Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Yvonne Ewell Townview Magnet School for Engineering and Science for receiving the extraordinary honor of being ranked as one of the top schools in the country. Each year, Newsweek chooses this distinct group from a pool of more than 27,000 high schools in America. Newsweek unveiled its current list in the latest, May 16th edition. The Best High Schools list is assessed by using a ratio based on the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests taken by all students at a school in 2004, divided by the number of graduating seniors. This formula is said to indicate a wide measure of students' readiness for higher level work. Based on this formula, Townview was ranked # six in the nation, and number one in the State of Texas. I am absolutely delighted that Townview has received a recognition I have long touted. Located in my district of Dallas, Texas, Townview Magnet is one of the most diverse schools in the state. More than two-thirds of Townview's student body consists of minorities. For the last four consecutive years, Townview has ranked number one in the nation, in the number of minority students to pass advanced calculus. It has been discussed on numerous occasions and in numerous venues that the United States will not be able to lead--nor for that matter, successfully compete--in the global economy if we cannot put a stop to the continuing shortage of highly qualified scientific and technology brainpower in this country. In response to this, in 2003, under the tutelage of Dr. Da Hsuan Feng, I partnered with the University of Texas at Dallas to sponsor a lecture series designed to expose Dallas-area high school students to the best and brightest minds in mathematics and science in order to promote career opportunities in those fields. Various leaders in these fields have participated in the lectures series, including, world- renowned sickle cell researcher, Dr. Betty Pace; Nobel Laureate, Dr. Russell Hulse, and the remarkable Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, President Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This honor is of particular significance, as I have long championed the need for more emphasis in science and math education, particularly for young children. I believe these students and others like them will become tomorrow's leaders in the fields of science and technology. Showing students the importance and the value of the science and technology fields is a life long process. It cannot happen overnight. It begins here and now. I implore our community leaders to also encourage science education in young men and women. I would like to commend Townview's Science and Engineering School principal, Richard White and Executive Principal Alice Black for their ``leadership and commitment to these students. Mr. Speaker, again, I congratulate the students, teachers, principals and parents of Townview Magnet School in Science and Engineering on this distinguished honor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the increasing problem of gang violence. Since 2001, we have seen drastic budget cuts in youth violence prevention. At-risk kids need support and a place to go after school. They need the fundamental tools to make good choices. Instead of funding these programs, the Congress has chosen to lock them up and throw away the key. Mr. Speaker, what kind of message is this, and the bill that we are going to take up this week, giving to our at-risk youth? We must provide at-risk youth with a path to succeed, not a path to prison. Our police forces are doing a very outstanding job, most especially in Dallas, Texas. However, prosecuting criminals is not enough. We also need to work on preventing future violence. I am a strong supporter of law enforcement, but I do believe in prevention. It is less costly.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we all know someone who is living without health insurance. The perception is that the uninsured don't work. Over 80 percent of the uninsured have jobs. Most work in retail and service industries, but many are small business owners and employees. They are the individuals who care for our children, check our groceries, or run the local pharmacy. Americans who work hard for a living, should have health insurance. Often times, the uninsured ignore their medical problems and delaying doctors visits. Children go without vaccines because visiting the doctor is just too expensive. They are gambling that they won't get seriously ill. But those who lose face staggering medical bills. Millions of dollars and many lives can be saved with timely medical attention. Almost one quarter of Texans are uninsured. This is the highest rate of uninsured in the United States. In Dallas, 25 percent of the population is uninsured. Despite the number of Texans who are uninsured, medical assistance programs continue to be cut. In 2003, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission implemented budget cuts to the Children's Health Insurance Program. CHIP was designed to help families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private medical insurance. These budget cuts made it more difficult for families to qualify for CHIP. It also imposed higher premiums and co-payments. In addition, there is now a 90 day waiting period before coverage begins. There is no longer any coverage for dental care, vision, or mental health. And families are now required to reapply for CHIP every 6 months. Since the budget cuts, over 175 thousand children have been dropped from CHIP. Less than half of those children were able to find another form of medical insurance. For weeks now this Congress has dealt with legislation that harms some of our most vulnerable citizens. Many of whom are dealing with serious medical difficulties. Staggering medical bills and considerable debt is a problem for many uninsured Americans. Many of these individuals are forced to file bankruptcy. Last month the House passed the Bankruptcy Reform Bill. With these changes, those with moderate or higher incomes are now required to pay back most, if not all, of their debt. For example, under these reforms an uninsured family who has a child to cancer will now be saddled with those medical bills indefinitely. Mr. Speaker, last month the House also passed the Energy Bill. This was NOT a positive bill for Americans whose health depends on clean air and clean water. Under the Clean Air Act, areas that have unhealthy air were required to reduce ozone-forming pollution by strict deadlines. The Energy Bill extends these deadlines allowing polluters more time to continue polluting. This means more asthma attacks, hospital visits, and premature deaths for residents in highly polluted areas. Today, 45 million American are uninsured. Even those families that do have health insurance today, fear they may not have coverage tomorrow. The truth is that no American family is more than one job change, one corporate cost cut, or one serious illness or accident away from being uninsured. This country faces an uphill battle in solving this health crisis. Now is the time for this Congress to address this problem with innovative ideas and actions.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in honoring our most honorable profession--teaching. Today, we take time to pay tribute to teachers on National Teacher Day. I want to echo this year's theme which is, ``Thank a teacher for making our public schools great.'' Too many times, teachers are criticized as a result of the myriad, complexity of the modem educational system. But without the hard work and dedication of our nation's teachers, our children would be down a far worse course. Although teachers are responsible for the academic life of a student, they also significantly impact the personal lives of students in ways that stay with them forever. We all have a favorite teacher that made a difference in our lives. The idea of National Teacher's Day began with an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge in 1944. Ms. Woodridge began exploring the need for a national day to honor teachers with political leaders and educators. In 1953, she wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt who convinced Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. As we honor teachers on this special day, I would like to thank the more than 10,000 teachers in the Dallas Independent School District who so valiantly serve the students in my district. We should also recognize the invaluable contributions of the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and the Parent Teacher Association, of which I was a member and former president. Today, let us not only commit to teachers in words but in our actions. We have the obligation and power to make their jobs easier. We could start by fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act, created not only to hold schools and teachers accountable but also the Congress. It is a dishonor to our teachers that this program is underfunded by $27 billion. Because, it makes no sense that they be held accountable without the resources they need to successfully implement their job. This day is of particular significance, as I have long championed the need for more emphasis in science and math education, particularly for young children. I believe teachers help illustrate to students how they will become tomorrow's leaders in these fields that are important to our future. Showing students the importance and the value of the science and technology fields is a lifelong process. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our nation's teachers on National Teacher Day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, almost a quarter of Texans do not have health insurance, and this is the highest rate of uninsured in the United States. In Dallas alone, the uninsured rate is 25 percent. We all know someone who is living without health insurance. There is a perception that if someone does not have health insurance, it is because they do not work or they are on public assistance. Over 80 percent of the uninsured workers are workers, and 50 percent of them are full-time workers. Americans who work hard for a living should not have to live without health insurance. These uninsured often face the difficult decision of either ignoring their medical problems or being able to afford food and rent. Mr. Speaker, the sad truth is that no American family is more than one job change, one corporate cost cut, or one serious illness or an accident away from being uninsured. It is time for this Congress to address this problem with innovative ideas and actions.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state my opposition to House Resolution 22 and the rule expressing the sense of the House that American small businesses are entitled to a small business bill of rights. I want to especially thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and applaud her for her hard work on behalf of small businesses. If the only rights small businesses are entitled to are listed in House Resolution 22, I feel sorry for all small businesses; because for all small businesses give to this country, this bill gives them nothing in return. Small businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses, are the backbone of this country, and most especially to my State of Texas. Where are the small businesses rights to, one, participation in the Federal marketplace; two, assistance from the government's lending programs which account for 40 percent of all long-term small business financing; three, targeted tax relief similar to that provided to the big corporations; and, four, strong technical assistance from the Federal Government that deals with issues faced by small businesses; and, five, protection from contract bundling, combining two and three contracts together to eliminate small businesses competition? These are challenges and there are many challenges facing small businesses as they attempt to gain a foothold in this Federal marketplace. We should be about the business of ensuring full and fair access for small firms. We should be about helping them overcome the obstacles in their way instead of coming up with the blank checks under the guise of giving them rights that large companies are afforded. Vote against this rule. Vote against this bill, because it does nothing to allow for rights that small business need or the opportunities. Amendments to correct all this were attempted in the Committee on Rules but denied. So I would say go and fix it or defeat it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) for their bipartisan support of this resolution and in our Committee on Science markup last month during Women's Month. I also want to commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for her willingness to help us move this bill forward here today. As this Nation faces a shortage of qualified scientists, it is appropriate that we discuss the significant contributions that African American women have made to the scientific community. Most people that know me know that this has been a passion of mine for many years. In the past, most of the U.S. scientists and engineers were white males. According to Census Bureau projections, this segment of the workforce population will decline from 37 percent in 1995 to 26 percent in 2050. Looking at these numbers, it is obvious that this group will not provide the needed scientists and engineers, particularly since participation rates in these fields are also declining. Clearly, it will be necessary to attract greater numbers of women and minorities to careers in science and engineering in order to avoid devastating consequences for the future. Efforts to increase the presence of Americans in science are incomplete unless they have a women's component. Some progress has been made, but much remains to be accomplished. Women make up half the population, but only 24 percent of the science and engineering workforce. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans as a group constitute 24 percent of the U.S. population, but only 7 percent of the total science and technology workforce. African American women have an especially difficult time bridging the technology divide when it comes to their representation in the science fields. While women make up about 25 percent of the 427,740 employed science and engineering doctorate holders in the United States workforce, African American women comprise less than 1 percent employed as science and engineering doctorate holders. Many African American women who pursue science education experience isolation both in their graduate departments and in their communities. So who are their mentors? One of the first pioneers was Dr. Ruth Ella Moore, the first African American woman to receive a doctoral degree in natural science in 1933. Dr. Moore graduated in 1933 from Ohio State University with a doctorate degree in bacteriology and was head of the department of bacteriology at Howard University's Medical School from 1947 to 1958. In the field of space exploration, while most are familiar with Dr. Mae Jemison, few are aware that Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson was a key member of the control room during the Apollo 13 crisis. Katherine Johnson, a physicist, space scientist and mathematician, was instrumental in formulating calculations that helped the Apollo 13 return home safely in 1970 after a fuel tank explosion and computer system failure. That was detailed in Tom Hanks's film, ``Apollo 13.'' Unfortunately, many young African Americans are unfamiliar with these facts. Very little literature documents African American women and their place in science. To increase the number of African American youth pursuing science, especially young women, it is critical that we provide them strong science role models for them to admire and emulate. In addition, commemorating the achievements of African American women at the very top of the performance curve demonstrates to the world the importance of diversity in the workforce, especially in the scientific community. That is why I ask my colleagues to join me today by honoring our great African American women pioneers who helped pave the way for current science stars, like Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson. As a medical doctor and the first African American woman in space, Dr. Jemison continues to inspire young people in the science field with her program, The Earth We Share International Camp, called TEWS, T-E-W- S, which is an acronym. It is designed to promote science literacy for all students. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was not only the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics from MIT but was also the first African American woman to receive a doctorate in any field from that school. This resolution recognizes their achievements in science and technology and encourages a new generation of young women to continue in their legacies. Again, I wish to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Ranking Member Gordon) for working with me in a collegial manner, as we always do on the Committee on Science, and for allowing quick passage of the resolution and speedy action to the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Con. Res. 96. This resolution represents our most needed commitment to supporting the continued progress of women and minorities and, in particular, African American women in the sciences. Full participation by all of our diverse population in an endeavor this important will be our key to future success as a world leader in science and technology. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my emphatic opposition to the privatization of Social Security. This program would not only hurt millions of elderly Americans but, ultimately, the whole country. For women and working families especially, Social Security is a lifeline, and they need to know that they can rely on a guaranteed benefit. Social Security was never intended to be a roll-the-dice stock market gambit. Social Security was never meant to be an elaborate investment scheme geared to maximizing returns. Social Security was designed as a simple, straightforward social insurance program that ensures all of us to spend our golden years in a basic level of dignity, independence, and security. Mr. Speaker, privatization is also not good for young workers. A 30- year-old worker making $40,000 a year will lose 27 percent of their benefits under this plan. That is almost $6,000 a year. I urge all of my colleagues, let us work together and solve a manageable problem.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for allowing me to take some time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying bill. In a desire to pass any comprehensive energy bill, some of my colleagues may be willing to overlook the massive damage that this bill would do to our existing clean air policies. I do not blame the energy companies for ignoring their responsibility. It is our responsibility to protect the people as the people's representatives against dangers. As a matter of fact, I acknowledge and applaud TXU and UPS for their efforts in the right direction in north Texas, but section 1443 of H.R. 6 would give polluters in dirty-air areas extra time to continue polluting. Under the existing act, areas that have unhealthy air are required to reduce ozone-forming smog pollution by set statutory deadlines. Section 1443 would delay the adoption of urgently needed anti-pollution measures in communities throughout this country for a decade or more. My amendments presented to the Committee on Rules would have corrected this or would have also given some time for the companies to record their progress; but, of course, they were not made in order. My colleagues will hear that the EPA does not disapprove of this. Well, is anybody surprised? These are the people who were appointed by the same people that allowed the energy companies to write most of this bill. This provision will mean more asthma attacks, hospital visits, and premature deaths for residents of the ozone odor nonattainment areas which includes the area that all my great friends over here live in and I live in. We need a fair bill that addresses the urgent need for clean air for ourselves and our children. Mr. Speaker, prolonging our dirty air problem is not the solution. I urge my colleagues that desire clean air for themselves and their constituents to oppose this rule and oppose this bill. I am from an energy-producing State.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the energy bill we are about to debate this week is presented as a major step forward in American energy policy. But it is not. It is quite the opposite. This bill does nothing to improve the environment of this country or cut down on ozone pollution exposure. This bill does not force big polluters to clean up. Rather, it provides billions of dollars in tax breaks to politically favored energy industries that do not deserve them at a time when the country can ill afford it. Mr. Speaker, the State of Texas ranks number one among other States in per capita consumption of electricity and second in ozone pollution exposure. Last year Children's Hospital of Dallas had 4,000 emergency department visits for treatment of asthma attacks. The average age of these kids was 5 years old. More and more, there are hospitalizations. More and more, there are deaths from the pollution that we suffer in Texas; and I will offer an amendment to try and correct it. But, Mr. Speaker, I know that probably I am in the minority, but we must clean up the environment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S.256 because the bill does nothing to address the epidemic of identity theft or protect its victims.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, (WILPF) who on April 9, 2005, celebrated their ninetieth anniversary marking their work for peace for justice. We commend Phyllis S. Yingling and the Joint Planning Committee ofthe Baltimore/Catonsville area for their hard work on behalf of women and world peace. WILPF, located in 36 nations, was formed in 1915 during World War I. WILPF works to achieve through peaceful means world disarmament, full rights for women, racial and economic justice, an end to all forms of violence and to establish those political, social, and psychological conditions which can assure peace, freedom and justice for all. Out of a meeting planned amongst western European and N. American suffragists grew WILPF. The meeting was supposed to be in Berlin. The war prevented the women from going to Berlin, so the women went to The Hague. Over 1200 women attended. At that meeting the women decided that ending the killing and the violence of war was even more important than suffrage for women. WILPF's first International President was Jane Addams, founder of Hull House in Chicago and the first U.S. woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The United States Section of WILPF maintains a presence in Washington, D.C. providing support and organizing connections for the grassroots activities of WILPF's members located in 80 branches across the United States. They work in coalition with other disarmament, women's human rights, and racial and economic justice organizations to translate women's experience and vision into policies to promote peace and justice For the last nine decades, WILPF has had a vision of peaceful and non-violent solutions to conflicts around the world. We salute WILPF for their remarkable vision that we respect and that which still guides us today as we face the human security challenges of tomorrow.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, March 25, 2005 has been designated ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.'' I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the unique contribution of Greece and of Greek- Americans. Ancient Greeks created a form of government that got people involved in the task of governing themselves. Our founding fathers, as ratified in our Constitution, enshrined this principle in American law and created a system of ``Grecian republics'' which was based on the Hellenic belief that the authority to govern derives directly from the people. We will always owe a great intellectual debt to that rich and vibrant civilization. Today, our two countries share a great cultural affinity, are partners in the NATO alliance, and have many other ties that bind us together. In Dallas, Texas, the warm winds of the Greek Isles are just a step away in Yiayia Sofia's Greek Village, the permanent exhibit at the Dallas Children's Museum which offers children the rare opportunity to explore a replica of a home and village square in Greece. Mr. Speaker, more than a million citizens of Greek descent live in America today, and their devotion to family, faith, community, and country has enriched me, my community in Dallas, Texas, as well as our Nation. For that I am always appreciative of the Greek beauty and culture that has enriched my entire life. I'm pleased we take time out each year to recall how we are all enriched by the art, the ideals, and the spirit of Greece.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk today about a remarkable, courageous man who has dedicated himself for the betterment of Texas, and the lives of those around him. Mr. William Solomon is a fine member of my home community of Dallas, Texas and I am proud to announce that he has been recognized for his outstanding work as the latest recipient of the Linz Award, Dallas County's oldest award for recognizing exceptional community and humanitarian volunteer efforts. Bill Solomon began working in 1967 at the company that his grandfather founded in 1918, Austin Industries, Incorporated, the largest commercial and industrial contractor in Dallas. In 1970, Bill was named president of the company, and he continues to serve as chairman of Austin Industries today. Mr. Solomon is also a renowned civic leader, a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, the World Presidents' Organization, and the Northaven United Methodist Church. He serves on the boards of the A. H. Belo Corporation, the Southwestern Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Hoblitzelle Foundation. In addition to this, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. Bill Solomon has demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of Dallas County, the State of Texas, and the entire Nation. With his steady guidance and strong leadership, in 1991, he founded the Dallas Together Forum, were he has potentially made his greatest impact. This multi-racial group of approximately 30 Dallas business leaders met monthly to discuss ways to reduce racial tension and improve minority economic opportunities. The Dallas Together Forum helped defuse racial tensions in the '80s and early '90s, and its impact on racial harmony is still felt today. Bill Solomon is a dedicated community servant, activist, and leader. He is a credit to Dallas, and through his tireless work, my home town has become a better place to live. I am proud to join his family, his colleagues, Zale Corp. and The Dallas Morning News in congratulating Bill Solomon on a job well done.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, like most of my colleagues, I have recently spent time traveling through my district and listening to my constituents. The President's plan to privatize Social Security was the number one issue for many of my constituents. Not everyone has the means or ability to prepare for the future, and none of us can protect our families against all the misfortunes that can sweep us into economic hard times. Mr. Speaker, the President's plan to privatize Social Security is social insecurity, not social security. By forcing people, especially seniors, to rely on private accounts that fluctuate with the market, the President is gambling with our economic safety net. When the market loses ground, as it has in the past year, the safety net for America's seniors could be yanked away, not only for the seniors, Mr. Speaker, but for the survivors and the children. We need to make sure that Social Security will continue to provide the same safety net against poverty that it has for almost 70 years.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the Turtle Creek Chorale, of Dallas, Texas. The TCC held their first performance in April of 1980 with only 70 members. Through the idea of ``the power of harmony,'' their commitment to the community and the leadership skills of Artistic Directors like Dr. Timothy Seelig, the chorale has exploded to over 200 singing members. The TCC performs an annual series in Dallas at the Meyerson Symphony Hall, along with traveling around the United States, Canada, and many locations in Europe. In addition to more than 100,000 hours of rehearsal, and over 50 yearly benefit performances, the TCC also participates in numerous community service projects. The TCC has many accomplishments, such as their collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with the creation of the much respected Sing for the Cure: A Proclamation of Hope, narrated by Maya Angelou. In addition, they produced and performed the world premier of Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle that was based on the award winning book Old Turtle. A portion of all the recording proceeds benefited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The TCC has also performed for the inaugurations of Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk and Texas Governor Ann Richards. The dedicated members of TCC have excelled in their mission to entertain, educate, unite, and uplift audiences through music distinguished for its innovation, diversity and artistic excellence. Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging the honorable works of Turtle Creek Chorale for their 25th Anniversary.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 21, 2005, I was on official business. Therefore, I was unable to make rollcall vote 90. Had I been here, I would have voted ``no'' for rollcall No. 90.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), for his steadfast support of the development of this CBC budget alternative and also the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for his leadership. I appreciate and applaud their steady stream of ideas and positions on issues we all care about. This Republican budget proposal clearly ignores the needs of my State and all working Americans. The $2.57 trillion budget for fiscal year 2006 that President Bush laid before Congress is more out of touch than all the rest that he has submitted. It fails to include huge costs that taxpayers will have to bear, and its priorities do not match the needs of millions of people. It is, in short, a budget in need of a thorough congressional overhaul. The level of funding proposed in the President's budget for research and development, especially basic research, is far from adequate. I believe that Federal investments in science and technology make sense. Americans have funded groundbreaking research into disease prevention and amazing new medical breakthroughs, cutting-edge business technology, energy efficiency and educational tools that help our children learn in new ways. But in this budget, funding for the National Science Foundation would struggle to keep up with inflation and programs at most other major agencies are cut. There is a direct connection between investments in research and development today and economic prosperity and world leadership tomorrow. That is why the CBC budget plan would continue to invest in the National Science Foundation, in NASA, research at schools and universities and new energy technologies to give business consumers more affordable, cleaner energy. Just this week, EPA issued a statement that really rolls us back in protecting our air. We have no clean air in Texas. I do not know about anyplace else. As lawmakers, we do have the responsibility to ensure that all Americans, including minorities, are able to move ahead to achieve the American Dream. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness meant all people. Mr. Chairman, it is up to the Congress to inject a dose of realism into this budget debate. Only then will the country get a budget that makes sense. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Mr. Watt, for his steadfast support of the development of this CBC budget alternate. I also want to thank Mr. Scott for his leadership. I appreciate and applaud their steady stream of ideas and positions on issues we all care about. I also would like to thank all of the members of the CBC and their staff for their help in completing this very worthwhile project. The Republican budget proposal clearly ignores the needs of Texas and of all working Americans. The $2.57 trillion budget for fiscal 2006 that President Bush laid before Congress is more out of touch than most. It fails to include huge costs that taxpayers will have to bear, and its priorities don't match the needs of millions of people. It is, in short, a budget in need of a thorough congressional overhaul. Mr. Chairman, the level of funding proposed in the President's budget for research and development, especially basic research, is far from adequate. I believe that federal investments in science and technology make sense. Americans have funded groundbreaking research into disease prevention and amazing new medical breakthroughs, cutting-edge business technology, energy efficiency, and educational tools that help our children learn in new ways. But in this budget package, funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) would struggle to keep up with inflation, and programmes at most other major agencies are cut. Bush's science and technology budget would drop from an estimated $61.7 billion in fiscal year 2005 to $60.8 billion in 2006. The science and technology includes programs such as space exploration, renewable energy, and agricultural research, as well as technology-related research and development at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). There is a direct connection between investments in research and development today, and economic prosperity and world leadership tomorrow. That's why CBC budget plan would continue to invest in the National Science Foundation, NASA, research at schools and universities; and new energy technologies to give business and consumers more affordable, cleaner energy. As lawmakers, we have the responsibility to ensure that all Americans, including minorities, are able to move ahead to achieve the American dream: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Mr. Chairman, it is up to Congress to inject a dose of realism into the budget debate. Only then will the country get a budget that makes sense.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, the amendment before us is about increasing financial flexibility. Toll credits allow the expenditure of non-federal funds on one project to serve as the match on another project. The benefit of having toll credits is to enable various transportation projects to exchange a toll credit for non-federal share of a project's cost. This measure does not render a good house keeping seal of approval on tolls, but it does recognize that States like Texas, that are experiencing significant increases in population and diminishing roadway capacity, are able to better leverage their transportation dollars. I have heard from my State, and others that utilize tolling, repeatedly, on how this toll credit development will better equip them in addressing challenges now and in the long run.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I just received a call from the Texas Department of Transportation. They are very much opposed to this amendment. I want to clarify that because the call just came in. We do need the flexibility, but they want the flexibility to remain with the State rather than authorizing something here.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me commend the leadership of this committee and that of the Highway subcommittee for all of the hard work and bipartisan work that has gotten us to this point today. Today, this committee is sending a message to the American people that investment in the Nation's transportation system is our number one priority. I do not have to tell you that the clock is working against the infrastructure of our country, my State and particularly my district. The longer we wait to enact a reauthorization bill, the more costly it becomes to adequately address the Nation's crumbling infrastructure. Our Nation's transportation system is the backbone of our economy and way of life, and we cannot afford to shortchange either one of those. Late last year, the Texas Section of Civil Engineers released its 2004 infrastructure report card in which the State's infrastructure received a dismal cumulative assessment of below average. The Texas Transportation Commission can fund less than 40 percent of the worthy road and highway projects. Twelve thousand of the State's 48,000 bridges are structurally deficient. Seventeen are in my district. Congestion is on the rise in urban areas, and deterioration of air quality poses an even greater risk to the health of our residents, particularly seniors and children. I have one amendment that was accepted but there is another one that is still in question where we really need to address congestion, urban congestion. Our constituents have spoken, and we must act. It is imperative that we commit ourselves to working together to passing a final bill today, or tomorrow, that addresses our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. This creates badly needed good-paying jobs which we need to give attention to. It addresses our congestion and poor air quality, expands inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses in Federal transportation contracting and makes donor highway funding equity close to a reality. We must get this bill through conference and to the President's desk as soon as we can. I thank both of the leaderships, majority and minority. I support this bill and hope that we can move it along rapidly.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the devastating impact that privatizing Social Security will have on women, especially African American Women. Social Security is particularly important to women, especially in my home state of Texas. Without these vital retirement benefits, 564,000 women in the Lone Star State would be classified as poor, according to a report released by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Currently, Social Security benefits are progressive; that is, those with low wages receive a larger percentage of benefits relative to their earnings than higher income individuals do. This system of progressivism, combined with a cost-of-living adjustment that increases benefits every year, strengthens the safety net for those who are the most economically disadvantaged. Privatization flows from concerns that many people have about the future of Social Security. Some of those concerns are founded and some are not. We are all well aware that as the post-war baby boom generation ages; the number of retirees relative to the number of workers will increase. These are facts that cannot be changed. However, modest changes, implemented immediately, can give people time to plan for the future and would take us a long way toward resolving the issue. Privatizing social security is the most radial change, and it assumes that there is magic in diverting some portion of the current social security payroll tax into the private markets. Most privatization plans propose to strip a few percentage points off the Social Security payroll tax and divert them to private individual investment accounts. Most people happily focus on the vision of a few dollars a month growing into millions of dollars over time. Unfortunately, this is a dream and not reality, as we have witnessed in the current stock market. There are three very important things that should be considered when privatizing Social Security benefits. First, the huge cuts in benefits which would be required under the privatization plans--most as large as a 60% cut in Social Security benefits. For people with large savings from other sources, which may not seem like much, but for most Americans, it would be a drastic reduction in the protections they have to come to rely on. Next, privatization would be a major change in who bears the risk of saving for retirement. Privatization would shift nearly all the risk to the individual. People who are unwise or unlucky in their investments would suffer. We saw many examples of this in recent stock market falls. Finally, privatization would increase the Federal deficit by more than a trillion dollars over the next ten years. Taking a mere two percent of payroll away from the Trust Fund could double or triple the size of the deficit. This effect is what some people trivialize as ``transition costs.'' I do not believe it is trivial, and given the other concerns which privatization raises, I think we should look long and hard before we leap in this direction. How do African-American women fare in privatization proposals currently floating around in Congress? Not good at all. Although Black women typically live longer lives, their lifetime earnings are usually much lower than their white counter-parts. Under privatization, this lower level would mean black women would be forced to live longer on a smaller amount of money. Hugh Price, President of the National Urban League and Julian Bond, Chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, wrote an editorial in the New York Times, on July 26, 2001 addressing African American women and social security. They found that guaranteed government assistance is essential to the African American community. While African Americans make up only 12 percent of the general population, they make up 17 percent of all Americans receiving Social Security benefits and 22 percent of all children's survivors benefits. However, the Administration has been unclear on how disability and survivor benefits would continue to be funded. A study by the National Urban League counters assertions made by the Administration that African Americans will benefit from private accounts bequeathed to their relatives. According to the study, the typical African American man dying in his thirties would only have enough in his private account to cover less than two percent of the survivor's benefits under current law. This also has a devastating impact on African American women as survivors. Members of Congress must be fiscally responsible when it comes to making decisions regarding Social Security. Fiscal responsibility entails looking at the whole picture and seeing the effect it may have on ALL individuals in society. I urge my colleagues to make this the inclusive America we continue to represent to the world and ensure that Social Security proposals give everyone some comfort in life.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk a little bit about the legislation that we are considering. The construction of the Alaska- Canada Highway from Dawson Creek, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1942 was heralded as one of America's greatest public works projects of the 20th century. The emergency war measure, made necessary by the bombing of Pearl Harbor, was authorized by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on February 11, 1942. The construction of the 1,522 mile long road through rugged unmapped wilderness and extreme temperatures ranging between 80 degrees below and 90 degrees above zero was completed in an astonishing 8 months and 12 days. Upon completion, the road was the only overland route that strategically linked Alaska and the lower 48 States and facilitated the construction of airstrips for refueling planes and vital supply routes during World War II. Critical to the construction of the Alaska-Canada Highway were the men of the 93rd, 95th, and 97th regiments, in addition to the 388th battalion of the Army Corps of Engineers. Segregated by race and seldom recognized, members of the Black Corps of Engineers comprised over one-third of the total troop strength in this project. In spite of severe racially discriminatory policies and detestable living and social conditions, the soldiers of the Black Corps of Engineers performed notably and unselfishly on this project. Regretfully, since 1942, their contributions toward this country's Western defense during World War II and subsequent integration of the military have been excluded from many of the footnotes of history; but this being the last day we can make presentations during Black History Month, I am delighted and thankful that the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) knew about them and is cosponsoring this resolution. It is with great pride and honor that I, with the cosponsorship of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this group of soldiers whose works have existed in the shadows of the Nation's history since 1942, the Army's Black Corps of Engineers; and the Congressional Black Caucus joins me in supporting this. Let me thank again the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young). Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, however, I do not intend to object, I yield to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) for an explanation of the resolution.