Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, In 2003, Ms. Kim Schofield founded the Lupus And Community Empowering Support organization better known as ``LACES''; and Whereas, LACES is an organization that continues to serve those who live with or are affected by the chronic autoimmune disorder Lupus, by empowering patients, bringing attention to the disease, and leading the way to find a cure through research; and Whereas, today LACES sponsors its 3rd Annual Ride 4 Lupus Motorcycle ride to raise awareness and funds to assist individuals living with lupus; and Whereas, this unique organization has given of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to advocate for our citizens and their families who battle lupus; and Whereas, LACES continues to serve our county, state and country by being the sword and shield for those who live with lupus, encouraging better treatments, funding research and educating people about the disease to help heal families and strengthen our resolve to find a cure; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize LACES for their outstanding service to our District; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 9, 2011 as ``Lupus And Community Empowering Support Day'' in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 9th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, forty one years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority in Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, Mrs. Sarah Fitten began her career with a heart for the people and today retires as a longtime Assistant Director who has touched the lives of many; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend to help those in need, a fearless leader and a servant to all who wants to insure that the system works for everyone; and Whereas, Mrs. Sarah Fitten is a cornerstone in our community that has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District and Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Sarah Fitten on her retirement from the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority and to wish her well in her new endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 30, 2011 as Mrs. Sarah Fitten Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 30th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, thirty two years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve at the Department of Agriculture in Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, Ms. Regenia A. Roberts began her career with the Department of Agriculture as a Stenographer in 1979 and today retires as a Lead Investigative Technician; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend to help those in need, a fearless leader and a servant to all who wants to insure that the system works for everyone; and Whereas, Ms. Regenia A. Roberts is a cornerstone in our community that has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District and Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Regenia A. Roberts on her retirement from the Department of Agriculture and to wish her well in her new endeavors; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 1, 2011 as Ms. Regenia A. Roberts Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 1st day of August, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill which guts longstanding environmental policy. Unfortunately, this is not the only thing that's wrong with America today. Once again, Speaker Boehner and the GOP are putting the needs of a few right-wing Members of Congress ahead of ordinary, hardworking, everyday Americans, many of whom lit up the phone lines yesterday in record numbers to express their disgust with Republican intransigence that's holding our Nation and international markets hostage. Not only did they call in record numbers, but 50 to 60 people came to my district office yesterday to show their support for a balanced approach to solving this debt ceiling issue. I also received a petition with over 1,500 names begging that we protect Social Security. But still, against the urgent pleas of international financial institutions, Wall Street executives, and millions of Americans who can ill-afford any reduction in their ability to borrow or an increase in interest rates for a car, home, or student loan, Republicans continue to show contempt for the American people by saying ``no'' to increasing the debt ceiling. Do you realize out there how many of us have adjustable rate mortgages on our primary residence? Can you imagine what will happen if this Nation defaults on its obligations to pay its debt and, as a result, interest rates go up? That means your adjustable rate mortgage, my adjustable rate mortgage rate goes up. Could I stand to pay $1,000 extra or $2,000 extra per month on my mortgage because interest rates went up because we didn't do what we should have done here, which is to increase the debt ceiling, something we've done 21 times, I believe, over the last several--we did 18 times with Ronald Reagan as President? But we can't afford not to deal with this debt ceiling issue. Mr. Chairman, The Washington Post reports that House Republicans watched a movie together about bank robbers to motivate members of their caucus to stand firm in their solidarity against raising the debt ceiling. What kind of example does this set for the American people? What would they say if they knew that there is a concerted effort by Republicans not only to prevent an increase in the debt ceiling, but to impede economic progress, slow or stop job creation, cause the loss of 700,000 jobs, with the passage of cut, cap, and kill? What about our seniors, our veterans, our students? What about our credit rating in this country? Mr. Chairman, just like bank robbers, it appears that Republicans seek to threaten society as a whole, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Republicans have now taken hostage of the U.S. economy, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of Americans, young and old, rich and poor. They can see the hands of the clock ticking, precious seconds, minutes, and hours wasted. Speaker Boehner and his cohorts say ``no'' to the President's request for reasonable compromise, ``no'' to the desperate pleas of businesses begging for a sense of certainty about the debt ceiling, and ``no'' to the American people who have shouted at the top of their lungs for shared sacrifice in these budget negotiations. Well, Mr. Speaker, if Republicans are looking for some additional inspiration in the debt ceiling negotiations, I'd recommend that they watch ``Saving Private Ryan.'' It's about a man who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of his fellow Americans. He was not a survival-of-the-fittest-type guy, you're on your own. We're all in this together. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

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

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Let's connect the dots here. The Koch brothers, who financed the election of 2010, won. And they won big time. They own a facility up in Canada that will be the place where the tar sands oil will be converted into a form that can then be shipped to the gulf coast by this pipeline. All that money that they put in, millions and millions of dollars into the last election, is coming back as a return on the investment. And it's a big return, ladies and gentlemen. This pipeline is going to cost $13 billion. Who's paying for it? The Koch brothers? No, not the Koch brothers. The American people are on the hook for the $13 billion to build this pipeline for the Koch brothers and for their cohorts ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and all of the rest of the big boys whose tax credits and tax breaks they are protecting without hesitation. So they're getting it both ways, ladies and gentlemen. They're getting it on the front end, and they're getting it on the back end in terms of not having to pay any taxes. I think we need to look at during this debt ceiling debate what our priorities are as a Nation and what our values are. Are we simply there to do the bidding of Big Business and the oil companies, or are we here to do the business for the American people?

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to speak today on H.R. 1938, the North American-Made Energy Security Act of 2011, and on my amendment to this legislation. I oppose H.R. 1938, which would accelerate the approval of the Keystone Koch Brothers XL pipeline. No one knows how much air pollution this pipeline will cause, or how the pollution will impact the public health. My amendment, which has been endorsed by the National Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club, is common sense. I'm simply requesting a thorough analysis of the potential health risks that should be completed before any decision is made to begin construction. Even though the State Department has submitted two environmental impact statements on the Keystone Koch Brothers XL pipeline, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that neither statement included a satisfactory evaluation of the increased air pollution that would come as a result of this pipeline's operation. Communities surrounding the oil refineries that would be along the transportation route for these raw tar sands crude are already exposed to dirty air. Approval of the Koch Brothers Keystone XL pipeline will only make it worse. The raw tar sands crude is more toxic and acidic than other types of crude. Raw tar sands crude produces significantly more harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than conventional crude oil due to the complex refining process it must go through before it reaches gas pumps in China. As this type of crude has only been exported to the United States from Canada for a relatively short period of time, there has not been a thorough study on how its transport would effect air pollution in our Nation. It's troubling that the construction of the Keystone Koch Brothers XL pipeline, which could transport 900,000 barrels of this crude oil daily, should take place before such a study is ever done. We have a responsibility to the American people to properly assess what risks the construction of this pipeline may pose to our health. It would be irresponsible for us to sweep these concerns under the rug, just to rush this project to the finish line. Valid questions have been raised about the health risks associated with the increased air pollution this pipeline will produce, and these questions deserve legitimate answers. For this reason, I am requesting that a study be conducted to measure the health impacts of raw tar sands crude pollution in communities surrounding the refineries where the Keystone-Koch XL pipeline would operate. If you share my commitment to safeguarding Americans' health, I ask that you approve my amendment and allow for such a study to be done before we make any decision on the pipeline's construction. With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself the balance of my time. The gentleman from Nebraska is incorrect in terms of the Environmental Protection Agency having conducted a study of the increased air pollution that would come as a result of this pipeline's operation. The State Department has submitted two environmental impact statements on the Keystone XL/Koch brothers pipeline, but the Environmental Protection Agency has found that neither statement included a satisfactory evaluation of the increased air pollution that would come as a result of this pipeline's operation. So I wanted to correct the record on that. Last but not least, I want this body to know that it is the health of Americans that is most important here as opposed to making money for an oil company. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Having set sail in search of new shores for pirating and profiteering, it's quite apparent that the GOP is lost at sea under the helm of a confused, misguided leadership. Under the guise of austerity and deficit reduction, they have plotted our Nation on a fateful course that will only result in the surging of torrents of sewage, untreated chemicals and other hazardous materials into our rivers, streams and creeks, along with factories, plants and refineries belching smoke, smog and mercury into our blue skies. Sick children and the aged who suffer from asthma, respiratory illnesses, they'll get sicker and sicker, while oil and gas companies and mining companies get fatter and fatter. Mr. Chair, as I see it, this bill is nothing more than an attempt to remove 40 years of Federal laws that protect our air, water, land, and wildlife. Only in a Republican-controlled House would we increase access to oil and gas leases, while reducing our ability to ensure drilling operations are environmentally safe. Only in a Republican-controlled House would we reduce the ability of States to safely manage their sewage and wastewater run off. And, Mr. Chair, only in a Republican-controlled Congress would we allow more uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. Mr. Chair, these efforts are opposed by the majority of Americans who believe in oversight of drilling operations, protection from tainted drinking water, and those who believe that the Grand Canyon, with all of its majestic beauty, should be a natural national treasure for the enjoyment of families and tourists, not a wasteland laid bare by mining companies whose insatiable appetite for profit is equaled only by the magnitude of the damage they would inflict upon our environment. These aren't the rants and raves of liberal environmentalists hell- bent on protecting nature at all costs. These are the sentiments of red-blooded Americans who believe that our natural resources, like the Grand Canyon, improve our quality of life. The American people don't want progress if progress means that our skies get darker, our water gets murkier, and they don't want our wildlife to go extinct, but clearly that will be the effect of this bill should this ill-gotten measure pass. Mr. Chairman, day after day, week after week, and month after month House Republicans hand out life preservers to special interests while kicking the American people overboard like the bundled tea kicked overboard by the real tea partiers at the start of the American Revolution. Sure our children have asthma, but big business gets to pump more pollution into our air. Sure our water is tainted, but special interests get to dump runoff in our streams. Yes, our endangered species are slowly fading away, but now we can drill in their habitats. What happens, Mr. Chairman, when our air becomes too dirty to breathe, when our water becomes too dirty to drink, and when our wildlife all go extinct? I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill. But before I close, I would like to remind my colleagues across the aisle that the captain always goes down with the ship. And that's the real deal. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, according to the latest figures available, an estimated 43.5 million Americans are living in poverty. Ladies and gentlemen, that's more than the entire State of California. Unbelievable. Communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty. The national unemployment rate is 9.2 percent. In my home State of Georgia, it's even higher, at 9.8 percent. With millions of Americans in poverty and a high unemployment rate, you would think the Congress would do what it was elected to do, which is to create jobs and pass legislation that spurs economic growth. But in the past 7 months, the Republican majority has not moved one single jobs bill. Instead, this House majority is pushing bills through that take away Grandma's Social Security check, dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which would provide health care to millions of uninsured Americans, and cut a first-generation college student's Pell Grants. They want to crash our economy by ignoring the need to raise the debt ceiling and ignoring the catastrophe that would occur if we don't. Instead of bringing us opportunities and the American Dream, the Republican majority gives us cut, cap, and kill. Kill Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid. Those are the prisoners who are awaiting execution. It's really about crash, slash, and trash. Staying committed to safety net programs and health, education, housing, and employment is both a moral and an economic responsibility that we cannot ignore. However, Congress seems to be doing all that it can to keep families from getting back on their feet during times of economic distress. They shouldn't be trying to pull the wool out from under the people of this great Nation, regular working people. The record debt run up by the Bush administration was a direct result of Republicans' two unfunded wars, failed economic policies, and failed oversight of the financial services sector. And what we need to do is support more programs like Pathways Out of Poverty, which puts residents in my district back to work doing green jobs. But instead, what we want to do is give Rupert Murdoch a tax break and give all of the big oil companies tax loopholes that you could drive a submarine through. Americans need to go to work. So let's focus on getting Americans what they need, which is jobs, jobs, jobs.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Cut, Cap, and Balance is not a jobs bill; it's a job-killing bill. It's a new way of trying to ramrod the Ryan budget proposal down our throats. It's the Ryan budget with lipstick, and it's really just slash-and-burn politics with a new face. Today, the Republicans will vote unanimously for this draconian slash-and-burn Ryan budget plan that they now call ``Cut, Cap, and Balance.'' For the third time, the Republicans will vote unanimously to cut Medicare and change Social Security to a voucher program that puts our seniors at the mercy of the for-profit insurance companies. And that's real. We need jobs and economic growth, not cut, cap and balance, which is, again, just slash-and-burn politics, the Ryan budget proposal with lipstick. And that's the real deal. That's realer than ``Real Deal Holyfield.''

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than the right to vote. By stoking the fires of fear and anger, aided and abetted by the U.S. Supreme Court with its Citizens United decision opening the door for unlimited corporate spending on elections, the Republicans seized a death grip on this Congress. Now they want to keep control of Congress so they have embarked on an old strategy, voter suppression. One of their tactics in making it more difficult for citizens to vote is imposing an unnecessary requirement that voters show a State-issued ID to vote. This is a blatant attempt to keep certain populations from voting, thus ensuring that Republicans maintain control of Congress. Voter suppression is not right. It is not fair, and it is simply un- American. And that's real, ya'll.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today, thanks to the courageous reporting of two journalists for Al Jazeera's English network, Callum Macrae and John D. McHugh, who risked their lives to find the truth, we have shocking evidence of war crimes committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces against Nuba civilians in Sudan's South Kordofan province. Here in this photo is a 2-year-old victim of an air strike, and here is a bomb crater in the middle of this Nuba village--50-feet wide and 15-feet deep. Here, Mr. Speaker, is satellite imagery analyzed by Harvard University's Humanitarian Initiative that reveals evidence of mass graves outside South Kordofan's capital of Kadugli. At this moment, Mr. Speaker, as the U.S. personnel hide behind their barracks walls, the SAF are hunting men, women and children on foot, in fighter jets, and with bombs rolled out of back doors of cargo aircraft onto Nuba villages. Where does the United Nations stand as the Nuba are wiped out? Where do we stand?

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Jim Gullett, Sr., was born in Camden, Alabama between 1850 and 1852 in slavery, his life has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the Gullett Family has produced many well respected citizens and their matriarchs and patriarchs of the family are pillars of strength not only for their families, but for our nation as well; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have many members of the Gullett family, including Mrs. Adrienne Clark one of our most beloved citizens in our District who resides in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, family is one of the most honored and cherished institutions in the world, we take pride in knowing that families such as the Gullett family have set aside this time to fellowship with each other, honor one another and to pass along history to each other by meeting at this year's family reunion in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Gullett family in our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim Friday, July 15, 2011 as Gullett Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this15th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, In 2003, Ms. Kim Schofield founded the Lupus And Community Empowering Support organization better known as ``LACES''; and Whereas, LACES is an organization that continues to serve those who live with or are affected by the chronic autoimmune disorder lupus, by empowering patients, bringing attention to the disease, and leading the way to find a cure through research; and Whereas, today LACES sponsors its 3rd Annual Ride 4 Lupus Motorcycle ride to raise awareness and funds to assist individuals living with lupus; and Whereas, this unique organization has given of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to advocate for our citizens and their families who battle lupus; and Whereas, LACES continues to serve our county, state and country by being the sword and shield for those who live with lupus, encouraging better treatments, funding research and educating people about the disease to help heal families and strengthen our resolve to find a cure; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize LACES for their outstanding service to our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 9, 2011 as Lupus And Community Empowering Support Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 9th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ``America Invents Act.'' I strongly support this bill, which will foster innovation, economic growth, and help America maintain its global competitive edge. If we are going to have a healthy economy and be a global leader, we must have a healthy intellectual property system. In order to have a healthy intellectual property system, we must modernize our laws. Patent reform is integral to our economy. Currently, the United States is the world leader in issuing patents. In order to maintain our position and solidify our position as a global leader, we must enact patent reform as soon as possible. America is now on its way to the most significant patent reform in more than half a century. Our current patent system is outdated and in need in major reform. Pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, ``Congress shall have Power . . . [t]o promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.'' This bill will strengthen our patent system and encourage innovation and drive economic growth. The ``America Invents Act'' includes much needed improvements to the patent system that will help to maintain America's place at the forefront of innovation. America's ability to drive economic growth and job creation through innovation is currently hampered by a massive backlog at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO. There is currently a backlog of approximately 700,000 patent applications. While I preferred Section 22 of H.R. 1249, as reported by the Judiciary Committee, that would allow the USPTO to retain all of its user fees, I am supportive of the USPTO funding agreement that was reached in the House. It is intended to end fee diversion and provide the USPTO access to its user fees. Moreover, I believe in the overall goal of the bill to efficiently issue patents to businesses--especially small businesses and startups--to develop new products and create jobs. This compromise will allow the USPTO to process applications more efficiently and produce higher-quality patents which makes them less likely to be subject to a court challenge. It is imperative that the USPTO have the resources it needs to hire more patent examiners and pay overtime to decrease this backlog. Every state in the United States of America has patent applications pending. In 2010, 2,194 patents were granted to residents in my home state of Georgia. The ``America Invents Act'' will ensure that residents in Georgia, and each and every State across the Nation, are granted patents in a speedy fashion. This bill will help inventors like Lonnie Johnson in Atlanta, Georgia. He invented the Super Soaker that generated hundreds of millions of dollars in profits, created jobs and became the number one selling toy in America. Lonnie Johnson currently holds over 80 patents and has over 20 more pending. The sooner this 700,000 patent application backlog is cut down, the sooner Lonnie Johnson, and other inventors, can get their inventions to market, grow the economy, and create jobs. Further, the ``America Invents Act'' will transition the United States from a first-to-invent system to a first-inventor-to-file system. This will bring the United States up to par with every other industrialized nation in the world. As business and competition becomes more global, patent applicants are increasingly filing patent applications in other countries for protection of their inventions. The first-to-invent filing system in the United States differs from that in other patent-issuing jurisdictions. This can cause confusion and inefficiencies for American companies and innovators. In a first-inventor-to-file system, the filing date of the application is most relevant: it is an objective date and is simple to determine because it is listed on the face of the patent. In contrast, in a first-to-invent system, the date the invention claimed in the application was actually invented is the determinative date. Unlike the objective date of filing, the date someone invents something is often uncertain, and, when disputed, typically requires corroborating evidence. The first-inventor-to-file system will simplify the patent application system and harmonize it with the rest of the industrialized world, reduce costs, and improve the competitiveness of American inventors seeking protection globally. These changes are necessary for true, comprehensive patent reform. I am extremely proud that our nation's universities will benefit from this bill. The patent system plays a critical role in enabling institutions like Georgia Institute of Technology and colleges belonging to the Atlanta University Center to transfer the discoveries arising from basic research into the commercial sector for development into products and processes that benefit society. Patent reform is not a partisan issue, but an issue of the fairest way to encourage inventors and investors to create and develop new products that will benefit universities, create jobs, and spur economic growth. Today marks a major milestone in moving this country forward. I was a freshman when patent reform last moved through the House in the 110th Congress. I am proud to be a part of this moment in history. The American people have waited long enough; Congress should act now to pass this important piece of legislation. I strongly support the ``America Invents Act'' and urge my colleagues to do the same. We are close to the finish line and need to push on and finish the race.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, I turn our attention to the plight of Sudan's Nuba people, who are fleeing their homes in the tens of thousands as the Sudanese Armed Forces conduct a brutal military assault on their homeland. There are widespread reports that Sudanese forces are bombing, shelling, and executing civilians in the oil-rich state of South Kordofan. The Sudanese Government has barred NGOs and the press and is restricting the movement of U.N. personnel in the area. Mr. Speaker, as we welcome South Sudan into the community of nations this week, United Nations personnel must investigate reports of possible war crimes against the Nuba people by the Sudanese forces. We must not be intimidated by Omar al-Bashir's bullying, or we may find ourselves saying ``never again'' again.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of this one man who has given of himself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Rev. Dr. Norman S. Greer's work is present throughout the nation for all to see, being a man of God, a professor of education, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and Whereas, this giant of a man has preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, taught academics to scholars from across the nation, inspired elected officials, motivated the young and the old, as he accomplished so much during his time on this earth; and Whereas, this remarkable man gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life; he never asked for fame or fortune; he just wanted to uplift those in need, he just wanted to make a difference by spreading the gospel, educating others, building up a community, while protecting his family; Rev. Dr. Greer inspired others to do the same by witnessing him walk the walk and talk the talk; and Whereas, Rev. Dr. Greer led by doing behind the scenes and on the front lines for many; Rev. Dr. Greer was a husband, a father, a pastor, a professor and a friend; he was our warrior, our patriarch, a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of the community until his end; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow an honorable distinction and recognition on Rev. Dr. Norman S. Greer for his leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens of Georgia and throughout the Nation; as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 112th Congress that Rev. Dr. Norman S. Greer of Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honorable Distinction'' Rev. Dr. Norman S. Greer U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia Proclaimed, this 25th day of June, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, since its founding, the Black and Gold in the ATL has been and continues to be a worthy instrument for reuniting people who have migrated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, over the past 20 years, the Black and Gold weekend celebration has been held to support the Pittsburgh Steelers and to fellowship with family and friends from Pittsburgh; and Whereas, the Black and Gold in the ATL weekend has always promoted the concept of One Community--One Goal by working with and for individuals of all walks of life to make Atlanta a place where Pittsburgh natives are seen as well as heard; and Whereas, its members give of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to serve our community by being productive citizens; and. Whereas, the lives of many in our district are touched by the members of the Black and Gold in the ATL, our district is a better place due to their commitment to excellence in all of their endeavors; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize their outstanding service to our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim June 25, 2011, as The Black & Gold in the ATL Day in the Fourth Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 25th day of June, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, I rise to point out that once again we find ourselves in a familiar situation. Once again, under the guise of fiscal responsibility, austerity, and a blind allegiance to supply-side voodoo economics gimmicks, Republicans have brought forth another effort to cut away the social safety net, this time kicking low-income mothers and their young children into the depths of hunger and food insecurity. It's like deja vu. Just months ago, Democrats defended the American people from the Ryan Republican plan to turn Medicare into a voucher program. Unfortunately, the plan to get rid of Medicare was passed with the unanimous support of every single Republican in the House. Now, here we stand once again trying to prevent Republicans from delivering a swift kick to the stomachs of low-income mothers, many of whom are already struggling to get by during this economic downturn. Reducing WIC funding by more than half a billion dollars in the name of deficit reduction while unanimously refusing to eliminate or even decrease tax cuts for big businesses, oil companies and wealthy individuals, Republicans have forgotten one of mankind's most basic human values: upholding our moral responsibilities to our fellow man. Recently, I received a gift from the House Members Bible study group, and I do appreciate it. My heart compelled me to open it today. When I turned the pages separated by the book divider, I was at Mark 6:33, and nothing could have been more appropriate for the day. It was the passage on Jesus feeding his followers. Just as Jesus walked with his disciples, preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, he also fed 5,000 of his followers who would have gone hungry without those five loaves of bread and two fish. If Jesus can feed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, then surely America, the wealthiest Nation in the world, and surely this Congress, the greatest deliberative body in the world, should continue to provide for Americans in their time of need. Just as Jesus provided for his followers, He also broke with tradition and compassionately watched as His followers ate bread with impure hands--as they were called--unclean hands. This upset some of those righteous observers, and they asked Jesus, ``Why do your disciples not wash according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?'' Jesus called them hypocrites and then He said, ``Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.'' Is that what we're doing here today? Does the man-made rule of reducing our country's debt trump our moral responsibility to provide for Americans in their time of need? We as Members of Congress must also feed the hungry among us. Isn't this our moral and civic duty? According to the USDA, 750,000 of our fellow citizens, women and children, could be turned away from WIC. This is unconscionable. And the result is crystal clear--more Americans will be left to fend for themselves in their time of need.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Meanwhile, the $800 million that we give away on one week of tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, we could ensure, with that $800 million, that over 9 million WIC participants receive nutrition, education, food and services for an entire year. America is better than this. Don't hurt the women and the children who need help. I stand opposed to this bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.