December 2010 Archives

Congressman Hank Johnson represents Georgia's Fourth Congressional District and serves in the House leadership as Regional Whip for the Southeast. He praised today's House passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 to provide $4.2 billion to pay for the health care of first responders during the attacks of 9-11:

“The first responders who rushed to the World Trade Center towers to help save Americans on 9-11 now suffer from decreased lung capacity, lung cancer and other debilitating illnesses due to exposure to toxic chemicals at the attack site. It is our duty as Americans to take care of the people who sacrificed so much for us.”

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Congressman pleased bill he passed results in $137 million settlement

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) is pleased to report that a tough antitrust criminal law he helped pass in 2010 has resulted in $137 million settlement with Bank of America.

Earlier this year, Johnson – along with other members of the House Judiciary Committee – co-sponsored legislation to extend the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act (ACPERA), for another 10 years. 

The statute, which encourages whistle-blowing activity by participants in large, corporate price-fixing conspiracies, was directly responsible for the discovery of a major municipal bond derivatives bid rigging conspiracy perpetrated by some of our country’s largest banking institutions, as announced by the Department of Justice earlier this month.

Bank of America agreed this month to pay $137.3 million in restitution to federal and state agencies for its participation in a conspiracy to artificially lower bid prices in the municipal bond derivatives market. Read more.

ACPERA also helped indict three former executives of a financial services company for participating in similar crimes related to bidding for contracts for investment of municipal bonds. Read more.

“Local and state governments are having a tough enough time with their budgets as it is,” said Johnson. “I’m just glad that my colleagues and I could provide Department of Justice with the tools it needs to uncover these crimes and help protect our cities, counties and states from fraud,” said Johnson.

Congressman Hank Johnson is a member of the Armed Services, Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure committees and chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.

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Lawrenceville Highway office in Tucker closing

 LITHIONIA – As state and local officials cut back during difficult economic times and as cuts to congressional office budgets are being finalized in Washington, D.C., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is reorganizing his district offices to consolidate resources and streamline constituent services.

Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker is closing as of Dec. 23. All constituents’ calls and services will be transferred to the main office in Lithonia. The phone number for the office in Lithonia will remain 770-987-2291.

Congressman Johnson’s office is exploring the possibility of one or more satellite offices in the Tucker area, like the one it has in Rockdale County at Conyers City Hall.

“Providing excellent constituent services will remain at the core of our mission,” Rep. Johnson said. “This consolidation will streamline our offices and save taxpayers money but without sacrificing service. We are committed to being good stewards of taxpayers’ resources, and we are making cuts to our budget just like everyone else.”

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Dear Friends,        

In the Fourth Congressional District, we pride ourselves on our incredible diversity – in thought, faith and culture.

It is with great happiness that I wish everyone a joyous holiday season, whatever your tradition, religion, culture or spiritual home.

Although these are tough economic times, let’s ensure during this season of giving that those of us who have been blessed help those in need.  After all, to whom much is given, much is required. Let us be reminded this holiday season, as we should every day, to show kindness and humility to our brothers and sisters and let us not forget those less fortunate.

Now more than ever, please keep our military personnel overseas and our first-responders here at home and their families in your hearts and prayers. They work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s and  each and every day no matter the circumstances and always at great personal  sacrifice.

One housekeeping note: As state and local officials cut back during difficult economic times and as cuts to congressional office budgets are being finalized in Washington, I’m reorganizing my district offices to consolidate resources and streamline constituent services.

My office on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker is closing as of Dec. 23. All constituents’ calls and services will be transferred to our main office in Lithonia. The phone number for our office in Lithonia will remain 770-987-2291.

Going forward, we are exploring the possibility of one or more satellite offices in the Tucker area, like the one we have in Rockdale at Conyers City Hall. Stay tuned.

Providing excellent constituent services remains at the core of our mission. This consolidation is streamlining  our offices and saving taxpayers money,  without sacrificing service. We are committed to being good stewards of taxpayers’ resources, and we are making cuts to our budget just like everyone else.

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to you and yours!

Thanks,

Hank

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted for legislation that will encourage and expand U.S. innovation while also strengthening America’s scientific and economic leadership. 

H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 228 to 130. It now goes to President Obama’s desk for his signature.

The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act supports basic research, improves science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and fosters innovation. 

“While it’s difficult to double our research budgets in today’s fiscal environment, we must make investments in our future,” said Rep. Johnson. “By making these commitments, we help our workforce compete in the global marketplace and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, which will require a highly educated and well-trained workforce.”

The legislation invests $45 billion in basic research programs — the Department of Energy Office of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) labs — over three years.

H.R. 5116 also improves science and math education by reauthorizing programs that give teachers a deep understanding of their content so they can help their students understand the real world applications of what they are learning.  The bill also addresses coordination of STEM activities across the federal government, and improves STEM education at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels. 

It also maintains and expands NIST’s role in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers to help them stay competitive.

“The America COMPETES Act will help to create jobs in Georgia by investing in our students, teachers and workers,” said Johnson. “Innovation – mainly in science and engineering – is the key to our nation’s future and the driving force of job creation. By reauthorizing the COMPETES Act, we keep our nation on the path of progress.”

“The funding of basic research, as well as science and math education, authorized by America COMPETES is an essential investment and will bolster the economic growth needed to restore long-term fiscal strength and national prosperity.” said  David L. Wynes, Ph.D., vice president for Research Administration at Emory University. 

“Emory has been a strong advocate for the COMPETES reauthorization legislation, which supports our continued research and education work benefiting the state of Georgia.”

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Congressman: Measure includes tax cuts for businesses, payroll tax cuts and an extension of unemployment benefits

 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Thursday, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted for the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, a bill to extend tax cuts, unemployment insurance and investments in small businesses and green energy.  The bill, which the House passed by a vote of 277 to 148 late Thursday night, was passed by the Senate on Wednesday and now goes to President Obama for his signature into law.  Below are Congressman Johnson’s remarks.

“Too many Americans are struggling and out of work for us to raise taxes on the middle class, and despite its flaws the compromise will provide critical additional stimulus,” said Rep. Johnson.

“President Obama and Democrats secured extension of unemployment insurance, middle class tax cuts, small business tax credits, and tax breaks for parents with kids in college. That is no small feat. I oppose the GOP’s cherished cause of tax cuts for top earners, but further investment in economic recovery is too important to withhold my support.”

Hank speaks to constituents on video.

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Congressman urges restraint as U.S. reacts to publication of leaked cables, reminds colleagues 'this is a failure to protect our own secrets'

 WASHINGTON – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) stated today that American outrage over WikiLeaks’ publication of classified U.S. diplomatic cables must not undermine the commitment of the United States to press freedom.

In remarks delivered during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that reviewed the applicability of the Espionage Act to the WikiLeaks case, Johnson urged colleagues to differentiate between U.S. personnel who leaked classified information and the web sites and newspapers that published it.  “U.S. personnel who leaked classified information must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Johnson.  “But I would respectfully remind my colleagues that, as far as we know, WikiLeaks and Julian Assange are merely publishers.”

Johnson said that if Mr. Assange aided and abetted the theft of U.S. information, he may be subject to prosecution, but that he must be presumed innocent until proven guilty and should not be harassed or persecuted for publishing leaked information.

“The New York Times published the same cables.  We aren't shutting down the Times’ web site or encouraging an international manhunt for its editors,” said Johnson.  “We have to acknowledge that this is a failure of the U.S. government to protect our own secrets.  We shouldn't be harassing and demonizing publishers.  We should do a better job of securing our data.”

Convened by Chairman John Conyers to review the WikiLeaks case, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from Abbe Lowell, partner at McDermott, Will and Emery; Geoffrey Stone, Professor of law and former Dean, University of Chicago Law School; Thomas Blanton, Director, National Security Archive at George Washington University; Kenneth Wainstein, former Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division of the Department of Justice, partner at O'Melveny and Myers; Gabriel Schoenfeld, Hudson Institute; Steve Vladeck, Professor of Law, American University; and, Ralph Nader, Legal Advocate and Author.

Read about it in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Congressman Hank Johnson represents Georgia's Fourth Congressional District and serves in the House leadership as Regional Whip for the Southeast. He praised today's House passage of the repeal of the U.S. military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:”

“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. The House voted to overturn ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ so that every serviceman and woman in America will be treated equally under the law.”
 

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Congressman: ‘Incompetent bankers are throwing people out of their homes without regard for them as human beings’

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) chaired portions of the second of two full Judiciary Committee hearings on the foreclosure crisis entitled Foreclosed Justice: Causes and Effects of the Foreclosure Crisis II. During both hearings, lawmakers heard testimony about the practice of robo-signing, where lenders sign foreclosure documents with inadequate knowledge of their contents, calling into question the legitimacy of hundreds of thousands of foreclosures:

“The same incompetent bankers who came to Congress with hat in hand, demanding a bailout – the same bankers who were too incompetent to survive without welfare paid for by the American taxpayer – those same bankers have no problem summarily throwing American taxpayers out of their homes without due process, without accurate documents and without regard for the human beings whose lives are affected,” said Rep. Johnson.

“So I submit to representatives of the financial industry that our constituents, your borrowers, are human beings and need to be treated fairly during the foreclosure process.”

The hearing also explored the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. (MERS), which operates a computer database that includes information on servicing and ownership rights of mortgage loans.

About 60 percent of the nation’s residential mortgages are recorded under MERS, instead of in the name of the bank or trust that actually owns the debt. It means for the first time, there is no public record of who owns land in each county.

The hearings are part of a continuing effort by the Judiciary Committee to address rising foreclosure rates.
Rep. Johnson said he was encouraged that earlier this month U.S. Comptroller of Currency John Walsh ordered banks to stop foreclosure proceedings if the borrower is starting or in the midst of a loan-modification program.

“More than 25 percent of loan modifications are approved after the property is sold on the steps of the courthouse,” said Johnson. “This will help prevent some foreclosures, but it won’t increase the number of people approved for modifications.”

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Dear Friends,            

I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season! Here’s the latest from Washington, D.C., and the Fourth District.

TAX CUTS, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE & JOBS: I’m fighting to extend tax cuts for middle-and-lower-income Americans and small businesses. I’m fighting to extend unemployment insurance to millions of Americans who lost their job through no fault of their own.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are fighting for one cherished cause: tax cuts for America’s top earners.

The compromise that the President has worked out with Republican leaders also includes funding for critical programs and tax cuts for working Americans, including – such as the middle-class tax cuts, earned income credits for low-income earners, payroll tax savings, investments in small businesses and tax credits for parents who have children in college.

It is unclear what package House leaders will bring to the floor for a vote next week.  This is bill is still a work in progress, but I can assure you I will be focused on the needs working families and the unemployed folks when I cast my vote.

LILBURN HONORED: Congratulations to Lilburn! My resolution honoring Lilburn’s centennial birthday – H. Res. 1642 – unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week. 

FIGHTING FOR THE UNEMPLOYED: In my last e-letter, I told you I’ve asked the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) to investigate discrimination against the unemployed after I learned that some job listings explicitly exclude unemployed applicants.

I’m also exploring legislative options to protect the unemployed from discrimination. Right now, I’m looking at a Connecticut law, a proposed New Jersey law, and possible protections for the unemployed under the Civil Rights Act. Stay tuned. The AJC, NPR and CBS have covered this story. To read the stories or for more on the letter, click here.

HEALTHY, HUNGER-FREE KIDS: Last week, I voted for the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010, which aims to reduce two growing problems in the United States – childhood hunger and childhood obesity. Georgia has the second highest prevalence of obese 10-to-17 year olds in the nation. This law will expand access to nutritious food for children in our community. For more, click here.

DREAM ACT: I voted this week for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), which would give undocumented students who grow up in the United States a path to citizenship by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or graduating from college. The landmark reform legislation was attached to my Removal Clarification Act, which also passed the House. This is not amnesty – it’s humane reform that encourages dedication to education, self-improvement, family and military service.” For more, click here.

SUPPORTING SENIORS: Unfortunately, The Seniors Protection Act that would have provided Social Security beneficiaries — seniors, the disabled, widows, veterans, and children — with a one-time payment of $250 in lieu of a cost-of-living increase this year was defeated this week. I’ve voted to protect our seniors before, and I will again as we move into the new 112th Congress.

DOC FIX: This week, I voted to protect patients by preventing a 25 percent cut in Medicare and Medicaid payments to doctors. It will ensure that seniors and military families have the peace of mind they deserve to continue seeing the doctors that they know and trust. For more, click here.

DR. KING SUPER-INTENDENT: Congratulations to Dr. Samuel King of the Rockdale School System for being named 2011 Superintendent of the Year in Georgia. Dr. King, we’re all very proud, and know you’re highly deserving of this honor. Congrats! For more, click here.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let little things slip through the cracks. You forget to blow out a candle before heading to the Christmas pageant. You overload an outlet with too many holiday lights. Use these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center to help you avoid some of the most common holiday accidents. For more, click here.

DISASTER LOANS IN GEORGIA: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced this week that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in the entire state of Georgia because of drought and excessive heat that began July 1, 2010. For more, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) or visit the SBA online.

ROCKDALE TREES: Congratulations to Rockdale County, which will be planting nearly 100 trees – mostly around schools – thanks to funds from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act we passed in 2009.  For more, click here.

In this season, more than ever, keep our military personnel overseas and our first-responders here at home and their families in your hearts and prayers. They give their all for us and we must never forget their sacrifice.

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to you and yours!

Thanks,

Hank
 

Veterans Health National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Update

The website for the VA National Center for PTSD  is easy to search and contains a wealth of information, including Returning from the War Zone Guide, Understanding PTSD, and a VA PTSD Program locator. Check out the new video entitled PTSD Treatment Works.

VA Began Paying Benefits for New Agent Orange Claims as of November 1, 2010

Up to 200,000 Vietnam Veterans are potentially eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions recently associated with Agent Orange.  The expansion of coverage involves B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease. Veterans interested in applying for disability compensation under one of the three new Agent Orange presumptive conditions may go online to the Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System, call 1-800-827-1000 or contact a Veterans Service Organization for assistance.
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced Wednesday that his resolution honoring Lilburn’s centennial birthday – H. Res. 1642 – unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Johnson joined Lilburn Mayor Diana Preston, city officials and residents at City Park on Sept. 25 to celebrate Lilburn’s birthday and the Greenway Trail ribbon cutting.

Rep. Johnson, who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, offered Mayor Preston, City Council members and residents a proclamation naming the city’s birthday – July 27 – as “Lilburn Day in the Fourth District.”

On Tuesday evening from the House floor, Rep. Johnson was pleased to officially pass the Lilburn resolution.

“If you’ve ever been to Lilburn, you know it’s a special place,” said Rep. Johnson from the House floor. “It took smart, progressive planning by city leaders and an engaged, informed citizenry to become the city it is today. Congratulations Lilburn!”

Mayor Preston welcomed the news and plans to have the resolution on display in City Hall.

“I want to thank Congressman Johnson for introducing the resolution and ensuring its passage,” Preston said. “We know we’re a small town, but having this official recognition from Congress makes a big difference.”

Photo above: Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife Mereda Davis Johnson present the Lilburn Resolution to Mayor Diana Preston during Lilburn's 100th birthday this summer.

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Congressman Johnson: 'I’m ready for the battles ahead'

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, was elected whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) for the 112th Congress.

The CPC’s 83 members are committed to the principles of social and economic justice, a non-discriminatory society, and national priorities that represent the interests of all people, not just the wealthy and powerful.

As CPC whip, Congressman Johnson will be responsible for ensuring caucus unity as progressives in Congress hold the line against the agenda of the incoming Republican majority. 

“I’m ready for the battles ahead,” said Johnson.  “We won’t shy away from a fight and I’m honored to help lead the progressive charge.”

Congressman Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota were elected CPC co-chairs.

“The Progressive Caucus is going to be on the front lines of every political fight looking out for the American people’s interests, and we need the right people in place to get the job done,” Rep. Grijalva said.

“Hank Johnson is a good man, a smart negotiator and a strong progressive voice in Congress, and he’s going to be a tremendous asset. As we work not only to defeat the Republican agenda but to bring fresh ideas to the table and give the voters real choices, Rep. Johnson is going to play a key role in getting support for those fresh ideas. I’m glad to be working with him and very much look forward to the next two years.”

Johnson said his current focus is expiration of the Bush tax cuts for the rich. 

“The federal government is investing in economic recovery and fighting two wars,” said Johnson. “We can’t afford $700 billion of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.”

With Congressman Johnson’s support, the House of Representatives passed tax cuts for middle-income Americans on Dec. 2.

Johnson served as Regional Whip for the southeast region in the 111th Congress.

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