in the State of Texas. It's sometimes a rare occasion. The Texas Water Development Board is recognized as a leader in the State water planning and water-related infrastructure financing. I would like to thank my colleagues from the Texas delegation for joining me in this resolution. 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 in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H. Res. 832.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 832) honoring the Texas Water Development Board on its selection as a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award, as amended.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. King's legacy and recognize the innumerous Americans who continue along the path he paved towards justice and liberty for all citizens. It is rare that one person can change the fate of our Nation; however Dr. King was able to do just that. Dr. King relied on his relationship with God and his faith in justice to articulate his vision for America in a way that touched the hearts and minds of the American public. Dr. King called on all of us to no longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up together as a voice against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to continue that fight even after his death. Few people would sacrifice time and energy for loved ones, fewer for strangers, yet Dr. King humbled himself to do just that. He ultimately sacrificed his life and his family sacrificed their patriarch for the struggle towards political justice for all Americans. Today we pay homage for their selflessness and publicly thank them for their commitments to humanity. Dr. King left us with the challenge to courageously fight and secure the civil rights for all, from the impoverished and disenfranchised underclass to the politically and economically endowed. Although his challenge was issued 40 years ago, we still have not fully realized his noble request. Today's Martin Luther King Day is as much about the past as it is about the future. Dr. King's dream is truly timeless, and I hope that our next generation will find inspiration in his faith and vision.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha on the occasion of their centennial anniversary. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I would like to welcome the thousands of fine AKA members who have traveled to Howard University this week to celebrate the birth of Alpha Chapter and the nine visionaries who founded the sorority in 1908. As our Nation's oldest black Greek letter fraternity founded by women, Alpha Kappa Alpha was established in order to provide social and intellectual enrichment through member interactions. Throughout the years, AKA's purpose has expanded as it strives to promote high scholastics and ethical standards, vocational and career guidance, health services and the advancement of human and civil rights. Led by International President Barbara A McKinzie, the women of AKA seek to make a difference in our communities and to be of supreme service to all of mankind. When you look at AKA's distinguished membership it is easy to see its impact on America. Amongst these women are: Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dr. Mae Jemison--just to name a few. Today, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a worldwide organization with 200,000 members in 975 chapters all over the globe and on every continent. The century of achievements by AKA women are felt everyday in the progress of our communities, and the work our members are doing today will be felt by generations to come. This centennial celebration is both a reflection upon our history, and a celebration of our future. I commend Alpha Kappa Alpha on their centennial anniversary and wish them well for their next 100 years.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on December 19, 2007, I missed votes because of scheduled eye surgery in Dallas. Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1183, 1184, 1185 and 1186.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on December 18, 2007, I missed nine votes because of scheduled eye surgery in Dallas. Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181 and 1182.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I recognize the life and passing of colleague Congresswoman Julia Carson of Indiana's 7th District. I have known this extraordinary person for a long time. She was 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 has been 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. As a member of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Congresswoman Carson worked to address the most pressing needs of her constituents and this Nation. In the 108th Congress, Congresswoman Carson was the sponsor of the largest Amtrak reauthorization bill, the National Defense Rail Act, which provided the rail passenger system with over $40 billion in funds to develop high-speed rail corridors and aid in the development of short distance corridors between larger urban centers. Madam Speaker, Indiana has lost a powerful legislator. The Nation has lost a great leader. The Congress will mourn Julia Carson for her enormous intellectual ability and her huge heart. I will miss an irreplaceable colleague and friend. And yet, I know that while her loss will be deeply felt, the memory of her kindness and the recollection of her good deeds will transcend into future generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, I have an appointment for eye surgery, which cannot be rescheduled. Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1163, 1164, 1165, 1166, 1167, 1168, 1169, 1170, 1171, 1172 and 1173.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church, located in the 30th district of Texas, that has faithfully served the community for over 50 years. Founded in 1854 by Reverend Alphonso Lopez, the church originally formed as small prayer groups meeting in the homes of its members. From this humble beginning, True Purpose Missionary Church remodeled and transformed a local tavern into a sanctuary that continues to house the congregation today. From here, they have worked tirelessly to transform the neighborhood and serve the people of the Dallas metroplex. In particular, two of the first leaders of the church, Pastor A.L. Wilburn and Pastor James D. Parker, deserve a special honor for their service. Pastor A.L. Wilburn served as the first pastor of True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church until his death in 1985. His leadership during his tenure brought great hope and inspiration to his congregation. A member of the Baptist General Convention, Baptist Ministers Union, Interdenominational Ministers Alliance and the Rising Star District Association, he is best remembered for his kind spirit and love of church, family and friends. Following in his predecessor's footprints, Pastor James D. Parker served as a beacon of strength and guidance for the church. Internationally recognized as a motivational speaker, he traveled throughout the world sharing his expertise and assisting numerous organizations across the globe. Pastor Parker was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He served the church faithfully until his death in 1989. Thanks to the strong leadership of these two men, True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church today continues to provide a nurturing environment for its members and visitors. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church for their contributions to the Dallas community.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I recognize the life and passing of R.C. Hickman of Oak Cliff, Texas. Mr. Hickman was a very prominent and well-respected photographer not only in the State of Texas, but also throughout the entire nation. As his family mourns their loss, I would like to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of R.C. Hickman before this body of Congress and this nation. Born in Mineola, Texas and raised in the Dallas, Hickman's exemplary photography career started during the World War II. After the war's end, he continued his professional career as a photographer at the Dallas Star Post and freelance photographer for Jet magazine. His dreams led him to capture the likenesses of entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr., activists Thurgood Marshall and Dr. King, and countless others whose work for civil rights. His professionalism and keen eye ignited his passion for recognizable images. Several of his photos are now housed at the Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Hickman later compiled many of his pictures in the book Behold the People: R.C. Hickman's Photographs of Black Dallas, 1949-1961. Madam Speaker, it is in earnest respect that I recognize the memory of Mr. R.C. Hickman before this body of Congress and this nation for the irreplaceable contributions he made to the community of Dallas and the State of Texas. My sincere condolences go out to his nieces Patricia Tuck, Royetta Tuck Potts of Los Angeles and Nelwyn Vaughn of Mineola. While his loss will be deeply felt, the memory of his kindness and the recollection of his good deeds will transcend into future generations.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable gentleman, Reverend Dr. Sammie Davis in the celebration of his 80th birthday on November 27, 2007. A pastor for over 52 years and the only preacher at Fellowship Baptist Church for 44 years, Reverend Davis is a true pillar of the Dallas community. A graduate of Dallas Independent School District, Reverend Davis continued to pursue his educational goals, attending Bishop College, Southern Methodist University, UCLA and earning a doctorate from the University of Asawan in Egypt. Extending his love of family beyond his own fifteen children, Reverend Davis has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and youth in his community. Whether shelter, food or simple guidance was needed, Reverend Davis could always be counted on to extend a helping hand. As Founder and Executive Director of Fellowship War on Drugs Program in Dallas, he also fought to redirect the lives of those affected by drug abuse in southern Dallas. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Reverend Sammie Davis on reaching the milestone year of 80, and I wish him many future years of happiness and enjoyment in his personal and professional endeavors.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to this Nation's veterans, a distinguished group of Americans which I am so proud to be associated with. Prior to my election to public office, it was my privilege to work on behalf of veterans for more than 15 years as a chief psychiatric nurse at the Dallas VA Hospital, Day Treatment Center, as well as the Day Hospital in Dallas, TX. Our 25 million living veterans need Congress' continued support for health care and compensation for those with service-connected disabilities. Educational support, counseling, and employment- assistance programs for those readjusting to civilian life also must be sustained. These programs and others to assist the survivors of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, help acknowledge a debt we can never truly repay. We cannot hide from the truth that close to 25 percent of our Nation's homeless are veterans, many of whom suffer from chronic mental illness. We also cannot ignore that unemployment rates among service- connected disabled and recently discharged veterans remain unacceptably high, and that it is estimated that over 10,000 Iraq and Afghan veterans suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. I will proudly join millions of North Texans to honor our veterans on November 11th--many of those just returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, others who long ago returned from Europe, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and all those brave men and women who served elsewhere during the years between these conflicts.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, so I rise to close. I would like to thank Mr. Oberstar for his tremendous leadership, Mr. Young, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Baker, and, of course, Mr. Mica. We have worked together for the last 6 years, actually, a little longer, 7 years, on a bill to try to address these infrastructure problems throughout our Nation. This is the first opportunity that we have really had to begin to address the many massive problems that we do have. It gives no one pleasure to override any President because I was always taught to listen to both sides. This time, Mr. Speaker, I believe it's a necessity. We simply must begin to address these many, many problems that we are facing. If we had done what the executive branch had recommended, we would have had at least $19 billion in 2001; another $19 billion in 2003; and another $19 billion in 2005; then the $19 billion due this year. As it is, $23 billion is short $55 billion. So we are not addressing every problem, but we are trying our best to prioritize; and hopefully we can get back on schedule and address these problems every 2 years so that we won't have to deal with more floods like Katrina and Rita; we won't have to do without our Everglades as they begin to disappear. So thank you very much to the staff, to all of the Members, both minority and majority, because we have all been one or the other. We have been majority and we have been minority. We still work together. This bill hasn't changed that much, no matter who was in the majority or no matter who was in the minority, because we know that problems of this sort are really simply not Democrat or Republican; these are people's problems and we simply have the responsibility to address them. Mr. Speaker, I would ask everyone to vote to override this veto.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon).