Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, and I also thank the chair for bringing this bill forward. I also want to thank the members of the DeKalb County, Georgia, chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as the Georgia chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, for helping us with this legislation. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3274, a bill to rename the Pine Lake, Georgia, Post Office in honor of a fallen police officer, Officer Francis Manuel Ortega. On August 11, 2005, Officer Ortega was tragically killed in front of the Pine Lake Post Office while conducting a routine traffic stop. Officer Ortega was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. As Officer Ortega communicated with dispatch, the perpetrator exited his vehicle and approached the police cruiser. The perpetrator ignored Officer Ortega's order to get back into his vehicle, and a struggle ensued. The perpetrator pulled a gun, shot, and killed Officer Ortega. The killer then ran into the post office and committed suicide. Officer Ortega was a part-time officer of the Pine Lake Police Department, and he was a full-time officer at the Georgia Regional Hospital. Officer Ortega, like many men and women who choose law enforcement as a career, was not driven by the mere pursuit of wealth. Officer Ortega was motivated by the desire to serve others and to keep our communities safe. Unfortunately, because society doesn't pay police officers the full value of their service, Officer Ortega was forced to work a number of part-time jobs. His dedication to peace and safety within the community compelled him to work, regularly, 80-hour workweeks. As the chair just mentioned, he was a student pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Officer Ortega is survived by his parents, Francisco and Luz; his sister, Joann; and his children, Frankey and Kaylie. Officer Ortega made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life to protect his community. I can think of no better way to preserve his memory and to honor his legacy than to dedicate this facility as the Francis Manuel Ortega Post Office Building.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I return to the floor today for the second time in as many months to speak against another crony- capitalist, Republican-led bill to benefit big business. H.R. 3624, the Fraudulent Joinder Protection Act, as it is so called, is a solution in search of a problem. Current Federal law already provides Federal courts with ample tools to address possible forum shopping. This crony-capitalist legislation would add needless complications for civil litigants seeking redress for violent claims in the State courts. Two, it further stretches the already limited resources Federal courts are experiencing due to Republican-passed, budget-cutting sequestration measures. Currently America is burdened with a Republican Party-caused judicial vacancy crisis in this Nation's Federal courts, where there are over 81 Federal court judicial vacancies around the country, including the one left vacant by the passing of Justice Scalia. Republicans--who control the Senate and who, in the press conferences and meetings they have held this week, have fully exposed their plot to add to this judicial crisis--are refusing to fill that vacancy on the country's highest Court, and they have an ulterior purpose for doing so. That purpose, ladies and gentlemen, is because they know that justice delayed is justice denied. They want to gum up the works of the Federal courts by defunding the Federal courts while at the same time bogging them down with State court matters that should be left to the States, and then what it results in is crony capitalists being able to avoid being held accountable in the State or Federal courts. So this Congress should not further burden the Federal courts, which are already strapped for time and resources, when State courts are more suited and capable of hearing State--not Federal, but State--law claims as State courts have been empowered to do since this country was formed.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. The 10th Amendment in this country means something. It means something to Republicans, and it means something to Democrats. Sometimes we disagree on what it means and what impacts it should have. But there is no doubt that the Federal court system has its body of law and the citizens should be able to bring their claim into their State courts, as they have been doing since this country's foundation. They use the 10th Amendment when it is convenient to them, and then they violate it when it is not convenient. That is not the way that conscientious Republicans should operate. I challenge them to stop this encroachment on states' rights. This legislation presumes that Federal courts are not currently preventing forum shopping in civil suits, but there is absolutely no credible evidence that Federal courts are failing to do their duty. I ask my colleagues to oppose this crony-capitalist legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the leadership and service of Mr. Simon Phillip ``Phil'' Levetan; and Whereas, Mr. Simon Phillip ``Phil'' Levetan served our nation with honor and valor in the United States Army Air Corps Division during World War II. He was responsible for maintaining the electrical and mechanical systems of B29 airplanes, which served as powerful tools for the Allies, aiding in the destruction of the Axis powers; and Whereas, Mr. Levetan served and led our district in DeKalb County, as a steadfast pillar of our community, a business owner and operator of his family's scrap metal business, Dixie Iron and Metal Company. He was a community leader and First Gentleman of DeKalb County as he served the citizens by partnering with his wife former C.E.O. of DeKalb County and State Senator Liane Levetan. He was the wind beneath her wings for sixty one (61) years in marriage; and Whereas, Mr. Levetan was a lifetime member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue and a member of Congregation Beth Jacob. He also planned weekly Lunch and Learn sessions for Chabad with Rabbi Yossi New for more than two decades. In addition, he was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and a member of the Elks 78 organizations; and Whereas, he never asked for fame or fortune, nor found a job too small or too big; he gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life to uplift those in need by demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of the United States of America; and Whereas, he was a husband, a father, a brother and a friend; he was also a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting and service of my district; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Mr. Simon Philip ``Phil'' Levetan as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mr. Simon Phillip ``Phil'' Levetan is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Mr. Simon Phillip ``Phil'' Levetan U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 4th day of January, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the leadership and service of Mr. Lewis ``Lew'' Belcher, Jr.; and Whereas, Mr. Lewis ``Lew'' Belcher served our nation with honor and valor in the United States Air Force. He demonstrated unquestionable leadership and courage as an Airman devoted in protecting our nation; and Whereas, Mr. Belcher served and led our district in Rockdale County as a steadfast pillar of our community by being ever so watchful of issues that would hinder constituents. He was a community advocate on the front line of fighting for equality and justice. He was the voice for the voiceless and the pulse of the grassroots machine in Rockdale County; and Whereas, Mr. Belcher advised many elected and appointed officials on issues concerning the public, he also promoted supporting local small businesses; and Whereas, he never asked for fame or fortune, nor found a job too small or too big; he gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life to uplift those in need by demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Rockdale County; and Whereas, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a friend; he was also a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting and service of my district; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Mr. Lewis ``Lew'' Belcher, Jr., as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mr. Lewis ``Lew'' Belcher, Jr., is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Mr. Lewis ``Lew'' Belcher, Jr. U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 18th day of January, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, the lives of many in my district have been touched by the life of one--Mrs. Jennie McIvor Richardson Campbell; and Whereas, she was born January 15, 1926 in Mount Vernon, New York, and today she celebrates a milestone in her life, her 90th Birthday; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents for the betterment of our community and our nation through her tireless works, words of encouragement and inspiration; and Whereas, Mrs. Campbell is a warrior for those in need, a woman of compassion, a fearless leader, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a servant to all and truly a friend; her dedicated service is present throughout my district, she is an unwavering caregiver; and Whereas, she is a blessing to us all. She gives advice on life, sewing and culture. She is a member of her beloved Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Jennie McIvor Richardson Campbell on the anniversary of her birth and for her outstanding leadership and service to our District; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim January 15, 2016 as Mrs. Jennie McIvor Richardson Campbell Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of January, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, the lives of many in my district have been touched by the life of one--Ms. Gwendolyn Mason; and Whereas, she was born January 11, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia, today she celebrates a milestone in her life, her 50th Birthday; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents for the betterment of our community and our nation through her tireless works, words of encouragement and inspiration; and Whereas, Gwendolyn Mason is a warrior for those in need, a woman of compassion, a fearless leader, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a servant to all and truly a friend; her dedicated service is present throughout my district, she is an unwavering advocate for youth, the elderly, the less fortunate and small businesses; and Whereas, she leads by example from behind the scenes, as well as front and center as the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Hank Stewart Foundation, Founder of G.A.B.B., an employee of Yellow Pages, an advocate in the fight against Breast Cancer, as a member and minister for her beloved church, Solid Rock Ministries and as a member in her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Gwendolyn Mason on the anniversary of her birth and for her outstanding leadership and service to our District; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim January 11, 2016 as: Ms. Gwendolyn Mason Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 11th day of January, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Mrs. Betty Dixon was born on October 23, 1950 in Atlanta, Georgia and this year she is celebrating a remarkable milestone reaching 65 years young; and Whereas, Mrs. Dixon has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God, serving faithfully as a Deaconess and on the Hospitality Committee at Welcome Friend Baptist Church in Ellenwood, Georgia; and Whereas, Mrs. Dixon is celebrating this day on her 65th Birthday with family, church members and friends at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, she celebrates a life of blessings as a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, friend, community servant and leader; and Whereas, the Lord has been her Shepherd, guiding her life for 65 years allowing her to lead by example, serve as one of God's chosen servants as a faithful matriarch and a community leader; and Whereas, we are honored that she is celebrating today with family and friends giving generations of loved ones the opportunity to give thanks and display their love for the blessings that God has bestowed upon the Dixon family; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Betty Dixon for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 23rd, 2015 as: Mrs. Betty Dixon Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 23rd day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in 1938, the first school for African American children was established in Lithonia, Georgia under the name of the Lithonia Colored School which would become the Lithonia Colored High School and today is known as the Bruce Street School, the only school for African American children in Lithonia until 1968; and Whereas, we celebrate and honor all of the graduates of the Bruce Street School; and Whereas, we recognize them for their tenacity, community service and leadership in building a strong community that promotes education and family; and Whereas, upon graduation, these students wrote their own stories by becoming productive citizens, serving in the Armed Services, as small business owners, educators, civic leaders, civil servants and community advocates, thus allowing our district to have pillars of wisdom and strength for many years to come; and Whereas, the Bruce Street School graduates are distinguished citizens of our district, spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all citizens that desire to improve the lives of others; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Bruce Street School Classes of 1938 through 1968 as they celebrate their All Classes Reunion in Stone Mountain, Georgia; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim November 7, 2015 as: The Bruce Street School Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 7th day of November, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II is celebrating years of service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in ministry and has provided stellar leadership to his church on an international level as the 119th consecrated bishop of the A.M.E. Church 6th Episcopal District, of Georgia; and Whereas, Bishop Williams, with the support of his wife, Supervisor Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams, and under the guidance of God, has pioneered and sustained the 6th Episcopal District, as an instrument in our nation that uplifts the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has given hope to the hopeless, fed the hungry and is a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, Bishop Williams is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared not only with his Church, but with my District and the world his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, as he celebrates service in ministry and to salute him as he retires from pastoral leadership; A true Man of Excellence; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 22, 2015 as: Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 22nd day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles, who gave of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, her dedicated service is present in New Orleans, Louisiana and Metropolitan Atlanta, for all to see her as an unwavering advocate of justice for the youth, the elderly, the poor and the downtrodden; and Whereas, this remarkable, positive woman with a beautiful smile gave of herself, her time and her talent; never asking for fame or fortune but only to uplift those in need; and Whereas, she led by example from behind the scenes, and was on the frontline for our nation; she was an original Freedom Rider in the 1960s, an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), a Goodwill Ambassador for her community, a charter member of her beloved church, New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia, and Whereas, this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a warrior, a matriarch, and a woman of great integrity; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens in Georgia and throughout the Nation; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'': Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 6th day of February, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, The Hamilton High School Class of 1965 is celebrating its fifty year anniversary today since its commencement as graduates of the DeKalb County, Georgia school system; and Whereas, some of the members of the 1965 Class are here today, Brenda Anderson, Jerome Anderson, James Bugs, Annie Ruth Curney, Alice Collins, Josephine Crawley, Carolyn Davis, Ella Mae Crumley, Lucille Boyd Durden, David T. Griffin, Abel Johnson, Ora J. Lewis, Willie Martin, Gloria Sutton, Mattie Ruth Crawford Stroud, Jean Thomas, Audrey Swift Wilburn, Dorothy Morton Walker, Gladys Williams, Gwendolyn White, Johnny Williams, and Patricia Woods; and Whereas, these remarkable men and women have been educated in our local public schools, and after graduation have written their stories in assisting our nation to maintain greatness by becoming productive citizens, serving in our Armed Services, becoming small business owners, educators, mothers, fathers, civic leaders, civil servants and community advocates thus allowing our district to have pillars of wisdom and strength for many years to come; and Whereas, The Hamilton High School Class of 1965 members are distinguished citizens of our district, they are spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all citizens that desire to improve the lives of others; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Hamilton High School Class of 1965 as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary in Clarkston, Georgia; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 3, 2015 as: The Hamilton High School Class of 1965 Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 3rd day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of this one woman, who gave of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Ms. Sidmel Estes' work is present in Atlanta, Georgia for all to see, as an unwavering advocate for the youth, an educator, a community leader who worked tirelessly for the rights of our citizens in our district and as a pioneer in journalism and television; and Whereas, she was elected the first woman president of the National Association of Black Journalists; and Whereas, Ms. Sidmel Estes led by working behind the scenes, as well as front and center as an executive producer at WAGA-TV/Fox 5 in Atlanta; as co-creator for the television show Good Day Atlanta; as adjunct professor at Emory University and Clark Atlanta University; and Whereas, this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a mother, a sister, a daughter and a friend. She was a warrior, a matriarch, and a woman of great integrity; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Ms. Sidmel Estes for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens in Georgia and throughout the Nation; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Ms. Sidmel Estes of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'': Ms. Sidmel Estes, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, this year we celebrate the 104th anniversary of the Republic of China, the National Day of the Republic also known as Double Ten Day; and Whereas, the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates for the past ten (10) years have continuously assisted new Taiwanese American immigrants in our community through domestic support, cultural support, technical assistance in education, business, government and daily activities; and Whereas, the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates are working with a coalition of business, political, educational and community leadership to foster economic development in the metro area of Washington, D.C., at its community service center; and Whereas, through the work of the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates, our community has been educated and strengthened, and the lives of many Taiwanese Americans have been touched, and their spirits uplifted; and Whereas, the board, staff, supporters and friends of the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates have gathered today to celebrate the 104th year of the Republic of China and the 10th Anniversary of this essential organization; and Whereas the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia wishes to honor and recognize the Taiwanese American Diversity Associates for their long history of outstanding service to our Community; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 10, 2015 as: Taiwanese American Diversity Associates Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Bishop Miles E. Fowler, is celebrating thirty-eight years as pastor of Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, Bishop Fowler under the guidance and calling of God, began preaching the word of God forty-one years ago; and Whereas, thirty-eight years ago upon becoming pastor at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he has transformed the church into a City of Refuge for Saints in DeKalb County; and Whereas, Bishop Fowler has been a trailblazer, teaching the gospel on a national and international level, motivating us all to live a life that is worthy of imitation of God's grace: humility, love, godliness, integrity and a commitment to prayer; and Whereas, Bishop Fowler served our nation with honor as a member of the United States Air Force, past opening speaker for the Georgia State Senate and guest Chaplin for opening the United States Congress; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God continues to be a blessing to us as a spiritual leader, an educator and a community leader who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk; and Whereas, Bishop Fowler is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, an author and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared with his Church, my District and the world his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Bishop Miles E. Fowler, as he celebrates his 38th Pastoral Anniversary; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 25, 2015 as: Bishop Miles E. Fowler Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 25th day of October, 2015.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many individuals who are called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service; and Whereas, one of those individuals, Pastor Clinton McFarland, has given of himself to preach the word of God for twenty-five years; and Whereas, under the guidance of God he has pioneered and sustained Grace Baptist Church as an instrument in our community that betters the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has shared his time and talents for the betterment of our community by preaching, singing and being a living example of the Gospel; and Whereas, Pastor Clinton McFarland is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion and great courage, a fearless leader, and above all, a visionary who has shared not only with his church, but with our District and the world, the passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Pastor Clinton McFarland for his leadership and service for our District as he celebrates his 25th Pastoral Anniversary; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim January 17, 2016 as: Pastor Clinton McFarland Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 17th day of January, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, data collection affects countless Americans and touches many parts of our lives. Data collection is very personal and may include your location, photos, messages, and many of the things that make up who we are; yet we lack basic rights for data collected on mobile devices. This week, I introduced a pair of bills to safeguard consumer privacy: H.R. 4517, the APPS Act, will bolster consumer privacy by requiring app developers to maintain privacy policies, obtain consent from consumers before collecting data, and securely maintain the data they collect. H.R. 4516, the Data Act, would re-create transparency and control for consumers over their personal data and provide consumers with the tools to correct the record and minimize collection. Privacy is an issue that should unite us, not drive us apart. It is past time for our laws to reflect this reality through commonsense rules for data collection, transparency, and use.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, my amendment would remove the scope and economic loss language from the bill. Think of yourself as driving down a two-lane road, doing 55 miles an hour. It is nighttime or it could be daytime. Suddenly, you lose control of your car because your ignition switch cuts off the car and you lose control of your power steering and your brakes. There is an 18-wheeler coming at you and you have no time to react. There is a crash and you, as the driver, are killed in the unfortunate accident. Let's assume that that has happened in numerous other cases. Perhaps the injuries were not as bad as a death. Perhaps someone just suffered a closed-head injury, a concussion, or perhaps a broken arm in the accident. Let's assume that both of those cars were made by the same manufacturer, had the same ignition switch, and a defect in that ignition switch caused the crashes. Now there are numbers of claimants who are wanting to get together and file a class action lawsuit because they know that the large company has an army of lawyers, all of whom will go to court against a single plaintiff to defeat the claim. These briefcase-toting, loafer- wearing, silk-stocking lawyers, who are getting paid $900 an hour go to court, have helped the corporation hide the existence of the defect for many years, and there have been so many accidents that have occurred that singular plaintiffs who aggregate their claims and come together against that corporation have a better shot at winning the case than has just a single plaintiff who is going against an army of corporate lawyers. This legislation changes the rules. It tilts the scales in favor of the company by making the plaintiffs prove that they have suffered the same type and scope of injury as has the named class representative, and that is despite there being one common question of law in fact that permeates all of the cases. Why shouldn't they be allowed to bring that case together? This amendment would remove the scope and economic loss language of the bill so that it would not impede the ability of claimants to bring a class action lawsuit against a corporate wrongdoer. I would ask my colleagues to support my amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1927, section 3, the so-called Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015, which is actually the text of H.R. 526, the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency, or the FACT Act. It is a fact that the Koch brothers are probably sitting back at home with their fingers crossed watching these debates, hoping and feeling quite confident that this will pass because they know when it passes, it is going to help them. How does it help them? Well, they are the ones who manufactured or acquired the companies that manufactured the asbestos, this asbestos everybody knows now hurts people. So when people are hurt, they deserve to be able to go into a court of law and establish their claim and seek just compensation for their victimization by that company. What this legislation does is to put its ugly hand on the scale of justice in favor of the manufacturers of this dangerous product and, also, their insurance companies. It puts its ugly hand on that scale, weighs it down in favor of those companies. So all of them are looking upon us now, hoping that we do what they would like for us to do. Please know that not everybody is going to go along with this. There are some who stand with victims who deserve a day in court. They deserve, when they go to court, to not have to be subjected to the public release of their very private and sensitive information, their medical information. There should not be any kind of registry, like a gun registry, established. This is a registry--we should actually call it an asbestos death database--which would allow these insurance companies and producers, manufacturers of death, to have access to people's personal information so that they could use it against them when they file claims. That is what this bill is all about. I would ask that my colleagues understand the true purpose and vote ``no'' on this act.

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

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, that is exactly what I want to do, is to gut this legislation, because it guts the ability of asbestos victims to press class actions against the wrongdoing Koch brothers and other companies that manufacture that product. I want it to be known that there are veterans organizations that oppose this legislation: the Air Force Sergeants Association; Air Force Women Officers Associated; American Veterans, AMVETS; the Association of the United States Navy; the Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Services; Fleet Reserve Association; the Jewish War Veterans of the USA; the Marine Corps Reserve Association; the Military Officers Association of America; the Military Order of the Purple Heart; the National Association of Uniformed Services; the National Defense Council; the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association; the Retired Enlisted Association; the United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association; the United States Army Warrant Officers Association; the Vietnam Veterans Association; and on and on. I don't know what those veteran organizations that my friend named actually do. I don't know who they are. They certainly have names that appear to misrepresent whether or not they are in favor of the rights of servicemen and -women, but these organizations that I just named are. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, when mankind first came upon this planet, I guess we were in caves and cavemen didn't have many rules. It was only the strong who survived. It was every man for himself. There were no morals about things, whether or not it is right or wrong. It is just a matter of your own personal survival. That was caveman thinking, and, unfortunately, we still have caveman thinking in the 21st century because we have a crowd that says that we should not have any rules of human conduct. Isn't it a fact that America is what it is now because of the rules that have been put in place to foster prosperity and freedom? That is what our government has done. It has been government of, by, and for the people. There has been a movement over the last 30, 40 years to turn people against government. This mantra is that government is too big, we don't need any rules to govern human conduct, let everything work itself out, and the free market system will make it rain for everybody. Well, we have seen, after 30, 40 years of practicing that free market way of thinking, that it doesn't work. Here we are still trying to cut the rules that guarantee the health, safety, and well-being of working people, of small business, of elderly people, and children. This is what this legislation is about, is gutting the rulemaking process. This is one of many attempts, incessant attempts, by my friends on the other side to try to cut government so that their friends in big business on Wall Street can make it rain for the rest of us. They don't make it rain for anybody but themselves. They put all of the profits in their pockets. They become billionaires. We have had a shift of wealth away from the middle class and working people in this country. Let's stop it from happening. Oppose this misguided legislation, H.R. 712.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, the only reason for the unprecedented delay in agency rulemaking--the so-called diminishing transparency of the regulatory process--is that my Republican colleagues have argued that regulatory transparency is not important with regard to public participation in the rulemaking process. In a recent rulemaking process, millions of Americans commented on a single proposed rulemaking. It represented the largest public response in history to any request for public comment in a Federal rulemaking. Just last year alone, this extensive activity hardly suggests an agency process that is shrouded in secrecy and in need of reform. So with there being no evidence that consent decrees and settlements are collusion between Federal agencies and pro-human interest groups, there simply is no need for this legislation. I would ask my colleagues to vote against this, to vote it down.

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