Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 106.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, when President Bush was running for re-election in 2004, one of the major promises he made during his acceptance speech at the Republican Convention was to strengthen the Children's Health Insurance Program. Back then, the compassionately conservative President vowed to, and I'm quoting now, ``lead an aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for the government's health insurance program.'' That's exactly what this Congress has done. A bipartisan agreement that comes to the floor today would enroll more than 4 million more children in the Children's Health Insurance Program who are already eligible. And based on his past statement, you would think that President Bush would be praising this agreement. He is not. In fact, he's threatening to veto the bill because he says that we are trying to expand the program beyond its original intent. That's just wrong. Our bipartisan agreement does nothing more than what he vowed to do back in 2004. Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. The President should follow through with his promise and support our efforts to ensure 10 million children have access to health care.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1908, the Patent Reform Act of 2007. I want to commend the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, John Conyers, as well as all the members of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, especially Chairman Howard Berman, and also Ranking Member Howard Coble, for their hard work in bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor. It is a bipartisan effort. Although I am a new member to this subcommittee, I am well aware that Congress has been debating patent reform for several years. This area of the law has not been updated for 55 years, yet patents touch upon so many different sectors, from agriculture to biotechnology to manufacturing and computer technology. In order to continue to stimulate growth and reward inventors in these various sectors, we in Congress are charged with finding the right balances between protecting inventions and stimulating innovation. Our Founding Fathers realized it was so important to protect inventions and promote innovation that they wrote that protection into our Constitution in article I, section 8. For more than half a century, the United States has led the world in research and innovation, partly due to the fact that the U.S. rewards its inventors and protects their ideas. But since the last update to our system over 55 years ago, technology has rapidly changed and has revolutionized our economy. In order to keep up with these changes, Congress has stepped forward to update this important body of law. This bill makes several important changes, including moving from a first-to-invent to a first-to-file system. It places certain limitations on willful infringement, it creates a new process of post- grant review, and it addresses changes of venue to address the issue of forum shopping. This bill is not perfect, but I ask that the Members of this body pass this bill. Now this bill is not perfect, and Members as well as many representatives from various industries have come to my office with their concerns about the damages section of HR 1908. During the House Judiciary Committee markup, Congressman Feeney and I were able to craft an amendment that I believe struck a balance, giving juries the ability to come to a deliberate decision while giving them the flexibility within the law to assess damages. Our intent is also included in the Congressional Record; the case law used in assessing damages, also known as the fifteen Georgia Pacific factors, may still be considered when courts are assessing damages. We have diligently tried to meet the concerns of a wide spectrum of industries and while this bill is not perfect, it is a bipartisan effort to update the patent system. Mr. Chairman, it is my hope that although there are continued concerns, we can work on them through the conference committee process in a continued bi-partisan fashion and we can all come to a compromise.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, for months now this Democratic Congress has tried to change course in Iraq, but a stubborn President, supported by a rubber-stamp Republican Congress in both the House and the Senate, has made that impossible. In the spring, Republican leaders said by September, which is now, we should know if the President's troop escalation plan is working. And if it wasn't, then they would be ready to explore a different course. Yesterday, the GAO released a report concluding that the Iraqi Government had fallen short of meeting 11 of the 18 benchmarks that President Bush said they would have to meet. The report also found that four other benchmarks had only partially been met. That means that the Iraqi Government has met only three of 18 benchmarks. Let's not forget that the main reason that the President gave for the troop escalation earlier this year was to better secure the Nation so that the Iraqi Government could meet these political objectives. The GAO report concludes that ``violence remains high'' and that the political promises have not been kept. Madam Speaker, I would only hope that our Republican colleagues would take a serious look and join us, as they said they would, in demanding a change of course in Iraq.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many individuals who are called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service. Bishop Eddie L. Long has given of himself since August of 1987 to lead New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Eddie L. Long, under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained New Birth Missionary Baptist Church as an instrument in our community that betters the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens. This remarkable and tenacious man of God has shared his time and talents for the betterment of our community for the past 20 years by preaching the gospel and living the gospel. Bishop Eddie L. Long is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a man of great courage, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared with not only New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, but with Dekalb County and the world his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am pleased to proclaim August 17, 2007 as Bishop Eddie L. Long Day in the Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many community organizations are called to aid in sustaining a healthy lifestyle for all citizens. Under the leadership and guidance of the Dekalb Community Service Board, thousands have been assisted with treatment and support for Mental Health, Development Disabilities and Addiction Services. The Dekalb Community Service Board has demonstrated the will and desire to aid citizens in need since 1994 and continues today to be a beacon of light to our country. Our beloved county and community benefit from the fruits of the labor that the Dekalb Service Board members and staff have invested. This unique board has given of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to preserve integrity, uplift their fellow citizens and make this a better place. The community service board has created an Annual Walk of Heroes to allow everyone to come out in support of the work of the Service Board. I was pleased to proclaim July 21, 2007 as Dekalb Community Service Board Foundation Day in the 4th Congressional District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today applaud the action of the House of Representatives in standing up for our children. H.R. 3162--Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 provides needed additional funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) nationally, and in my State, it will allow the continuation of the successful PeachCare program currently serving 270,000 children. Early on, I advocated for the full reauthorization of SCHIP, at a minimum, so that childhood healthcare is not compromised. This bill accomplishes that and even expands the program. However, this particular bill also forces cuts to Medicare Part C, a program in which over 8,000 seniors in my district are enrolled. I have heard from these seniors in person, through the mail, on the phone, and over fax about their support for this program and the difference it has made in their lives. I wish there were another option for House consideration today that would enable this program to continue in its current state. While I am supporting this legislation today to expand SCHIP, I want to assure the seniors from the 4th district that their words have not fallen on deaf ears. I believe Congress will have an opportunity to take another look at this legislation after conferencing with the Senate, and I hope the package presented will take care of those in greatest need at both the dawn and dusk of their lives.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many organizations strive to bring awareness and enlightenment to our community. The Asian Cultural Experience has been a unique showcase for different Asian cultures in the Metro Atlanta area. The past 14 years have been and continue to be a great gift of music, dance, food, art, native crafts, and fashion of the many different Asian countries from around the world. We have found a jewel in this annual event that touches the minds and hearts of so many. Our community has been strengthened, our lives have been touched, and our spirits uplifted. The 2007 Asian Cultural Experience is being presented at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on July 14-15, 2007. I was pleased to proclaim July 14, 2007, and July 15, 2007, as the Asian Cultural Experience Days in the 4th Congressional District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many organizations that strive to make a difference in the lives of youth. The African American Association of Georgia, AAAG, gives the opportunity for our youth to work with positive professional athletes in an up close and personal setting. The AAAG has demonstrated a spirit of giving, service and leadership to our district. Our district, families and community have benefited from the AAAG working to build a strong foundation in the lives of our youth mentally and physically. The AAAG has worked tirelessly to give their best to preserve integrity, mentor our children and to build our future. The AAAG is currently sponsoring the 2007 Sports Festival Track and Field Meet and I was pleased to proclaim July 21, 2007 and July 22, 2007 as African American Association of Georgia Days in the Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House approved the CHAMP Act, a comprehensive health care bill that sustains and strengthens both the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicare. In one bill, we are insuring quality health care coverage for America's seniors and children. Under the CHAMP Act, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 5 million children will gain health care coverage through the SCHIP program. Any time when the number of uninsured children is increasing, Congress should do everything in its power to provide health care services to more children. The CHAMP Act strengthens the CHIP program so that we finally reach nearly every child who is eligible for health insurance. The CHAMP Act will also take care of seniors by protecting Medicare beneficiaries' access to their physicians, providing new preventive benefits, expanding programs, and assisting low-income seniors with out-of-pocket costs, and protecting rural communities' access to health care. Mr. Speaker, by supporting the CHAMP Act, this House showed its commitment to assist this Nation's two most vulnerable groups, our children and our seniors.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, last week, the President's preliminary progress report on Iraq showed no progress at all. In fact, the Bush administration admitted that the Iraqi government failed to meet any of its targets for political or economic progress. You would think that this report would serve as a wake-up call to the Bush administration. It hasn't. It's clear that President Bush does not want to change a thing. In fact, the Washington Post reported that the administration is not considering a strategic change, but simply a shift in message. Mr. Speaker, the failures in Iraq have nothing to do with message. President Bush promised that the Iraqi government would meet these benchmarks when he announced his troop escalation plan earlier this year. Many of us were skeptical that the Iraqis would actually follow through. And now that it's clear that the government has failed to meet any of the benchmarks, a shift in message is simply not enough. Democrats have a plan to bring our troops home by April of next year. It's time for the Iraqis to take accountability for their own country. And that's why we passed the Republican Redeployment Act last week, and the Senate should follow our lead this week.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Thursday and Friday, the 21st and 22nd of June. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 536, and amendment to H.R. 2764 which would prohibit the use of funds for programs at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation located at Fort Benning, Georgia. ``Aye'' on final passage of H.R. 2764, Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 and ``Aye'' on final passage of H.R. 2771, Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, over a 2-day period this week, two influential Republican Senators came forward urging that we begin to pull our troops out of Iraq. Rather than seriously listening to these opinions, however, the White House, through its spokesman, Tony Snow, said yesterday that he hoped Members of Congress would give their Baghdad security plan ``a chance to unfold.'' Is Tony Snow serious? How long does he expect congressional Republicans to continue to blindly support the administration's failed policy? After all, it was the President who said earlier this year that we should see significant improvements by September. But now, General Petraeus says that simply is not going to be possible, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Speaker, Democrats and the American people knew that this latest administration plan would not bring stability to Iraq. We also concluded long ago that we needed to start bringing our troops home. But with an administration that still refuses to face reality, we need help from our congressional Republicans. Let us hope that the statements made by Senators Lugar and Voinovich will serve as a wake-up call to House Republicans to finally join us in changing course in Iraq.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2366. By now, every American should know who our Greatest Generation is. Our Greatest Generation was made up of the returning heroes of the Second World War. This generation was responsible for one of the greatest periods of economic growth in our Nation's history, leading to the creation of the lone superpower which now has become the world's leader in almost every conceivable category. But it is because we empowered our returning veterans with educational, business and social opportunities which helped create an environment in which success was attainable for those who wanted it. The Greatest Generation went on to become small business owners and operators, driving the very engine which is critical for the sustained economic growth of our Nation. We are now witnessing the emergence of another great generation, a generation of volunteer warriors who have sacrificed so much in defense of our Nation's interest. We would be negligent if we did not grant to this generation the same opportunities to succeed as we have done with past generations. That is why I support H.R. 2366, and I move for its passage.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from California and also the honorable gentlewoman from Florida for their support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 80, a resolution that I introduced which calls on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army, or the LRA, to recommit to a political solution to the conflict now raging in northern Uganda, and to recommence and sustain vital peace talks. It also urges immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community. When it comes to international affairs, Mr. Speaker, the Congress is somewhat limited in the action that it can take to address issues of concern. As we all know, it is primarily and rightfully a function of the executive branch. However, we do have the right and the ability to use this platform to focus attention on human suffering around the globe, if only for a moment. So now is our moment to put a spotlight on the situation in northern Uganda. The situation has been explained by both the gentlewoman from California and the gentlewoman from Florida so I will not duplicate what they have said. My sincere hope is that H. Con. Res. 80 will help bring peace to the ravaged region of northern Uganda. Specifically, this bill calls on the Government of Uganda and the LRA to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and to sustain the vital peace talks that are now ongoing. It also urges immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy in Darfur rightfully has been receiving a great deal of attention as of late, but to the southeast of that region, another tragedy has been developing for nearly two decades. More than 200,000 Ugandans have died from the violence and disease brought about by the conflict between the Ugandan Government and the LRA. Almost 2 million people have been displaced from their homes and villages, having been forced to flee the violence. What is particularly disgusting about this conflict is the forced recruitment of children by the LRA. As many as 38,000 children have been abducted. The boys are turned into killing machines and the girls into sex slaves. Former U.N. Under Secretary General Jan Egeland has called the crisis in northern Uganda ``the biggest forgotten, neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today.'' Today, with the passage of H. Con. Res. 80, I hope to take a small step toward changing this unfortunate truth, and I respectfully ask that my colleagues support the resolution.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I came to Washington, D.C. on January 4 and was sworn in, took a solemn pledge to go to work on behalf of the citizens of this great Nation. We went to work, this side of the aisle, and even with some of our brothers and sisters from the other side of the aisle, we passed legislation. We did things for the least of these, such as the minimum wage. Since then we have taken care of our veterans. Everything that we have done has ended up being objected to by either our Chief Executive or by our friends on the other side of the aisle. It seems like there is no interest in effectuating good legislation on behalf of the people of this country. It seems as if there is a conspiracy to hold things up now that there has been a change in power. It seems there is a conspiracy to throw monkey wrenches in the plans of those on our side who would do things to pull this country out of morass that it has been in for the last 6 years. Last night, Mr. Chairman, was a culmination of that conspiracy. It resulted in us being here until 2 a.m. handling trivial motions which were designed to obstruct the progress of the Homeland Security bill which has made its way through committee and has found itself now in a state for final passage. This is a bill that has no earmarks in it, yet we have got the other side claiming that there is something bad about earmarks happening. The thing is the American people want us to pass this bill. It is going to provide moneys for Customs and Border Patrol and border protection. It is going to help reduce lines at airports by helping fund the Transportation Security Administration, TSA. It will fund the Coast Guard. It will even provide funds for FEMA. And it will provide funding for State and local formula grants. Are we going to pass this bill? Yes, it is going to pass overwhelmingly when the other side finishes playing their games. But the American people see through this. It is deeply disappointing that we would treat these appropriations bills as a means by which we exercise futile, meaningless and deeply partisan tactics instead of doing the hard work that the American people put us here to do. I need to remind Members present here today that this debate that we are having about earmarks is really no debate at all, and it is putting needed funds at risk to combat terrorism, and it hurts us in keeping our promises to our veterans and all of the important other issues that this bill addresses. My home State of Georgia in particular will be better prepared with needed funding delivered to the Urban Area Security Initiative and first responders. The Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, should not suffer because the minority side chooses to hold the Transportation Security Administration funding hostage. But instead of debating the merits of the bill, they choose to play political games. I choose to work. I ask my friends to please drop the political showmanship and let's proceed to do what the American people want us to do and what they expect us to do and that is to go to work and allow ourselves to be guided by the mandate that the American people have given us. They clearly told us to gather on this sacred floor to find solutions to the problems that they are confronted with on a daily basis and not to engage in the spectacle like what we did last night. My friends on the other side of the aisle, you decided to take this vital bill that would provide us with needed protection and turn it into a political exercise. Now is not the time and here is not the place to do that. Let's get on with the business and move this bill forward.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats have been working in a bipartisan manner to approve important legislation which will have a real impact on the lives of hardworking American families. Unfortunately, President Bush has expressed his opposition to a majority of the bipartisan legislation we have passed. Last week, Congress sent the President a stem cell research bill that would provide hope for millions of Americans suffering from diseases like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's. The final bill promotes lifesaving embryonic stem cell research by increasing the number of stem lines that are eligible to be used for federally funded research. I would hope the President would not stand in the way of real medical progress and would reconsider his veto threat to this vitally important legislation. The President also opposes legislation passed by the House that would make prescription drugs more affordable for America's seniors. And he also opposes legislation making more affordable student loans for America's teenagers. Congress cannot move this Nation in a new direction on its own. It's time for the President to join us, creating a meaningful change for the American people.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many schools strive to excel in competition on the national level. Ten years ago, the DeKalb County School system gave birth to Edward L. Bouie, Sr. Elementary School and named this extraordinary school for an extraordinary man. For 10 years now under the leadership and guidance of the past and present principals, teachers, staff, parents, and students, this school has met and exceeded national standards. The Edward L. Bouie, Sr. Elementary School family constantly demonstrates the will to win, the courage to win, the mechanics of teamwork and the astounding spirit of triumph gained from educating students to be the very best in leadership, scholarship, and service. Our beloved county, children, and community will benefit from the fruits of that labor insuring that our district, our state and our nation will always be prosperous and productive. This extraordinary school is celebrating the milestone of their 10th anniversary and I was pleased to proclaim May 18, 2007 as Edward L. Bouie, Sr. Elementary School Day in the 4th Congressional District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many individuals who are called to sacrifice for our country through military service. Sheldon S. Crammer of Conyers, Georgia answered the call and served our nation in time of war from 1942-1944. On the beaches of Normandy and in the French Theater on the European continent, Sheldon S. Crammer displayed valor, determination, and calm and was wounded in the line of duty. This remarkable and courageous man gave of himself, in defense of this Nation. Sheldon S. Crammer is a soldier, a warrior, a father, a grandfather, a son, a brother, and a friend. After many years, long overdue recognition of his service is being duly noted with the granting of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in a special ceremony attended by his family, friends, and fellow veterans. I was pleased to proclaim May 19, 2007 as Sheldon S. Crammer Day for his brave service to our country.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the nation. They comprise 20 percent of the American population and represent every ethnicity, gender, and age. Given the breadth and depth of this group of citizens, it is startling that they suffer from a 65-percent unemployment rate. People with disabilities have the ability and desire to work, yet face many barriers to employment. I think it is incredibly important that we give people with disabilities equal opportunity and support for employment. To that end, I am proud to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD)/AbilityOne Program. The JWOD/AbilityOne Program uses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating, community-based nonprofit agencies dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. Through this program, people with disabilities enjoy full participation in their community and are able to become self-sufficient wage earners and tax payers. In the United States, the program serves approximately 43,000 people with disabilities and generated approximately $360 million in wages earned and nearly $1.8 billion in products sold. In Georgia alone, some 938 people with disabilities earned nearly $9 million in wages last year as a result of JWOD/AbilityOne. I am particularly proud that the 4th Congressional District is home to a JWOD contract for switchboard services. This dedicated workforce of people with disabilities provides excellent 24/7 service to the Atlanta VA Medical Center for nearly 15 years. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the great contributions of American workers with disabilities. I commend the JWOD Program, its supporters, and its participants for making a difference where it is needed most. America truly works best when all Americans work.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for constructing such an impressive bill. We in Congress have no greater duty than that of taking care of our soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen when they are serving both abroad and at home. Our wounded heroes face a system which, while it provided extraordinary service to many, has undergone serious challenges in the proper treatment of some who have given us so much. This amendment would provide necessary facility improvements at both the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, and DeWitt Army Medical Center to support commercial medical standards. Furthermore, this would provide the necessary consolidation of medical activities to ensure high standards of care, or to ensure that high standards of care are available to our wounded soldiers. It would also renovate existing semi-private bedrooms to create additional single-occupant rooms, which ensure greater privacy, improved infection control, and space for families to room in.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Goergia, only a few schools excel III competition on a State level that ignites a community. Under the leadership and guidance of Coach Eddie Martin, the Norcross High School Boys Basketball team has won a State Championship for the school, the city of Norcross and our beloved Fourth Congressional District. These Blazing Blue Devils of Norcross have demonstrated the will to win, the courage to win, the mechanics of teamwork and the astounding spirit of triumph from a mental and physical battle. The 9th day of March, 2007 will go down in history as the Day that our Norcross High School Boys Basketball team became the AAAAA Champions of Georgia. The team has exhibited great moral character on and off the basketball court and through the halls of Norcross High. I was pleased to set aside April 21, 2007 to honor and recognize the Norcross High School Basketball Team for its victory for our District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many schools strive to excel. Under the leadership and guidance of the Rockdale Board of Education, and the Superintendent Dr. Samuel King,--the principals, teachers, staff and students in Georgia's Rockdale County school system have met and exceeded national standards. The Rockdale County Board of Education members have demonstrated the will to win, the courage to win, the mechanics of teamwork and the astounding spirit of triumph from building a system that serves all in the county. Our beloved children and community will benefit from the seeds that the Board of Education and Administration have planted to insure that Rockdale will always be prosperous and productive. This unique board has given of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to providing the best that they have to preserve integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service for all of Rockdale County. I was pleased to set aside April 21, 2007 to honor and recognize the Rockdale County Board of Education for their outstanding service to our District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many individuals who are called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service. Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler has given of herself as a principal of Browns Mill Elementary School, an author, a nutritional advocate and a children's advocate. Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler has pioneered and sustained Georgia's First sugar free school which serves as a model to the country as a tool in promoting the physical and mental welfare of our children. This phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents for the betterment of our community and our Nation through her tireless works, motivational speeches, and words of wisdom. Dr. Sanders-Butler is a virtuous woman, a courageous woman and a fearless leader who has shared with the world her vision and passion to help ensure that our future--our children--will be healthy and prosperous. I was pleased to set aside April 21, 2007 to honor and recognize Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler for her leadership and services to our District.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many professionals in the medical field who render excellent service to our citizens. The Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center has met and exceeded national standards with its staff of skilled laboratory professionals. The laboratory staff of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center has demonstrated a spirit of giving, service and leadership. Our beloved Fourth District, families and community have benefited from the fine work of the laboratory staff of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The laboratory staff of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center has worked tirelessly to give their best to preserve integrity and provide quality service. I was pleased to set aside April 22nd--28th, 2007 to honor and recognize the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center for its outstanding service to our District.