July 2011 Archives
In the absence of congressional movement by the August 2nd deadline, the President has authority under Section 4 of the 14th Amendment to pay all U.S. debts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced a Resolution, H.Con.Res.68, affirming President Obama’s power to invoke Section 4 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to unilaterally raise the debt ceiling, in the event that the Congress fails to reach a compromise by the August 2nd deadline.
Such an action is necessary if a congressional impasse imperils the stability of the nation’s economy.
“Now is the time to pay our creditors,” said Nadler. “If Congress cannot act, then the President has no choice but to exercise his duty to ‘take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.’ He is obliged under section 4 of the 14th Amendment to pay this nation’s debts, even if a lawless and irresponsible Republican Congress refuses to do so.”
“The President should be able to legally turn to the 14th Amendment as a failsafe to prevent a national default – especially if Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate a balanced solution,” said Rep. Johnson.
“We are three days until our country defaults on its debt for the first time in its 235-year history,” said Engel. “It is incredibly irresponsible that it has gotten this far, and for me, completely unacceptable for the burden to be placed on our working families, low-income individuals, and our seniors and retirees. While I am hesitant to have Congress defer to the Executive branch, it is clear that the dangers of defaulting on our debts should be our primary concern. The Tea Partiers call themselves Constitutionalists but are willing to violate the Constitution by defaulting on our debt.”
“If this Republican-manufactured debt crisis is not averted this weekend, the United States risks default, and that would have devastating consequences for seniors, students, middle class families, and small businesses,” said Garamendi. “The President should know that if he needs to use his powers under the 14th Amendment to avert an economic catastrophe, we have his back. A compromise is preferable, but financial suicide is not an option.”
Following the Civil War, the United States adopted the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, Section 4 of which says: “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.”
The Resolution, specifically, expresses: “the sense of Congress that the President should ensure that the United States does not default on its debt by making every effort to negotiate passage of an increase in the statutory debt ceiling or, all such efforts failing, should use his authority under section 4 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution to pay all debts of the United States as they come due.”
What H.Con.Res.68 does:
The President should –
1) Work with the Congress to secure passage of an increase in the statutory debt ceiling;
(2) Make clear that under no circumstances will the United States fail to pay its debts on time and in full;
(3) Make clear that, all other efforts failing, he will use his authority under the 4th clause of section 3 of article 2, to uphold section 4 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure payment of all debts of the United States on time and in full; and
(4) Take any and all actions necessary to preserve the full faith and credit of the United States.
To read the Resolution, click HERE.
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“If you believe we should ask our seniors to pay more before we ask millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil to give up their special interest tax breaks, then Mr. Boehner’s short-term default bill is for you.
If you believe we should ask college students to pay more before we stop hedge fund managers from being taxed at a lower rate than their secretaries, then Mr. Boehner’s plan is for you.
Since arriving in Congress in 2007, all my work has been about fairness, and I’m not going to stop now by voting for this “kiss your Medicare goodbye” bill.
Democrats are committed to ensuring that our nation meets its obligations by working toward a long-term plan to reduce the deficit, create jobs, grow the economy and strengthen the middle class – without asking working families and our seniors to shoulder the entire burden.”
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According to the latest figures available, an estimated 43.5 million Americans are living in poverty.
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s more than the entire population of California!
Communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty.
The national unemployment rate is 9.2 percent. In my home state of Georgia, the unemployment rate is even higher at 9.8 percent.
With millions of people in poverty and a high unemployment rate, you would think that Congress would do what it was elected to do - create jobs and pass legislation that spurs economic growth.
But in the past seven months, the Republican majority has not moved a single jobs bill.
Instead, this House majority is pushing bills through that take away grand-mama’s Social Security check, dismantle the Affordable Care Act that will provide health care to millions of uninsured Americans and cut a first generation college student’s Pell grants.
This is ridiculous.
Instead of bringing us opportunity and the American Dream, the Republican majority gives us Cut, Cap and end Medicare.
Staying committed to safety net programs in health, education, housing, and employment is both a moral and economic responsibility that we cannot ignore.
The Cut, Cap and end Medicare Act that the majority passed will not get America on the road to prosperity.
It would require spending cuts of $111 billion in fiscal year 2012, which the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates would cut about 700,000 jobs.
This bill would cap federal spending at levels that can only be achieved by slashing Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, and student loans.
Rather than closing corporate loopholes and asking millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil to pay their fair share, the majority wants to cut Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and foster care for abused and neglected children.
However, there is a budget model that would safeguard America’s children, seniors and most vulnerable communities. The Progressive Caucus or People’s budget would make targeted cuts that preserve our national security, put Social Security and Medicare on stable footing going forward, raises vital revenue equitably and protects and invests in the American people.
Now is the time Congress needs to be doing all it can to help families get back on their feet, not pull the rug out from under them.
Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the working poor in America did not cause the so-called debt crisis.
The record debt run up by the Bush Administration was a direct result of Republican’s two unfunded wars, failed economic policies, and failed oversight of the financial services sector.
What we need to do is support more grant programs like the “Pathways Out of Poverty” funds that put residents in my district back work in green jobs.
Americans want to work. Let’s focus on getting Americans what they need ---- jobs, jobs, jobs!
Thank you, M. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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Congressman Johnson: Bill is ‘nothing more than an attempt to remove 40 years of federal laws that protect our seas, air, land, and wildlife’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC) held a mini-filibuster on the House floor today to protest the interior appropriations bill (H.R. 2584, FY 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act) because it makes dramatic cuts to environmental programs and changes long standing policy for the betterment of polluters.
"This bill is nothing more than an attempt to remove 40 years of federal laws that protect our seas, air, land, and wildlife,” said Johnson.
To watch Rep. Johnson’s floor speech, click HERE.
Just a few of the egregious elements of H.R. 2584, FY 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act:
► Slashes EPA by 18% below FY 2011, including slashing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by 55 % below FY 2011.
► Cuts Interior Department by 7%, including cutting the Land and Water Conservation Fund by 78 Percent.
► There are at least 38 anti-environmental policy riders in the bill, including:
Extinction Rider: Blocks any money to be spent to implement such crucial sections of the Endangered Species Act as listing new species and designating habitat critical to a species’ survival.
Grand Canyon: Assaults the iconic Grand Canyon, a national treasure, by blocking protections for more than 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon, leaving them open to toxic uranium mining.
Cross-State Air Pollution: Prohibits EPA from implementing the just-finalized Cross-State Pollution Rule, which protects communities from dangerous pollution from power plants upwind of them.
Mercury Pollution: Indefinitely stops long-overdue standards to control toxic mercury air pollution from power plants, endangering pregnant women, infants and children.
Undermining Clean Water Act: Blocks the Administration’s ongoing work to clarify which waters remain protected by the Clean Water Act – potentially endangering drinking water sources.
Oil Savings and Carbon Pollution from Motor Vehicles: Blocks EPA from moving forward with standards for new vehicles after 2016 that would reduce our foreign oil imports and cut pollution.
Carbon Pollution from Stationary Sources: Requires a one-year delay of EPA regulations on carbon pollution from power plants, refineries and other large industrial stationary sources.
Offshore Drilling: Allows oil companies to pollute more when drilling offshore by weakening the Clean Air Act and exempting polluting support vessels from regulation.
For more on the riders, click HERE.
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Rep. Johnson signs letter Opposing Judiciary Chair’s Bill to Limit President’s Immigration Enforcement Powers
Democratic Members of Congress held a press conference to release a letter to President Obama expressing their support for him and opposition to the HALT Act (H.R. 2497), a bill authored by Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) that will be the focus of a Judiciary Committee hearing on July 26.
“Not only does the legislation Mr. Smith introduced do nothing to reform our immigration system, but it is a blatant attack on President Obama’s use of executive power.
Why create such a blatantly partisan bill that expires at the end of his current term? Why does the bill single out this President? This is nothing more than an attack on the President’s integrity that should not go unnoticed or unopposed.
“First the Republicans denied our promising young students a path to citizenship by rejecting the DREAM Act and now they give us this cynical bill designed only to derail the progress made by the President and this country on this critical issue?
“The United States of America is a nation built by immigrants. We stand on the side of law-abiding immigrants and must have comprehensive immigration reform. We will not be distracted by this purposeless bill. It’s pure politics at its worst.”
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Rep. Johnson (D-GA) firma carta oponiéndose al proyecto de ley introducido por el Presidente del Comité Judicial, el que pretende limitar los poderes del Presidente con respecto al control migratorio.
Miembros demócratas del Congreso sostuvieron una conferencia de prensa para revelar la carta al Presidente Obama expresándole su apoyo y oponiéndose a la Ley de HALT (HR 2497), un proyecto de ley escrito por el presidente del Comité Judicial Lamar Smith (R-TX), la que será motivo de una audiencia en el Comité Judicial el 26 de julio. El Representante Hank Johnson (D-GA) hizo los siguientes comentarios:
"No sólo la legislación introducida por el Sr. Smith no hace nada para reformar nuestro sistema migratorio, sino que es un abierto ataque en contra del uso del poder ejecutivo del presidente Obama", dijo Johnson.
"¿Por qué crear un proyecto de ley descaradamente partidista que expira al final de su mandato actual? Por qué la ley solo señala a este presidente? Esto no es más que un ataque a la integridad del Presidente que no debe pasar desapercibida, y que debe ser opuesta.
"¿Primero los republicanos le niegan a nuestros jóvenes y prometedores estudiantes el camino hacia la ciudadanía al rechazar el proyecto de ley DREAM y ahora nos presentan con este cínico proyecto de ley diseñado solamente para desbaratar los progresos realizados por el Presidente y de este país en este asunto crítico?
"Los Estados Unidos de América es una nación construida por inmigrantes. Estamos del lado de los inmigrantes que respetan la ley y debemos tener una reforma migratoria compresiva. Nosotros no nos distraeremos con este proyecto de ley sin sentido. Es pura política en su peor expresión”.
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Dear Friends,
Every rational American understands the need to pay our national debt. I stand ready to vote on a clean debt ceiling bill that does not have Draconian cuts to our social safety net attached to it.
Like many of my Democratic, Congressional Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus and Asian Caucus colleagues, I’m disappointed that some have used this debate as a distraction from the real crisis Americans continue to face every day— joblessness. We must reduce the deficit with a fair and balanced approach that includes both revenues and spending cuts.
Until we achieve such a plan, we must raise the debt ceiling to give the markets certainty, avoid financial disarray and prevent irresponsible cuts.
It’s possible that President Obama will be forced to use the 14th Amendment as a failsafe to prevent a national default – especially if Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate a balanced solution. Congress can deal with the necessary issue of cutting the nation’s debt and deficit spending in the regular order of business instead of the Republicans’ path that is holding the nation hostage.
House Republicans have failed to lead, and failure is not an option for our country at this late hour. Their intransigence leaves the President to take whatever action is within his power to avoid this disastrous default.
We all agree that we have to responsibly to reduce the deficit but not on the backs of hard-working American families, all while protecting special interests and the wealthiest Americans. People of color, seniors, working families and children heavily rely on vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Deep cuts to these critical programs would devastate our community.
Now is the time for real work to be done not the time for ideological wars. It is time to cut the political games and work to create jobs.
CBC JOBS FAIR – The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman John Lewis and I are teaming up to host a job fair and readiness workshop on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Atlanta Technical College from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are working to have more than 50 private and public employers on hand with jobs.
As part of the CBC’s “For the People” jobs initiative resolution and nationwide tour, Congressman Lewis and I hope to encourage the House of Representatives to pass critical jobs legislation – CBC members, including my office – have introduced collectively more 40 job creation bills to address the unemployment crisis.
With the unemployment rate at 9.8 percent nationwide and more than 16 percent in the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities, it has become clear that it is time for immediate and real action to provide hard working Americans with real economic opportunity. Everyone from the Fourth District is welcome. As more details become available, I will post them on the Hank’s Job Center page of my Web site. To learn more, click HERE.
CBS: THE EARLY SHOW – I appeared this week on CBS’ national program ‘The Early Show’ for my legislative work to combat discrimination against unemployed Americans in jobs postings and hiring practices.
In March, I introduced The Fair Employment Act of 2011, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect against discrimination on the basis of unemployment status. More recently, my colleague Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and I introduced The Fair Employment Opportunity Act, which would fine employers and employment agencies who discriminate against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. To watch the piece, click HERE.
REMEMBERING BOB JACKSON – I was saddened to hear the sudden death of Meadowcreek High School Principal Bob Jackson this week. I had the pleasure to meet Principal Jackson on several occasions, and I was always struck at how dedicated he was to his school and students. To the Jackson family, the Meadowcreek family and to everyone whose lives were touched by this outstanding and principled educator, my sincerest and most humble condolences. Bob will be deeply missed. To read his obituary, click HERE. To visit his online Guestbook, click HERE.
Hank participates in an Education Roundtable earlier this year with Principal Jackson, Rep. Rob Woodall, Sen. Johnny Isakson and Gwinnett County J. Alvin Wilbanks.
SPEAKING OF SCHOOLS – Congratulations to Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Samuel King, who has a new contract through June 2014. For more, click HERE.
SOUTH RIVER SAVIORS – The South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) is launching its South River 2020 project at its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. The South River 2020 initiative will not only improve water quality within the South River and its tributaries, but improve the recreational value of the waterway and the health of surrounding communities. For more information on the SRWA, call Doug Denton at 404-931-5008.
ROCKDALE HUMANITIES AWARD – I am pleased to announce that Rockdale County has earned a Small Grants to Libraries in the amount of $2,500 for their King James Bible, Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible project. Congratulations Rockdale County!
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY – I was pleased to appear at the White House on July 28, in recognition of World Hepatitis Day, where I spoke about my personal battle with the disease. I know first-hand the pain and suffering it causes not only the patient, but the family as well. I came forward and publically disclosed my illness in the hope my story would provide others suffering from hepatitis with the confidence to speak out and educate the community about this illness. Those suffering from this virus should not be stigmatized or marginalized. You can live productive and normal life – even as you battle this disease. I am one of many, many examples of those who have overcome this virus.
CONSUMER PROTECTION – The Consumer Financial Protection Agency that was created under the Wall Street Reform Act opened for business July 21. The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans—whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. To learn more, click HERE.
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, is launching new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds. For more, click HERE.
ROCKDALE HUMANITIES AWARD – I am pleased to announce that Rockdale County has earned a Small Grants to Libraries in the amount of $2,500 for their King James Bible, Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible project. Congratulations Rockdale County!
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS – It’s now easier for small-business owners to harness the power of direct mail to drive traffic, attract new customers and increase revenue. That’s because the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) introduced Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), a simple, low-cost service that allows local businesses to market to every address in their neighborhoods without the need to rent or purchase mailing lists. For more information, click HERE.
REDAN NATURE PRESERVE – I applaud DeKalb County and the army of dedicated community volunteers led by Calvin Sims Sr. for their work on the Redan Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center on Redan Road. The goal of the center is to conserve a beautiful nine-acre natural environment and rural farm history, educate school children and adults on environmental science, solar energy and wind energy technology. To learn more, click HERE. To get involved, contact Mr. Sims at 770-879-1176.
URBAN FORESTS – Thanks to the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Urban and Community Forest Grant Program, Decatur and Doraville will be receiving grants this year to invest in one of our greatest assets – trees. Trees provide improved air and water quality, positive impacts on human health, increased economic value and energy conservation. For more, click HERE.
FACE TIME ON FACEBOOK – Please stop by my Facebook page to see the photos from Help for Homeowners. Friending me on Facebook is also a great way to keep track of upcoming events and news from D.C. and the District.
As always, I appreciate your time and comments. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
Hank
‘Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the working poor in America did not cause the so-called debt crisis’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and spoke out today as part of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus on the Importance of Protecting Vital Social Services:
“Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the working poor in America did not cause the debt crisis,” said Rep. Johnson.
“The record debt run up by the Bush Administration was a direct result of Republican’s two unfunded wars, failed economic policies and failed oversight of the financial services sector.
“What we need to do is support more grant programs like the Recovery Act’s “Pathways Out of Poverty” funds that put residents in my district back work in green jobs.
“Now is the time Congress needs to be doing all it can to help families get back on their feet, not pull the rug out from under them.
“The Cut, Cap and end Medicare Act that the majority passed will not get America on the road to prosperity.
“Rather than closing corporate loopholes and asking millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil to pay their fair share, the majority wants to cut Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and foster care for abused and neglected children.
“Americans want to work. Let’s focus on getting Americans what they need – jobs!”
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Congressman talks jobs, calls legislation ‘slash-and-burn’ politics
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) made the following statement on the Republicans’ ‘Cut, Cap and Balance Act.’
“Cut, Cap, and end Medicare is not a jobs bill – it’s a job killing bill. It’s a new way of trying to ramrod the Ryan budget proposal down our throats. It’s the Ryan budget with lipstick, and it’s really just slash-and-burn politics with a new face.
Today, the Republicans will vote unanimously for this Draconian slash-and-burn, Ryan-style budget plan. The Republicans have already voted unanimously to change Medicare into a voucher program that puts our seniors at the mercy of the private insurance industry.
We need jobs and economic growth, not Cut, Cap, and end Medicare.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, today presented on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives evidence of war crimes committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Sudan’s South Kordofan state.
Johnson’s remarks were delivered following reporting by Al Jazeera English that evidenced atrocities committed by Sudanese Armed Forces against the Nuba population in South Kordofan. Alleged war crimes include air strikes targeting Nuba civilians and widespread extrajudicial executions of suspected dissidents in South Kordofan. The congressman also presented satellite imagery, analyzed by Harvard University’s Humanitarian Intitative, that may indicate the presence of mass graves outside of Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan.
Video of Congressman Johnson’s speech is available in embeddable format via YouTube (LINK).
The full text of his remarks are below.
“Mr. Speaker: today, thanks to the courageous reporting of two journalists for Al Jazeera’s English network – Callum Macrae and John D. McHugh, who risked death to find the truth -- we have shocking evidence of war crimes committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, against Nuba civilians in Sudan’s South Kordofan province.
Here, in this photo, a five year old victim of an air strike.
Here, a bomb crater in the middle of this Nuba village. 50 feet wide, 15 feet deep.
Here, satellite imagery analyzed by Harvard University’s Humanitarian Initiative reveals evidence of mass graves outside South Kordofan’s capital of Kadugli.
At this moment, Mr. Speaker, as U.N. personnel hide behind their barracks walls, the SAF are hunting men, women and children on foot, in fighter jets, and with bombs rolled out of the back doors of cargo aircraft onto Nuba villages.
Mr. Speaker, where does the United Nations stand as the Nuba are wiped out? Where do we stand?”
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Voting record on Park issues earns NPCA Award
LITHONIA, GA – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) was honored in Washington, D.C., Wednesday with a Friend of the National Parks award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for Johnson’s contribution to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks.
Johnson was honored for his pro-park voting record during the 111th Congress.
“Our national parks represent the triumph of conservation over exploitation,” said Johnson. “They’re not only our best idea, but our true national treasure – a treasure set aside for everyone to enjoy.”
“Congressman Johnson’s support is essential to the protection and preservation of our national parks,” said NPCA President Tom Kiernan.
NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks Award was established in 1999 to track congressional members’ votes on significant park issues.
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 600,000 members and supporters, and many partners work to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical and cultural heritage for generations to come.
The National Parks Conservation Association honors Rep. Johnson with the Friend of the National Parks Award for his votes on national park issues in the 111th Congress. From Left: Craig Obey, NPCA Vice President of Government Affairs; Rep. Johnson; Tom Kiernan, NPCA President.
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“It’s time to turn back the assault on workers and the middle class. These new NLRB guidelines – while relatively moderate – will go a long way in restoring fairness and equity to the fundamental democratic process of forming a union, a process that today is under siege in this country.”
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Introduce legislation to prevent discrimination against unemployed workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Hank Johnson (GA-4) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today introduced the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, which would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment.
In today’s tough economy, more than 6 million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. But companies across the country have begun to require current employment to be considered for available positions, and these discriminatory practices are eliminating employment opportunities.
The Fair Employment Opportunity Act will prevent employers and employment agencies from refusing to consider or offer employment to someone who is unemployed, or including language in any job advertisements or postings that states unemployed individuals are not qualified.
A recent survey, conducted by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), of four of the top job search Web sites, CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com, and CraigsList.com, found more than 150 job advertisements that specified applicants must be currently employed. And the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey shows there are 4.7 unemployed workers for every 1 job opening.
“Discrimination against the unemployed – especially the long-term unemployed – in job ads and hiring practices flies in the face of what we stand for as a nation: Equal opportunity for all,” said Rep. Johnson. “The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 will help us level the playing field and get people back to work.”
Representative Johnson introduced the “Fair Employment Act of 2011” in March, which also seeks to protect job applicants against discrimination on the basis of their unemployment status, and he has been involved with this issue since 2010.
“In a tough job market, where workers are competing against tens and sometimes hundreds of others for every available job opening, it is unjust for employers to discriminate against those who are unemployed. We have seen ample evidence that unemployed individuals are increasingly falling prey to discriminatory practices reducing their opportunities to be considered for a job,” said Congresswoman DeLauro.
“The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers, and ensure that all Americans have the same opportunities for employment."
BACKGROUND
New Bill Would Ban Discrimination Against The Jobless: Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) introduced legislation on Wednesday that would add unemployed people to that list of protected groups.
Source: Huffington Post, March 16, 2011
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Congressman Johnson fights to save federal funding to keep police on streets
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, stood by members of law enforcement organizations today to oppose the proposed elimination of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) 
Office.
The proposed elimination of the COPS Office is included in the FY2012 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which is scheduled to be marked up by the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday.
The COPS Office’s programs include the COPS Hiring Program, which this year made $240 million in federal aid available to help communities keep police officers on the job.
“Now is not the time to turn our backs on our local law enforcement officers,” said Johnson, a longtime supporter of COPS. “At a time when states are struggling to balance their budgets, they need federal support to ensure they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe. COPS is vital to this equation.”
Johnson said COPS grants are critical to keeping our families and communities safe.
Since 1995, the COPS program has invested more than $177 million in Georgia law enforcement agencies, which was used to hire more than 2,400 officers and provide more than $24 million in technology upgrades.
In 2009, DeKalb County was awarded more than $3,000,000 to fund 15 officer positions, and Conyers received more than $400,000 to fund three officers. Last October, Hank presented Chief John King of Doraville with a COPS grant of $385,000 to hire two additional officers.
“This type of funding is critical for our department’s mission,” said Chief King. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to law enforcement officials that while we risk our lives on the streets every day, Hank is providing us the support we need in Washington.”
Photo above: Hank meets with Doraville Police Chief John King in Washington recently.
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Dear Friends,
I hope you had a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend. I know the weather was a little tricky for the fireworks – and some cities like Decatur and Chamblee postponed their shows – but I trust you spent quality time with friends and family, and had a chance to honor our veterans and military personnel for their service to our country.
JOBS, JOBS, JOBS –The most recent jobs report shows more must be done to create jobs and strengthen our middle class. Many of us in Congress are working for a balanced, bipartisan agreement to reduce the deficit, while creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and growing our economy.
To better serve constituents of Georgia's Fourth District, I have created a comprehensive jobs page on my Web site. We’ve revamped the site to make it easier to navigate and highlight the most helpful Web sites that not only have jobs today, but can help job seekers develop the skills needed to land the jobs of tomorrow. In addition to the best sites, we’ll highlight local job fairs and the best job search advice to ensure you have the information you need to help you, a family member or friend get back in the workforce. For more, visit Hank’s Job Center.
NORCROSS JOBS FAIR – The Norcross First United Methodist Church, Norcross Cooperative Ministries and the Georgia Department of Labor - Gwinnett Career Center -are sponsoring the fifth annual Career Fest Job Fair on Thursday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click HERE.
RAISING THE DEBT CEILING – Washington is focused on the ongoing negotiations over how to go raise the federal debt ceiling to ensure that America does not default on its financial obligations.
I believe those who recklessly argue that the solution to our rising public debt lies in a default on our financial obligations are dead wrong. If Congress fails to raise the debt limit, we will face another financial crisis, undermine economic recovery and destroy jobs, and shake the world’s faith in the United States. Congress should pass a clean debt limit extension – the consequences of default would be too high. It is reckless to play politics with something this important.
PROTECTING THE SAFETY NET – There is no doubt that America’s mounting public debt must be addressed. But fiscal responsibility requires fair reductions in spending, forward-thinking investment in economic growth and tax increases on millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil – not simply Draconian cuts to social programs.
To read more of my thoughts on this subject, read my opinion piece in CrossRoadsNews.
STANDING WITH COPS – I stood by members of law enforcement organizations today to oppose the proposed elimination of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. Now is not the time to turn our backs on our local law enforcement officers.
Since 1995, the COPS program has invested more than $177 million in Georgia law enforcement agencies, which was used to hire more than 2,400 officers and provide more than $24 million in technology upgrades.
In 2009, DeKalb County was awarded more than $3,000,000 to fund 15 officer positions, and Conyers received more than $400,000 to fund three officers. Last October, Hank presented Chief John King of Doraville with a COPS grant of $385,000 to hire two additional officers.
Pictured left: Hank meets with Doraville Police Chief John King in Washington recently.
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE UNEMPLOYED – This week, I'm co-sponsoring the “Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011,” which would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment openings.
It fits nicely with a bill I introduced in March, the “Fair Employment Act of 2011,” which also protects against discrimination on the basis of unemployment status. Discrimination against the unemployed – especially the long-term unemployed – in job ads and hiring practices flies in the face of what we stand for as a nation: Equal opportunity for all. Both bills will help us level the playing field and get people back to work. For more, click HERE.
CHINA’S CURRENCY – I proudly signed a petition this week to encourage the immediate consideration of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (H.R. 639). This bipartisan job-creating legislation would pressure countries like China to play by the rules of fair trade – providing our government with effective tools to address unfair currency manipulation. This legislation overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives 348-79 last fall and was reintroduced this year by Rep. Sandy Levin. However, the bill has been sitting in the Committee on Ways and Means for over four months without action. Now is the time to act. For more information, click HERE.
CLEAN CITIES INITATIVE – Alternative-fueled vehicles can reduce our dependence on foreign oil now. Back in 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded a $15 million Recovery Act grant to DeKalb County in partnership with the Clean Cities Atlanta Coalition to construct a Landfill Gas-to-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion facility at a DeKalb County landfill and then begin fueling county vehicles with the alternative fuel. Part of the project will increase the availability of the alternative fuel by adding five CNG refueling stations and increasing capacity at a sixth station in the metro Atlanta region.
To help take the next steps, Clean Cities Atlanta is holding a workshop on July 27 about the fleet conversion to alternative fuels: “Advancing the Choice: Fleets and Alternative Fuels.” For more information on the meeting, click HERE. To join Clean Cities Atlanta’s Facebook page, click HERE.
CLEAN BUSES – Speaking of reducing our dependence on oil and cleaning the environment, congratulations to the Center for Transportation and the Environment based here in the Fourth District on receiving a $2.8 million Department of Transportation grant to move our National Fuel Cell Bus Program forward. For more, click HERE.
COLOMBIA FREE TRADE – In the past two years, more than 65 workers and unionists in Colombia have been murdered by paramilitary forces while trying to protect their right to organize. These same forces have also contributed to the displacement of more than 5 million people, many of whom are Afro-Colombians. Colombia now has the sad distinction of having the largest population of displaced people in the world.
That’s why I sent a letter to President Barack Obama last week opposing U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). We must provide stronger labor and human rights protections for Colombian workers – particularly for the rights of Colombia’s African descendants and its indigenous people. Violence against workers, activists and advocates of human and labor rights must stop. We can’t turn a blind eye to these abuses. It is only right and fitting that we get this right – before the FTA is ratified.
For more, click HERE. To read the letter, click HERE.
WAR CRIMES IN NUBA – In South Kordofan, Sudan, the Nuba people are fleeing their homes in the tens of thousands as the Sudanese Armed Forces conduct a brutal military assault on their homeland. There are widespread reports that Sudanese forces are bombing, shelling, and executing civilians. I spoke out against the violence from the House floor last week. I wrote a blog on “Enough,” a Web site dedicated to ending genocide and crimes against humanity. To read the blog and watch the video, click HERE.
INTERN HONORS – I’m proud to announce that one of our summer interns, Mr. Dereke Clements, has been selected as a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Dereke will be studying at Université Angers in France this fall. He was chosen for one of the over 960 awards out of 2,500 applications. Dereke is fluent in French and a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
FACE TIME ON FACEBOOK – Please stop by my Facebook page to see the photos from Help for Homeowners. Friending me on Facebook is also a great way to keep track of upcoming events and news from D.C. and the District.
As always, I appreciate your time and comments. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
Thanks,
La carta del congresista Johnson a Obama firmada por 24 colegas: "La violencia contra los trabajadores colombianos, activistas y defensores de los derechos humanos y laborales deben parar '
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mientras que en el Comité de la Cámara de Medios y Arbitrios se llevaba a cabo un “mock mark-up” del Acuerdo de Comercio entre Estados Unidos y Colombia (TLC), el congresista Hank Johnson (GA-04) enviaba hoy una carta al presidente Barack Obama afirmando su oposición al TLC e instándolo a proporcionar una mayor protección laboral y de los derechos humanos para los trabajadores colombianos - especialmente para los derechos de los afro descendientes en Colombia.
La carta fue firmada por otros 24 miembros del Congreso, incluyendo el Presidente del Comité Negro del Congreso Emanuel Cleaver.
Para leer la carta, haga clic AQUÍ.
Al referirse al asesinato de más de 65 trabajadores y sindicalistas en Colombia en los últimos dos años y el desplazamiento de más de 5 millones de personas, muchos de los cuales son afro-colombianos, Johnson dijo: "La violencia contra los trabajadores, activistas y defensores de los derechos humanos y laborales debe cesar. Colombia ahora tiene la triste distinción de tener la mayor población de personas desplazadas en el mundo ".
"Los trabajadores Colombianos - especialmente los afro-colombianos e indígenas - se han visto enfrentados durante mucho tiempo a violencia, persecución y falta de oportunidades, perpetuando un ciclo de pobreza. Como el líder moral y económico del mundo, los EE.UU. deben adoptar políticas que rompan este ciclo. Desafortunadamente, el TLC falla en este respecto. Antes de su ratificación, el TLC debe ser reforzado incluyendo planes más concretos para que Bogotá se haga responsable de mejorar los derechos de los trabajadores”.
Mientras que el representante Johnson dijo que apoya los objetivos de la administración para ayudar a crear empleos y mejorar la economía, "no debemos tolerar la desigualdad y la violencia a través de acuerdos comerciales".
"Insistimos en el acuerdo de proporcionar una protección específica para los activistas sindicales afro-colombianos que enfrentan persecución política y muerte, simplemente por formar un sindicato o por luchar por derechos civiles y humanos. No podemos ignorar estos abusos. Es justo y apropiado que hagamos esto bien - antes de que el TLC sea ratificado”.
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Congressman Johnson’s letter to Mr. Obama signed by 24 colleagues: ‘Violence against Colombian workers, activists and advocates of human and labor rights must stop’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the House Ways and Means Committee held a “mock” mark-up of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter today to President Barack Obama stating his opposition to the FTA and urging him to provide stronger labor and human rights protections for Colombian workers – particularly for the rights of Colombia’s African descendants.
The letter was signed by 24 other members of Congress, including Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver.
To read the letter, click HERE.
Referring to the assassination of more than 65 workers and unionists in Colombia the past two years and the displacement of more than 5 million people, many of whom are Afro-Colombians, Johnson said: “Violence against workers, activists and advocates of human and labor rights must stop. Colombia now has the sad distinction of having the largest population of displaced people in the world.”
“Colombia’s workers – especially Afro-Colombians and indigenous populations – have long faced violence, persecution and a lack of opportunity, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. As the moral and economic leader of the world, the U.S. must espouse policies that break this cycle. Unfortunately, the FTA fails on this front. Before ratification, the FTA must be strengthened to contain more concrete plans to hold Bogota accountable for improving workers’ rights.”
While Rep. Johnson said he supports the administration’s goals to help create jobs and improve the economy, “we must not condone inequality or violence through trade agreements.”
“We insist the agreement provide specific protections for Afro-Colombian labor activists facing political persecution and death simply for forming a union or fighting for basic civil and human rights. We can’t turn a blind eye to these abuses. It is only right and fitting that we get this right – before the FTA is ratified.”
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As seen in CrossRoadsNews' July 1, 2011 edition. Read the piece in its entirety
It’s been more than 175 days since the GOP took control of the House, and the only jobs bills to come to the floor this Congress have been Democratic proposals – the GOP voted no on every one of course.
The middle class is hurting, yet the Republicans’ only answer is to end Medicare and continue to give huge tax breaks Big Oil companies and millionaires.
While Democrats continue to promote and pursue the “Make It in America” agenda – which I’m proud to say, contains one of my bills – to create jobs and help our economy recover, the Republicans’ focus is a near myopic charge to gut Medicare.
Read more in CrossRoadsNews.
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