Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I support House passage of H.R. 3765. This bill extends through December 31, 2007, the authority of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of permits under the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899. This program is popular and well received, particularly in the northwest part of the country. And I congratulate the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird), my committee colleague, for his attention to this issue and for securing today's consideration of this bill. The language in H.R. 3765 is identical to that which is contained in H.R. 2864, the Water Resources Development Act of 2005, which passed the House on July 14 by an overwhelming vote of 406 to 14. This bill should likewise receive strong support. Today's consideration of one section of this larger Water Resources Development Act should not be viewed as an indication that the larger bill will not be enacted this year. I remain optimistic that the other House of Congress will soon consider this vital legislation, particularly in light of the vital role of flood damage reduction, navigation, and storm damage reduction projects in protecting lives and property and enhancing economic well-being. The tragic events associated with Hurricane Katrina indicate how important our water infrastructure really is. However, the Senate is not likely to act on the broader legislation before the Secretary's authority to accept funds expires on September 30, just 10 days from now. By providing this extension, the program can continue uninterrupted; and I urge support of this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of innovator and publishing pioneer John H. Johnson. After living a remarkably accomplished life that spanned 87 years, John H. Johnson passed on Monday, August 8, 2005. By embracing positive portrayals of African-Americans, John Johnson's vision and innovation forever shaped the way African-Americans are portrayed in the media and advertising. At a time when media representations of blacks were mostly damaging and stereotypical, Mr. Johnson produced publications that highlighted African-American accomplishments and success. This innovation and foresight brought together the African-American community. By giving African-Americans something to rally around, he instilled a sense of unity among the black community and created a positive identity. In addition, John Johnson successfully guided the mainstream media and corporations to expand outreach to blacks. It has been said that the ultimate measure of a person's life is the extent to which they made the world a better place. John H. Johnson's work has forever shaped the African-American community. His contributions will always be remembered. We were all greatly saddened to learn of the passing of John H. Johnson.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there are few things I enjoy more in this job than getting the opportunity to shine the spotlight on truly deserving people who serve as a source of inspiration to the rest of us. Werner Scott of Irving, Texas, is one of those people, and I would like to pay tribute to him today. Werner Scott is the founder and President of Advantage Marketing Group (AMG), and is recognized as a visionary in the world of enterprise and sports marketing responsible for initiating many ground breaking concepts. Werner's credits include the brand positioning of Dallas Cowboys superstar Emmitt Smith, yielding ``Brand Emmitt'', ``Emmitt Zone'' and ``Emmitt Zone For Kids'' franchises. He has also worked with several corporations like American Airlines, Frito-Lay, and Bank One Texas, providing strategic market development expertise. Under his guidance, AMG was the key architect in staging the NFL Run To Daylight and the NFL Fast Man competitions, and working with NBC Sports to produce the ongoing Bayou Classic, the Super Bowl of Black College Football. Prior to finding AMG, Werner started his career in 1979 in brand marketing and sales holding a number of posts with Xerox and never looked back. He climbed through the ranks at Xerox becoming an invaluable executive within the organization from 1979-1985. A distinguished military and honor graduate from New Mexico State University, Werner majored in human resources management, with a minor in marketing sales. Werner Scott has not only overcome tremendous challenges in this competitive industry, but he is a brave person who stands by the courage of his convictions. He has a strong passion for civic and charitable organizations including, The Open Doors Foundation, Academies of Excellence, and the Center for the Study of Sports in Society. He is a truly extraordinary human being, and it is my hope that others will be inspired by his determination to succeed and the strength of his spirit.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the compassionate contributions of North Texans towards the hurricane relief efforts. During the past two weeks, televisions across the nation have brought into our living rooms images of the terrible destruction and suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina. Obviously our hearts ache at seeing our fellow Americans in desperate need, struggling at first just to survive, and now beginning to put their lives back together, one piece at a time. This desperation and despair, however, has not gone unanswered. Americans have come together in the past weeks, giving new meaning to the word ``community,'' and the North Texas community has been a leader in this endeavor. The City of Dallas and the surrounding areas have served as models of compassion, generosity, and leadership as North Texas has welcomed thousands who have been so tragically displaced by the hurricane into our neighborhoods and communities. So many sectors have given so selflessly of their time and resources to those in desperate need: city and county administrations, transit agencies, faith-based institutions, educational institutions, private and non-profit sector entities, and regular citizens have answered humanity's greatest call. The American Red Cross in North Texas has come to the aid of thousands of evacuees here in Dallas, providing much needed meals and beds. Volunteers at the Call Center of the Dallas Emergency Operations Center have fielded thousands of calls, helping to organize this massive relief effort. Transportation has been generously provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, who have distributed over 3500 transit passes to evacuees, and the Dallas Water Utilities Distribution Division has assisted by providing pallets and personnel at the Dallas Convention Center. The area's first responders have acted with bravery and selflessness. The Dallas Police Department has committed over 300 officers to support evacuee operations. The Texas State Guard has provided invaluable medical and shelter management services, deploying over 250 guardsmen to the Convention Center and Reunion Arena shelters alone. Fire Rescue and EMS personnel have lent their expertise to the relief effort at shelters throughout Dallas, and nearly two thousand patients have been served. The Surgeon General of the United States, Richard Carmona, has described medical operations in Dallas as ``nothing short of astounding,'' and Mr. Justo Hernandez, the coordinating officer on site with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has reported that, in his 17 years of service with the agency, FEMA has never been as well received as it has in Dallas. Louisiana State Representative Derrick Shepherd described the effort as a ``first-class administration of a difficult administration'' and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin stated, ``People are doing great work everywhere in Texas''. Clearly, world renowned Texas hospitality has lived up to its reputation. The spirit of the North Texas community is strong and kind, and I commend all North Texans who have contributed toward the restoration of hope for their fellow man.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Congressional Black Caucus has decided to discuss poverty. I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 234 and would like to see the President present a plan to eradicate poverty by 2010. Hurricane Katrina devastated the lives of people who were already living well under the poverty level. I have concerns with the slow response and weak leadership of the Federal and State agencies. I have concerns that many of the affected States have Medicaid-eligibility criteria that are too harsh. I have concerns about our overcrowded and underfunded safety net hospitals. I have concerns that since our current President took office there are 5.4 million more people in poverty, 6 million more without health insurance, and the median income is down more than $1,600 a year. As relates to these statistics, the most affected State is the home State of the President, Texas. What we saw on television during the hurricane was the face of poverty. People with resources left early. Only ones with the least resources had to depend on their government for a safety net. The safety net had holes that need repair. Denying minimum wage to help with the cleanup and the Halliburton Company in charge, opportunities are dismal. Only the President can correct this. We still are being asked, was it racism? My response to the question: It is the face of poverty U.S.A. Was it racism? You answer the question. If it was, it did not start with Katrina. We need measures to eradicate poverty. Mr. President, let us not continue the trends of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. As we move closer to a rich and poor society with the middle income disappearing, I plead with all of us, and the President, to address this problem.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as a former psychiatric nurse, I rise to express concern for the mental health needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The State of Texas reported last week that 9.2 percent of the Katrina evacuees in Texas need mental health assistance. Approximately 5 percent have serious mental illness. At least 11 percent of the children suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Last week, I introduced H.R. 3708, the Hurricane Katrina Mental Health Relief Act. This bill would dedicate 10 percent of the disaster relief funds for mental health services to victims and first responders. It is supported by the National Mental Health Association, the National Alliance of Mental Health, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Association of Social Workers, the National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care, and the Mental Health Care Association of Dallas. I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize today, Simeon O. Terry, Minority Business Enterprise Program Administrator for Austin Commercial L.P. in Dallas, who received the National Minority Business Advocate Award from the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce on September 12, 2005. Simeon Terry received this honor, in part, for his work as Minority Business Enterprise Program Administrator for Austin Commercial L.P. which is headquartered in my district. He is well known for his efforts to build minority business enterprises (MBE) that promote the inclusion of minority and women entrepreneurs in the Dallas business community while enhancing growth opportunities for minorities and women. Simeon's background consists of a degree in Industrial & Safety Engineering and over 15 years in the construction industry. He has spent 7 years in the residential construction industry as a Safety Manager, Project Manager, and Operations Manager. In each position he had the opportunity to procure contracts with MBE firms both in specific construction scopes and supplies. During his term as a Project Manager, over 80 percent of his contracts were established with MBE firms. Simeon also spent 3 years as a Surety Support Program Manager Consultant where he assisted MBE firms in becoming ``bond ready'', ultimately achieving bonding which would allow them to pursue various construction projects as prime contractors. He also facilitated safety workshops for small MBE firms and provided consulting to review or establish their in-house safety programs to ensure that they had met the required safety programs for commercial construction. Simeon has consulted on numerous housing development projects in Dallas for non-profit organizations. He assisted local MBE contractors with project management and project administration duties such as estimating, scheduling, document control, certified payroll and project inspection. Simeon is actively involved in his church where he teaches youth Bible Study, and plays the bass guitar for several choirs. He is also an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the National Society of Black MBAs, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Speaker, this Nation's small business community needs more giving individuals like Simeon Terry. His work has contributed much to making Dallas a better place to live for everyone. I am proud to represent him in the U.S. House of Representatives and wanted to bring his many accomplishments to the attention of my colleagues.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 463, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing crisis for those who have evacuated Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Texans. And in particular residents of Dallas. For the people along the Gulf Coast, I wish to express my deepest condolences. This devastation has cost many individuals their homes, jobs, belongings, and worst of all their lives. Almost a quarter million evacuees have traveled to Texas. Seventeen thousand of which have come to Dallas. This is an extremely traumatic situation. Many of these individuals are looking for missing family and friends. Most do not know if or when they will be able to return home. The one bright spot is the thousands of Americans who have opened their hearts to volunteer time and money. I truly believe it is the personal efforts that make the greatest impact. During this time of tragedy many heroes have emerged. Local residents, churches, and businesses in Dallas have overwhelmingly offered assistance. The efforts of those who are volunteering their time at Dallas area shelters have made an immeasurable impact. In addition, many Texans have offered jobs or opened their homes to evacuated families. I know that the generous spirit of Texans and of all Americans will help to aid this transition. When these dislocated people return to their communities, immediate economic opportunities should be given to them first so they can rebuild. Mr. Speaker, we now look towards this Administration to exhibit the same type of sacrifice and humanity that countless Americans and charities have displayed. I question those policies that stretched those National Guard units that could have rendered more immediate aid in New Orleans and elsewhere. First responders have not been given the tools they need. And this Administration drastically underfunded the Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for maintaining the levees surrounding New Orleans. It is time to acknowledge our dependence on fossil fuels--whether foreign or domestic--which set the stage for further economic displacement ahead. It is neither premature nor unpatriotic to raise questions as the federal government recovers its footing after an initially dismal performance. The point is that even though the government is now showing signs of progress, much work remains. I can assure the Administration we, as Members of CSC, will do our best to work with them towards fulfilling our commitment to the American citizens. I will be offering a comprehensive education appropriations bill along with Congressman Hinojosa. There are currently 160,000 displaced students as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The Texas Education Agency predicts that as many as 70,000 displaced students will enter Texas schools this year. This bill sets up a $500 million fund for displaced students within the Department of Education. From this fund, states will receive $3,000 for each displaced student that enters their school systems. This money will provide funding for additional classrooms, teachers, books, and supplies. These young people have been through a traumatic experience and providing a safe stable school environment is vital. I will also introduce a bill that would call on the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the displaced survivors of Hurricane Katrina and first responders receive the mental health services they need. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, think of the incredible stress these people are experiencing. There is anxiety. There is depression. There is a sense of hopelessness. I am a former nurse, and I worked in the mental health sector. I feel strongly that these displaced individuals, many of whom are left with nothing, desperately need mental health services to address the trauma they have endured. This bill will call upon Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to address those needs. Mental health should not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Emergency response to this calamity was disappointing. When I visited my District in Dallas and saw the suffering of many displaced individuals, I was struck at how far- reaching and long-term these issues will be. Let us make good legislative decisions to help them in the best way possible.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Chair and ranking member for their efforts, and the subcommittee chair and the subcommittee ranking member. We are so delighted to come to this point, and I know that our ranking member of the full committee is probably so worn out he cannot get here today. But I would like to commend all of that leadership for the diligence, the good works, and the good attitude, the inclusiveness, and the long overdue legislation as a result for the American people. And, foremost, the staff; I want to associate myself with the previous speakers' recognizing and complimenting the staff because we could not have done it without them. I thank the Senate for their quick action. I just watched the Senator get up and talk about how important it was not to hold up the bill. But today we in the House of Representatives send a clear message to the American people that investment in America's transportation system is a top priority. This bill will help to create new, good-paying jobs, promote economic development, address congestion, air quality and highway safety problems. Since 2003 the Nation has anxiously awaited a transportation reauthorization bill, and rightly so. Each year the American people waste 3.7 billion hours in traffic gridlock, 2.3 billion gallons of fuel, to a total cost of $63 billion. We need to address these issues. In addition to this congestion cost, the ever-deteriorating infrastructure of this country desperately needs attention. Late last year, the Texas Section of the Civil Engineers released a 2004 report card in which the State's infrastructure received a dismal cumulative assessment of below average. An ever-increasing population is placing enormous strain on highway capacity. The Texas Transportation Commission can fund less than 40 percent of the worthy road and highway projects; 12,000 of the State's 48,000 bridges are structural deficient, and deteriorating air quality poses an even greater risk to the health of residents, particularly seniors and children. In closing, I am delighted the product before us is finally one step away from bringing the much-needed funding certainty to our States and communities that have sought them since the expiration of TEA 21. While I regret the investment level falls short of the Transportation Department's $375 billion estimate that they advocated, our committee responded that this investment level represents a good step in the direction of the Nation's transportation needs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the passage of the Voting Rights Act was Congress' greatest accomplishment in America's long struggle in the fight against discrimination and oppression. This, the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, serves to remind us of the need to reauthorize and strengthen many expiring provisions. There are many who say there is no longer a need for the Voting Rights Act. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It is true that we have made remarkable progress since 1965, including: outlawing segregationist principles such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and the grandfather clause. However, we must not relent. There is still much work to be done. As we all saw during the 2004 elections, minorities faced the uphill battle of misinformation distributed in black communities over how and when to vote, purging of voter rolls, and election day lines where individuals were waiting eight or more hours to vote. I am proud to serve alongside Representative Lewis, whose bravery and presence during that historic march across the Pettus Bridge in Selma changed this Nation. In this pivotal moment, Congress and President Johnson could no longer look away from the oppression and segregation America had long ignored. There are many young people who may not know of, or did not experience this battle towards equality. However, it is imperative we recognize and celebrate our great accomplishments as a Nation. We cannot develop future policies or laws without knowing or applying the lessons we have learned from the past. As we move forward, it is my hope that our young people will remain diligent; remembering the contributions of those who came before them, and finding new inspiration to fight for change.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, the Medical Malpractice bill. H.R. 5 may have been conceived with good intentions, but it is a bad bill. It is a particularly bad bill for low income Americans. If a patient is injured by a caregiver due to medical malpractice, and that patient sues, it should be up to a judge or a jury--not the U.S. Congress, to decide how much compensation should be awarded. Injured patients who don't get their fair compensation will suffer. They will suffer in two ways. First of all, it's hard to put a blanket price on damages resulting in life or limb. Secondly, if the compensation is not sufficient, what will happen to the disabled patient when the money runs out? Who, then, will pay for their long-term care, or for the children of someone permanently disabled or even killed? I'll tell you who will pay for them: the American taxpayer. Those children and disabled people will enroll in federal programs to help them exist day by day. American taxpayers pay for those programs. Mr. Speaker, this bill won't do anything to lower the cost of health care. This legislation is good intentions that will have bad consequences. I ask my colleagues to consider very carefully who will end up paying at the end of the day. The American taxpayers--you and I, not the care providers at fault-- will end up paying for the damages incurred from medical malpractice.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House is finally considering the Energy bill Conference Report today. More importantly it is greatly improved. I have had mixed feelings about the Energy bill. Members and staff on both sides of the aisle have worked very hard to improve it. This hard work has resulted in several key changes that will result in my approval of this Conference Report. One important change is that clean air initiatives were added. My state of Texas ranks first in the nation in toxic manufacturing emissions, first in the number of environmental civil rights complaints, and second on the amount of ozone pollution exposure. The clean air provisions are very important to me and my constituents. I am also pleased to know that provisions for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge have been removed from the bill. The MTBE issue is also important to me. It is good to know that the provisions granting retroactive liability protection for MTBE producers have been removed. Although the Energy bill is not a perfect one, the compromise we are considering today is greatly improved. Because of these changes, Mr. Speaker, I now support this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it also. No bill is perfect and certainly this one is not perfect but I appreciate the efforts made to improve it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last month a few congressional Republicans unveiled a Social Security privatization plan that cuts guaranteed Social Security benefits and continues to raid the Social Security Trust Fund. The Republican majority's Social Security plan includes a privatization tax that would cut guaranteed benefits for the people who need it most. This effectively replaces part of our guaranteed benefit with a private account and leaves us worse off, depending on the whims of the stock market. And anybody who has had stock during the last 2 years knows what that is. Then, instead of protecting the Social Security Trust Fund, the Republican majority plans to take money out of the trust fund to pay for private accounts. The same congressional Republicans will raid $670 billion more from the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy. Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue this same type of abuse. We urge all of the Members to look twice at Social Security and save it for the people.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening not only to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the ADA, but also to acknowledge my unwavering support of the ADA and of people with disabilities. This Act has created positive changes, large and small, for disabled people everywhere. The access ramps we see leading into buildings are examples. Water fountains and sinks are more accessible. Services for the sight- and the hearing-impaired are more common. Employment discrimination is decreasing. Another important development is that the Americans with Disabilities Act has mobilized the disabilities advocacy community. Since 1990, people with disabilities have grown into seasoned advocates. They have unified their voices and are being heard from the halls of Congress to the every city and town across America. Unity has added strength to their voice and confidence to their actions. And they are being heard, loud and clear. Every year, Congress has considered legislation affecting people with disabilities, whether it be concerning Social Security benefits, education, tax provisions, labor standards, or other issues. The Americans with Disabilities Act provided a comprehensive legislative starting point--but there is still so much more to be done. Perhaps more than anything else, this legislation has given hope to disabled people here in Dallas and across this nation. The Americans with Disabilities Act affirmed that people with disabilities should have as many opportunities to succeed in life as any other citizen. Its message is one of equality. To the 14,589 disabled workers in Texas' 30th District, and others across the nation, the message is: ``You belong.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2005 As we move into a new phase of technological advancements, now is the time for significant reform of our postal system. With over 600- thousand postal workers, the U.S Postal Service is an essential part of today's national economic infrastructure. In my home town of Dallas, TX, the roles of postal workers are vividly seen in homes, businesses, and even churches. We must have a firm commitment to ensuring that these vital public servants have guaranteed healthcare and retirement benefits, collective bargaining rights, and a decent pay. H.R. 22 will bring increased efficiencies to the United States Postal Service, and strengthen the long-term viability of universal postal services. We must act now to ensure that 6-day a week delivery is maintained for all Americans. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this key piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the amendment. This committee has always accepted amendments and direction to be inclusive and I really appreciated that over the years. I appreciate the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for putting this amendment up for consideration. We have in the manager's amendment addressed much of the issue, and I am delighted that the Chair and ranking member have agreed to work to get perhaps more specific language in the bill in conference. And so I thank them for their leadership. I thank both the Chair and the ranking member for always being open and being understanding about increasing opportunities.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the manager's amendment. Much deliberation went into the amendment. As I said earlier, the chairman of the committee and ranking member worked very closely together. We started out very far apart, but they worked very close together and we were able to come together on an agreed upon bill. It does speak to minority participation across the board, and workforce, because we know we have to build a strong workforce to keep this mission going, and the type of research it is and how important it is to our everyday lives. It encourages us to get the shuttle back into space, because that is where we have gotten most of our products and services, through that type of research. We do not want to hasten to Mars, but we know that we cannot stop in research. It must go on continually and constantly so that we can maintain a competitive edge. All of us know that we will not bring any products to the market or any health care techniques and technologies to the market without research. This is the type of research that has brought us to where we are now. I am delighted to say that this is my thirteenth year on this committee, and I am never bored. We know we need to encourage more young people, American-born, because most of our researchers are not, to go into the field of research so that we can, as a Nation, continue to lead the world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me hasten to thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for continuing to work together. In our usual fashion, we have an agreed bill. I rise today to say that I fully support this bill and also to talk a little bit about the importance of NASA. For decades, NASA has attracted some of our best and brightest. The scientific and technological advances developed by the NASA program have truly been unmatched. From athletic shoes to breast cancer screening, NASA has touched almost every aspect of our lives. It is difficult to imagine what our lives would be like if not for the race to space. NASA plays a key part in developing new technology and innovations. Underfunding or dismantling parts of NASA will negatively impact new research and technology. We must not fall behind other countries in this field, for this has been a major reason why we have been able to remain on the cutting edge with innovations. If the United States wants to continue to be on the technological forefront, NASA authorization must have a balanced approach that includes a strong dedication to science, aeronautics, and human exploration. As we move toward a new era in science and technology, the most important aspect of being globally competitive is developing young scientists. We must have a firm commitment to educating our young people. Therefore, this Congress needs a comprehensive authorization that addresses the needs of developing and retaining our best scientists. During a time of extreme divisiveness in this Congress, I am very proud to say that this bill is a bipartisan compromise. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about Social Security and the millions of American women who rely on it every day. Women are among one of the largest groups of Social Security beneficiaries who stand to lose a great deal should Social Security be privatized. On average, women live 3 years longer than men. Any contributions to a private account would have to stretch out over more years. Additionally, the private accounts do not have the guaranteed annual cost-of-living increase in Social Security which would jeopardize the retirement and economic security of older women through the gamble of the stock market. Social Security is a good deal for women because it gives people with lower earnings a greater return on what they paid in, and women on average have lower incomes and less time in the workforce. Mr. Speaker, it is high time we quit talking about privatizing Social Security and instead come up with ways to strengthen it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the strong bipartisanship that is the hallmark of this bill, and I especially acknowledge the bipartisanship of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), subcommittee chairman; and the cooperation of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), committee chairman; and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), ranking member. This bill demonstrates the kind of cooperation that too often is lacking in this House. We on the Democratic side do not agree with everything that is in this bill. We might have written it differently had we written it alone. I am sure that any colleagues on the Republican side feel the same way. But working together, listening to each other, we developed a bill that I am sure will have broad bipartisan support in this House when the vote is taken in just a few minutes. I also take this time to acknowledge the highly professional and skilled work of Susan Bodine, the Republican staff director and counsel for the subcommittee. This will be her last water resources bill. She has been nominated to become the assistant administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response at the Environmental Protection Agency, and I am sure that she will soon be confirmed and will do a wonderful job. She has served the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in this House with the knowledge, professionalism, advocacy and pragmatism that exemplifies the best of the legislative process. On behalf of the Democrats on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, we congratulate Ms. Bodine and wish her every success in her new position.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to strike the last word.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer). This amendment would prohibit the construction of new locks for the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway navigation project unless the volume of cargo moving along the system increases at a pre- determined rate. I understand the concerns of the authors of this amendment. The Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway navigation project has a history of being the longest, the most costly, and the most controversial study by the Corps of Engineers that anyone can recall. During the formulation of the navigation and ecosystem restoration components of this project, numerous outside groups, including the National Research Council, expressed concern with the economic justification for the project, including the predicted increases in grain shipments and other commodities that will utilize the new locks called for in the report of the Chief of Engineers. However, the way to address these concerns is not to restrict the Corps' capability to carry out its mission, but to commit to the necessary congressional oversight on this project as each component proceeds towards implementation. As with every major project carried out by the Corps, including the restoration of the Florida Everglades, the restoration of Coastal Louisiana, and the construction of the new locks on the Upper Mississippi River, it is the Congress that must ensure that Federal dollars are wisely spent. As keepers of the Federal purse, we must commit to careful oversight of these major projects over the coming decades to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure stands ready to keep careful watch over this project, as well as other programs of the Corps of Engineers. For this reason, I must oppose the amendment offered by Mr. Flake and Mr. Blumenauer.