Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you know, rather than complaining about the thousand-page, $1 trillion health care bill that rations care and increases costs, in my district I hosted a forum on health care solutions. A panel of experts shared some Texas-sized solutions they have used to fix what is broken in our health care system. These folks didn't rely on government bureaucrats to solve their problems. They didn't wait for a Washington bailout. They forged ahead with innovative programs that improved the quality of life for Texans-- ideas that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. My constituents have told me loud and clear: one, they don't want government-controlled health care; two, the President and Democrats in Congress need to start over and listen to America. Go for real bipartisan solutions.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the finalists for the 2009 Tech Titans Award presented by Metroplex Technology Business Council, the largest technology trade association in Texas. On August 28th, the winners will be announced in categories designed to showcase the most cutting-edge technologies and the brightest talent emerging from the North Texas region at the 2009 Tech Titans Awards and Fast Tech gala. The event will also reveal the rankings of the 2009 Titan Fast Tech, which lists the fastest-growing DFW technology companies based on percentage revenue growth over the last year and the fastest-growing DFW technology companies based on percentage revenue growth over the last five years. The Tech Titans gala also raises funds to support a scholarship program for students at local universities who are pursuing degrees in math, science, engineering and technology, as well as high school teachers who teach in these disciplines. Founded in 1994, the Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC) is a non-profit organization composed of approximately 300 members that include technology businesses and providers from across the DFW Metroplex. The MTBC produces numerous events, including the Management in High-Tech Luncheon Series, the Technical Luncheon Series, Tech Week in Austin and the Tech Titans and Fast Tech Awards. Recently, the Economist, a reputable international magazine, featured a special in-depth section showcasing the wonders of Texas for business. The MTBC is a shining example of the face of the future for Texas. Make no mistake, the MTBC is making great things happen for the Lone Star State--and the world. ``The Tech Titans Awards and Fast Tech provide the premier recognition of fast-growing, highly innovative companies that contribute to the vibrancy of the North Texas economy and make our region an exciting place to live and work,'' said Cindi Keith, partner/ technology marketing industry leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and co- chair of the MTBC's Tech Titans steering committee. ``We look forward to showcasing the true leaders in our industry and celebrating their hard work and creativity.'' Besides the MTBC, other supporters of the Tech Titans Awards and Fast Tech event are PricewaterhouseCoopers, TechAmerica (formerly American Electronics Association), Deloitte, Dallas Business Journal, KBA Group LLP, Time Warner Cable Business Class, GSCS Inc., Farstar Inc., and AVMG. Congratulations one and all. I salute you. The 2009 Tech Titan Finalist names and the categories follow:

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, congratulations are in order. This June, the Plano East JROTC Academic team placed fifth in a competition from schools around the globe in Washington, D.C. Out of 1,645 Army JROTC programs, 72 teams (24 academic/48 leadership) from around the globe competed in Level III of the 2009 U.S. Army JROTC Academic and Leadership Bowl competition, the final level of the Army JROTC Academic and Leadership Championship. Plano East JROTC deserves special recognition for their achievement. In addition, on March 5th, the Plano East and Plano West Senior High School JROTC Academic Teams earned 1st and 3rd place honors, respectively, out of 198 teams/schools, in the U.S. Army JROTC 5th Brigade portion of the 2009 U.S. Army JROTC Academic and Leadership Bowl competition. The Panther JROTC Academic Team is comprised of: Team Commander c/1LT Zen Ren upcoming Senior, c/CSM James Untiedt upcoming Senior, c/1SG Amber VanHecke upcoming Junior, c/SSG Sabrina Gibson upcoming Junior. The two alternates were Plano East Senior cadets Mary Walker and Harrison Stone. Competition questions are based on the SAT, ACT, JROTC curriculum and current events. The test is administered jeopardy-style, via the Internet, with a 30 second time limit for each question. The team members are able to quickly read, discuss, and exchange information before finalizing an answer. According to Major (Ret) John Napoli, Jr., who serves as the Director of Army Instruction for the Plano Independent School District, ``we are proud of the academic accomplishments of all our students. This bowl is one of many ways we challenge our students on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Our foremost priority in JROTC is to the academic and professional development of all our students. In the last two years alone our graduating seniors have earned over $4.5 million in college scholarship monies.'' The cadets and the Plano East Senior Army Instructor LTC (R) Bernard Aikens are shining examples of the future leadership and military excellence that you can only find in America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I, Sam Johnson, am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010. (1) The entity to receive funding is Microfab Technologies, Inc., 1104 Summit Ave., #110, Plano, Texas 75094. This $1M request is funded through the Army RDT&E, Medical and Technology account. MicroFab Technologies Inc., located in Plano, is working to develop a portable bio-printer/skin printing system to repair life threatening battlefield burn injuries with biologic skin. This will allow military medical personnel to promptly respond and manage burn injuries on site using a printable allograft, a graft using cells from a variety of individuals. (2) The entity to receive funding is L-3, 3414 Herman Drive, Garland, Texas 75041. This $3.8M request is funded through the Navy (Marine Corps), Marine Corps Ground Combat/Supporting Arms Systems account. Garland's L-3 Electro-Optical Systems Division employs 336 people at the Garland facility and 202 at the Dallas site. Currently, it is not possible for a Marine to use Night Vision Devices (NVDs) and Thermal Weapon Sights (TWSs) at the same time. This causes a decrease in awareness and puts the Marine at greater risk. Through research, the industry has developed technology to fuse the two systems, enabling a Marine to see a night scene and thermal imagery, targeting lasers and targeting information all through the helmet-mounted NVD. The RASOR program is developing a kit to retrofit the existing NVD that will enable the user to receive the imagery and targeting data from the thermal weapon sight. (3) The entity to receive funding is Mustang Technology, 400 W. Bethany Dr., Ste 110, Allen, Texas 75013. This $1M request is funded through the Navy RDT&E, Power Projection Advanced Technology account. Mustang Technology Group, of Allen, aims to improve the radar system for the Navy. The Navy lacks an all-weather airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV) surveillance capability to detect and track high value targets that move, stop for a while, and then move again (Move Stop Move: MSM). Not having this capability allows terrorists that stop and plant mines and IEDs along the shoreline to evade surveillance. The MTI Scout radar hardware is designed to support MSM but requires additional work to develop, integrate, and test the MSM mode software. The light weight and low power of the MTI Scout radar make it ideal for many other airborne manned and unmanned surveillance platforms, like the Predator, Fire Scout, and MC-12W. (4) The entity to receive funding is Raytheon, 2501 West University Drive, McKinney, TX 75071-2813. This $2M request is funded through the Army RDT&E, Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs account. Raytheon's Active Protection System division employs approximately 35 people full time in McKinney. APS is an externally mounted vehicle protection system that identifies, discriminates and intercepts rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), mortars, antitank guided missiles and artillery projectiles after they are launched toward a combat vehicle. It provides 360 degree surveillance and protection against multiple simultaneous threats. This funding will allow insertion of reduced cost electronics and modifications to the radar for Stryker integration, as well as software and hardware development for system command and control, including the human-machine interface. (5) The entity to receive funding is SVTronics, 3465 Technology Drive, Plano, Texas 75074. This $3.4M request is funded through the Navy RDT&E, Medical Development account. SVTronics in Plano employs 120 people. The U.S. Marine Corps has been developing a lightweight, self-contained, Mobile, Oxygen, Ventilation, and External Suction (MOVES) system in support of the En Route Care System. The MOVES system uses ambient air to produce oxygen and then delivers the oxygen directly to the casualty. It has a ventilator that can ventilate a patient with up to 85% oxygen, and it also has suction capability. In addition, the MOVES system can monitor vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry, temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and ECG. All of these capabilities are integrated in a single system that can run on its own power and easily connect to a patient litter for transport. MOVES reduces the cube and weight of the present En Route Care System by over 60%, and eliminates the hazards associated with pressurized oxygen cylinders in the field.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of freedom of speech. Democrats are telling Republicans that we are no longer allowed to use the words ``government-run health care'' in communication with our constituents. Yes, that's correct. Republicans will be forced to use only Democrat-approved language when describing their attempted government takeover of health care to our constituents, or else. Democrats told Republicans that if we do not use the words Democrats give us to describe their health care reform bill, then Members will have to pay the postage personally. Apparently, the Democrats feel they can control what the public thinks about their bill by dictating how we talk about it. I know America is smarter than that. Call the Speaker at 202-224-3121 if you think this censorship should stop. The last time I checked, this was still America where freedom of speech is our hallmark.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of passage of this important legislation and thank Mr. Tanner for bringing it up. He is doing a great job as the Social Security chairman. You know, choosing to work shouldn't be a hard decision to make for someone receiving Supplemental Security, because they are Social Security disability benefits. But it is, and that is because the folks have to think about how their wages will impact their cash benefits or their access to health care. With nearly unanimous support from both the House and Senate, almost 10 years ago Congress passed Ticket to Work and the Work Incentives Improvement Act, a law that was about helping those with disabilities to get back to work in order to support themselves and their families. The two grant programs we would reauthorize today were created as a part of that landmark legislation. The Work Incentives Planning Assistance program funds community-based organizations to assist those receiving benefits to understand Social Security's complex rules and the effect of working on their benefits. Today, there are over 104 community-based cooperative agreements to ensure these services are available in all 50 States. Since the program began, over 350,000 people have been served. One example is the Work Incentive Planning Assistance program of Easter Seals in north Texas, which serves 19 counties in the north Texas area, including my district. Thanks to their good work over the past 3 years, their staff experts have served 1,302 people, and 184 of them now still have jobs. The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security program funds 57 grant programs covering all 50 States. These programs served almost 2,500 people last year and helped those working or trying to work by responding to their questions and resolving potential disputes with their employer or with an agency providing them with return-to-work services. The authorized funding level of $30 million has remained constant since these programs were created. Should Congress not act, these programs would expire on September 30, 2009, and the funding would end. While I support a 1-year extension of these two important programs, at a Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security hearing, we learned that Social Security's primary return-to-work program, Ticket to Work, really hasn't been working. Fortunately, we are beginning to see promising signs of success in the Ticket program since new regulations to fix it were implemented last summer. Now, more than ever, how every taxpayer dollar is spent does matter. Programs that don't achieve results must be changed or must end. To that end, I look forward to working with Chairman Tanner and all the members of the committee to figure out how all return-to-work programs can achieve their goal of a job and self-sufficiency for those who choose to return to work. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Think about this concept of government- managed health care for just a minute. Imagine that the Federal Government told you you can have your house for free. That sounds good, right? Until they tell you that you have to live in government housing. Now what? How many Americans want to leave their homes for government subsidized housing? Polls show that the more people learn about the government-controlled health plan, the less they support it. Increasing the number of Americans who have health insurance is a laudable goal we all want to achieve, but paying $1.5 trillion to get part of the way, with a government-controlled plan that eliminates choice and stifles the doctor-patient relationship, that's not the answer. Mr. President, scrap this bill and let's start over on real health care reform.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I, Sam Johnson, am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. The entity to receive funding is the National Virtual Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University, Special Collections Library, Room 108, Box 41041, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1041. This project is funded through the Department of Education's Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Museums and Libraries Account. The $850,000 will be used to continue to develop and establish the Virtual Vietnam Archive, which is a digitized, online version of the Vietnam Archive. This multi-phased project is crucial in order for the extensive collection of the Vietnam Archive to be available to all Americans, and particularly to Vietnam veterans. The first phase focused on establishing the Virtual Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech. The second phase focused on expanding the Archive to include other private collections and other non-government collections. The requested funding will be used for the final phase, which focuses on including selected government documentary collections, which are not currently scheduled for digitization by the National Archives. The integration of the National Archives will mean that a more accurate and extensive record will be available to all Americans. The National Virtual Vietnam Archive and related Vietnam center activities will encourage and support continuing research and education throughout the United States, benefitting scholars, students, veterans, formulators of American foreign policy as well as the general public.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you know, I think pushing government-controlled health care is a way for the Democrats to divert attention away from the economy. The White House said we had to pass a stimulus because it didn't want unemployment over 8 percent. Unemployment is at 9.5 percent and slated to reach higher. The White House said it didn't want to own General Motors. The government owns General Motors. The White House said it didn't want any pork in the stimulus. Now, we're paying money to clear away obstacles for fish and to monitor earthquakes and volcanos. The White House said it didn't want to increase the deficit. The U.S. deficit broke past $1 trillion in June, a grim testament to the recession and financial crisis. I have one question, Where are the jobs the Democrats spent $1 trillion to create?

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we debate the best way to reform our health care system and ensure that all Americans have access to quality health care, some Members of Congress insist that a government-run option must be included. Yet, in one proposal, Members of Congress are curiously exempt from the public plan. For those who are convinced that government-run health care won't sacrifice quality and won't lead to rationing, I back a resolution saying that if a Member of Congress votes to support the public option, then that Member must be automatically enrolled in it. If Members are convinced that the government-run public option will deliver the same quality of care as their congressional health plans, then they ought to be the first in line to enroll. Members of Congress should stop asking the American people to make sacrifices they are not willing to make themselves.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I, Sam Johnson, am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. __ Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. The entity to receive funding is the Center for Energy Storage Research at The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. MP-15, Richardson, TX, USA 75080. This project is funded through the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account. The $1,000,000 in funding will be used to continue to develop next generation energy storage materials and systems by analyzing the role nanomaterial components can play in functional energy storage systems. The rapid increase in world energy consumption has raised a serious challenge to develop renewable energy sources which can sustain the global energy infrastructure. The majority of renewable energy sources are converted into electrical energy, which serves as a convenient energy carrier. For future renewable energy applications, electrical energy storage systems will be a critical enabling infrastructure requirement. Currently available electrical energy storage systems include electrochemical capacitors (ECs), batteries, and hydrogen storage combined with fuel cells. Compared to hydrocarbon fossil fuels combined with internal combustion engine (ICE), these energy storage systems do not have sufficient energy storage density or power density. To enable a large scale energy storage application, it will be important to explore the possibilities of developing energy storage systems which approach the energy and power density of ICE.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, health care reform is a disaster. The cost of the Democrat health care bill is $1.5 trillion, and we still don't know how they intend to pay for it. That is on top of the fact that the Democrats have spent nearly $1 trillion on the stimulus to create jobs that we have yet to see, plus $400 billion on a so-called emergency spending bill. They doled out billions to the auto industry, billions to Wall Street, and a whopping $182 billion to AIG. And that is on top of the $700 billion housing rescue. And now they want a $1.5 trillion health care plan. The problem with our health care system isn't that we don't spend enough; it is that we spend it inefficiently. We can and we must do better for our children and our grandchildren. America, let's stop the red ink now.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) were the first women in American history to fly military aircraft. Between the years 1942-1944, women were recruited to fly non- combat missions, so that every male pilot could be deployed in combat. These women piloted every kind of military aircraft and logged 60 million miles flying missions across the United States. They were never awarded full military status and were not eligible for officer status. It was not till 1977 that the WASP pilots were granted veterans' status. Of the 1,102 WASP pilots, just under 300 are living today. One of these living legends resides in the Third Congressional District, Frankie Bretherick. I'd like to thank her personally for her service to this great nation for being a pioneer of flight. Frankie Lovvorn was born September 19, 1914, in Cranfils Gap, Bosque County, Texas. Her parents were Francis Marion Lovvorn and Primrose Smith. She graduated from high school in Meridian, Bosque County, Texas. She graduated from Providence Hospital Nursing School in Waco, Texas, in 1937. She worked for five years at various veteran's hospitals in Texas and Louisiana. She began flying lessons at an airport south of Dallas, Texas. By the time she applied and was accepted into the WASP program, Class of 44W-6, she had acquired a commercial pilot's license and had logged over 200 hours of flying time. While stationed in Greenville, Mississippi at Greenville Army Air Base until deactivated on December 20, 1944, she flew BT-13s and UC-78s and slow-timed repaired aircraft. After deactivation, Frankie was asked to join the Army Nurse Corps in May 1945. She was sent to Mitchell Field, New York where she worked at a hospital for three weeks. She was then sent to Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas to attend the School of Aviation Medicine where she received training to become an air evacuation nurse. After World War II, she went to business school and attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She also worked part-time as a nurse while in school. Frankie met Joseph Harry Bretherick while both were stationed in Greenville, Mississippi. They married in 1949 and lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 19 years. Frankie continued working as a part-time nurse after their marriage. They moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1968. After moving to Sarasota, Florida, Frankie became involved with the Sarasota Garden Club. She also acquired her Real Estate license. Frankie's husband, Joe, died in 1999. About three years ago Frankie moved to Plano, Collin County, Texas, to be close to family. Through their actions, Women Air Force Service Pilots were a catalyst for revolutionary reform in the integration of women pilots into the U.S. Armed Services. Just as the Navajo Code Talkers served with distinction and were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, it is also appropriate for Congress to recognize and honor the service of the WASP with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest and most distinguished award that the U.S. Congress can award to a civilian. Finally, these women will receive that long-overdue recognition now that the House and the Senate have passed the bill granting these women. This Congressional Gold Medal honors mothers, grandmothers, teachers, office workers, nurses, business women, photographers, dancers, one was even a nun. But before that, they were pilots for the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Finally, this Congress has recognized their sacrifice and considers them all heroes because these trailblazers and true patriots served our country without question and with no expectations of recognition or praise. That is what being a true hero is all about! The Congressional Gold Medals will be awarded to all 1,102 pilots and/or their surviving family members. To the brave and selfless women like Frankie, our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. I am so very proud of them. God bless them and God bless America! I salute them one and all.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a clean-energy advocate, I believe we should be good stewards of the Earth and its resources. We're in the midst of a long recession. Yet the Democrats want to impose a massive new energy tax on American families and businesses, costing every American family heavily. Americans are sick and tired of Democrats spending too much, taxing too much, and borrowing too much. With the price at the pump rising 65 percent this year, the Democrats would create a 70-cent-per-gallon tax hike. With unemployment close to 10 percent, the Democrats would kill 2\1/2\ million jobs per year. My district alone would lose 3,000 jobs per year. Democrat Congressman John Dingell said it best, Nobody in this country realizes that cap-and-trade is a tax, and it's a great big one. This is America. Let's don't sell it down the river.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a fighter pilot who flew 62 combat missions in Korea against aggression in the fifties, Americans need to know that just as North Korea prepares to launch a missile aimed at American citizens in Hawaii, the Democrats slashed 19 missile interceptors from the Defense Department budget that we are voting on today. The President's failure to sternly address North Korea's provocative threat is extremely troubling. Added to the fact that the Democrats are cutting missile interceptors, I'm very, very concerned for the future of this country, the safety of our Nation, and the security of our homeland. The President comes across as lacking resolve. The Democrats in Congress look weak, and that is not a good place for America to be in. Wake up, America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a tremendous honor to salute our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of tomorrow--the service academy bound students of the Third District of the Texas. This district of Texas is home to some of the best and the brightest young people. I'm truly confident that they are ready to join the premier military force of the world. It is a privilege to send such fine young people on to our nation's prestigious service academies. We lift these young leaders and their families up in prayer for their future service and sacrifices. I am so very proud of them. God bless them and God bless America. I salute them. The appointees and their schools follow. Third Congressional District Service Academy Appointments United States Air Force Academy Matthew Burnham (Plano West Senior High School), Darrell Dancy (USAFA Prep School--From McKinney), Stephen Hunter (Allen High School), Zachary Matthews (Frisco High School), Christine Molina (Ursuline Academy of Dallas--From Dallas), Chad Moore (Home School--From Plano), and Spencer Wood (Frisco High School). United States Military Academy Richard Hansen (Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas--From Richardson), Joshua Koeppe (Prince of Peace Christian School--From Plano), Joseph Ramos (Sachse High School), Jan Redmond (Plano East Senior High School), Zachary Ricketts (St. Benedict at Auburndale--From Parker), Jeff Yao (Plano Senior High School), and Jacek Zapendowski (St. Mark's School of Texas--From Richardson). United States Merchant Marine Academy Jonathan Espinoza (North Garland High School), Tyler LeCocq (Frisco Centennial High School), and Brian Nichols (Plano Senior High School). united states naval academy Jonathan Alston (Plano Senior High School), John Aselton (Plano Senior High School), Lauren Carpenter (Plano East Senior High School), Jacob Coffey (McKnney Boyd High School), Tyler Mapes (Newman Smith High School--From Plano), Christopher Martinez (Cistercian Preparatory School--From Plano), and Michael Schmeck (John Paul II High School--From Plano).

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Many Americans don't have access to affordable health care, and we can and need to do better for all Americans. I support a system that gives Americans more affordable health care choices so they can pick the coverage that best fits their needs. The core part of the Democrat proposal is a new government-run program that will not only put bureaucrats between you and your doctor but would force more than 100 million people, Americans, out of the health coverage they currently receive through their jobs. We need a plan that really does let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it, a plan that doesn't add new taxes or new mandates or drive up costs or drive people out of health care. We must give all Americans the freedom to choose their health plan, not force them into a government-run, one-size-fits-all plan. Private plans are great. Let's protect them.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Americans want to know and they want to know now--what is the exit strategy for Gitmo? In the dark of the night, the first Gitmo terrorist indicted for killing innocent Americans was moved to New York. The White House approved this despite the fact that 65 percent of Americans do not support closing Guantanamo and sending dangerous and deadly detainees to U.S. prisons. It's about time this administration started an open and honest dialogue on the future of Gitmo and inform the Congress before ferrying terrorists to America. This sneaky middle-of-the-night move shows that the administration does not want to publicly answer any questions about their exit strategy on Gitmo. Americans want, need and deserve to know exactly where these terrorists will go come next January, and we don't want them here in the United States. We don't need al Qaeda recruiting and training hardened criminals in our prisons.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, a new report shows Social Security is a lot worse off than predicted. It's time for Congress to find real solutions to the Nation's ailing retirement safety net. The trustees' report predicts an even gloomier forecast than last year due to the economic downturn and the beginning retirement wave of the baby boomer generation. The President and Majority Leader Hoyer have rightly called for action to bolster Social Security's future. Congress must respond now by finding a solution. As the lead Republican tasked with handling Social Security, I stand ready and willing to join Democrats and Republicans to get the job done now. The longer we delay, the more drastic Social Security's adjustments will be, the greater the burden will be on future generations, and the more detrimental the impact on our national economy. Americans want, need, and deserve a Social Security system that works.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, the Richardson area was first settled in the 1840s and 1850s as a pioneer community called Breckinridge. The town of Richardson was founded in 1873 next to the Houston & Texas Central Railway tracks, was named for the railroad contractor E. H. Richardson, and became a thriving community of farms, stores, cotton gins and churches. Richardson remained a sleepy farming community until the 1950s. With the arrival of Collins Radio and Texas Instruments, Richardson became a popular location for college-educated professionals. Known as the ``Electronic City'' and later the ``Telecom Corridor'', Richardson continues to grow and prosper, with many diverse cultures, faiths and populations adding to its vibrant mix of high-tech business and educational opportunities. In Richardson's rich history, citizens have enjoyed the finest offerings a community can have with exemplary schools, first class parks, excellent library, sophisticated transportation, all managed by a well run local government. Many people who lived in Richardson chose this community because of its quality of life. In 2009, Richardson proudly celebrates 50 years of Parks and Recreation Services that has served its citizenry with the finest of trails, parks, festivals, recreation programs, senior citizen activities, and tourist attractions all wrapped in a well manicured city. During its 50 years the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department has provided families greater quality of life through first class programs that have become a tradition, and a source of pride within the community. This is evidenced by greater real estate values and first class economic development proving that Richardson is not only a great host to a business and industry, but a great place to call home. Congratulations are in order as Richardson Parks and Recreation marks 50 years of service to the community.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, in the fall of 2004, I created the Congressional Youth Advisory Council to engage high school students living in the Third District. Back then, I guessed that perhaps 10 to 20 students would apply. Little did I know that this program would grow into a popular program for the area's best and brightest students from across the Third District. For good reason, many associate the Congressional Youth Advisory Council with excellence and one of the highest standards of civic pride for young people in North Texas. This year 45 students representing 21 area high schools make up the elite group. The Council's goal is two-fold. First, the group provides me with greater student perspective and insight on issues that directly impact younger Americans. Second, Council activities educate students on government policies relevant to young people. The students boast impressive credentials: honors society, student leadership, school athletics, community philanthropy, language clubs, and musical backgrounds. These students have things to say about the future of this great country and long to be heard. They represent their generation as servant leaders and make their community and their country a better place. I commend the students for volunteering their time on the Congressional Youth Advisory Council and I wish each one continued success in all of their endeavors. Without a doubt, every student will continue to play an important role in our community for decades to come, and that America and North Texas, will continue to benefit from their dedication, smarts, and service. You know, a lot of people hope to make a difference sometime in their lives. To the members of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, you just did. Thank you. I salute you; God Bless You and God Bless America. The names of the students serving on the 2008-2009 CYAC follow: Jonathan Alston; Logan Borgsmiller; Amy Boykin; Nicholas Brush; Jennifer Bundren; Matt Burnham; Anita Chandrahas; John Clark; Ally Crutcher*; Christian Cummings; Trevor Ede*; Josh Eldridge; Luke Franz; Jennifer Goebel; Anna Gu; Stephen Hayes*; Lisa Hu*; Richard Hung; David Jacobs; Sravanthi Kadali; Sibel Kayaalp*; Amber Khan; Nolan Killingsworth; Lauren Kraut; Tyler LeCocq; Kenny Lee; Amanda Lu*; Mark Macmanus*; Ryan Martinez; Alexandra Meyers; Ashley Newton*; Cody Painter; Kioumars Abboss Rezaie; Corbin Ringley*; Evan Rosenfield*; Natalie Shanklin; Rena Sheng*; Bryan Sims; Cameron Sprock; Eann Tuan; Jonathan Unger; Tyler Unger; Eric Womboldt; Joshua Womboldt*; and Caitlyn Woolum.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Last night my colleague Gabby Giffords of Arizona and I re-introduced our work site enforcement bill, the New Employee Verification Act, H.R. 2028, or NEVA. Our bill would create the Nation's first mandatory employment verification system for all U.S. employers. The act achieves three important objectives. It ensures a legal work force, it safeguards workers' identities, and it protects Social Security. Employers want, need and deserve a reliable employee verification system, and we want to give it to them. Now's the time for the Congress to create a new way forward that prevents illegal immigrants from taking jobs from American citizens. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2028. When immigration reform happens this year, this bill ought to be part of it.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, unlike what the gentleman just said, this President's budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. This is the most fiscally irresponsible budget in the history of the United States. The spending levels in the budget are just staggering. Under the President's budget, the government's spending will represent roughly 30 percent of our economy. That's not the American way. The right way forward is the Paul Ryan alternative budget which trims wasteful government spending and lets families and small businesses keep more of their hard-earned money. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the conservative budget proposal that rekindles prosperity, promotes financial security, invests in our future, and saves for our children's future. Let's go, America. It's the right way to go forward.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, next week the House is going to vote on the administration's budget that spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. Every day, American families need to make tough decisions to balance their budgets. If they end up in the red each month, they are in trouble. But not the Federal Government. The administration says spend, spend, spend. The White House budget raises taxes on hardworking Americans in the middle of a recession. Americans say ``no new taxes.'' They don't want us to raise taxes during a recession. They know that it is not the way to get this economy moving again. Our children and grandchildren deserve better. Let's clean the budget up. We used to say, ``It's the spending, stupid.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Today, we're debating the merits of paying volunteers. Experts estimate this bill will cost the government about $1 billion for just 1 year. I've got a better idea. Let's redirect just a small portion of that money to the real volunteers--those who voluntarily serve in the Armed Forces. They volunteer to wear the uniform. There is no draft. Some volunteer their limbs, their lives. Surely, these folks deserve special treatment too. Not so, says the White House. The White House has floated a plan to save the government $540 million. The White House will cut costs by forcing wounded warriors to pay for their own treatment. Talk about the cost of war! As a combat-wounded fighter pilot who served in two wars, I find the White House idea of charging wounded war heroes for care absurd, abhorrent, and unconscionable. It's sad and shameful that the administration is willing to force our combat wounded to foot the bill for their own recovery and rehab. I will fight like mad to stop this rash and reckless proposal and back a new resolution blasting the White House plan. I urge every American who loves freedom and supports the troops, why don't you just call the White House at 202-456-1414. Tell the President those who voluntarily choose the Armed Forces and voluntarily serve in harm's way, voluntarily leave their loved ones, and voluntarily endure enemy fire, are the absolute last people we need to hit up to balance any budget. Again, that number is 202-456-1414. Tell the White House that forcing veterans to pay for the cost of war out of pocket is just plain wrong. Our troops fight, they lose legs, they lose arms. Support the troops.