Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 352) supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 123 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Capitol Police, along with the D.C. Special Olympics, will participate in the torch run to be held on June 8, 2007. The D.C. Special Olympics will work closely with the Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol to make sure that the event is in full compliance with rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics is run nationwide by law enforcement officials leading up to each State's or national Special Olympics summer games. Each year, nearly 50 local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C. participate to show their support of the D.C. Special Olympics. This torch relay event is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics. For the fifth year these opening ceremonies will take place at Catholic University in the District of Columbia. This is a worthwhile event attended by thousands of Special Olympians, their families and friends, and I support the 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 within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 123.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 123) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the committee, Mr. Oberstar.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1036 authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Subject to certain requirements, but not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the bill, the Administrator shall convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation a parcel of real property known as GSA Fleet Management Center. The GSA Fleet Management Center is a parcel located at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Christensen Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, consisting of approximately 78,000 square feet of land. The Alaska Railroad Corporation, in exchange for the land, will either provide a replacement facility for the GSA Fleet Management Center to be conveyed or the Alaska Railroad Corporation will pay the Administrator for the fair market value of the GSA Fleet Management Center based on its highest and best use as determined by an independent appraisal commissioned by the Administrator and paid by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. All proceeds derived from the possible sale of the GSA Fleet Management Center would be deposited in the Federal Buildings Fund. I support this bill to transfer this property, Mr. Speaker, from the GSA inventory to the Alaska Railroad Corporation and particularly want to note, consistent with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee policy and guidance on these transfer matters, that the bill protects the Federal interest. H.R. 1036 requires either the GSA is provided with a replacement facility or the railroad corporation will pay the fair market value for the building based on an appraisal of the highest and best use. Further, if the building is bought by the railroad, the proceeds will be deposited into the Federal Buildings Fund. 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 within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 1036.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1036) to authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation, as amended.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505, as amended, is a bill to designate the Federal building in Davenport, IA, as the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. Our former colleague, Jim Leach, was elected to Congress in 1977 from Iowa and served for 14 consecutive Congresses. His contributions to and interests in the House of Representatives are numerous, including his longstanding support for the use of HOPE VI HUD funds to help smaller cities develop affordable housing. A career public servant, Congressman Leach served 30 years as a Representative in Congress, where he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Congressional Executive Commission on China. He holds eight honorary degrees, has received decorations from two foreign governments, and is the recipient of the Wayne Morris Integrity in Politics Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins, and the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association, and the Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club. Jim Leach was hard working, highly respected on both sides of the aisle, and dedicated to the welfare of his constituents. It is fitting and proper to honor his public service with this designation. I support 1505 and urge its adoption. 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 within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 1505.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1505) to designate the Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the ``James A. Leach Federal Building,'' as amended.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and the subcommittee Chair, Mr. DeFazio, and the ranking member, Mr. Duncan. I am very pleased to join them in support of this bill. As you know, Texas shares a longer border with Mexico than any other border State. In 2004, at Texas border ports of entry, there were 3 million commercial crossings. The safety and congestion impacts of this pilot program will be felt the most by Texas drivers, roads and businesses. The impact will be felt particularly by my constituents as Interstates 20, 30, 35 and 45 all converge in the heart of my congressional district. I agree with the chairman of the committee when he says we must not bolster trade with Mexico at the expense of the safety of American drivers. This bill requires that Federal motor carriers complete all safety inspections on the Mexican side of the border. The bill also mandates that safety can be assured before Mexican trucks enter our country under this program. We in Congress cannot afford to be soft in our oversight of this matter. Passing a safety inspection in Mexico, even one administered by Federal motor carriers, is not a guarantee to Mexican trucks and drivers that they will have free rein over our roads. In the event that this program proves successful, it is important for this body to give adequate guidance and assistance to border States like Texas to address the burden of increased freight traffic, including congestion, air quality, and wear and tear on our roads. The Department of Transportation cannot use Texas and other border States as guinea pigs and not give them the support they need. In closing, I fully support this bill. It removes much of the uncertainty regarding safety that this committee found in the Department of Transportation's proposed pilot program.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the chairman of the committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the COPS Improvements Act of 2007. As violent crime continues to rise, we must address the needs of our Nation's law enforcement professionals. Law enforcement presence remains one of the greatest assets against crime. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of this program where our community cops simply work with our young people, help to break up gangs, helping them with tutoring in the evening when they are on duty in those communities. So in addition to this bill just allowing the 50,000 cops to be hired, it also allows for the increase in funding to improve technology for our police agencies. And it may be used to update police stations and cars for providing the latest technology in crime fighting. I am delighted to see that it is being considered, and I strongly support and recommend the approval.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, during the first ever AmeriCorps week I would like to extend my support to the oranization and all of the great things that its members have done. Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 22,000 young people serving a year or more in our communities. Nearly 72 AmeriCorps volunteers have tutored 691 youths in the State of Texas including the Dallas Habitat for Humanities and the YMCA of Dallas Oak Cliff Branch. In Texas, as in other States, AmeriCorps volunteers provide a host of services including building affordable housing, teaching computer skills to youth and seniors, and managing after-school programs aimed at youngsters who might otherwise drop out of school. Through programs such as the ``National Civilian Community Corps'' or ``City Year,'' AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation. These programs serve an important role as they provide an outlet for people to serve their country in a manner that they previously had not be afforded. The AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas and the country as a whole, as the Corps members promise to do in the pledge they take every day, they ``get things done.'' Mr. Speaker, we will not find common ground or reach higher ground if we turn national service into a partisan playground. I will continue to work hard and do everything I can to strengthen this program, and I ask my House colleagues to do everything as well.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness and deep regret that many of us in this body rise to pay tribute to a wonderful lady and a close friend of mine--Mrs. Sue Sarilyn Washington. The words most often associated with her are ``grace'' and ``compassion,'' and with those I wholeheartedly agree. Just a quick glimpse of her professional life attests to her unselfish spirit. Sue Sarilyn Washington was an inspiration to those around her, and dedicated her time and spirit to many outstanding local and national organizations, including: the VA Medical Center of Dallas; Jack & Jill of America; Links, Inc. Dallas Chapter; Carrousels, Dallas Chapter; Board of Trustees, Lutheran High School; the Board of Directors, Children's Theater of Dallas; Deacon, Royal Lane Baptist Church; and the St. Marks Boy Scouts. Through these organizations, Sue touched the lives of countless individuals. A devoted mother of three, Sue also consistently showed her love for God and others. She delicately balanced the rigors of professional life with the demands of caring for their family; yet, she still made time for friends. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to pay tribute to a lady who faithfully served her community with dedication and integrity. Sue Sarilyn Washington will be sorely missed in North Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, May 3, 2007, I requested and received a leave of absence from May 3 to May 9, 2007, due to my presence at previous commitments in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 315, the Tom Davis of Virginia Amendment,``no''; Rollcall No. 316, the Thompson of Mississippi Amendment,``aye''; Rollcall No. 317, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions,``no''; Rollcall No. 318, on Passage, Homeland Security Authorization Act,``aye''. Madam Speaker, I was also unavoidably absent from the chamber from March 21, 2007 to March 22, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 167, Motion to Permit to Proceed in Order on This Day,``aye''; Rollcall No. 168, the Neugebauer of Texas Amendment,``no''; Rollcall No. 169, the Price of Georgia Amendment,``no''; Rollcall No. 170, the Al Green of Texas Amendment, as Modified,``aye''; Rollcall No. 171, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions,``no''; Rollcall No. 172, on Passage, Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act,``aye''; Rollcall No. 173, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 835,``aye''; Rollcall No. 174, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 327,``aye''; Rollcall No. 175, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 797,``aye''; Rollcall No. 176, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 1284,``aye''; Rollcall No. 177, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 1130,``aye''; Rollcall No. 178, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 740,``aye''; Rollcall No. 179, on Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 260,``aye''; Rollcall No. 180, on Agreeing to the Resolution,``aye''; Rollcall No. 181, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, H. Con. Res. 66,``aye''; Rollcall No. 182, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 261,``aye''; Rollcall No. 183, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended,``aye''; Rollcall No. 184, on Approving the Journal,``aye''.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on May 3, 2007, I requested and received a leave of absence from May 3 to May 9, 2007, due to my presence at previous commitments in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Improving Head Start Act of 2007 (H.R. 1429): Rollcall No. 277, the Price of Georgia Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 278, the Sestak of Pennsylvania Amendment, ``aye''; rollcall No. 279, the Hirono of Hawaii Amendment, ``aye''; rollcall No. 280, the Mica of Florida Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 281, the Putnam of Florida Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 282, the Carnahan of Missouri Amendment, ``aye''; and rollcall No. 283, the Shuler of North Carolina Amendment, ``aye''. Rollcall No. 284, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions, ``no''; rollcall No. 285, on Passage, Improving Head Start Act, H.R. 1429, ``aye''; rollcall No. 286, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, H. Res. 243, ``aye''; rollcall No. 287, the Sullivan (OK) Amendment to Honda (CA) Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 288, the Honda of California Amendment, ``aye''; rollcall No. 289, the Campbell of California Amendment No. 5, ``no''; rollcall No. 290, the Campbell of California Amendment No. 4, ``no''; and rollcall No. 291, the Garrett of New Jersey Amendment No. 11, ``no.'' Rollcall No. 292, the Flake of Arizona Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 293, the Matsui of California Amendment, ``aye''; rollcall No. 294, the Price of Georgia Amendment, ``no''; rollcall No. 295, on Passage, National Science Foundation Authorization Act, H.R. 1867, ``aye''; rollcall No. 296, on Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 364, ``aye''; rollcall No. 297, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 364, ``aye''; and rollcall No. 298, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions, ``no.'' Rollcall No. 299, on Passage, To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, H.R. 1592, ``aye''; rollcall No. 300, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1868, ``no''; rollcall No. 301, on Passage, Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act, H.R. 1868, ``aye''; rollcall No. 302, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 407, ``aye''; rollcall No. 303, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 1025, ``aye''; rollcall No. 304, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, H. Res. 371, ``aye''; rollcall No. 305, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H.R. 1294, ``aye''; and rollcall No. 306, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 370, ``aye''. Rollcall No. 307, on Agreeing to the Resolution, S. Con. Res. 1, ``aye''; rollcall No. 308, on Motion to Instruct Conferees, S. Con. Res. 1, ``no''; rollcall No. 309, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1595, ``aye''; rollcall No. 310, on Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 382, ``aye''; rollcall No. 311, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 382, ``aye''; rollcall No. 312, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 383, ``aye''; rollcall No. 313, on Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 383, ``aye''; and rollcall No. 314, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Student Loan, H.R. 890, ``aye''.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 299 on May 3, 2007, I was unavoidably detained in my congressional district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.