Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of 5809, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. This legislation will reauthorize an important program that establishes a voluntary national and state-level grant and loan program to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines through clean diesel retrofits. This reauthorization is particularly important for the citizens of my home State of Georgia who face the 15th highest risk of premature death due to diesel soot, when compared to the lower 48 states. According to the Clean Air Task Force, diesel soot in Atlanta leads to 335 premature deaths, over 14 thousand asthma attacks, and over 250 cases of chronic bronchitis. The cancer risk of breathing diesel soot in Atlanta is 442 times the EPA's acceptable cancer level of 1 in a million. These figures are appalling and unacceptable. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act has supported the cleanup of diesel engines throughout Georgia and every state in the union. Passage of this bill will improve health outcomes and save on health care costs across the country and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5510, the Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act, which would redirect bank bailout funds to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. Mr. Speaker, the American people are deeply frustrated with the financial services industry. The same lenders who begged for taxpayer- funded welfare to survive their own mistakes now carelessly and summarily throw American families out of their homes. When they came to Congress hat in hand, having imperiled the global economy, they implored us to bail them out with claims that the American people would suffer if they were allowed to fail. Now, once again boasting record profits, they are throwing the American people under the bus. I applaud the distinguished gentle lady from Ohio, Ms. Castor, for her courageous efforts to produce this bill, which would take bank bailout money and put it to good use assisting homeowners who face the nightmare of foreclosure. I opposed the bank bailout known as TARP in 2008. I am pleased now to support redirecting those funds to a better cause. I urge swift passage of H.R. 5510, a common sense bill that serves the public interest, not the rich, powerful, and connected.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 987, legislation that would authorize the United States to provide assistance for the prevention of child marriage in the developing world. Regrettably, child marriage continues to be an all-too-common practice in many third-world countries. We as a nation have a moral obligation to do all that we can to assist with the prevention of this deplorable custom. Marrying before puberty or during early to mid- adolescence places young women in dire circumstances--where they face severe health risks in pregnancy and childbirth, where they are trapped in positions of complete dependence and where they are subjected to verbal and physical abuse at the hands of their spouses. It is imperative for the United States to take a strong stance against this practice by investing in efforts to prevent child marriage and empower susceptible young women in these developing nations. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2965, legislation to repeal the discriminatory ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. Americans who fight and die for their country should not have to live a lie in order to serve. And at this crucial time--with our Armed Forces over-extended abroad and on watch here at home--we can ill afford to lose people with critical skills needed to do these difficult and essential jobs simply because of their sexual orientation. The time has come to end this discriminatory policy. Congress must now act according to the will of the people and overturn ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' so that every serviceman and woman in America will be treated equally under the law--regardless of who they are and who they love.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This bill is a good first step in addressing childhood hunger and poor nutrition, which are two of the greatest public health challenges facing the United States today. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, which passed the Senate unanimously. It contains the most significant improvements in 30 years to the child nutrition programs that serve millions of children across our country. This legislation expands access to healthy foods for kids, makes it easier for low- income kids to enroll in the school meal programs, improves the nutritional quality of school meals, significantly decreases the availability of junk food and sugary beverages from school vending machines, and expands access to after-school meals for low-income kids. This is a vote that I do not take lightly. While I never questioned the need to improve child nutrition programs across the country, I did question the Senate's choice to pay for this legislation with a reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP benefits are an essential part of this nation's nutrition safety net. More than 41 million Americans rely upon SNAP benefits monthly to put food on the table. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Data and Statistics Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Report, released in October 2010, the number of households in my home state of Georgia receiving food stamps jumped from 581,709 total households in July of 2009 to 716,749 households in July of 2010--an increase of 23.2% in just one year. Many SNAP recipients are children or seniors, and I had serious concerns that the SNAP reduction would be a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. I was deeply concerned that reducing SNAP benefits to pay for this bill would hurt the people it was meant to help--children of low-income families striving to make ends meet during this turbulent economy. After a long thought process, I stand here before you as a strong supporter of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. As a Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I joined a letter to the Obama Administration expressing opposition to reducing SNAP benefits to fund this bill, or any other legislative priority. The President and his Administration share these concerns and have assured Congress that it will work with us to restore this cut and use their current authorities to protect the integrity of SNAP benefits and further improve children's access to nutrition programs. This bill would be instrumental in helping to address the growing crises of child hunger and also of childhood obesity. In terms of child hunger, last year, more than 1.29 million Georgia students participated in the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program. Obesity is a national crisis, but it is of a particular concern in my home state of Georgia which has the second highest prevalence of obese 10-17 year olds in the nation. The provisions in the child nutrition bill that improve nutritional quality of foods served on school campuses throughout the school day and those that strengthen Local School Wellness Policies can help to combat the rise in childhood obesity we see here in Georgia. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey report released in September 2010, 22.3% of Georgia's children live in poverty--that's more than half a million children under age 18. I would be remiss if I did not mention two key individuals in my district that have worked hard to combat childhood obesity. Dr. Yvonne Butler founded Healthy Kids Smart Kids. Healthy Kids Smart Kids is an organization that fights childhood obesity and educates adults and children on healthy eating and staying active. She started the first sugar-free school program in Georgia at Browns Mill Elementary School in Lithonia. Ms. Pat ``Shy'' Haggans is a certified personal trainer and lifestyle coach who founded Generation Next Sports Performance facility in Lithonia where she specializes in getting kids fit to fight obesity. Like Dr. Butler, she has helped hundreds of kids shed pounds through exercise, planning and lifestyle changes to combat childhood obesity. She assists parents as well to ensure that the next generation will be healthier than ours. It is important to recognize that this bill would not be on the floor now if it were not for Representatives George Miller, Rosa DeLauro, and James McGovern. Their leadership in conducting negotiations with the Obama Administration was key to moving this bill forward. I strongly support the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which would also help advance the Administration's goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, thank you for bringing my bill to the floor today. The ``Removal Clarification Act of 2010'' will enable federal officials to remove cases filed against them to federal court in accordance with the spirit and intent of the federal officer removal statute. Under the federal officer removal statute, federal officers should be able to remove a case out of State court and into federal court when it involves the federal officer's exercise of his or her official responsibilities. However, some courts have found that federal officers cannot remove to federal court when pre-suit discovery motions are made. This bill will clarify that a federal officer may remove any legally enforceable demand for his or her testimony or documents, if the basis for contesting the demand is related to the officer's exercise of his or her official responsibilities. When I brought this bill to the House floor in July, I explained that the bill will not result in the removal of the entire case when a federal officer is served with a discovery request. The language added by the Senate strengthens the premise on which we had been operating: that this new law will not create a vehicle to unnecessarily drag entire cases into federal court when the only hook is that a federal officer has been served with a discovery request. I would be remiss if I did not also express my support for the DREAM Act. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation addresses the tragedy our young undocumented people face when, through no fault of their own, their lack of status may prevent them from attending college, joining the military, or working legally in the only home they have known--the United States of America. This bill will give hard-working, English- speaking, young men and women a chance to fulfill their aspirations by contributing to America's economic prosperity and security. The DREAM Act ensures that no child in America is denied his or her dream of having a better life if he or she is willing to work hard for one. Each year, about 65,000 undocumented students, raised in the United States, graduate from high school. These graduates are young people who have lived in the United States for most of their lives. They are honor roll students, athletes, aspiring teachers, doctors, business owners, and soldiers. Unfortunately, these graduates face a roadblock to their dreams--they cannot enroll in college, legally work to spur economic growth and pay taxes to contribute to our society, or join the military to defend our country. In some instances, these youth grow up here without even knowing they do not have legal status until they find out that they cannot attend college, work, or enlist in the military. I am pleased that Congress is moving forward with this bill which is the solution to these problems. The DREAM Act is a narrowly tailored legislative remedy for a specific population--undocumented students who were brought to the United States as minors, and have attended and completed elementary and secondary education in the United States. It is a great first step towards the overall goal of comprehensive immigration reform. It is important to understand that the DREAM Act offers no incentive for undocumented individuals to enter into the United States. It does not provide any benefit for undocumented individuals who are not already here at the time of its passage. It does not require states to provide any benefits to undocumented students, nor does it make these students eligible for federal financial aid. The bill gives states the option to offer in-state tuition to students registered under the Act, but it does not guarantee cheaper tuition. The DREAM Act allows undocumented students to access in-state tuition, but only if they would otherwise qualify for such tuition, and if state law permits undocumented students to receive in-state tuition. This bill would not require states to change their laws to permit undocumented students the right to receive in-state tuition. Specifically, the DREAM Act would allow undocumented students a pathway to citizenship if they were brought to the United States before they turned 16, and are below the age of 35; have lived here continuously for five years; graduated from high school or obtained a GED; have good moral character with no criminal record; and complete at least two years of college or military service. The benefits to our country's economy and budget will be enormous with the passage of the DREAM Act. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that this legislation will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next decade. The increase in authorized workers would affect individual and corporate income taxes. These changes would increase revenues by $2.3 billion over ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation. Additionally, a 2010 study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center found that DREAM Act beneficiaries would earn between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion over the course of their lives. According to the Immigration Policy Center, there are an estimated 2.1 million undocumented individuals in the United States who might be eligible for legal status under the DREAM Act. In my home state of Georgia, there are 74,000 undocumented young people who could potentially benefit from the passage of the DREAM Act. This legislation is of the utmost importance to me because Georgia is one of the top ten states with the largest number of DREAM Act beneficiaries. The time to act on this bill is now; the students in Georgia cannot afford to wait any longer. South Carolina has banned undocumented youth from attending public colleges and, unfortunately, it looks like Georgia might follow suit. Earlier this year, in October, Georgia's state board of regents voted to ban illegal immigrants from the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Medical College of Georgia, and Georgia College & State University. Undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children should not be penalized for a decision that was not theirs. In the long-run, the acceptance and inclusion of young immigrants who arrived as children is a decent and just goal. As a Member of the Armed Services Committee, I know the importance of having an adequate military to protect our freedoms at home and abroad. Our military would benefit from the passage of the DREAM Act. Millions of talented youth will be ready to serve our country, and would assist the military in its recruiting efforts. In fact, the DREAM Act was included as part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 strategic plan by the Office of Personnel and Readiness. By providing undocumented youth with the opportunity to enhance their education and career readiness, our country will reap enormous economic and cultural benefits. Yesterday, I spent a good part of my day helping a potential Dreamer beneficiary in my district: Allison Hernandez Sanchez. His parents brought him from Mexico in 1994 when he was five years old. This young man attended Miller Grove High School and graduated in 2009. He was an athlete and played the saxophone in the band. Like many other undocumented talented young men and women, he had plans to continue his education. However, on October 11, 2010, due to a minor traffic incident, he was detained for not having proper documentation. He was immediately placed in deportation proceedings. This young man had no criminal background. Not only was he a student, but a son, friend and brother. Because of the state of current laws, Allison is unable to follow his dreams and attend college. Allison, like many other undocumented youth, calls the United States home, because it is the only home he knows. Unfortunately, Allison is not alone. Young men and women across the United States belong in colleges, the workforce, and the military--not in detention centers. They are ready to serve their country, to become productive citizens, to offer their talents and skills to make the United States a better country for all of us. They should not be treated as criminals. No child should go through this experience when they did not make the decision to come to this country. They should not be held accountable for a choice that was never theirs to make. They deserve an opportunity to stay and invest in the United States of America. I am proud to have joined more than 130 Members of Congress in cosponsoring this legislation that will help Allison and millions of other undocumented youth across the country. The DREAM Act was initially introduced in 2001, and it is definitely time to do what is right by bringing this bill to the floor for final passage. The time to pass this bill is now. Our military cannot afford to reject another qualified recruit. America's economy cannot afford to turn away a new entrepreneur to bring economic prosperity, a good teacher to educate our children, or a medical researcher that could create a cure for cancer or HIV. I am glad that Congress is acting now so that today's dream can become tomorrow's reality. I thank Representatives Berman, Diaz-Balart, and Roybal-Allard in their leadership in moving this bill forward. Speaker Pelosi, I thank you for working tirelessly to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful and proud that my bill, H.R. 5281, the Removal Clarification Act of 2010, is the vehicle through which the DREAM Act comes to the floor today. My bill will enable Federal officials to remove cases filed against them to Federal Court in accordance with the spirit and intent of the Federal Officer Removal statute. By attaching the DREAM Act to this noncontroversial bipartisan bill, we are able to expedite the process. I am also proud to support the DREAM Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses the tragedy young undocumented people face when, through no fault of their own, their lack of legal status may prevent them from attending college, joining the military, or working legally in the United States. In my home State of Georgia, there are 74,000 undocumented young people who could potentially benefit from passage of the DREAM Act. Last week, I spent time helping a potential ``Dreamer'' beneficiary in my district whose parents brought him from Mexico when he was 5 years old. Because of current law, he is unable to follow his dream and attend college. He, along with millions of undocumented youth, deserves an opportunity to stay and help strengthen this Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased, on behalf of the citizens of the great city of Lilburn, Georgia, to usher through, with the help of my friends, this resolution, which speaks to the prominence and the resilience of the people of Lilburn. My colleague David Scott has said it all, ladies and gentlemen. And I do appreciate him for his very eloquent words on behalf of this resolution. All has been said. It's tough to follow a Baptist preacher. And I won't even try at this time. But I would ask that my colleagues give this due consideration and please vote ``yes'' on this resolution, H. Res. 1642, recognizing the centennial of the city of Lilburn, Georgia.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the commitment and efforts made by the Library of Congress to promote the joy of reading through the National Book Festival. I support the Library of Congress in its efforts to promote and foster the joy of reading. On September 25, 2010, the Library of Congress held its tenth National Book Festival on the National Mall. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama served as the honorary chairs for this event. The National Book Festival invites readers from around the nation to celebrate books, reading, and creativity. It gives attendees from across the country the opportunity to visit with more than 70 award- winning authors who will talk' about and sign their books. Over the past ten years, the National Book Festival has grown in popularity. Last year, it brought more than 130,000 book lovers, including those from my home state of Georgia, to the National Mall. As the resolution states, the National Book Festival is a national treasure that fosters the joy of reading. Even in this modern digital age, reading has a host of benefits. Reading develops our creativity, broadens our interests, and introduces us to new things and different parts of the world. I am proud that Georgia was represented at the National Book Festival, along with all 50 states and the District of Columbia, at the Pavilion of the States where representatives were able to discuss and distribute materials about Georgia's reading and literacy programs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution. Mr. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3421, the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2009, which will ease the financial burden shouldered by American families facing unaffordable but necessary health care expenses. Millions of Americans--especially unemployed Americans--struggle to afford the health care they need. Illness can befall anyone, and the financial burdens can be devastating. According to a joint study conducted by Harvard Law School and Harvard Medical School, almost half of Americans who file for bankruptcy do so because of medical expenses. In my district, there were 2,200 health care related bankruptcies in 2008 alone. The Medical Debt Relief Act will ensure that Americans who have paid or settled their medical debt in full will have that medical debt removed from their credit records. Americans who are no longer indebted by medical expenses should not continue to be penalized and suffer from compromised financial standing and poor credit simply because they needed more time to fully pay off medical bills that can often be insurmountable. I supported the historic health care reform we passed this Congress because I believe that quality health care should not be a privilege reserved for those with means. The Medical Debt Relief Act, is another step in the right direction. I support this legislation because it will protect Americans from some of the unnecessary, lifelong financial hardships that can arise from illness. I hope my colleagues will join me and other bipartisan supporters of this common sense legislation to improve quality of life and financial security for hard working American families that have fully paid off or settled their medical debt.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in honoring and recognizing the contributions of school psychologists by designating the week of November 8, 2010 as National School Psychology Week. I proudly support H. Res. 1645 and urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. During the week of November 8, 2010, we will celebrate the critical role that school psychologists have in our nation's education system. It is imperative that our nation's children receive a complete education. While it is essential that our children take reading, writing, and arithmetic, a complete education includes proper social, emotional, and mental development. School psychologists ensure that our nation's children are receiving the mental health and psychological development they need to prosper in this world. School psychologists work with teachers, coaches, and guidance counselors to educate the whole child. School psychologists play a vital role in the lives of our nation's children as they are often the first and only mental health professionals with which our children come in contact. School psychologists are highly trained individuals that work directly with students, teachers, and families to form collaborations that meet the educational needs of our children. The National Association of School Psychologists establishes and maintains high standards for training, practice, and school psychologist credentialing. School psychologists play a special role in promoting child development, motivating students, and forming collaborations between teachers, families, and administrators. I take this time to especially thank the school psychologists in my home state of Georgia for all of their hard work and dedication. I encourage all of my constituents in the Fourth District to join in recognizing school psychologists and the vital role they have in educating our children. I join the Chairman in urging my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr.CASSIDY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I rise today in support of H. Res. 1630, a resolution expressing support for National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress our most solemn obligation is to defend the United States and protect the American people from those who would do them harm. But we merely make national security policy. The men and women in uniform who shoulder the burden of defending our nation--who fight and sacrifice around the world on our behalf--they are the tip of the spear, who risk life and limb to keep us safe. Those American warriors who are captured or missing in action must be honored, and this resolution does honor them. We extend the gratitude of this body and the nation to those who have served and continue to serve the United States in captivity to hostile forces as prisoners of war, and those who remain missing. But more importantly, we must make every effort to find and liberate them. American service men and women must know that they will not be forgotten. They will not be abandoned. More than 138,000 members of the Armed Forces who fought in World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the cold war, the gulf war, and Operation Iraqi Freedom were detained or interned as POWs. Many of them endured unimaginable suffering. Today, more than 84,000 members of the Armed Forces remain unaccounted for. And there remain today members of the Armed Forces held captive in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, let us pause to honor those who have been captured or missing while serving our country at war. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, a small token of our solemn appreciation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill H.R. 5986, the Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010. This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the epidemiology of, impact of, and appropriate funding required to address neglected diseases of poverty, including neglected parasitic diseases such as Chagas disease, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, the soil- transmitted helminths, and other related diseases. The bill requires the report to provide the information necessary to guide future health policy to accurately evaluate the current state of knowledge concerning these diseases and define gaps in such knowledge and address the threat of these diseases. Mr. Speaker, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), neglected infections of poverty are a group of parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections that disproportionately affect impoverished groups, cause illness in a significant number of people, and receive limited attention in tracking, prevention, and treatment. A CDC fact sheet on Neglected Infections of Poverty states that improved tracking and research would help combat these diseases. Neglected infections of poverty are associated with communities with contaminated playgrounds or other public spaces and lack of access to the health care system. This bill will help public health officials understand where these illnesses are and how many Americans are infected so that we can begin to deal with the negative health outcomes associated with these infections. I support our efforts to fight neglected infections abroad and it is time that we begin to fight these infections here at home. This bill has bipartisan support because we can all agree that better information is necessary to understand the threat of these diseases and guide future health policy. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a strong son of the South, and a real American hero, SGT Michael Cameron of Atlanta. Another freedom fighter, from that great State of Georgia, who went off to war for his country. On April 1, 2007, Michael lost his leg in southern Iraq, and almost his life, but he's come back home even stronger in his quest to rebuild his life. With the support of his lovely wife and their beautiful daughter, they are living the American dream as he is back in college at Emory University embarking upon a new career. I ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell, who has grown to admire his strength and courage and determination over the years, be placed in the Record in honor of his courageous life . . . Crush It In times of war, Georgia Men . . . Have but our Nation's burdens bore! Men like Max Cleland, whose fine hearts have soared! As into That Darkness, they'd so moved forth! As there they Crushed It! Moved it, and ran right through it . . . All in the darkest of all evils, as Michael you so pursued it! As you so ran right up to it, as death you so viewed it . . . Built for speed! All in your heroes creed . . . You Crushed It! As you could not be stopped, as you would not heed! As deep . . . deep . . . deep . . . deep down inside, your great heart . . . So began to beat! To give you all that you so needed! As a Hero, a Freedom Fighter . . . As all for God and country you would so bleed . . . A bold Army Man, who now so stands . . . As life and death, all so lie all in your hands . . . The kind of guy, A Band of Brothers . . . wants by their side . . . All in the darkest of all nights, who will so stand . . . While, all there in that moment of truth . . . When, all seems so lost . . . Your fine heart so shows us the proof! As looking down, as you so found . . . your strong leg not found . . . And yet somehow, your fine heart will not be reduced! As you had to Crush It . . . as you must rebuild, all but with your iron will . . . As you Crushed It . . . As so much depends upon you Mike . . . Pumping up, as once again it's all up to you . . . my son! To rebuild where none lies left, as your fine heart so instills, for you to but be only your very best! As with your courage, you so Crushed It . . . Oh yes . . . as all of us you have so blessed . . . As we watch you, when your courage comes to crest . . . All in your tine life's reps, as an Army man who so can . . . To Be The Best! As you will not wait, as you will not rest . . . All in this, your life's most heroic quest! You Crush It! Surely, legs we can all live without . . . But, heart's . . . we can not so surely live no doubt . . . As but where all of your courage so comes from, is all about! Watching you Michael, we so understand . . . Just what the word Hero, is all about! Whether, on battlefields of honor seen . . . Or back home rebuilding your life, Michael You Are Seen, Crushing It! With but all of your, Most Heroic Dreams! Teaching Us! Reaching Us! As all hearts here so Beseeching Us . . . Making dynamic gains, all in your life's theme! Chiseled, from the top on down . . . Rebuilding, your life into a work of art so profound! As, there is nothing that's going to hold this Army Man down! A Freedom Fighter, who all hearts will so ignite here . . . Crushing us now, all with what's all in your heart so found! And if I ever have a son, I but hope and pray he could be like this fine one! Who So Shines, like this Southern Son . . . For what your heart and life has won! You've Crushed It!

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4862, which permits Members of Congress to administer the oath of allegiance to applicants for naturalization. I strongly support this bill and am a proud cosponsor of this bill. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 700,000 immigrants become U.S. citizens every year. America is a diverse nation that was built on immigrants. As we all know, immigrants have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our society. In my home state of Georgia, immigrants comprise at least 11.9 percent of the state workforce. Thus, it is important to do all we can to create pathways for immigrants to become U.S. citizens. America is known for its rich diversity which is truly a source of strength and competitiveness. At naturalization ceremonies, immigrants finally have the chance to become official citizens of the United States. Becoming a naturalized citizen U.S. citizen is a process that can take years to accomplish. Individuals must not only be knowledgeable about U.S. history, but be very patient. Naturalization is a special moment in their lives when all of their hard work, determination, and persistence ultimately pays off and they become U.S. citizens. I look forward to having the opportunity to administer the oath of allegiance to applicants for naturalization. Immigrants have, and will continue, to make long-lasting contributions to the United States. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 4862 and urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1600 which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001. I congratulate Majority Leader Hoyer and Minority Leader Boehner for their efforts on this important resolution. The events of September 11, 2001 were a national tragedy. Over 3,000 innocent Americans died that day at the hands of international terrorists. in New York City, Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania, Americans were directly confronted with acts of aggression on a scale and scope that our nation had never before seen. Our national consciousness was forever changed on that day as we all remember the losses we suffered and the horrific images of that day. On the ninth anniversary of those events we must reflect and remember the victims and heroes of that tragic morning. I hope everyone takes some time to remember the nearly 3,000 American lives that were cut short that day and salute the firefighters, first responders and rescue workers who sacrificed their lives saving others. For the victims, heroes and their families, let us never forget this fateful day, and let us refocus ourselves on what makes America unique and special in the world of nations--liberty and diversity, equality and the rule of law. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance of the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment I strongly support H. Res. 1375, which recognizes the significance of women fully participating in democracy in the United States, honors the contributions and achievements of women in United States politics, and reaffirms the House's commitment to political and social equality for all women. On Election Day, in 1920, millions of American women had the chance to exercise their right to vote for the first time. Ninety years ago, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to our Constitution was ratified guaranteeing women the right to vote. As the House celebrates this special moment in history, it is important to remember the contributions of those leaders in the women's suffrage movement--Ida B. Wells, and Alice Paul. Some women, like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone, were not alive in 1920 when women were granted the right to vote and participate in American politics. Nonetheless, they were women's rights activists who were at the heart of the women's suffrage movement. Their perseverance and persistence laid the ground work which led to the right of every American woman to vote. While there is still work to be done, women have made tremendous strides toward equality in the United States. At this very moment, we have three women sitting on the Supreme Court of the United States, a female Secretary of State, and a strong woman serving as Speaker of the House. Women are in leadership positions all over the country. In my home State of Georgia, DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming was recently appointed, by the President, to be the next Southeast Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. Ultimately, women's rights are not just women's rights, but human rights that benefit the entire human race. This chamber must continue to ensure that equal rights apply to all Americans regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 1375 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, on June 6, 1944--D-Day--Allied forces crossed the English Channel to land in Normandy, France. Code- named Operation Overlord, the Normandy landing remains the most massive and complex opposed amphibious invasion in history. With tremendous courage, the Allies pushed entrenched German forces back from the beaches of Normandy. Thus began the liberation of France and the massive campaign that would ensure the defeat of Nazi Germany in western Europe. American leadership and the courageous sacrifices made by American servicemen and women were essential to the success of the operation. Led by President Franklin Roosevelt, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General Omar Bradley, American soldiers and airmen sacrificed dearly to defend the United States, our allies, and the world against the savage aggression of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers. Today, let us honor the courage and sacrifice of those thousands of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the American people and the people of the world from tyranny.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, Solomon's Porch Ministries has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our county for the past ten years; and Whereas, Pastor Phillip Mosby and the members of the Solomon's Porch Ministries Church family today continues to uplift and inspire those in our county; and Whereas, Solomon's Porch Ministries has been and continues to be a place where citizens are touched spiritually, mentally and physically through outreach ministries and community partnership to aid in building up our District; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious Church of God has given hope to the hopeless, fed the needy and empowered our community for the past ten (10) years by preaching the gospel, singing the gospel and living the gospel; and Whereas, Solomon's Porch Ministries has produced many spiritual warriors, people of compassion, people of great courage, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all visionaries who have shared not only with their Church, but with DeKalb County and the world their 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 the Solomon's Porch Ministries Church family on their 10th Anniversary and for their leadership and service to our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 13, 2010 as Solomon's Porch Ministries Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 13th day of August, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, the union of Rev. Evan and Carrie Johnson Hicks in Allendale, South Carolina has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the Hicks union produced six (6) well respected citizens-- four girls and two boys, Eula, Lillie, Josie, Laura, Sammie and Haley-- and from these pillars of strength, twenty children were born to make their mark across America; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have many members of the Hicks family, including Ms. Robin C. Pace, 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 Hicks 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 DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Hicks family in our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim Saturday, July 24, 2010 as Hicks Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 24th day of July, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, Forty-six years ago a tenacious man of God accepted his calling to serve at Snapping Shoals EMC in Covington, Georgia; and Whereas, Mr. Randall G. Meadows began his career with Snapping Shoals EMC and worked his way up to become President/C.E.O and today retires after forty-six years of outstanding service and leadership; and Whereas, this remarkable man has shared his 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 service truly comes with results and a smile; and Whereas, Mr. Randall G. Meadows is a cornerstone in our community that has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Randall G. Meadows on his retirement from Snapping Shoals EMC and to wish him well in his new endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 15, 2010 as Mr. Randall G. Meadows Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of July, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, since 2000, the Alice Williams Towers Housing Community for Senior Citizens has been and continues to be a great institution in our district; and Whereas, under the vision of Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr., of Salem Bible Church, the Alice Williams Towers began and have given Senior Residents in Georgia, a place to live and play for ten consecutive years; and Whereas, the residents and staff of this remarkable community continue to be involved in the matters of the district; and Whereas, the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia is very proud and honored to have the Alice Williams Towers Housing Community as a partner in the district, mentoring our future leaders to better serve our nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the residents, family members, friends and staff of the Alice Williams Towers Housing Community for their outstanding service and leadership and to congratulate them on their ten year anniversary; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 18, 2010 as Alice Williams Towers Housing Community Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 18th day of June, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, Thirty-seven years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Educational System in DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, Ms. Patricia E. May began her educational career in teaching, she rose to the rank of Principal and has served the Lithonia Middle School well and our community has been blessed through her service; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Educator, Principal and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who wants to advance the lives of our youth; and Whereas, Ms. May is formally retiring from her educational career today, she will continue to promote education because she 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. Patricia E. May on her retirement from the DeKalb County Public Schools System and to wish her well in her new endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 4, 2010 as Ms. Patricia E. May Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 4th day of June, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, Thirty one years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Internal Revenue Service in Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, Ms. Patricia H. Murray began her career with the I.R.S. as a Tax Auditor in 1979 and today retires as a Team Manager over the Taxpayer Advocate Service Team, ; 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. Patricia H. Murray 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. Patricia H. Murray on her retirement from the Internal Revenue Service and to wish her well in her new endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 14, 2010 as Ms. Patricia H. Murray Day, in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 14th day of July, 2010.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Whereas, twenty-five (25) years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve as Senior Pastor; and Whereas, Pastor Grace C. Washington has served twenty-five (25) years as a Senior Pastor with faithful service and devotion that has and continues to improve the lives of citizens in our district; and Whereas, this great woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Counselor, Friend and Pastor, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of our community; and Whereas, Pastor Grace C. Washington's service to the Love Life Christian Church speaks volumes not only to our community, but to the nation as a whole; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Pastor Grace C. Washington on her anniversary as a Senior Pastor and to wish her well in her endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 9, 2010 as Pastor Grace C. Washington Day in the Fourth Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 9th day of October, 2010.