Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1679, the FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017. Our State and local partners are the first responders to any emergency disaster or terrorist attack. They do an outstanding job, given their limited resources and irregular nature of the events to which they respond. We need to make sure that our partners, States, local governments, first responders, and nonprofits have access to the latest equipment, technology, training, and other resources needed to address any gaps in preparedness and to ensure that they remain as responsive as possible in an emergency. To assist them in their efforts, the Department of Homeland Security provides several discrete types of preparedness grants to help our partners meet the core capabilities needed to prepare our Nation for any hazard. FEMA's 2016 National Preparedness Report found that much more work is needed in areas such as cybersecurity, economic recovery, housing, infrastructure systems, and supply chain integrity and security in order to meet our goal of being prepared and resilient. Despite the valuable benefits these grants provide, President Trump proposed to cut funding for these grants in his so-called skinny budget. President Trump has proposed prioritizing a border wall over the lives and safety of our residents. I am pleased to note that this week Congress will be voting on an omnibus fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill that funds these programs at sufficient levels. Since 2015, FEMA has been modernizing its management of these grant programs by making information technology platforms more user friendly. As FEMA continues to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its grants management, this bill will ensure that FEMA ensures that the system is more accessible and transparent to applicants. The bill requires FEMA to include mechanisms to eliminate duplication of benefits and enable the sharing of information among agencies and with State, local, and tribal governments, where appropriate, while FEMA continues its modernization efforts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1678, which I rise in support of, is a bill that will clarify the existing statute of limitations for public assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to State, tribal, and local grantees. Pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or the Stafford Act, FEMA provides public assistance grants to State, tribal, and local governments to assist in their recovery efforts after a disaster strikes. Generally, FEMA approves the use for public assistance funds immediately after the disaster or while the project is being completed. This is the appropriate time to decide how a grantee should spend disaster funds. Once the project is completed, the grantee submits documentation of completion to FEMA. However, in some instances, FEMA or the inspector general has reviewed projects many years or even a decade after the grantee has submitted project completion documents. At times, FEMA has changed its policy determination on the appropriate use of the funds, or the inspector general has second-guessed FEMA's decision on the appropriate use of the funds. FEMA then tries to recover project funds years later. Under this bill introduced by Congresswoman Frankel, FEMA may still attempt to recover funds but must do so within 3 years after the project is completed. I commend Representative Frankel for her commitment to address this issue. She has worked tirelessly to bring this matter to the forefront. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I would like to first commend Chairman Chaffetz for introducing H.R. 1694, the Fannie and Freddie Open Records Act of 2017. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and members of the committee for all of their hard work on this legislation. H.R. 1694 would amend the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to make its provisions apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when the two entities are in Federal conservatorship or receivership. My amendment makes commonsense improvements to the underlying bill to ensure that all nine FOIA exemptions apply to government-sponsored entities in conservatorship. By passing this amendment, we will ensure that personal privacy and sensitive information is appropriately protected, while ensuring the highest level of transparency for the American taxpayers. I am pleased to have the support of Chairman Chaffetz on this amendment, and I urge all of the Members to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member, and I appreciate his work. I appreciate the chairman's work on this bill. I believe that this proposal is ill-timed, and that is why I rise in opposition to it. Today, World Intellectual Property Day, the protection of our Nation's intellectual property and, specifically, our copyrights is too important to take lightly. The system for the appointment of the Register of Copyrights has long been in place, and selection of the head of the Office of Copyrights has been within the purview of the Librarian of Congress, this Nation's top librarian. The system is not broken, but the entire system, including the Library of Congress, is in need of congressional attention and upgrade. What is needed is modernization, which requires more funding. Our first order of business should be to fund adequately the operations of the Library of Congress as well as the Office of Copyrights. But in these days where we are trying to keep the government from closing, you see what we are dealing with in that regard. It is fitting that this decision remain with the Librarian, as she has an interest in protecting copyrighted materials as head librarian. The nomination and consent process has been politicized, with the recent theft from President Obama of a United States Supreme Court appointment serving as Exhibit A. The Library has been well underfunded for many years, and separating the Register's Office would not help with the comprehensive modernization of the Library or the Copyright Office. Instead, it would subject the newly independent Office to the appropriations process, which, as I stated, is already failing. The Library of Congress is the premiere stakeholder in the smooth and efficient operations of the Office of Copyrights. The Librarian of Congress is in the best position to monitor the operations of the Copyright Office much more than the Office of the President. Modernization of the Library has been discussed for the past 10 years. Let's do it comprehensively. Let's not start off with this proposal which, quite frankly, doesn't pass the smell test at this time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to, first of all, thank my good friend from Maryland, Representative Steny Hoyer, for introducing this resolution on behalf of the entire Washington regional delegation. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is an annual competitive event that encourages boys and girls, ages 9 through 16, to construct and race their own soapbox vehicles. This Capitol Hill event has become a great tradition in Washington, D.C., in our metropolitan area over the last 20 years. It provides a terrific opportunity for children to appreciate the workmanship necessary to build the vehicles and enjoy the thrill of competition. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby organizers will work with the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police to ensure the appropriate rules and regulations are in place and that the event remains free to the public. I support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation. You know, the Washington Soap Box Derby was an event that was being held during the times that I was here in Washington, D.C., growing up. I was born and raised here in Washington, D.C. I left at the age of 17 to come to Georgia. When I got to Georgia, I fell in love with Georgia; and I have been there for the last 47 years or so, and it has been a good run for me. But I tell you, remembering those occasions when the soapbox derby came to Washington, D.C., in my youth and going to watch the races, and, you know, it was really a joyful occasion, mass crowds gathered, people are rooting for their neighbors and their relatives and their friends, and pretty soon everybody is rooting for everybody. And to see the cars, the craftsmanship that went into building those cars, it is really a joy. I haven't been to a soapbox derby since those times, so I imagine the craftsmanship that is going into these vehicles now is probably astounding what these young people and their supporters do in preparation for this soapbox derby. But still, although the vehicles have probably gotten more sophisticated and the preparation has gotten more detailed, the aspiration of the soapbox derby remains the same, and that is for young people to challenge themselves to do something, get out of their comfort zone, construct something, build something, then watch it actually move, and then even win the competition. So it is a great thrill, I am sure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 496, a straightforward bill to repeal changes made to the transportation planning process in the waning days of the Obama administration. On June 27, 2016, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration jointly published a proposed rule to make significant changes to surface transportation planning regulations in an attempt to promote more effective regional planning by States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations, MPOs. The proposed rule was well- intentioned, aiming to strengthen coordination among planning partners and neighboring communities. However, the rule was haphazardly put together on an expedited timeline, with very little input from States and local planning organizations. It is not surprising, therefore, that the result was overwhelming opposition to the specific requirements of the rule. This rule was not mandated by Congress. In fact, Congress made very few changes to the planning process in the most recent surface transportation reauthorization, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, also known as the FAST Act. Among other changes, the administration sought to require that, in any urbanized area represented by more than one MPO, the MPOs would be required to either merge or realign their boundaries or develop unified planning documents. This requirement for joint planning documents would apply in urbanized areas that cross State lines. This provision, in particular, caused substantial concern in the planning community. The FHWA and the FTA received 299 comments in opposition to the proposed rule, of which 249 requested that the rulemaking be withdrawn. Only 16 commenters expressed support for the proposed rule. The agencies received 156 comments in support of the intent of the rule, but not the specific requirements and procedures proposed. The final rule, published in December of 2016, made a few modifications, including the addition of a waiver process, subject to approval by the Secretary, from some of the joint planning requirements if an area can demonstrate suitable coordination. Despite the changes made by the agencies in the final rule, strong opposition to the rule continues. Earlier this month, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed testified before the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on implementation of the FAST Act. His written testimony, submitted on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, states: ``The outgoing administration proposed a new rule on MPO designations that created unreasonable burdens for a number of regions, and we thank you, Mr. Chairman, and this committee for acting on legislation to remedy this.'' Repeal of this rule is supported also by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and the National Association of Regional Councils. Last month, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 1346, an identical bill to S. 496, by voice vote. H.R. 1346, introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), is a bipartisan bill with 29 cosponsors. S. 496 stops the controversial changes I have described from going into effect. The bill does not preclude the administration from pursuing changes in the future, through a new notice and comment rulemaking, to improve the planning process by strengthening the coordination of MPOs and States. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 455. I want to commend my friend on the other side of the aisle for his eloquence and for his support of H.R. 455. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown is the type of individual who is an American success story. Just listening to the comments of my colleague, Congressman Thompson, about R. Jess Brown made me very proud of his accomplishments. He seemed to have been a Renaissance man with a southern twist. He seemed to be a gentleman and a scholar, yet someone who worked with his hands, also, and showed others how to do so. That is why I rise in support of H.R. 455, a bill to designate the Federal courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, as the R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse. I can't think of any better name for a courthouse in that locale other than the R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse. Attorney R. Jess Brown was a towering champion during critical moments in the civil rights movement in the South, and especially in Mississippi. Jess Brown received his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, which is my law school alma mater, and he practiced law in Mississippi throughout the sixties and seventies as one of the few attorneys willing to practice civil rights law. He made the metamorphosis from being a divorce lawyer into being a civil rights lawyer. He was associate counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and he filed the first civil rights suit in Mississippi in the 1950s in Jefferson Davis County, seeking the enforcement of the right of Black citizens to become registered voters. In 1961, R. Jess Brown represented James H. Meredith in his suit to be allowed to enter the University of Mississippi. His victory in this case opened the doors of that university to all Mississippi citizens. While with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, he played a major role in fighting racial discrimination in the areas of transportation and other public accommodations. During his lifetime, R. Jess Brown received numerous awards and honors, including the NAACP's Lawyer of the Year Award, the National Bar Association's C. Francis Stradford Award, and the Mississippi Teachers Association Award for extraordinary service to education in Mississippi. Other accomplishments are too numerous to mention but, unfortunately, are not as well known as they should be, and this is the least that we can do to honor the legacy of this important American. I support this legislation honoring the life's work of R. Jess Brown, and I urge my colleagues to join me and pass H.R. 455. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 35 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15 and a National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. Both events will be coordinated with the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police. The National Peace Officers' Memorial will honor the 144 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2016. In addition, the memorial event will honor 70 police officers who died from cancer related to 9/11 and 30 officers who died within the past 5 years who were not previously honored. Eight of those officers this year hail from my home State of Georgia. I offer the deepest condolences to the families of those officers who have had to endure the tragedy of losing a loved one who volunteered to protect my fellow Georgians. I have deep appreciation for the fallen officers and the ultimate sacrifice that they have made on behalf of their local communities. I support this resolution and urge Members to join me in supporting this tribute to law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the year 2016. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H. Res. 92, Condemning North Korea's development of multiple intercontinental ballistic missiles. The security of our nation and allies rests on a global community of nations acting in a responsible manner. For too long the Asia-Pacific region has been rocked with instability because of North Korea's irresponsible behavior. Last year, the North Korean regime conducted two nuclear tests and twenty missile tests, including successfully testing a submarine-launched ballistic missile. This is a marked increase from two nuclear tests and 42 missile tests over the previous seven years. In February 2017, North Korea fired a ballistic missile that landed in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, sending shockwaves among our two closest allies in the Asia-Pacific. Passing this resolution will reaffirm our commitment to trilateral missile defense cooperation with South Korea and Japan and to an interoperable, multi-tier missile defense system that will protect Americans and our allies on the Korean Peninsula. At a time of increasing belligerence by North Korea, our allies need such security assurances. This bill will also urge the President to promptly deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea, apply all available economic sanctions on North Korea, and consider additional measures to strengthen bilateral security cooperation with South Korea, including increases in foreign military sales and joint exercises. Like many of my colleagues, the constituents whom I represent want assurance that the United States is secure from all external threats, including the potential threat of weaponized intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). ICBMs are designed to travel between 5,500 km and 10,000 km. California is about 9,000 km from North Korea. Given that the North Korean regime has made steady advances in its nuclear weapons program over the past few years, it is not surprising that my California colleagues are increasingly alarmed by Pyongyang's actions. The level of bipartisan support for H. Res. 92 reflects the importance of the threat North Korea poses to global stability. Our security and the security of our allies is an issue that crosses party lines. It is imperative to our national security interests that North Korea does not develop a weaponized ICBM capable of reaching any part of our country. This resolution provides more assurance to our allies in the Asia- Pacific and sends a message to the North Korean regime that all Americans are united in our determination to safeguard our country against foreign threats. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote yes on the resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the American people for what you did over the course of a few months since January, when you found out that your healthcare benefits were threatened by the TrumpCare repeal-and-replace attempt. Because you went out into the streets, because you marched, because you attended townhall meetings, and you made your feelings known about the fact that you wanted to save the Affordable Care Act, you were successful. You gave backbone to the moderate Republicans who stood up and said no to the Trump replacement. For that, I congratulate you, and I congratulate the American people.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1695.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today the Republicans are doing something that goes against what was promised in the campaign, and that was that everyone would have insurance, the insurance would be better, and it would cost less. But, instead, we are going in the opposite direction. Less people are going to have insurance; 24 million are being kicked off. It is going to cost more for the insurance, and you are going to get less insurance coverage than what you are paying for. It is a total disaster what they are trying to do here. Today, they are going to meet with the Freedom Caucus at 11:30, I understand, over at the White House. So the bill is going to get worse. Can you imagine that? If you have got fooled the first time, don't get fooled again. If someone tells you something that you know is not true or that you thought was true and you find out it is not true, don't fall for it again, Members. It is time for change in America.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is no secret that hate and racism are very much still alive today. Society is often racist and prejudiced against minority individuals, because of the color of their skin or where they come from. Men and women are denied jobs, migrant status, or even killed because of racial discrimination. The Southern Poverty Law Center's Hate Group Map indicates that the number of hate groups has grown for two years in a row. The SPLC map also demonstrates that currently there are more than 900 organizations in existence whose primary purpose is to drive a narrative of hate, discrimination, and intimidation. Additionally, a Pew research study showed racial tensions are perceived to have worsened by 38 percent of people since President Obama's first term. The same study indicated that African-Americans are about twice as likely as whites to feel that it is in fact discrimination that is preventing the success of Black Americans. The FBI's 2016 hate crime report reveals that hate crimes against Muslims grew by 67 percent in just one year. This administration's rhetoric has encouraged behavior that is aggressive and intolerant. This is not reflective of America and our values. We must be diligent in our efforts to minimize and eliminate racial discrimination from all facets of society and our political narrative.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support to H.R. 1238, the Securing Our Agriculture and Food Act of 2017. Our nation's agricultural sector comprises a substantial portion of our economy. In my home state of Georgia, eggs, beef, poultry, peanuts, onions, and many other agricultural commodities allow for agriculture to be an almost $14 billion industry. Furthermore, the food and fiber industry directly and indirectly results in a total economic impact of tens of billions of dollars annually and the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in Georgia. Moreover, agricultural industries serve as a vital backbone to the nutrition and nourishment of both America's citizens and consumers abroad. Naturally, an industry as critical to the United States' stability as the country's food production must not be compromised by threats of sabotage or acts of terrorism. Passing this bill will amend portions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to allow the Department of Homeland Security to better protect America's agricultural sector. The reorganization of DHS resources outlined in this bill ensure that proper oversight and management of our nation's agriculture necessary to prevent a devastating attack on our agricultural sector. The level of bipartisan cooperation and support for the Securing our Agricultural and Food Act reflects the importance of this bill to security and economic interests of American's citizens. The security of our nation's food supplies is not an issue defined by political party, nor is the concern only relevant to rural populations. All American's will suffer if we are unable to ensure the safety of the country's agricultural sector. This bill provides security to a fundamental and often. overlooked area of our economy and existence. We as lawmakers must ensure the preparedness of our Federal government to react to events of ecological sabotage and terrorism. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote YES on the resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, every year on March 22nd we recognize World Water Day. It highlights drinking water is a basic right denied to many. According to the United Nations fact sheet for World Water Day of 2017, a source of drinking water contaminated with feces, which puts them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Unsafe water, poor sanitation and 842,000 deaths each year.'' This is a reality for people around the world including here in the United States. Flint, Michigan has been without clean drinking water for almost two years. There were high levels of lead in the water supply which is contributing to a growing number of chronic illnesses in the region. It was not until this month that the EPA awarded funds to repair the pipe system in the city of Flint to hopefully decrease the amounts of lead. Unfortunately, Flint is not the only city struggling in this capacity. Last year, Reuters published an article that announced thousands of other cities had dangerous levels of lead in their water systems. This is an unacceptable reality that cannot remain ignored. The health of Americans, especially children and the elderly will remain at risk daily if this problem remains unchecked. Under Trump's new executive order, ``Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by reviewing the 'Waters of the United States' Rule,'' rolls back the landmark environmental rule that allows the government to limit the amount of pollution that enters into our streams, rivers, and wetlands. Originally the rule protected 60 percent of water sources in the U.S.; however, under this administration, whose primary concern seems to be protecting big business and corporations, these water sources are at risk. As Members of Congress, we must take steps to protect our water supply as a matter of public health. We need to address the situations in cities where lives are in danger due to contaminated water, both in the U.S. and around the world.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bipartisan resolution which designates October 17 as National Vitiligo Awareness Day. Vitiligo is a chronic medical condition resulting in the loss of skin pigmentation. Studies show that about 50 million people worldwide are diagnosed with vitiligo. In the United States, around 2 to 5 million individuals are affected. Michael Jackson had it. The American Academy of Dermatology refers to vitiligo as a life- altering disorder that can result in low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Children with vitiligo are especially vulnerable to being bullied because of their looks. They have a harder time making friends and are more likely to perform poorly at school. We have the power to change this. By naming October 17, 2017, as National Vitiligo Awareness Day, we highlight the importance of providing support to individuals diagnosed with vitiligo in an effort to improve their quality of life.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for nearly three decades, State and local law enforcement agencies across America have been flooded with surplus military-grade weaponry through the Pentagon's 1033 program. Late last year, law enforcement in North Dakota responded to protesters in Standing Rock in a well-documented, militarized fashion, reminding us of the danger which the use of military equipment by domestic law enforcement poses to the civil liberties of Americans. During the elections, President Trump ran on a promise to restore ``law and order.'' I am deeply concerned that the administration will follow up on that promise by making more military equipment available to State and local law enforcement agencies. This would further blur the line between the military and civilian police officers and violate a founding principle of our Nation. For this reason, I am, today, reintroducing the bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act to rein in the Pentagon's excess property management program and ensure that our communities are not just safe, but that the civil liberties of ordinary Americans continue to be protected.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in proud support, and I join my colleague, Congressman Lewis, in supporting H.R. 267 and its efforts to redesignate the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. For decades, large numbers of people have descended on this site to see the birthplace where the dreamer was moved by destiny into leadership of the modern civil rights movement. The site as it stands now, which also contains the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, has faced hardships over the years leading to budget cutbacks and a decrease in staff. H.R. 267 would increase funding that would help preserve this American landmark and increase the size of the park so that future generations can continue to visit and enjoy. Just like Dr. King never led a march without a plan, we shouldn't leave this critical piece of the civil rights movement without a plan for its future. We should continue to work to preserve the place where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and where he is buried. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act of 2017. The time has come to update the historic sites and monuments at the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. This common sense legislation seeks to end the current restrictions that prevent the site from adopting the proposed ``Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Proposed Boundary Revision'' and reclassifying the landmark more appropriately as a ``National Park.'' Originally, this site established in 1980, encompassed the portions of Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia, the house in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King's family prayed. Public Law 96-428 memorialized these buildings with the intent to ``protect and interpret for the benefit, inspiration and education of present and future generations the places where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, where he lived, worked, and worshipped, and where he is buried.'' Unfortunately, the MLK National Historic Site remains classified as a ``National Site.'' The National Park Service defines areas with similar geography and size as national parks. The title ``National Site'' no longer fits with the current structure of this historic landmark. The current boundaries of site limit the National Park Service's ability to conserve important landmarks in Atlanta. The provisions outlined in this bill will allow the site to expand and in turn preserve the history of Dr. King's life for thousands of Americans to personally experience and ensure our nation never forgets his dream. An extension of the current boundaries of the site would help greater serve the mission of the site. Dr. King altered the course of American history. Our nation's citizens owe a debt to the sacrifices and tireless crusade led by this great man. Dr. King encouraged love and empathy for in the hearts of countless Americans. His contribution to humanity has been priceless. We must never forget the sacrifices made by the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. I stand with my esteemed colleague and civil rights champion, Congressman John Lewis, who proposed this legislation. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017--which is misnamed, just as all of the other bills that we have considered this week that are trying to crush the ability of plaintiffs, people who have been injured, due to the negligence or intentional acts of others--legislation designed to keep plaintiffs out of court and protect wrongdoing corporations. This bill is misnamed the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. I would propose that we take out the word ``abuse'' and just leave it as it really is, which is the Lawsuit Reduction Act of 2017. That is what this legislation is designed to do, is to stop litigation in its tracks. We have been debating the merits of a bill that the Judicial Conference itself does not find useful, especially considering the fact that they have already been through so-called lawsuit abuse reduction reform in the past. The Judicial Conference, of course, is the group of judges that helps to formulate policy for the judiciary, and they are the ones who know. We should consult with them. Of course, we have, as the legislative branch, the ability to legislate in those areas; but it doesn't make much sense for us to override or to ignore the views of the Judicial Conference when it comes to their own business. That is what this legislation does. It doesn't lend itself to the support of the Judicial Conference, which is important, especially since they have already been through lawsuit abuse reduction reform efforts that were put into place by this body, the same ones that we are considering today. They didn't work then; they don't work today. H.R. 720 ignores the discretion of well-versed judges to impose sanctions against attorneys engaging in unnecessary litigation. Because there have been critiques that the pleading standards in rule 8 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure give parties a license to bring a multiplicity of frivolous lawsuits, rule 11 is meant to act like a check. Under rule 11, judges can sanction attorneys when they deem it is appropriate to curb unmeritorious lawsuits, and they use it. There is no question about that. Parties are being sanctioned every day under rule 11. H.R. 720 now requires that judges impose mandatory sanctions with monetary compensation and deprive litigants of the opportunity to cure a defective lawsuit. The problem with this approach is that it makes the cost of litigation skyrocket as litigants are required to pay for attorneys' fees and other filing fees. In addition, it creates a vicious cycle of litigation where parties engage in many trials over penalties to be paid as a result of rule 11 sanction motions rather than getting to the actual merits of the case. This approach was tried 20 years ago. It didn't work then, and there is no compelling reason to think that it is going to work today. I ask my colleagues to oppose H.R. 720, just as I ask them to oppose these other attacks on the ability of plaintiffs to bring cases in court against wrongdoing corporate defendants, many of them multinationals.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, protecting big, multinational corporations from fraud claims is not only unfair, it is odious. If you can't hold a big, multinational corporation accountable for fraud, then your money is at risk, your health is at risk, and the lives of innocent people are at risk. Mr. Chairman, I ask that all of my colleagues support this amendment, which protects the American people from fraud. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.