Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to identify the low representation of minorities and women in the financial services industry. The Financial Services Diversity Initiative calls upon the public and private sector to provide more opportunities for minorities and women to succeed in the financial services industry. The financial service industry has an extraordinary impact on the country, including my home district of Dallas, TX. While many industries have successfully created a diverse workplace, the financial service industry has fallen short, creating an unacceptable disparity for minorities and women. As a society, it is our responsibility to promote the diversity in the workplace and ensure confidence in any individual's ability to succeed at all levels. In order to raise awareness and combat these disparities, we must furnish all children a first class education. Education is the vital threshold in expanding opportunities to qualified candidates, regardless of their race or sex. The Financial Services Diversity Initiative enforce fairness and accountability to all educational and employment sectors. Mr. Speaker, as a person of color and a woman, I know first hand the importance of equality and diversity. I strongly support the Financial Services Diversity Initiatives which offers to eliminate the inequality among minorities and women in the financial services industry.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge the timely reauthorization of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act. Unless the President signs the bipartisan, bicameral conference report that will be sent to him before the end of this fiscal year, the State Children's Health Insurance Program will fail to be funded in a timely manner. As a result, several states will experience immediate budget shortages and may be unable to cover the health care expenses of thousands of uninsured children. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the Nation. Twenty-five percent of Texas kids have no health insurance. The Federal Government and executive branch are in a position to help by refunding SCHIP so that states can enroll uninsured children into the program. These are children of the working poor. Madam Speaker, I represent an urban area, and many of my constituents live in poverty. They face tough decisions regarding shift work, child- and dependent care options, transportation challenges, and even how to afford healthy meals for their families. Many are the working poor. My constituents depend on SCHIP funds for a continuity of health care for their children to which they would not otherwise have access. I am gravely concerned about how they will be affected, should federal funds suddenly dry up. For some, it could be a matter of life or death. For my constituents, I urge Congress and the President to work together to protect this valuable program. The Congressional Black Caucus is dedicated to this issue, and I thank the Chair for bringing attention to the health of our Nation's children.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding. The Federal Transit Administration recently approved a $700 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for the construction of a new Dallas area rapid transit rail line that will provide access to the vicinity of Dallas Love Field Airport, not direct access to the main terminal. So to remedy this connection lapse, the city of Dallas and the Council of Governments have committed some funding, but the city has a strong desire to use PFCs to cover the remainder of the cost. I respectfully ask the distinguished chairman to work with me to ensure that Dallas Love Field Airport receives priority consideration for the program outlined in section 114 of the bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of America who want a new way forward in Iraq and expect Congress to act accordingly. My constituents in North Texas continue to grieve the loss of their sons and daughters in Iraq and voice their utmost concerns for our troops' safety. They deserve answers from me and from our government regarding the consequence of the monetary and casualty cost of the Iraq war. Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have affected the lives of countless Americans. There are over 3,000 troops from the great state of Texas that have been wounded during duty and many thousands more from across the United States. Despite the struggles our soldiers face both on the field and the home front, they are thankful for the support they have been receiving from their fellow Americans. They share their concerns none of which are for themselves, but of their fellow comrades and families. If given a chance, they are willing to return to the field and fight for this nation. I stand here today, humbled by these men and women. The current administration has recently submitted data reflecting that violence in Iraq has decreased, but this data has been skewed. The data does not reflect the truth. Violence in Iraq has increased. It is our responsibility to care for the best interest of our soldiers. It is our responsibility to protect our troops from unnecessary harm. Our men and women in uniform are owed a debt of gratitude for their courageous efforts. A failure to bring about democracy in Iraq rests solely on the shoulders of the President and his Administration. Mr. Speaker, a great American military cannot be a substitute for a weak Iraqi government. Americans want a new direction in Iraq. The best way to support our troops serving in Iraq is to bring them home.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1154, a resolution to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D. Dr. DeBakey has been a dedicated public servant, especially to veterans. The developments in organ transplant medicine developed by him have enabled millions of people to lead happy and productive lives. Early in life, he volunteered for military service during World War II, joining the Surgeon General's staff and rising to the rank of Colonel and Chief of the Surgical Consultants Division. His recommendations led to advances in mobility military medicine and earned him the Legion of Merit in 1945. His work contributed to the ultimate development of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center System and the establishment of the Commission on Veterans Medical Problems of the National Research Council. Mr. Speaker, I served as Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Dallas and have 15 years of experience in hands-on patient care. Medical follow-up after active service is extremely important for our veterans. Dr. DeBakey's intelligence, dedication and other talents were directed early in his career to assist men and women serving in our military. For decades, his innovations in cardiovascular medicine revolutionalized the field and have forever changed the way surgery is conducted. Many millions who will never know him have Dr. DeBakey to thank for pioneering surgical techniques that have saved their lives. Mr. Speaker, as a Texan, I have great pride for our own Dr. Michael DeBakey. It is fitting for the U.S. House of Representatives to honor him in this way. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I rise today to commend the Foundation for Pluralism on the 3rd Annual Unity Day USA. Unity Day USA has taken the initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by brining about a positive response to the tragedy of 9/11. This day honors thousands of Americans who sacrificed their lives by committing to make this day pledged to the peace, prosperity, unity and security of our nation. It is vital that we look at the human and economic cost of war to realize the urgency to actively pursue peace. The burden of peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building cannot be left to one institution, gender, or political party. It must be a shared responsibility that encompasses all, regardless of race, class, gender or religion. Each year Unity Day USA is celebrated on the Sunday before September 11th. On this day, Americans of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background, gather to pray for the peace, unity and security of our nation and the world. The theme the 3rd Annual Unity Day USA will be One Nation under God. Leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths. Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward cohesive and thriving local communities. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to commend the Foundation of Pluralism on celebrating the 3rd Annual Unity Day USA.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Neiman Marcus as it celebrates its 100-year anniversary. The founders--Herbert Marcus, his sister, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband, A.L. Neiman--were all under age 30 when they created the luxury retailer. They opened its flagship store in downtown Dallas, TX, on this day in 1907. Over the last century, Neiman Marcus has not only left an indelible mark on the Dallas culture and society, but continues to play a vital role in the business community. For over 19 years, Neiman Marcus has hosted the annual Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's Parade benefiting the Child Life Program at Children's Medical Center, Dallas. This event raises money for its specialized programs including music therapy, support groups, medical camps and bedside activities. It draws crowds of over 300,000 and it brings hope and happiness to families across the country during the holiday season. With a long history of supporting the arts, Neiman Marcus continues this tradition by sustaining the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts and the Dallas Arts District, helping to establish Dallas as a renowned center for performing and visual arts. Expanding from its original store in historic downtown Dallas, Neiman Marcus now operates nationwide with total store operations of over 5 million gross square feet, providing economic growth and secure jobs across the country and for the north Texas region. With a true sense of philanthropy and generosity, Neiman Marcus has become more than a retail company; its company culture reflects the true spirit of community. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, please join me in congratulating Neiman Marcus Group on the occasion of its 100th year anniversary.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend Chairman Conyers and the House Leadership for their diligence in addressing the issue of patent reform, and to express why I unfortunately must oppose this bill in its current form. There is an overwhelming need to move patents through the approval process quickly, fairly, and economically. I commend this bill on many of the positive changes it makes to the reform system, but I remain concerned about provisions that may dramatically restrict damages payable by infringers. It is my fear that this bill will alter the current system in favor of defendants resulting in further backlogs. These changes to the current system would ultimately hurt existing patent owners. In addition, this bill implements a post grant review process that will lead to duplicative challenges, resulting in an increase to the cost of patent ownership and significantly decreasing the enforceability, predictability and value of all patents. Numerous technology firms, both large and small are opposed to this bill, as well as, many universities. These are the people on the forefront of our technological future and their voice and opposition need to be heard. Innovation and advancement are key to the future of America. It is my concern that this bill will tilt the legal balance in favor of patent infringers and discourage innovation and investment in research and development. We must protect our innovators and allow them to pursue concise and necessary action in the court of law.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend an admirable leader Daisaku Ikeda on the 50th anniversary of Soka Gakkai International. As president, Mr. Ikeda is an exemplary humanitarian committed to developing a peaceful world. As a young man, Mr. Ikeda was a disciple of Josei Toda, founder of Soka Gakkai International, of which 5,000 members reside in Dallas, TX. During this time, he adopted the mission to embrace the movement of human revolution based on daily efforts to transform their individual lives from within through a consistent and essential aspect of the historical challenge of nuclear disarmament, abolition and peace. Mr. Ikeda is a prolific writer, poet, peace activist, pianist, environmentalist, photographer and interpreter of Nichiren Buddhism. In 1983, Mr. Ikeda proposed his first peace proposal in response to challenges of our global society grounded in his Buddhist perspective. This proposal is submitted each year to the United Nations. As president of Soka Gakkai International, Mr. Ikeda has founded several institutions, such as Soka schools, the Min-On Concert Association, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, the Institute of Oriental Science and the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research to promote educational, cultural, and artistic activities and to conduct exchanges with like groups and institutions on a global scale. He has also initiated a wide range of grassroots exchange programs and delivered speeches at a number of institutions of higher learning around the world, including Harvard University, the Institut de France and Beijing University. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to commend the life of an astounding man, Daisaku Ikeda and congratulate him on the 50th anniversary of Soka Gakkai International.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Dallas Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslim Community for reaching a Golden Jubilee landmark on July 11, 2007. As a prominent community, the Ismailis have contributed largely to the cultural diversity and economic development in Texas. Under the guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan, the Ismailis are represented in the fields of engineering, science, medicine, education, and entrepreneurship. In 1967, the first international non-profit institution ofthe Ismailis was established by the Aga Khan in Europe. Since then the Aga Khan Development Network has grown into nine agencies, globally representing the fields of micro finance, education, economic development, health, and cultural preservation. These agencies have created 300 schools in the world, educating 62,000 students and employing 5,000 staff. It has opened 200 health centers, caring for nearly 2 million and employing nearly 10,000 staff It has also opened a university in Central Asia, transformed a park in Egypt, and continues to raise funds for the poor through an annual world-wide Partnership Walk. The Ismailis are devoted to improving the circumstances and opportunities for the poor around the world. The Aga Khan Development Network serves as a catalyst for these endeavors. Their mandates range ITom education and health to structural design, disaster reduction, development, and renewal of historic cities. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored to congratulate the Ismaili Community on their Golden Jubilee. Their efforts towards global humanitarianism make them an invaluable member of the Dallas area.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on September 5, 2007, I was unavoidably detained from the House Chamber. Had I been present I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall 849, On Motion to Instruct Conferees, College Cost Reduction Act of 2007; ``yea'' on rollcall 848, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Microloan Amendments and Modernization Act; ``yea'' on rollcall 847, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 694, the Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007. Minority Serving Institutions include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, HSIs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, TCUs, and Asian American/Pacific Islander- Serving Institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities produce a disproportionately high percentage of African American science, engineering and technology professionals with advanced degrees. Even though they struggle with limited resources, HBCUs are institutions that provide special opportunities for educational enrichment for minority students. HBCUs graduated 40 percent or more of all African Americans who, in 2000, received degrees in physics, chemistry, astronomy, environmental sciences, mathematics and biology. In fact, African Americans who graduate from HBCUs are more likely to go on to graduate school and complete doctoral degrees than African- American undergraduates from other institutions. HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions offer unique learning experiences, instill confidence, and impart a ``can-do'' attitude among minority students who matriculate there. Congressman Edolphus Towns of New York has devised a strong bill to assist minority-serving institutions in acquiring, and augmenting the use of digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services. This legislation is appropriate, considering the very small appropriation given to these institutions to help carry on their legacy. I strongly support this bill and appreciate Chairman Bart Gordon and Ranking Member Ralph Hall, of the Committee on Science and Technology, for their partnership to facilitate it through the Committee process. Again, I am pleased to support the Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007, and I urge my colleagues to support it also.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2850, the Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007. The bill proposes a program to coordinate federally funded research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Protecting our environment has, for years, been a priority for me. Dallas and other cities in Texas have long suffered from poor environmental quality, leading to serious health effects in our population. If Congress can incentivize chemical manufacturing and research processes that minimize environmental harms, then we will be doing a good thing for our constituents. As a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I support this research because of the long-term benefits it brings to all citizens. Mr. Speaker, the committee has held hearings on this subject and deem it to be needed, and of worthy investment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me express my appreciation to Mr. Gordon and Mr. Hall, Dr. Gingrey, Dr. Ehlers and others who have been active on the other side and shown interest, not just recently, but over the years. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I in the Science and Technology Committee have held numerous hearings and markups to prepare the legislation that is before us today in the form of a conference report. Today this bill authorizes $33 billion over fiscal years 2008-2010. You know, I grew up with my father saying nothing is free, and you get what you pay for. If you invest, you will get a return, and that's just where we are. We are in need of stimulating our teachers and our students to specialize in these areas so that we can be competitive in the world. We have allowed ourselves to get behind, we are investing less than almost any other developed country, and we must step up to the plate now, the time has come. It will help to prepare thousands of new teachers and provide teachers with better materials and skills through our expanded Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and through the Math and Science Partnerships Program. In my district are the number one and number two public schools in the Nation, as Newsweek says. Texas Instruments has invested numerous dollars, thousands, in that school, and it is very good. We put out some of the best students in the Nation from our schools, but it only has about 20 to 25 percent of the students that need all of this. It is needed across the Nation. We are not going to get it until we provide for it. We will not get competitive until we do this. So I would say please support the conference committee for H.R. 2272. It only provides what we need, and we cannot get it for free. I know that we have spent a lot of money on this war, a lot more than they are asking for in here; but we have got to take care of this Nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit into the Record a letter from E.G. Pittman, Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, strongly supporting the passage of this conference report. The State of Texas has recently completed a nationally recognized comprehensive water plan. Provisions in H.R. 1495 would greatly assist the State in addressing changes in the population, water availability and quality, technological improvements, and promotes increased collaboration with the Corps of Engineers. Texas Water Development Board, Austin, TX, August 1, 2007. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. James L. Oberstar, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Hon. John A. Boehner, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. John L. Mica, Ranking Member, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear House Leaders: The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) strongly supports the passage of H.R. 1495 by the end of this week. The conference report on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) embodies seven years of deliberations on this important and urgent issue. Further delays are incomprehensible after such protracted discussions have finally resulted in a bill that is a crucial step towards addressing the nation's water resources needs, which have accumulated since the last WRDA was enacted. The Nation can no longer wait for passage of this important piece of legislation. We are faced with numerous water resources challenges that over time have increased and continue to increase in cost and urgency. We cannot afford to neglect this flood of needs because they will only grow and not dissipate. WRDA's time is now. I appreciate your leadership in acknowledging the importance of H.R. 1495, and I look forward to a successful House vote on the bill this week. If you or your staffs would like to further discuss this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me, or Dave Mitamura of my staff. Respectfully, E. G. Rod Pittman, Chairman.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the conference report for H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. I congratulate Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Mr. Baker, for your work on reaching this agreement in the vital infrastructure investment bill for the Nation's water resources needs. I especially express my appreciation to the staff, to Congressman Young, Congressman Duncan, and Congressman Costello and other distinguished members of this committee, because we have all worked together in a bipartisan manner. All of us assembled here this evening understand the magnitude of this moment. The clock is working against the infrastructure of our country. The 7 years we have waited to enact a water resources development bill have led to significant increases in cost to adequately address the Nation's deteriorating water resources and flood control infrastructure. As such, I am delighted that we as conferees have come to an agreement on the issues independent of review, environmental issues, environmental infrastructure and individual projects that have, up until now, prevented us from crafting a final conference report. We do right and good by this country when we invest in its infrastructure. I agree with the chairman that enactment of a water resources bill this year is critical to economic prosperity, job creation, protection of the environment and public safety. Since Congress last passed a Water Resources Development Act, we have seen Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita devastate the gulf coast and my home State of Texas, flooding cities, damaging economies and businesses and threatening public health. No water resources bill has been enacted since the year 2000, the entire term of this current administration. While I am fully aware of the veto threat that this administration has issued on the conference report, I want to remind my colleagues that since the start of the Iraq conflict in 2003, nearly $42 billion has been appropriated at the request of the administration for Iraqi reconstruction, one-third of which, or $14 billion, is going towards Iraqi economic infrastructure. I would daresay that if this level of attention is adequate for Iraqi water and road infrastructure, my State, as well as my constituents, who are constantly beleaguered by outdated flood protection, are as equally deserving of the attention afforded by H.R. 1495. I deeply regret that the administration has decided to turn its back on a bill that would put Americans to work with good-paying jobs, protect lives and property and bolster our Nation's infrastructure. A recent report by the Texas Section of Civil Engineers assessed my State's infrastructure and rendered a dismal cumulative grade of below average. The assessment of the State's flood control fared even worse, with the State receiving a failing grade of D minus. Over the past decade, Texas has experienced 15 federally declared disasters, most involving flooding. Moreover, Texas leads the Nation in terms of dollars paid for flood claims, second only to the State of Louisiana. The population of Texas is expected to double in the next 30 to 40 years. Development in and near flood plains can be expected to increase, as developers continue to build near the State's rivers, lakes and coastlines. In my district, the Dallas Floodway accepts 1,600 square miles of Trinity River watershed runoff and safely moves the floodwaters through the City of Dallas by virtue of levees that form both sides of the 2,000-foot-wide Floodway. The Floodway levees protect the downtown vicinity from a potential flood damage loss to properties and infrastructure at a price of $8 billion or more. This is a major economic area. The 23 miles of levees for the Dallas Floodway were originally constructed by local interests in 1932 and reconstructed by the Corps in 1960. But, since 1960, the upstream watershed has experienced exploding population growth, and that was not expected, which has significantly increased runoff, overwhelmed our antiquated drainage pumps, and greatly reduced the flood protection afforded by the Dallas Floodway levees. My district's flood control needs are great; and, like the other communities across this Nation, they are anxiously anticipating the resumption of a predictable, consistent, and 2-year water plan. I am glad our work here today brings us one step closer to this reality. The product before us authorizes a number of studies and projects, particularly for the restoration of coastal Louisiana, the restoration of Florida Everglades and the restoration of the upper Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway System. Again, we do right by this country when we invest in its infrastructure. Communities across the country have been waiting 7 long years to begin their noteworthy flood control and water infrastructure projects. I am pleased that we have been able to put our heads together and once and for all advance this vitally important and long-overdue legislation for the American people. I want to extend my thanks again to the bipartisan committee leadership of both Chambers and, most especially, the efforts of our dedicated staff persons who have spent countless hours in crafting the conference report. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this conference report to H.R. 1495. The time to act is now.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Rules Committee leader, Congresswoman Matsui, for yielding. I am pleased to support the rule for the conference report for H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The bill authorizes water resources projects and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policy and programmatic changes that our Congress has failed to consider for far too long. Water resources legislation is most effective when it is considered every 2 years. I support this 2-year cycle as it provides stability to the program and assurance to the non- Federal sponsors who support Corps projects. Unfortunately, no Water Resources bill has been enacted since year 2000, the entire term of the current administration. The authorizations in the language are time sensitive, and there should be no surprise that this bill contains a substantial number of provisions. Many of these authorizations have been waiting for action more than 6 years. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule, as well as the underlying conference report, so that we may, once and for all, advance this vitally important legislation for the American people.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the nation. Twenty-five percent of Texas kids have no health insurance. The Texas state legislature has done a great disservice to these children, and they are working to remedy the problems but have a long way to go. The Federal Government can help by expanding SCHIP so that States can enroll more kids into the program. These are children of the working poor. I support generous expansion of this program. Children with health insurance are more likely to be up to date on immunizations and to receive treatment for sore throats, ear aches and other illnesses. Good health means fewer sick days and better school performance--and less burden on our emergency rooms. I urge my colleagues to avoid delay in passing this bill, that is critical for the health of so many children.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my strong, support for H.R. 735, a bill designating the U.S. Mission to the United Nations for my good friend and former Secretary of Commerce, the late Ronald Herman Brown. Ron Brown's legacy is one that will forever be synonymous with the term trailblazer. Ron Brown was the first African American to achieve partner at Patton, Boggs, and Blow in 1981. In 1989, he became the first African-American to head the Democratic National Committee, marking the first time in U.S. history, a African- American had ever lead a major political party. History was made again in 1993, when President William Jefferson Clinton nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Ron Brown as the first African-American to serve as Secretary of Commerce. As alluded to previously, Ron Brown was an astute, bright, and compassionate individual. He was a brilliant lawyer, an effective Secretary of Commerce, but most importantly he was a devoted family man to his wife Alma and their two children, Michael and Tracy. Sadly, death cheated them and this country at a most unexpected hour; however, we all can take great pride in knowing that Ron Brown's legacy shall endure. In closing Madam Speaker, I would like to commend Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman, Mr. Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairwoman, Ms. Norton, and my dear friend Representative Rangel for their collective leadership in advancing this long overdue piece of legislation. This fine measure is a fitting tribute to one of this country's greatest public servants.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Shirley Chisholm U.S.-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2007. I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her continued commitment to the Caribbean and education. This legislation helps bridge the educational gap in the Caribbean by creating an educational exchange program for Caribbean students to study in the United States. Caribbean Nations suffer from high poverty rates, high unemployment rates, and low literacy rates. These conditions have left most Caribbean students faced with the hard choice of education or work; and most are forced to choose work in order to provide for themselves and their families. Educational exchange programs allow Caribbean students to provide opportunities to learn necessary skills for leadership and career success, explore cultural issues, and promotes dialogue of community and/or social relevance. Education is the building block that creates a sound foundation for success and develops strong democratic values. These exchange programs allow students to return to their native homes to contribute to the success of their nation. This bill also creates new programs to improve primary and secondary education through teacher training. Teacher preparedness and education management is vital to any education system. Providing high quality teachers in critical subject areas is the most important components in building a strong educational structure. Many Caribbean leaders have received education in the United States, and have used their education to strengthen Caribbean democracy and community involvement. This legislation will help to continue strengthen U.S.-Caribbean relations, I strongly urge my colleagues support in passage this bill.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chairman, I thank you for consideration of my amendment to H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007. My amendment focuses on Title VII, which is the Research Title of the legislation. Specifically, the amendment adds a section to the end of ``Subtitle B,'' which contains provisions pertaining to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. The 1977 Act contains Section 1424, authorizing the ``Human Nutrition Intervention and Health Promotion Research Program.'' This is the nutrition research arm of the Department of Agriculture. The program authorizes the Agriculture Secretary to award research grants for human nutrition intervention and health promotion. The 1977 Act describes the ``Emphasis of the Initiative.'' It goes on to say that research projects should emphasize: Coordinated, longitudinal research assessments of nutritional status; and ``The implementation of unified, innovative intervention strategies to identify and solve problems of nutritional inadequacy and contribute to the maintenance of health, well-being, performance, and productivity of individuals, thereby reducing the need of the individuals to use the health care system and social programs of the United States.'' Madam Chairman, my amendment would add one additional point regarding the emphasis of the nutrition research initiative. Emphasis should also be placed on research proposals that examine the efficacy of current agriculture policies in promoting the health and welfare of economically disadvantaged populations. The working poor suffer disproportionately from obesity and its related disorders: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint problems, and others. Nutrition research should include matters relating to public health. My amendment specifies that the scope of human nutrition research include grant proposals that study the effectiveness of current agriculture policies in promoting the health of individuals living in poverty. These groups stand to benefit the most from nutrition research. Taxpayer dollars should be invested wisely, Madam Chairman. An investment in analyzing how well the Federal Government's agriculture policies enable Americans to live healthy lives and make good nutrition choices is money well spent. This amendment directs a sharper focus on nutrition research to help the economically disadvantaged. I thank the Chairman for his acceptance of my amendment and urge my colleagues to support it also.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. My amendment is focused on the education activities at NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Specifically, the amendment designates $70.7 million of NASA's $220.3 million for education appropriations for the minority workforce preparation. This program has been in action before. It was a good program, but because of the cuts that NASA did suffer, it was defunded actually, as they rearranged the funding. I thank the committee for the increase that they did make and commend their recognition of the importance of education funding for NASA. All of us know that this is the focus of education, now, trying to make sure we have workforce available so that we can maintain the competitive edge. NASA had proposed to spend about $40 million, or 27 percent, of its education budget on minority university research and education programs, commonly called the Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as well as the Historically Black Institutions. So the program includes Partnership Awards for Integration of Research, the Space Science Collaboration, the Math Science Teacher and Curriculum Enhancement Program, the Undergraduate Scholars program, Network Resource and Training Sites, Model Institutes for Excellence and the Earth Science Collaborations program. I think that since only 2 percent of our Nation's engineers are African American and Hispanic, we really do need to encourage them to be in this part of the workforce. It's critically important to support these Federal programs. I urge adoption, although I would like to have a colloquy with the chairman.

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 187, which expresses the sense of Congress regarding the dumping of industrial waste into the Great Lakes. My colleague Rahm Emanuel has introduced this resolution, as has my colleague from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Ehlers of Michigan. The resolution has 18 cosponsors from across the Great Lakes region. It is my understanding that a recent decision by Indiana state regulators will allow the British Petroleum company to dump more ammonia and suspended solids daily into Lake Michigan. Although I do agree that our country needs to work on finding additional materials and sources for energy, and we do need to create jobs to help our economy, I do not believe British Petroleum's plan takes our nation in the right direction. As a society, we need to protect our already endangered waters, for they provide means to run our businesses, fulfill daily chores, and relax. Improving the state of the Great Lakes is not an antiquated policy goal from the last century; rather, we still fight today to improve these waters. The House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which I chair, continues to pursue the problems of invasive species, low water levels, and pollutants entering the Lakes on a regular basis. We do not need to add additional waste to our struggling, yet essential, waters. I urge my colleagues to join with me and vote in favor of this resolution.