Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this weekend was Gold Star Mother's Day, a day we set aside each year to honor the women who have lost a child or a grandchild who was actively serving in our great Nation's military. It is a time to honor their strength, will, and perseverance. It is also a time to honor the memories of their loved ones. Freedom is not free. There is a cost, and that cost is paid first by our veterans and their families. That is why I am glad this week the House also did something to honor America's Gold Star Fathers with the Gold Star Fathers Act. This bill grants these men the same status as Gold Star Mothers, regardless of their eligibility for civil service. To all Gold Star parents, please know your Nation supports you and that we are grateful for the service and sacrifice of your loved ones.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, at this grave hour, I come to express my opposition to President Obama's deal with Iran. To this day, Iran chants ``death to America.'' In fact, Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Its regime has the blood of America's servicemembers on its hands. Iran is our enemy. The President asks us to trust Iran; but what has Iran done to earn our trust? Nothing. This is a deal of surrender, and, with it, Iran will go nuclear. The alternative isn't war. The alternative is to strike a better deal. I say this as one of the few Members of Congress who has seen combat, who has fought two wars, and who has spent nearly 7 years as a POW. So I say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Do the right thing. Put country above party. Listen to the American people. Uphold your most sacred duty--safeguard our Republic from those who seek to destroy it. Vote this deal down.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a third Planned Parenthood video was released regarding the selling of aborted baby body parts and organs. The fact that this is going on is just vile. Our Constitution protects the right to life, and it is unforgiveable for any organization to engage in this kind of trafficking. To make matters worse, Planned Parenthood receives taxpayer dollars that ultimately help support these vile acts. I fully support the House investigation into Planned Parenthood, and I am proud to support legislation that would stop all Federal funding for Planned Parenthood until these investigations are over. That said, I believe Washington should follow Texas' lead and permanently defund Planned Parenthood. All life is sacred, and I will continue to do all I can to protect the lives of the unborn.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the chairman. I come to the floor today to talk about our bill, H.R. 2514, the Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act, which is part of the legislation now before us. As a 29-year Air Force veteran and former POW, it is no secret I am a proud advocate for America's veterans. They bravely served our country. They deserve the best care when they return home. Unfortunately, the VA has failed to uphold its end of the bargain. We have been working hard to fix it. To add insult to injury, the IRS--yes, the IRS--has also let down our veterans. Right now, the IRS prohibits veterans from contributing to a health savings account for a period of time if they choose to get care at the VA. These health savings accounts enable Americans to save and pay for medical expenses; yet, here, we have the IRS standing in the way of veterans, keeping them from getting the care they want, need, and deserve. That is wrong. Bottom line, veterans shouldn't have to choose between getting care at the VA for a service-connected disability or being able to save for health care, including their families. My bill would allow veterans to do both. In closing, I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their support. I would also like to thank the chairman for working with me on this, but most importantly, I want to personally thank each of our veterans who faithfully serve to protect this great Nation. Let's get this done.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, President Obama is at it again. He is now seeking to deny millions of law-abiding Americans their Second Amendment right to bear arms by going through Social Security. And why is that? Because he couldn't get gun control through the Congress. The American people wouldn't stand for it. Mr. Speaker, old age or a disability does not make someone a threat to society. These folks should be able to defend themselves, just like everyone else. As chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee and a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, I will do everything in my power to stop this gun grab. Yesterday I ordered the Commissioner of Social Security to stand down and abandon any such plan. Mark my words: Americans' Second Amendment rights must and will be protected.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the nuclear deal President Obama has reached with Iran is dangerous and delusional. He says it will stop Iran from getting the bomb. Well, I would like him to tell us how it would do so when it puts us at the mercy of Iran. This deal does not provide for anytime, anywhere inspections. We would have to ask Iran permission, which they could deny. The idea that Iran will not go nuclear with this deal defies history. Worse yet, it will undoubtedly start a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. I say that as a veteran of two wars. This deal reflects Obama's disastrously naive foreign policy of appeasing our adversaries and stiffing our friends. We have a duty to protect American citizens from harm, and that is why I will be voting against this deal.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of Tino Trujillo. Tino was a well-known community leader in Plano and Dallas. My wife, Shirley, and I had the privilege of calling him and his late wife, Janie, friends. Tino was a special person in our hometown. He immigrated to California in 1952 and became a proud American citizen, serving in the United States Army at Fort Hood. In 1975, he found his way to North Texas where he opened his first restaurant. He loved to serve people, not only with good Mexican food, but giving back to the community that he loved. In fact, he was a founding trustee of Collin College, and he served for nearly 30 years. Tino was soft-spoken, kindhearted, and he will be greatly missed in Plano and Texas. America would be a better place with more folks like him.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that I am opposed to ObamaCare. I have been since day one. It is a bad law that is hurting Americans. It is hurting Americans with higher costs; it is hurting Americans because they have lost doctors they liked, and it is hurting our seniors because it will ration their health care. When ObamaCare created the Independent Payment Advisory Board, it put 15 unelected bureaucrats in charge of what payments Medicare seniors could get for their treatments. Many people have referred to this Board as a ``death panel.'' That is wrong. I have been working to repeal this Board, and yesterday, I was proud to stand up for our seniors by voting for the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act, which would do just that. The Senate needs to pass this commonsense bill now, and we need to keep working to see that ObamaCare is fully and permanently repealed.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise because I would like to congratulate some very talented individuals in my district--the Allen Americans hockey team. I am proud to represent the city of Allen in Washington, D.C., and everyone in Collin County is lucky because we are able to call the Allen Americans our home team. They have had a stellar season, and they are now on their way to winning their third straight championship. Today the Allen Americans will play the South Carolina Stingrays in game 3 of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. I would like to say to the Allen Americans: Congratulations for making it this far. Good luck tonight. Your hometown believes in you, and we can't wait to see you bring home your third championship. You have worked hard, so go show them why you don't mess with Texas. Go get the Stingrays.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one of my top priorities is standing up for our servicemen and -women. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act, because right now the IRS makes a veteran choose between receiving VA care or continuing to fund their health savings account. That is wrong. My bill fixes that. In addition to this bill, today Congress will recognize America's fighter aces with its highest honor--the Congressional Gold Medal. Last year, Congress passed this resolution honoring these patriots who are simply the best of the best. We are the land of the free because of all our troops and veterans who have put their lives on the line for us, and I salute them today as we remember their sacrifices on this Memorial Day.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that a majority of Americans oppose Obama's amnesty, and I have been fighting against it from day one. As part of my ongoing effort to combat Obama's amnesty, I am reintroducing my bill to stop illegals from claiming the refundable child tax credit. Right now, the IRS does not require Social Security numbers for this credit. The inspector general said that as a result, illegals can get thousands of dollars from the IRS. It is no surprise that it also encourages more illegals to come here. To stop this, my bill requires individuals to provide their Social Security number if they want to claim the tax credit. Last year, the House passed this measure, which was estimated to save taxpayers $24.5 billion. This is a commonsense bill Americans want, need, and deserve. Let's get it done.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last summer's border crisis was the result of President Obama's 2012 decision to grant amnesty to some illegal immigrants. And then last November, Obama granted amnesty to even more illegal immigrants--millions more. To make matters worse for American taxpayers, these illegal immigrants can now get work permits. This enables them to get Social Security numbers and government benefits. Make no mistake; what Obama is doing is bilking hard-working American taxpayers. That is why I am reintroducing my bill, the No Social Security Numbers and Benefits for Illegal Aliens Act. America is a country of laws, not men. I am fully committed to stopping the President's illegal action.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend and Texan, Mr. Brady, for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, today, we are voting on a bill that is long overdue, a bill that would permanently allow taxpayers, including most especially my constituents, to permanently deduct the State and local sales taxes that they pay. Back in 2004, I was part of the effort that brought back this important tax deduction. Unfortunately, as many of my constituents know too well, this deduction is not permanent. Because it is not permanent, Congress has had to renew it almost every year. This creates uncertainty for taxpayers. That is why this bill is so important. By making this deduction permanent, we can provide taxpayers with the certainty that they deserve, but this bill isn't just about providing certainty; it is about providing fairness. Right now, taxpayers in States with income taxes can permanently deduct their State and local income taxes; but, in States without an income tax, like Texas, taxpayers can't permanently deduct their State and local sales taxes. That is wrong, and that is unfair. It shouldn't matter what type of State and local taxes we are talking about. If the IRS allows folks to permanently deduct their income taxes, it ought to also allow so for sales taxes. The IRS shouldn't discriminate against hard-working taxpayers in other States like Texas. With many hard-working Americans, taxpayers are trying to make ends meet. Every dollar in the pocketbook makes a difference. In closing, I would like to thank my good friend, Mr. Brady, for his work on this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in 1979, Social Security began to use rules to help decide who should receive disability benefits. A lot has changed since then, and, yet, believe it or not, Social Security continues to use the same rules from 1979. It is time Social Security caught up. That is why, today, I am introducing the Guiding Responsible and Improved Disability Decisions Act of 2015, which would require Social Security to update its rules. This bill is, simply, common sense. The American people want, need, and deserve a disability program that works, and they expect Social Security to make consistent and accurate decisions when determining who should receive benefits. On behalf of America's hard-working taxpayers, I urge my colleagues to join me in bringing Social Security into the 21st century.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, by all accounts, President Obama seems hell-bent on striking a nuclear deal with Iran, a deal that would hurt our national security interests and sell out our proven ally and friend, Israel. Let's be clear: Iran is a foe, not a friend. Just consider: last week, Iran's supreme leader said ``death to America''; the regime has blood of American soldiers on its hands; and Iran is working overtime to expand influence in the region. Mr. Speaker, Iran is determined to be a nuclear power, period. Unfortunately, the President seems intent to ignore the majority of American people who believe this deal would not prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. Mr. Speaker, the President is going rogue. That is wrong. He needs to stop. Nothing less than our national security is at stake.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, our Constitution's very first amendment protects every individual's freedom of religion, but our servicemen and -women who protect our country with their lives are seeing that freedom under fire. In 2013, the United States Air Force Academy made the phrase ``so help me God'' optional in the oath each cadet takes. And why did they do that? Because of one radical atheist group's demands. Let me be clear: Americans have the freedom of religion--but not the freedom from religion. That is why I am introducing legislation that requires congressional approval before any change could be made to our military oaths. Mr. Speaker, the moral foundation of our country is in serious danger if we allow radical groups to dictate whether or not we can freely express our religious beliefs. I think it is time to take a stand.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my constituents and a majority of Americans oppose President Obama's executive amnesty. His amnesty is unconstitutional, which is why I am pleased that U.S. district court Judge Andrew Hanen has blocked Obama's amnesty from going into effect. Not surprisingly, the administration is now appealing. As the legal process works its way through the courts, Congress must continue to stand strong and fight the President's unlawful amnesty. Just this month, I exposed Obama's empty words that illegals getting amnesty would be paying taxes. The IRS Commissioner confirmed that Obama's amnesty will, in fact, allow the IRS to give illegals thousands of dollars. These tax refunds aren't refunds in the usual sense but amnesty checks from the IRS. This is wrong. I am working on legislation to stop it. Law-abiding and hardworking American taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans who have paid into Social Security rely on the promise that it will be there for them when they become disabled and cannot work. Unfortunately, under current law, some people can get both disability benefits and unemployment benefits. That just doesn't make any sense. Disability benefits are for those who can't work. Unemployment benefits are for those who can work. That is why I will be introducing commonsense legislation this week that will help ensure Social Security disability benefits are only for those who truly cannot work. With the disability program going broke next year, we cannot afford to continue to allow individuals to double dip. My bill will stop this double-dipping and will help ensure that the disability program is there for those who truly need it.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, President Obama released his budget. Unfortunately, it is right out of the liberals' tax-and-spend playbook. Apparently, the President thinks that since he has already added $7.5 trillion to America's record $18 trillion debt, what is $8.5 trillion more? As chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, I am also concerned that President Obama has once again ignored the grim finances of Social Security, and that is a shame because we cannot keep kicking the can down the road. It is just not fair or right to the millions of hardworking Americans who have paid into Social Security. Mr. Speaker, contrary to what Obama likes to say in his speeches, too many Americans are still struggling. The last thing this country needs is more taxes, more spending, and more debt. Americans want, need, and deserve better.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, our Great Nation was founded upon the idea that ALL men are ``endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.'' And the first right mentioned in our Declaration of Independence is that of Life. We must do all we can to uphold this most fundamental value. Today is the anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade ruling. In response, thousands of people have come to Washington, DC to participate in the annual March for Life so that those who cannot speak for themselves do have a voice. In solidarity, the House is also taking action to uphold our founding principles and protect our unborn by voting to reaffirm that no federal funding--including Obamacare subsidies--shall be used to pay for or subsidize abortions. At a time when our national debt is over $18 trillion, to allow any federal funding for abortions would be a breach in the trust that the American public has placed in us to be good stewards of taxpayers' dollars--but more importantly, to protect our unborn. I have consistently cosponsored and voted for legislation that continues the prohibition on federal funding for abortions, and I fully support H.R. 7. I am dedicated to protecting the sanctity of human life, which begins at conception. While today's vote is crucial to protecting the unborn, we cannot rest. Therefore I look forward to joining millions of Americans as we continue the important work of fully protecting our God-given right to Life for ALL, including our most innocent.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 45, I regrettably missed the vote, but I fully support this crucial legislation to protect the unborn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 William C. Smith who passed away on Friday, November 28, 2014. William ``Bill'' Smith made the decision at a young age to join the military and serve our country. After graduating from high school, he enlisted to serve in the United States Army. Soon after joining the Army, Bill came back home to marry his 3rd grade sweetheart, Mona Joye Swanson of Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania. He was named Honor Graduate in 1951 at his graduation from the Non- Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy, achieving the highest grades in all phases of the course. He also attended Winona State University in Minnesota. Bill continued to serve in the Army for 22 years at duty stations in New York, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Germany, and Korea. In his later military years, he served in Bravo Battery, 3rd battalion (Hercules), 68th Artillery, Army Air Defense Command, as a Nike missile technician, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. During his service he was awarded with an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Forces Reserve Medal, and an Expert Missile Man Badge. After leaving the military in 1968, Bill accepted a job with Texas Instruments (TI) and the family settled in Plano, Texas. He worked for TI until 1990, when he retired after 22 years, attaining the ``Gold Badge'' level. On November 28, 2014, William Carl Smith was laid to rest. His legacy will live on for many generations, as Bill is survived by his and Mona's nine children, 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will forever be remembered as a caring man who cherished family values and who was dedicated to serving our Great Nation. America thanks Bill and his family for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our country. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country during these difficult times. I also ask everyone to pray for our military men and women who protect us from external threats and our first responders who protect us from internal threats right here at home. God bless our military men and women, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor my fellow Texan and dear friend Ralph Hall. It has been said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.'' Ralph embodies these very words. He is a man of honor and integrity, a fierce protector of freedom, and a great conservative. He is a shining example of all that is great about America and the great State of Texas. Ralph and I have known each other a very long time. I won't say how long. We are blessed to represent neighboring districts. There is no greater friend and ally in Congress than Ralph. We have worked together on a number of issues. Recently, I was pleased to help Ralph with a zebra mussel water bill. That is an important law that helped provide clean water to north Texas. Now, Ralph is known both around the Hill and back at home for his sense of humor. You might say that is why he has never met a stranger. Every person he meets is not just a friend, but a close friend. On a more serious note, Ralph is also known for his faithful love of his late wife, Mary Ellen. If you ever visit with Ralph, he will tell you she was the person who encouraged him to enter public service, and since then, she was with him every step of the way. When Ralph had his chairman portrait painted 2 years ago, he made sure Mary Ellen was a part of that portrait. That love and commitment speaks so highly of Ralph's character. Ralph, as your colleague, I thank you for your service to your constituents, our great State of Texas, and our great Nation. As your friend, I thank you for your sense of humor; but, more importantly, I thank you for your loyal friendship. D.C. won't be the same without you. God bless you. I salute you, Ralph.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Money magazine recently ranked America's best small cities. 781 cities were evaluated. The 35 top- scoring cities were visited by reporters. And wouldn't you know it, McKinney, Texas, was ranked number one as the best place in the United States to live. It is worth noting that McKinney joined the list in 2008 and has steadily climbed each year. As Money magazine stated: ``Underlying McKinney's homey southern charm is a thoroughly modern city. The area is a hotbed for growth-industry jobs.'' McKinney certainly embodies its motto, ``Unique by Nature.'' It is both a business-friendly and family-friendly place. And perhaps most significant, it places emphasis on both preserving history and ensuring a vibrant future. I am proud to represent McKinney and the Third District of Texas. McKinney deserves this honor. It is my privilege to recognize their outstanding service to the community.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record.