Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vehemently state my disappointment, frustration, and objection to the FY 2006 budget submitted by President Bush. When President Bush submitted his 2006 budget to Congress recently, he said, ``The taxpayers of America don't want us spending our money into something that's not achieving results.'' I couldn't agree more. The President's 2006 budget cuts money from America's veterans, America's first responders, students, small businesses, health, urban and rural development, and environmental protection. Is the President saying our veterans, first responders, students, and small businesses are not achieving results? The unnecessary tax cuts for the rich and an optional war with Iraq are not producing results. The President's budget does not contain a single dime of money for war effort in Iraq or his proposed reforms to privatize Social Security. How is this possible? How can the budget for the country omit the two most important issues mentioned during the President's address to the Nation on the State of the Union? Instead, those costs are hidden from the American people in the form of an $80 billion emergency supplemental request to Congress. A request that was not mentioned during prime time coverage on national television. This budget continues the same bad choices of this administration and will lead to the same bad results--huge deficits and increasing debt. This President and this administration has squandered an inheritance of a 10-year surplus of $5.6 trillion and has replaced it with deficits that our children may have as their responsibility. This budget will severely impact Texas citizens negatively as well as other American citizens. They deserve better. Never before has America faced such an array of issues that demand creative, competent leadership. But the Bush administration has pursued solutions that serve only to escalate the problems we are facing. We should be making progress, but in too many areas we are either backsliding or simply holding the line. Programs and policies that not only provide assistance for the poor but for a large portion of the American people who need help to keep their heads above water are under attack. To cut the Medicaid program for the poor of $60 billion over 10 years, to cut the Small Business Administration's technical assistance program to small businesses by 37.9 percent, and to cut community policing programs up to 95.6 percent is not only immoral but irresponsible. Eight million Americans are unemployed. But Republicans passed a new set of tax breaks that reward corporations who send jobs overseas. About 45 million Americans have no health insurance. But Republicans have proposed Health Savings Accounts that benefit a wealthy few, encourage employers to drop insurance coverage and will increase the number of uninsured by 350,000. Over 8 million children nationwide are struggliing to meet new national education standards. But Republicans refused to provide promised help to our schools, leaving millions of children without the help they need in reading and math. America needs a budget that reflects the morals of this country, a budget the American people can trust and support, one that supports the national security policy that is as strong and brave and as decent as the heroes who serve to protect us. America needs a budget that includes all its citizens and a budget that is fair and balanced. The President needs to do for all of America what he is asking the rest of the world to do--to treat all its people with decency and respect.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I join our Nation in mourning and remembering one of our finest citizens, Mr. Ossie Davis. Born Raidford Chatman Davis or ``Ossie'' in Cordell, Georgia in 1917, Ossie Davis knew at an early age exactly what he wanted to do in life. He decided to attend college at Howard University to become a playwright. Many of us knew Ossie as an actor and political activist but he also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed at the Army's first black station hospital before being transferred to special services to write and produce stage shows for the troops. During the civil rights era, Ossie and his wife Ruby Dee fought tirelessly to promote equal rights and justice for African-Americans subjected to segregation. And although he suffered tremendous loss professionally, his career has been nothing short of stellar. Besides an outstanding career on Broadway, Ossie Davis should also be remembered as a pioneer in the film and theatre world, including his performance in the movie classic, ``A Raisin in the Sun.'' I will fondly remember when the couple traveled in the early 1980s to my district of Dallas to shoot their show, ``With Ossie & Ruby'', a public television series produced by a local television station. They were also very generous to local charities, including the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. His marriage of more than 50 years to actress, Ruby Dee is truly an inspiration to many people, young and old. Last year, they both received the Kennedy Center Honors for their lifetime of achievement in the arts. Mr. Speaker, we should all learn by the example of the life of Ossie Davis. Our nation will remember his courage, determination, humility, and service to our country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vehemently state my disappointment, frustration, and objection to the FY 2006 budget submitted by President Bush. When President Bush submitted his 2006 budget to Congress on Monday he said, ``The taxpayers of America don't want us spending our money into something that's not achieving results.'' I couldn't agree more. The unnecessary tax cuts for the rich and an optional war with Iraq are not producing results. The President's 2006 budget request slashes social programs while increasing military spending. Yet not a single dime of his FY 2006 budget is earmarked for Iraq. Instead, those costs are hidden from the American people in the form of an $80 billion emergency supplemental request to Congress. This budget will severely impact Texas citizens negatively, as well as other American citizens. They deserve better. Mr. Speaker, never before has America faced such an array of issues that demand creative, competent leadership. But the Administration has pursued solutions that serve only to escalate the problems we are facing. Programs and policies that not only provide assistance for the poor but for a large portion of the American people who need help to keep their heads above water are under attack. On the cutting block by this Administration are grants for college tuition; housing assistance under Section 8; food stamps; health care for the uninsured. Eight million Americans are unemployed. But Republicans passed a new set of tax breaks that reward corporations who send jobs overseas. About 45 million Americans have no health insurance. But Republicans have proposed Health Savings Accounts that benefit a wealthy few, encourage employers to drop insurance coverage and will increase the number of uninsured by 350,000. Over 8 million children nationwide are struggling to meet new national education standards. But Republicans refused to provide promised help to our schools, leaving millions of children without the help they need in reading and math. America needs a national security policy that is as strong and brave and as decent as the heroes who serve in uniform. We must make sure that they have the training and equipment they need to get the job done right. Democrats are working to build a future that is worthy of the trust of the American people, the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and the aspirations of all of America's children.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege for me to pay tribute today to one of the most respected community leaders in Dallas, Texas: Bea Weisbrod. The name Bea Weisbrod has long been associated with excellence and one of our highest standards of civic pride. Bea Weisbrod, on December 5, 2004 received the Bnai Zion's Lifetime service award. Bea is founding member of Bnai Zion-Texas Region and a long-time member of Congregation Shearith Israel. Her many years of community service and dedication to making a difference in the lives of people in our community, as well, as in Israel are truly deserving of our appreciation and praise. In addition to her professional associations, Bea Weisbrod selflessly devotes her personal time to numerous organizations including the Hadassah where she serves on the regional board. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Bnai Zion Foundation on its excellent selection of Bea Weisbrod for its lifetime service award, and I wish her sons Les, Carl, and their loving family continued success in all of their endeavors. I know that Bea Weisbrod will continue to play an important role in our community for decades to come, and that America will continue to benefit from her dedication, service and hard work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to seven of Texas' finest public servants, seven men who have served our country, their native State, and their congressional districts with great honor and distinction over the years. I am talking about Representatives Chris Bell, Ciro Rodriguez, Jim Turner, Martin Frost, Charles Stenholm, Nick Lampson and Max Sandlin. Congressman Martin Frost is one of Texas' true giants, a man who has served this House and the people of the 24th District of Texas with great dignity for 26 years. Martin is truly a classic. His hard work and dedication are legendary. Martin's reputation as a hard-working, fair, and effective Representative is well known and well deserved. It was under his guidance that we saw the passage of the Amber Alert. This legislation was authored by Congressman Frost in response to the kidnapping and murder of a nine-year- old girl from Arlington, Texas. His bill went on to create a ``Two Strikes'' law mandating life in prison after a second sex offense against a child. Congressman Frost has a long record of leadership in Congress, bringing common sense and a practical approach to a variety of senior positions. As chairman of the House Democratic Caucus from 1999 until January 2003, and later as a Ranking Democratic Member of the House Rules Committee, Martin has crafted far-reaching and landmark legislation that will leave a lasting imprint on America's landscape and people. Mr. Speaker, I also join with my fellow colleagues in recognizing the many accomplishments of Charlie Stenholm who has served this body well for 25 years. His advocacy for this Nation's Agricultural community and fiscal policy has been tireless. Named ``the spiritual godfather of fiscal austerity,'' Stenholm has consistently fought for fiscal responsibility in the federal budget. A farmer, a third generation Texan, a father, a very proud grandfather--Congressman Charlie Stenholm has effectively served the 17th Congressional district of Texas with distinction. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Ciro Rodriguez. He has demonstrated 7 years of exemplary service in this House and an extensive record of promoting the rights and benefits of the more than 50,000 veterans in the 28th District who answered the call to serve. Congressman Rodriguez worked closely with local community leaders on a range of issues to promote the interests of the many counties, cities, towns and residents within his congressional district. I am also grateful to Ciro for his work in helping me to fight for civil rights for minorities in this country. My other colleague, Nick Lampson took office to represent the 9th Congressional District in 1997. This former high school science teacher, served as the Ranking Member of the Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and is a strong advocate for the Johnson Space Center and the entire NASA manned space program. He also served with me on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he fought for federal highway construction and repair funds, and the improvement of Houston and Southeast Texas airport facilities. His leadership has been invaluable to the committee. I am proud to call him my friend. I join with the House in expressing my sadness at his departure and my best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, Max A. Sandlin was elected to Congress in 1996. As a Member of the Ways and Means Committee Max's main concern for the needs of older Americans was genuine and his dedication to improve rural education was and continues to be vitally important to all Americans. His constituents will miss his dedication, and so will the Members of this House. My other colleague from Texas, Chris Bell represented our State on the Financial Services Committee. Chris has worked tireless on issues of importance to Texas residents. Chris is a kind and caring loving being and a good legislator. He has served Texas' Twenty Fifth District with distinction. Another House Member I find it hard to say goodbye to is Jim Turner. He represents the good people in the 2nd District of Texas, and he is the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. Before, he was elected to Congress he served in the Texas Senate with me. In the Texas Senate, he was recognized as an outstanding legislator by a number of statewide organizations for his leadership in health care, criminal justice, education and on behalf of Texas children. He also served in the Texas House for 10 years. As the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security and Terrorism Subcommittee, Jim worked hard to protect the safety and security of the American people in the war on terrorism. In addition, his work in Congress focused on promoting economic development and forestry in East Texas. He continues to work for senior citizens through his sponsorship of legislation to lower prescription drug costs. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I bid farewell to my friends and colleagues. However, I know in my heart that their dedication to the American people will not end here. I wish them the best for their future endeavors and with whatever challenges may lay ahead.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns with the bill before us, H.R. 5382, the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act. This bill establishes a regulatory mechanism for licensing commercial suborbital human spaceflight activities. The space exploration research program has been one of the most successful research programs in the history of this country. The rationale for human spaceflight is evolving due to a growing commercial motivation. Human spaceflight can profit from an increased synergy between the public and private sectors. Space tourism can benefit immensely from the development of the necessary infrastructure, while public space programs can benefit from increased awareness and support for human spaceflight, generated by high-profile space tourism flights and a growing perception that space travel is closer to being within the grasp of ordinary citizens. I supported this legislation when it was brought before the committee. However, one of my primary concerns is the regulation of safety, since space travel is inherently dangerous. Under no circumstances should we allow the desire for profits to ever interfere with the responsibility of maintaining safety and proper oversight. We can and should protect the safety of passengers on space flights. Legislation of this magnitude should have the benefit of bipartisan input from the appropriate committees with jurisdiction. Further negotiations would make this bill more palatable. I ask my colleagues to not act hastily in advancing this legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of America's health care. Are we better off than we were 4 years ago? A quick look at the facts tells us that we are far from it. Just this summer, the Census Bureau announced that the number of people without health insurance nationwide went up by 1.4 million--the third annual increase in a row. Forty-five million people are uninsured, many because they have lost their jobs. Over 5 million people have lost their health insurance since the beginning of the Bush administration. The Current Population Survey (CPS) is the primary source for data on Texas' uninsured population. It paints a picture for the state of health care in Texas. My homes State currently has the second highest rate of uninsured in the United States behind New Mexico. CPS data shows that there were 4.5 million people without health insurance in Texas, which is about 21.4 percent of the total population. The President said we're turning the corner, but we have to look at the facts. Efforts to improve our economy are not reaching people of color. African Americans are losing their jobs at nearly twice the national average. Latino unemployment hovers near a 5-year high. These numbers are an outrage and are unacceptable. The higher unemployment rate for people of color is a major contributing factor to the health disparity affecting a large percentage of uninsured minorities. Blacks and Latinos are far more likely to be uninsured when compared to their Anglo counterparts. Nationally, 11.6 percent of the Anglo population, 20.1 percent of the African-American population and 34.8 percent of the Hispanic population are without health insurance. In my home State of Texas, while 12 percent of whites are uninsured, 21.2 percent of African Americans and 36.7 percent of Hispanics do not have medical coverage. Unfortunately, the rates for children without health coverage are also reaching alarming numbers. In the United States today, one in five children is without health insurance. In fact, in my home State of Texas 1.6 million children depend solely on health insurance provided by Medicaid. Limited access to health care contributes to growing rates of disease among children. Studies have shown that good health is a prerequisite for optimal learning and schools can help studies achieve academic success by participating in efforts that promote good health, including access to regular medical and mental health care. Protecinting the health care of children should be the number one priority of any great nation. An investment in the health care of our youth is one of the wisest investments we can make for the future of this country. No, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to health care, we are not better off than we were 4 years ago, and we can and should do better. Now is the time for all Americans to have access to quality health care and meaningful patient protection. Our citizens deserve and expect nothing less.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, allow me to thank the great leadership we have on this committee and the diligence with which they have led us and with which we have worked. The gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), the members of the committee respect and honor their leadership. It makes for a very good committee. Three in four Americans now believe that the Nation is facing a transportation capacity crisis. Our infrastructure desperately needs attention. There are 17 bridges in my district alone that are currently in critical condition. Yet in spite of this, we stand poised to shortchange the American people with another short-term highway extension. If you poll any local, State, or transportation industry representatives, they will tell you that the transportation needs of this country will only be met by passing a fully funded 6-year bill, $376 billion, but no less than $319 billion. We did not pull these numbers out of the air. They are numbers from the administration's own Department of Transportation's research and assessment. Our leaders in this committee traveled this country looking at conditions to verify what we have been told by the administration. It is ironic that the current argument is over funding levels. Yet the longer we delay in enacting a fully funded transportation bill, the costs associated with addressing our Nation's infrastructure will continue to rise. So just neglecting going through and doing what is right, we are going to cause ourselves to spend more money. If the Republican administration can find time to place such a great emphasis on the reconstruction of other countries, surely priority should be given to our Nation's crumbling infrastructure and bringing the needed jobs. Our constituents are counting on us to do the right thing and we really should not let them down. We have cars collapsing on bridges. The highways are so bad until accidents are being caused. It is time for us to stand up and pass this bill and do something for our Nation and bring about good jobs.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for the last 4 years, Texas has seen our manufacturing economy decline, entire industries virtually disappear, jobs outsourced abroad and communities across the State struggle against the tide to balance their budgets and maintain viability. All families in Texas have seen their share of the national debt increase by $36,536. Republicans have tried to cut back on support for local police officers, supporting proposals that would slash funding for the COPS program which has put 5,937 police officers on the streets in Texas. They have drained the Superfund program, despite the 30 sites that endanger the health of families in Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is time to wake up and address the most important problems that we face. Let us come together on a new economic plan for America. Working together, our New Partnership for America's Future will provide prosperity, national security, fairness, opportunity, community and accountability to the families of Texas.

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 gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. H.R. 3734 is a bill to designate the Federal building in Roswell, New Mexico, as the Joe Skeen Federal Building, in honor of a former Member here, Congressman Joe Skeen. Congressman Skeen was born in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1927, and as a young man, he served a 1-year enlistment in the Navy and served in the Air Force Reserves from 1949 to 1952. In 1950, he got his Texas marks by graduating from Texas A&M University. He was elected to Congress in 1980 as a write-in candidate in the general election. He was only the third person in the Nation's history to win a U.S. House seat through this type of effort. For more than 2 decades, he served the people of the 2nd district in New Mexico with distinction and devotion, and I had the pleasure of serving with him. As Congressman, he focused his energy and interests on agriculture, national defense, and public land management. In 1985, he became a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, and in 1995, he became Chair of the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. At the beginning of the 107th Congress, he was named the Chair of the Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies. One of Congressman Skeen's major legislative accomplishments was to ensure the opening of the waste isolation pilot plant, the Nation's first repository for defense-related waste. Concerned about the public's health and safety and the environment, Congressman Joe Skeen worked tirelessly to advance storage of Federal waste. He supported legislation to maintain the viability of the agricultural industry. He also has been a leader in supporting legislative initiatives on a balanced budget, crime education and military spending. He is an unapologetic advocate of local control, insisting that citizens make their own determination and not let the legislature do it for them. Congressman Skeen was well respected on both sides of the aisle. He was an earnest and capable legislator, a worthy adviser and a true gentleman devoted to his family and dedicated to his constituents. His goodwill and humor are missed by all of us. It is fitting and proper to honor Joe Skeen's life and public service with the designation of the Federal building in Roswell, New Mexico, as the Joe Skeen Federal Building. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3428, a bill to designate a portion of the Alexandria courthouse located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue as the Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building. The bill was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), and enjoys very strong bipartisan support. U.S. Attorney Justin Williams was an extraordinary public servant who served the citizens of Virginia for over 30 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his law degree from the University of Virginia. During his 33 years as a Federal prosecutor, he supervised or was directly involved in every major Federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia. His career is filled with numerous awards and honors, including the Attorney General's Award for Excellence that is awarded for furthering the interest of national security, the Director's Award for Sustained Superior Performance in the years of 1990, 2000, and 2002, and Sustained Superior Performance for the years of 1990, 1991, 1997, 1998, and 1999. In addition to being an outstanding lawyer, Justin Williams was a thoughtful mentor, loyal friend, outstanding role model, devoted husband, and a loving father. It is most fitting that we honor the distinguished career of this dedicated public servant with this designation. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 488 and express my appreciation of the leadership of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and our ranking member, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) for commending the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA. Indeed, we have profited from their skills. We commend both the agency and its employees for their hard work and dedication during these hurricanes. And also during the time of tornados in my area, we are getting the same type of alerts and notices and it really does save lives. We have not yet been able to save as much material damage and destruction as we have the lives, but the important thing is that we are saving lives. And as we begin to use more of our technology in building, we will see that even the material destruction will diminish. It underscores why we need to continue to support science and technology, to develop more skills for approaching and dealing with these types of catastrophes when they happen. Texas certainly has benefited from warnings during both hurricanes in the south end of the State and tornados in the north end of the State. And we are grateful for the efficiency and dedication of these employees and are grateful for the existence of this agency that deserves continued support so that we can still benefit from our findings and for our future developments.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) very much for the time, and I rise to speak in support of the amendment. It is really just a common-sense amendment that will uphold U.S. certification for trucks to improve safety. I do not think anybody can question my record on trade. Seventy percent of the economy in my district depends on trade. I voted for NAFTA, took a lot of heat for it, but knew it was the right thing to do at the time. However, if we insist on our trucks being certified for safety, we should insist on others. We have code-sharing for our airlines, and a whole lot fewer people get killed in airplane crashes than on trucks. About 800 commercial drivers die each year in traffic crashes, and roughly 4,900 people die and 130,000 are injured from these large truck accidents, and a lot of them occur in my district. I-35 from Canada to Mexico has most of it in Texas, and I can assure my colleagues that we see the crashes. We see the trucks that are not safe, and that is all we are asking for.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, I was granted an official leave of absence as a result of my illness. Therefore, I was unable to make rollcall votes 455 to 456. I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the Record that had I been here, I would have voted ``no'' for rollcall No. 455, the Hefley Amendment; ``yes'' for rollcall No. 456, the Moran Amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, I was granted an official leave of absence as a result of my illness. Therefore, I was unable to make rollcall votes 444 to 454. Had I been here, I would have voted ``no'' for rollcall No. 444, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4571) to amend rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability; ``no'' for rollcall No. 445, H.R. 3369, Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act; ``aye'' for rollcall No. 446, H.R. 1787, Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act; ``aye'' for rollcall No. 447, H.R. 1084, Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act; ``aye'' for rollcall No. 448, the Turner Substitute Amendment; ``aye'' for rollcall No. 449, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions; ``no'' for rollcall No. 450, H.R. 4571, Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act; ``yes'' for rollcall No. 451, on Ordering the Previous Question; ``yes'' for rollcall No. 452, the Oxley Amendment; ``yes'' for rollcall No. 453, the DeLauro Amendment; ``yes'' for rollcall No. 454, the Kelly Amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on September 13, 2004, I was unavoidably absent due to an important meeting and missed Rollcall votes numbered 441 through 443. Had I not been unavoidably detained earlier this afternoon, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall votes No. 441, 442 and 443.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Speaker, every day, our Nation's transportation system carries goods and products to stores, brings children to school, delivers employees to work and provides access to health care, education and entertainment. Simply put, our Nation's transportation system is the backbone of our economy and way of life and we can not afford to shortchange either. I have heard from local, state, and industry representatives, and they all concur that our transportation needs will only be met by passing a fully-funded, long-term bill at no less than a three hundred eighteen billion dollar level. The continued stalling does nothing to address our Nation's crumbling infrastructure, and jeopardizes 1.7 million new jobs in our country. Reports of bridges collapsing are increasing in news reports. In my district alone, there are seventeen structurally deficient bridges. In the State of Texas, construction employment fell by two thousand one-hundred jobs in the month of June alone. When I return home, the unemployed don't want to here about bureaucratic infighting. They want to hear about a jobs bill that's going to put them back to work on family-wage jobs. Mr. Speaker, the eyes of the Nation are upon us. Our constituents are counting on us to do what we know is the right thing. We can not let them down. We must reject the notion of continuous, short-term extensions. There is no better economic stimulus package than a fully funded public works bill--plain and simple.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, allow me to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) for getting us to this point. I rise in support of their resolution, H. Res. 1723, recognizing the 35th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. I am proud to be a cosponsor. Apollo 11 was the first mission in which humans walked on the lunar surface and returned to Earth. On July 20, 1969, two astronauts, Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong, whom I saw on television this morning, and LM pilot Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., landed in the Mare Tranquilitatis, the Sea of Tranquility, on the Moon in lunar module, while the Command and Service Module continued in lunar orbit. During their stay on the Moon, the astronauts set up scientific experiments, took photographs and collected lunar samples. The lunar module took off from the Moon on July 21, and the astronauts returned to Earth on July 24. The performance of the spacecraft was excellent throughout the mission. The primary mission goal of landing astronauts on the Moon and returning them to Earth was achieved. The space exploration research program has been one of the most successful research programs in the history of this country. The space program has yielded many life-saving medical tests, accessibility advances for the physically challenged and products that make our lives more safe and enjoyable. Specific technological advances made possible by space research include arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pumps, portable x-ray devices, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, the implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools, to name some of them. I also know that over 40 years ago, the foresight of persons that came along before us caused us to get into this type of research. We also owe those leaders some homage for their foresight, and I am hoping we will then have the foresight to continue this type of research.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I rise to honor the distinguished career and retirement of Sandra Feldman as outgoing President of the American Federation of Teachers. She is truly an extraordinary trailblazer of the American educational system. Defying odds and raising standards is second nature to Sandra Feldman. The daughter of laborers and a product of New York City's educational system, Sandra Feldman has dedicated her life and her passion to her community and this nation in improving teaching and learning for all Americans. Since taking the reins of the AFT in 1997 as the 15th president and its first woman president, the organization and its state affiliates have been an unprecedented rise in state and national standardized test scores. The AFT has also increased graduation and retention rates in schools determined to be ``at risk.'' This great advocate of education has been an invaluable tool in our nation's efforts to make our public schools accountable and equipped with quality teachers, textbooks and other materials needed to ensure that the truly free people are also an educated people. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Ms. Feldman, I would also like to extend this recognition and honor to the Texas Federation of Teachers, particularly those in my district of Dallas. Facing extreme budget cuts from the state and new standardized test scores, the teachers of the Dallas Independent School District have risen to the challenge to make sure that their students are able to compete on the equal footing. Mr. Speaker, as I concluded, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing an unwavering pioneer in the realm of education--Ms. Sandra Feldman.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I intend to vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 713. I am voting for the resolution in part to dispel any notion that I am anti-Israel or that I am not sensitive to Israel's right to self- defense. The United States cannot ignore the horror of terror against Israeli civilians and we should not ignore equally outrageous terror against Palestinian civilians. I also believe the President should express support of the United States toward an initiative that strives for peace for both sides instead of one side. The Congress should demand Israel as well as Palestine to live up to their commitment to peace. I strongly support Israel, but I also strongly support efforts to bring about peace in the region, which will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live together side by side, peaceful and secure. I am hopeful that soon this Congress will take up a balanced resolution that will address the needs of Israelis and Palestinians. When we do that, we will be taking one of the first steps to truly pursuing peace and advancing democracy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me first acknowledge the work that the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) did on the election reform bill the last session. I was there every day attempting to help make it pass, but it has not been implemented. Forty-one States have asked to implement it in 2006; and then 27, including some of those, have asked to get a waiver. So we have not improved. We had observers in Florida in November of 2002 requested by the Secretary of State. They came from Russia, Bosnia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and somewhere else; and we go all over the world observing elections. Why cannot we follow the same rules we insist on the world following? We write the rules. We enforce them everywhere but here. We want a fair election that is transparent, and we have not experienced it the last 4 years. We are tired of making sure we vote and the votes do not get counted or getting intimidated to keep from voting. If we cannot do that as a democracy, we have no democracy. This is the very foundation of a democracy. The first amendment right to freedom of speech, that is an expression of who they want in office, and they did not get the last one that was elected.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I missed four votes in the House of Representatives on July 12, 2004. Had I been in attendance I would have made the following votes: Vote on the Holt amendment to H.R. 4755--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY05. Had I been in attendance, I would have vote ``aye.'' Vote on the Hefley amendment to H.R. 4755--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY05. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``no.'' Vote on the Motion to Recommit--4755--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY05. Had I been in attendance, I would have vote ``aye.'' Vote on passage of H.R. 4755--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY05. Had I been in attendance, I would have vote ``aye.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me thank our leaders on the committee and our esteemed ranking member of the full committee. I rise today and speak in support of my colleagues and the gentleman from Tennessee's (Mr. Gordon) amendment to the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2004. The Gordon amendment provides a robust MEP program authorized for fiscal year 2005 to 2008; 10 percent above the fiscal year 2004 total; in fiscal year 2005, $116 million and 10 percent per year increases. This compares with approximately a 4 percent increase per year in the base bill. The amendment also adjusts the current one-third Federal cost-share for 6 years and older MEP centers to be as much as one-half in the fiscal year 2005 only. Unfortunately, when this bill was marked up in committee, this amendment along with all of the amendments that were offered by the Democratic side were voted down. Not because of the merit but because apparently they said the White House had indicated that they would not sign the bill if they did not do it the way they wanted them to do it. But let me assure you that we have lost so many manufacturing jobs. In Texas alone, we have lost 178,000 since 2001 and overall 8.2 million throughout the country. And you can look at there chart and see all the jobs lost. Every State has lost many jobs. This is the area which we are talking about, manufacturing. And this is also where we need to give attention most. We are not going to get the manufacturing jobs back that have left this country but we do have to create more. Any country without a manufacturing base will never have a stable economy, and the only way we are going to get it is to do the research, involve the small companies involved. Let me conclude by saying that when we have this many people, 8.2 million Americans without employment, which accounts for 5.6 percent and over 10 percent African Americans are jobless, we have to give attention to this manufacturing. I do not know what we are going to do instead of it, but I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that we are missing the boat when it comes to making sure that Americans will have jobs in the future. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of my colleague's, Mr. Gordon's amendment to the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2004. The Gordon amendment provides a robust MEP program authorization for FY 2005-2008 (10 percent above FY 2004 totals in FY 2005 ($116 million) and 10 percent per year increases for FY 2006-2008). This compares with an approximately 4 percent increase per year in the base bill. The amendment also adjusts the current one-third federal cost-share for 6- year and older MEP Centers to be as much as one-half in fiscal year 2005 only. Unfortunately, when this bill was marked up in the Committee, this amendment, along with the vast majority of amendments from the Democratic side of the committee voted down. This language is a necessary addition to the manufacturing bill because it provides a decent level of MEP authorization--essentially a small increase in FY 2005 and $5 million per year more for FY 2006- 2008. This is certainly an improvement on the Bush administration's efforts to kill the program, but we can do better. MEP's services continue to be under-utilized because of a lack of resources. A recent study by the National Association of Public Administrators found that small manufacturers are underserved by the MEP. Given the tremendous leverage generated among small businesses by the program, its funding should be ramped up toward a doubling over the next 6-7 years. In FY 2004, because of the Bush administration's budget proposal and the actions of the Republican Congress, the MEP program was only provided with one-third ($39 million) of the funding necessary to maintain the existing network of MEP Centers (full funding would be $106 million). According to the Modernization Forum (the umbrella group of state MEP Centers), as of April, MEP Centers will have closed 58 regional offices and reduced staffing by 15 percent. If no additional funds are provided in FY 2005, 16 states may close their MEP Centers. Overall, the MEP Centers could reduce their staff by 50 percent and close half of their regional offices. Another impact of the current funding shortfall is that Centers are focusing on larger manufacturers that can afford large dollar projects, raising rates beyond the reach of many small manufacturers, and serving few small manufacturers overall. This is a very important addition, especially at a time when over 8.2 million Americans are without employment, which accounts for 5.6 percent, and over 10% of African Americans are currently jobless. Manufacturing had long been the engine that drove the American economy. Much of manufacturing is still in recession even as the rest of the economy moves forward. As we debate this bill on the House floor today, I am hopeful that we can reach constructive consensus on many of the amendments being offered today.