Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 526, a resolution to recognize the 70th anniversary of John Mercer Langston Golf Course. This bill was introduced by Representative Norton of D.C., and I am a proud co-sponsor of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. As a result of segregation during the early 20th century, African- American golfers were unable to enjoy a round of golf at public courses within the District of Columbia. As a result, the John Mercer Langston Golf Course was built in 1939 as a golf course that African-Americans could call their own. The course was named for John Mercer Langston who, in 1855, became the first African-American elected to public office. He was the founder and first dean of Howard University's Law Department, now the Howard University School of Law. He was the first president of Virginia State University, and the first African-American congressman elected from Virginia. The golf course was originally built with only nine holes; however, today it is a full 18-hole golf course. The unique history of this golf course was recognized in 1991, when the first nine holes were placed on the National Register tor Historic Places. The John Mercer Langston Golf Course is the home course to the Royal Golf Club and the Wake Robin Golf Club, the Nation's first golf clubs for African-American men and women. Today, there are plans underway to upgrade the course to championship quality and to include a museum and a new clubhouse. Over its 70-year existence, the Langston Golf Course has attracted many famous African-American golfers, such as Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, and Jim Thorpe, who all made regular stops when they were unable to play regularly on the racially restricted PGA Tour. The John Mercer Langston Golf Course is also home to the Capital City Open, a renowned event that has attracted participants such as Bob Hope, former president Gerald Ford, and Joe Louis. As a result of the long history of the John Mercer Langston Golf Course, it will forever be associated with the development and desegregation of public golfing and recreational facilities in the Nation's capital. Since its construction in 1939, the John Mercer Langston Golf Course became a beacon for desegregation in recreational facilities. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution, and recognize the 70th anniversary of this historic golf course.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in strong support of this resolution recognizing the importance of Black History Month. Each February we come together to commemorate the trials, tribulations, achievements and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. I applaud the actions of Representative Al Green from Texas for bringing this resolution forward. Recognizing the importance of African-American heritage, Carter G. Woodson, Harvard University's second African-American graduate, in conjunction with Omega Psi Phi fraternity, created Negro History and Literature Week to honor the births of Fredrick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Although the name was eventually changed to Negro History Week in 1926, Americans trace the origins of the month long celebration of African-American history to Woodson's efforts. Highlighting the historical contributions of numerous African- American luminaries including Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, and Booker T. Washington, Black History Month celebrates the unique individuals and events that have shaped the African-American diaspora for centuries. From the detested years of enslavement, the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, the social inequities of Jim Crow laws, the famed artistic ingenuity of the Harlem Renaissance, the social evolution of the civil rights movement, and the notable election of Barack Obama, the first African-American President, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the great strides that African Americans have made and the inherent promise of generations to come. Madam Speaker, the 4th District of Georgia is home to several sites of historical significance among African Americans. Flat Rock, one of the few African-American communities to survive the pre-Civil War era, is the embodiment of what Black History Month promotes--honoring those who have come before us to shape the present. By preserving the legacies of the slaves who founded this community, Flat Rock serves as a lasting piece of black history. Madam Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as we begin Black History Month, I rise in support of H. Res. 1022, to honor the life of Medgar Evers and congratulate the United States Navy for naming a ship in his honor. Medgar Evers was born in Decatur, Mississippi, on July 2, 1925, and he was murdered on June 12, 1963, in the driveway of his Jackson, Mississippi, home. His upbringing was marked by the racism and violence of that time. Before Evers even reached high school, he had endured the lynching of a close family friend. As a young man, Mr. Evers was determined to get his education. He earned his high school diploma, enduring taunts and abuse from white schoolchildren. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army, and he bravely fought for his country at the Battle of Normandy and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return home, Mr. Evers completed a degree in business administration at Alcorn State University. He played football, ran track, joined the debate team, and sang in the university choir. He married his classmate, Myrlie Beasley, in 1951. Beside me is a photograph of Medgar Evers. He looks to be very fit and focused, and I daresay Herschel Walker has a slight resemblance to Mr. Evers. And that is a compliment, by the way. After completing that degree and getting married, Mr. Evers then moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, and joined the Regional Council of Negro Leadership. He helped organize a boycott of service stations that denied African Americans use of their restrooms. In 1954, the year I was born, Mr. Evers applied to the segregated University of Mississippi School of Law. When his application was rejected, he became the focus of an NAACP campaign to desegregate the school. He was hired as the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi. Mr. Evers was instrumental in desegregating the University of Mississippi, and gained prominence through his work with the NAACP. As his fame and success grew, so did the danger that he faced. Death threats became commonplace. But he persisted, a true American pioneer. In May of 1963, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the carport of his home. And then 5 days before his death, he was nearly run over by a car outside of a NAACP office. On June 12, 1963, while carrying T-shirts that read, quote, ``Jim Crow Must Go,'' Medgar Evers was assassinated in the driveway of his home in Jackson, Mississippi. Just hours earlier, President John F. Kennedy had delivered his speech in support of civil rights legislation on national television. Evers' assassination is said to have helped prompt President Kennedy to ask for a comprehensive civil rights bill, which became the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and which was an historic and mighty blow to the institutionalized racism in America. Mr. Evers was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and received full military honors in front of a crowd of about 3,000 people. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, not only honors the life and sacrifice of Mr. Evers, but it also commends the Navy for its recent decision to name a ship in his honor. On October 9, 2009, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the United States Naval Ship Medgar Evers, a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship. For decades, Medgar Evers' legacy has inspired Americans. He fought diligently for what was right, and gave his life to the cause of civil rights. His life has been memorialized in song, in film, in sculpture, and now by the United States Navy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert at this point in the Record an exchange of letters between House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton. I am privileged to serve on both of these very important committees. Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, January 28, 2010. Hon. John Conyers, Jr., Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On January 20, 2010, the House Resolution 1022, ``Honoring the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and congratulating the United States Navy for naming a supply ship after Medgar Evers,'' was introduced in the House. As you know, this measure was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Our Committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1022 and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive further consideration of H. Res. 1022. I do so with the understanding that by waiving further consideration of the resolution, the Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claims over similar measures. I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy of your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Very truly yours, Ike Skelton, Chairman.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back I will say that if Medgar Evers were alive today, he would be fighting alongside Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for freedom in Washington, D.C. What I am talking about is the ability of residents of Washington, D.C., to be able to vote, to have a Congressperson who has full voting rights in this body. With that, Mr. Speaker, I will yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the great city of Washington, D.C. I would point out that she is a civil rights legend of her own accord.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks, and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1022) honoring the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and congratulating the United States Navy for naming a supply ship after Medgar Evers.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 960) expressing support for designation of January 2010 as ``National Stalking Awareness Month'' to raise awareness and encourage prevention of stalking.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 960 expresses support for January 2010, being designated as ``National Stalking Awareness Month.'' Every year, Mr. Speaker, an estimated 3.4 million people are the victims of stalking. Stalking occurs through many different behaviors, such as unwanted phone calls, letters or emails, the victim being followed, or a stalker showing up at places without a legitimate reason. While these individual acts may not be criminal in and of themselves, collectively and repetitively these behaviors can cause a victim to fear for his or her safety. This crime of stalking can be extremely dangerous. The fear and mental anguish that stalking causes can leave a victim's life in shambles. Anxiety, insomnia, or severe depression is much more prevalent among stalking victims than within the general population. This is especially the case if the stalking involves being followed or having one's property destroyed. Over 12 percent of employed stalking victims report losing time from work as a result of their victimization, and more than half lose 5 days of work or more. In fact, many stalking victims have been forced to relocate their residences, and they often need psychological counseling. Stalking is often a precursor to physical attacks on a victim. This is why stalking is a crime in all 50 States and in the District of Columbia and is a crime under Federal law as well. Over 75 percent of women murdered by an intimate partner had been stalked by that partner before being killed. Victims are increasingly vulnerable to the crime of stalking, with advances in technology giving stalkers more access to the victims' personal information. I would like to thank my Judiciary Committee colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), for introducing this bipartisan resolution; and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 960. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I will close just after making this statement. My sister Lynnette Maria Johnson was murdered back on May 30, 1973. That happened right here in Washington, D.C. From high school sweethearts to college, these two individuals, my sister and this gentleman who stalked her and killed her, were an item. But when she went to college, she started meeting new people and her interests changed, and the gentleman just could not take it and so he continued to stalk her. Finally, it resulted in him killing her. At that time, I don't think there were any stalking laws that would have prevented his misconduct, and so I personally have a zero tolerance level for stalkers. I am proud to support this bill. Representative Poe, a trial lawyer and a trial judge who has seen so many cases like these in his career, I'm sure. And Mr. Royce of California spoke eloquently on this issue as well. So I want to congratulate him for introducing the Federal legislation that came before this. I would advise all victims that as soon as it starts happening, let the police know and go get some counseling so that you don't allow this thing to get out of control. If you hit it hard when it first rears up, I think that the chances are much better that the result down the line will be positive and not negative. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2950) to extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 2950, the Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act of 2009, will extend the national Child Safety Pilot Program for another 14 months. Passed in 2003 as part of the PROTECT Act, the national Child Safety Pilot Program assists organizations in checking the criminal records of volunteers before placing them as mentors with our children. Every year, millions of Americans generously give their time and energy to volunteer and mentor children throughout the country. While the vast majority of these volunteers act out of purely benevolent intentions, it is important that we are able to identify those who may seek to do harm. Since 2003, the national Child Safety Pilot Program has enabled youth-serving organizations to work with the State governments to access the FBI's national fingerprint-based background checks system. By providing access to the more comprehensive data in the FBI's database, the pilot program has helped prevent child predators and sex offenders from getting access to children through legitimate mentoring programs. Notably, 6 percent of checks came back with serious criminal records. This is a noncontroversial, fee-based program that we have authorized twice before, Mr. Speaker. It's been extremely successful in providing invaluable information to mentoring organizations, and it's at no cost to the taxpayers. Now we hope that this 14-month extension will give us more time to work with the Department of Justice on permanently authorizing this program. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 901, a resolution to recognize November 14, 2009 as the 49th anniversary of the first day of integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. I urge my colleagues to support this meaningful and important resolution. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges, at the age of six, became the first African American student to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ruby Bridges attended William Frantz Elementary School every day, despite riots and protests. Ruby was taught by Barbara Henry in a classroom with no other students. Sadly, due to her efforts to educate young Ruby, Ms. Henry was not invited back to teach at William Frantz Elementary school after that year. In 1999, Ruby Bridges established the Ruby Bridges Foundation that fights racism and works to improve society by sharing the experiences of Ruby Bridges. Of course the need to integrate schools was not unique to New Orleans. The University Of Georgia, UGA, was a segregated school until 1961. UGA had strict admissions requirements--such as requiring personal recommendations from alumni, all of whom were white--in order to block African Americans from being admitted. In 1960, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes applied to UGA. They were more than qualified for admission. Holmes was valedictorian of his high school and senior class president. Hunter finished third in her graduating class and edited the school paper. The University rejected their applications, providing a number of different--and ultimately false-- reasons for denying their admission. On January 6, 1961, federal judge William A. Bootle found that ``the two plaintiffs are fully qualified for immediate admission, and would already have been admitted if not for their race and color.'' This ruling became national news and the students were admitted and met on registration day by protests. On the third evening after their registration, a large group of students showed up outside of their residence and began hurling bricks and bottles before being dispersed by police. After this incident, the Dean of Students then told them that he was withdrawing them from admission for ``their own safety.'' This decision was quickly overruled by a court order after over 400 faculty members signed a resolution to bring them back. Holmes graduated from UGA and earned a medical degree from Emory University in Georgia. Hunter graduated with a degree in journalism and worked for the New York Times, PBS, and CNN. Thanks to the courage of these individuals and many others like them, we are now as close to full integration as we have ever been, and continue to gain ground on that ultimate goal. As President Obama recently stated during his unveiling of his new budget proposal, ``the most important tool to combat poverty is a world class education.'' Prior to November 14, 1960, African Americans were a long way from having the opportunity to receive a world class education. Although the desegregation of schools did not instantly give African Americans a high quality education, it was the first step in a long battle for equality in educational opportunities. Without the events that took place on November 14, 1960, and the bravery of Ruby Bridges, Barbara Henry, Hamilton Holmes, and Charlayne Hunter, we would not be where we are today in relation to educational equality for African Americans. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is difficult to comprehend the depth of tragedy and sorrow that has visited the poor island of Haiti. It is difficult to convey the depth of our sympathy and shock at the catastrophe that has befallen the Haitian people. Madam Speaker, the extent of the misery, destruction and death is nearly beyond imagination. It surely puts our own national trials and tribulations into perspective. Our national unity in pursuing efforts to relieve the suffering of the Haitian people has been tremendously encouraging, particularly as this unity has sprung up amid the division and vitriol that have plagued our national politics in recent months and years. And while our efforts to bring aid to the Haitians must continue, and will continue, our first priority, our first obligation, our first solemn duty as Americans and members of the United States Congress is to rescue and provide immediate relief to the American citizens in Haiti who are victims of this tragic natural disaster. I applaud Chairman Rangel in the House and Chairman Baucus in the Senate for their swift and focused action. On short notice and in an environment of uncertainty they have crafted a bill that will ensure the U.S. government has the resources and authority it needs to provide emergency aid to American survivors of this earthquake.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in addressing poverty in America and designating January as Poverty in America Awareness Month. I strongly support H. Res. 1024 and urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. The Census Bureau's poverty statistics are alarming. In 2008, 13.2 percent of people were living in poverty. This statistic was even worse for children under 18 years old. In 2008, 19 percent of children under 18 years old were living in poverty. In my state, Georgia, 14.3 percent of people were living below the poverty level in 2007. Poverty has many adverse effects on society. Poor Americans are less likely to eat healthy, which leads to poor health. Poor health can make study and work difficult. Poor education and the inability to work can adversely affect individual income, and the American economy as a whole. This resolution expresses the sense of the House that eradicating poverty in the United States should be the goal for all people in the United States. Further, this resolution recognizes that the severe economic downturn, and double-digit unemployment rate, increases the need for Congress to commit itself to helping individuals and families facing economic hardship. I join the chairman in urging my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, seven brave Americans were killed in the line of duty on December 30, 2009, in Khost, Afghanistan. On that day, we lost good and honorable public servants, whose contributions to our national security will be dearly missed. We lost productive citizens--loving parents, siblings, children of Americans who will never see their loved ones again. We honor their records of service and their sacrifice. We honor their willingness to serve our country during turbulent and dangerous times. I extend on behalf of my constituents sincerest condolences to the families of those who have died. Nothing we say here can heal the wounds of those who loved them. But decisions we make here can ensure that their lives were not lost in vain.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is difficult to comprehend the depth of tragedy and sorrow that has visited the poor island of Haiti. It is difficult to convey the depth of our sympathy and shock at the catastrophe that has befallen the Haitian people. Madam Speaker, the extent of the misery, destruction and death is nearly beyond imagination. It surely puts our own national trials and tribulations into perspective. I am encouraged by the expression of solidarity that has sprung up across the United States. I hope that expression manifests not merely in words but in real action, real contributions, financial and otherwise, to aid our suffering Haitian brothers and sisters. I encourage the Obama Administration to continue working closely with the United Nations and the international community to ensure that the provision of critical assistance to the most vulnerable, the grievously injured and homeless, is the top priority of aid efforts. I encourage the American people to look with understanding and not with scorn upon the chaos that inevitably accompanies such disasters, wherever they occur. And I pledge, on behalf of my constituents, the full power and influence of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District to the effort to relieve Haitian suffering and save Haitian lives as the toll of this disaster continues to rise.