Johnson also announced that he worked with colleagues on the Committee to increase funding for science research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) by $10 million – a more than 50 percent increase.

The Committee “marked up,” or amended and approved, the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Thursday. In an 18-hour marathon session, the committee considered hundreds of amendments to the legislation. Four amendments offered by Johnson passed the Republican-led committee. One of Johnson’s amendments mandated that the Department of Defense develop a “Diversity in Military Leadership Plan.” 

“It’s important that our military leadership reflects America,” said Johnson. “Minorities are underrepresented among officers and senior enlisted personnel. We need more diverse representation in the military’s senior leadership.”

According to a March 2011 report by the Military Leadership Diversity Commission, “the Armed Forces have not yet succeeded in developing a continuing stream of leaders who are as demographically diverse as the nation they serve – racial/ethnic minorities and women are underrepresented among the Armed Forces’ top leadership.”

Rep. Johnson increased Department of Defense science research funding at HBCUs from $18 million to $28 million.

“Some of the most important and sophisticated scientific work in U.S. universities today is taking place at HBCUs,” said Johnson. “We must do all we can to foster and tap into that innovation and expertise, while cultivating a minority workforce that excels at science, technology, engineering, and math.”

The amendment diversifying military leadership was developed by the Diversity Commission as a way to ensure that action is taken to enhance diversity in our nation’s military, and addresses the growing concern of a shrinking pool of eligible service members. 

The amendment will:

 require the Department to develop, implement a plan and measure progress made in achieving a dynamic and sustainable level of members of the armed  forces that have diverse cultural, and language skills, and is reflective of the diverse population here at home
 require the Department to develop standard definition of diversity
 require the Department to report to Congress on its progress in the Manpower Requirements Report

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today questioned the effectiveness of Department of Defense (DOD) spending on “Information Operations” and urged the Pentagon to launch a full investigation into evidence that U.S. journalists investigating an Information Operations contractor were targeted in a disinformation and reputation attack campaign.

In February, two journalists with USA Today, Tom Vanden Brook and Ray Locker, reported that DOD Information Operations (IO) programs – which include psychological operations, public relations, and some aspects of cyber warfare – are poorly overseen, wasteful, and ineffective.

The USA Today report included information regarding leading IO contractor Leonie Industries, whose owners reportedly had little or no experience in military contracting and owed millions in federal taxes but nevertheless received $145 million in DOD contracts between 2009 and 2012.

After launching their investigation, the USA Today journalists who spearheaded the investigation were targeted in a disinformation and reputation attack campaign using fake Twitter and Facebook accounts impersonating the journalists, the unauthorized registration of web domains using the journalists’ name and publication of content purporting to represent their views, and the proliferation of false and damaging content attacking the journalists on multiple web site.

One such attack even alleged that Mr. Vanden Brook might have been an agent of the Taliban.

“We face the disturbing possibility that a federal defense contractor that specializes in information and psychological operations may have targeted American journalists,” said Johnson. “And it may have done so using taxpayer dollars and tactics developed to counter the influence of adversaries such as al Qaeda and the Taliban.”

In remarks during debate of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, Johnson threatened an amendment to cut all $122 million in funding for Information Operations in the Overseas Contingency Operations budget.

Johnson then called upon the Department of Defense to:

 launch an immediate investigation of this matter,
 to refer any evidence of criminal activity to the Attorney General,
 and to consider suspending all contracts with Leonie Industries until such investigation is complete.

“Rest assured, I will follow up with the Department of Defense and possibly the Department of Justice to demand a full investigation of the disturbing evidence before us.”

For a video of Congressman Johnson’s full statement, click HERE.

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“Our country is emerging from the worst recession in generations. Millions of Americans – our neighbors, friends, and constituents – are still out of work.  Millions of those we represent have been out of work for more than 99 weeks.  
 
It is difficult for anyone not in their shoes to fully understand the economic and emotional hardship caused by long term unemployment. 
 
We all agree that we must help these Americans who are too often unemployed due to no fault of their own. That is why I have serious concerns regarding the recent news reports about the blatant discrimination against the unemployed. 
 
According to news reports, employers are posting job advertisements stating: “must be currently employed” or “no unemployed candidates will be considered at all.”
 
This is unacceptable.  A policy where employers discriminate against the unemployed is unfair, unreasonable and simply ignores the effect of the recession on millions of highly-qualified workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.”

Johnson said, “Although this amendment failed, I will continue to speak out about this issue and urge my colleagues to do the right thing to provide protections to the unemployed as they struggle to return to the workforce.”

For video of the floor statement, click HERE.
  
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LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the winners of his 2012 Congressional Arts Competition and awarded four college scholarships worth more than $20,000 on May 5 at the Lou Walker Senior Center.

[2012 Arts Competition in pictures]

Since 2007, Congressman Johnson has awarded more than $200,000 in arts scholarships to Fourth District students.

“I’m proud of all the students who participated in this year’s competition,” said Rep. Johnson. “In my eyes, they are all winners – and every student should be justifiably proud of their art and accomplishments.”

Twenty-two high school students from DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties submitted artwork competing for the four college scholarships.

Nicolaas Turner of Chamblee High School in DeKalb County earned a $6,000 scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design for “I am Trayvon Martin.” Turner will travel to Washington, D.C., next month to see his art displayed in the Capitol tunnel, where it will hang with other award winners for a year.

Justin Housley of Miller Grove High School won a $10,000 scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta with his piece “Random Thoughts”; Amber Green of Miller Grove High School won a $5,000 scholarship to the Art Institute for her art “Stop the Violence”; and Ruth Pannill of Chamblee High School will receive a $2,500 scholarship to the Art Institute for her piece “What Do U See When U See Me?”

The audience was entertained by Isaiah Hill of Stephenson High School, who played two solos on a baby grand piano, and the Tucker Middle School Jazz Orchestra.
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) voted against H.R. 4628, the Republican student loan bill that maintains low federal student loan interest rates by slashing health care funds for breast and cervical cancer screenings.  

“Instead of closing tax loopholes for  Big Oil, Republicans are choosing to take billions of dollars that would be used to improve the health care of low-income and middle-income women and children to reduce student loan rates for low-income and middle-income college students,” said Johnson. “They are robbing Peter to pay Paul.  It is the wrong choice for America.”   

Johnson said he supports a more responsible bill (H.R. 4816) to block the increase in the student loan rate, but unlike the GOP offset that undermines the health of women and children, the offset ends tax breaks for the Big Five oil companies, which are enjoying record profits.      

“I’m committed to preventing interest rates from doubling for more than seven million college students in the coming year,” said Johnson. “But Republicans offer us a false choice – we do not have to dismantle critical health care for women and children to keep college loans affordable. 

“The five largest oil companies took in a record $137 billion in profits last year or almost $104 million per day. The oil industry receives $4 billion in tax breaks per year. They don’t need taxpayer help – it’s time to end their subsidies.”

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The ARA is nationwide organization that advocates social and economic justice. This score is calculated based on the member’s 112th Congress, 1st session voting records – including votes to protect health care reform and Social Security and Medicare – in regards to the following proposed bills:

• Health Care Repeal (N)
• Stop Health Care-Funding (N)
• Homeowners Assistance (Y)
• Protect Social Security and Medicare (Y)
• Medicare Privatization (N)
• Social Security and Medicare Cuts (N)
• Seniors Financial Aid Protection (Y)
• Reduced Middle Class Benefits (N)
• Balanced Budget Amendment (N)
• Eliminate Election Protections (N)
 
This record reflects how committed Rep. Hank Johnson is to Georgia’s retirees. By supporting these issues, Rep. Johnson shows his understanding of the issues his older constituents are dependent on.

The congressional voting record on the aforementioned issues is available at: http://www.retiredamericans.org/system/storage/24/dd/0/1476/FINAL_2011_Alliance_Voting_Record.pdf

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LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) participated as a panelist in the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) National Health Care Reform Tour at the Porter Sanford Center on April 12.

The Tour – “Know Your Rights – Protect Your Health” – which will also travel to Miami, New Orleans, Detroit and New York among other destinations – is an information and education tour that highlights how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) closes the health care disparity gap.

Rep. Johnson joined Anton Gunn, Regional Director for the Department of Health & Human Services Region IV, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, Georgia State Rep. Pam Stephenson, Oakhurst Medical Center CEO Jeffrey Taylor and Georgians for a Healthy Future Executive Director Cindy Zeldin.

“The facts are that the ACA represents the most significant federal effort in more than 50 years to reduce health disparities and improve overall health of underserved communities,” said Johnson. “Whether health care disparities are due to place, race, socio-economic status or other reasons, dramatic health disparities must be eliminated.”

Prior to the panel discussion, NCNW held free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

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LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the 14 Fourth District students who have been nominated to attend a military academy – Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marines.

To date, five students have received appointments to attend a military academy.

“The nomination process is not easy,” Rep. Johnson said. “It's a long road, and I congratulate all our nominees. All of our outstanding nominees are at or near the top of their class in academics, athletics and community service. It’s quite an accomplishment and all our students and their parents should be justly proud.”

Nominees:

Mr. Rayjhan Bethune – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Heritage High School
Ms. Tra’Mese Byrd – U.S. Air Force Academy, Wesleyan High School *
Mr. Michael Eriksen – U.S. Air Force Academy, Westminster School
Mr. Daniel Gartrell – U.S. Naval Academy, Decatur, High School *
Ms. Princess Gibson – U.S. Air Force Academy, Columbia Magnet School
Ms. Christina Lanier – U.S. Naval Academy, Atlanta International School *
Mr. Jason Latimer – U.S. Military Academy, Salem High School
Mr. Cameron Loew – U.S. Military Academy, Berkmar High School
Mr. Thomas Penland – U.S. Military Academy, Chamblee Charter High School *
Mr. Connor Owens – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Arabia Mountain High School
Mr. Sean Purcell – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Tucker High School
Mr. Terrance Smith – U.S. Naval Academy, Marist School
Mr. Westley Williams – U.S. Air Force Academy, Shiloh High School *

* Students who have received appointments to date.
All members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening. Academies usually make appointments by March 31 of each year. Those who attend a Service Academy must serve in the military for a minimum of five years after graduation.

For more information about the nomination process, contact Congressman Johnson’s office at 770-987-2291 or visit Rep. Johnson online at hankjohnson.house.gov/services/academy-nominations.shtml.

Photo above: From left, Congressman Hank Johnson, Service Academy Board Member Sean Simmons, Westley Williams, Tra’Mese Byrd, Christina Lanier, Daniel Gartrell, Thomas Penland, Service Academy Board Member Lt. Col. Rosalind Wallace and Service Academy Board Member Judeena Thibault.
 

► Up to 43,000 children with pre-existing conditions are now protected against insurer denials.

► Nearly 500 small businesses have received tax credits to help maintain or expand health care coverage for their employees.

“As the new benefits of the health care law continue to be implemented, I will continue to fight GOP efforts to repeal this critical law,” said Johnson. “Republican efforts to repeal reform will put the insurance companies back in charge and will lead to higher costs and reduced benefits for millions of Americans across the country.”

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In a letter signed by 14 Judiciary Committee colleagues, Rep. Johnson calls on Attorney General Eric Holder to “review the shooting death of Trayvon Martin as a hate crime as the shooter, George Zimmerman, may have been motivated by racial animus when the crime was committed.”

“In the absence of action by local authorities in Sanford, Florida, the Justice Department needs to step in to uphold the integrity of our justice system and confront this horrific crime,” said Johnson. “It appears that Trayvon was targeted simply because of the color of his skin. It’s chilling to think that a young Black man was gunned down just for walking through a neighborhood while the shooter remains free and uncharged for nearly a month. This is an injustice where Trayvon gets killed for walking while Black yet the shooter gets to walk home a free man. I am outraged as a father to a young Black male, only a few years older than Trayvon, and I will personally work to bring justice for the senseless killing.” 

###
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined colleagues Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Sen. Robert Menendez, other elected officials and leading women’s advocacy groups for a rally on Capitol Hill to mark the 40th Anniversary of Congressional passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The requisite number of states failed to ratify the ERA before the final deadline mandated by Congress of June 30, 1982 expired, so it was not adopted. Rep. Johnson is a cosponsor of Congresswoman Maloney’s new Equal Rights Amendment.

“Achieving personal and professional parity with men remains a challenge for many American women,” said Johnson. “As a cosponsor, I believe this landmark legislation will ensure equal Constitutional protection for all American citizens regardless of gender. Despite years of progress towards true gender equality, the need for the Equal Rights Amendment is greater today than ever before. With the Republican assault on women’s rights in full gear, now is the time for our voices to be heard – speak out, stand up and be counted.”

Above: Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) speaks at a rally on Capitol Hill celebrating the 40th anniversary of Congressional passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

###
 

Johnson was named to the leadership group because of his commitment to improve the protections and conditions of labor and human rights for the people of Colombia.  Johnson led efforts in 2011 to ensure worker and minority rights in Colombia ahead of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Johnson said much work remains.  “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. I’m proud to begin my work with the Labor Rights group to help end violence against workers, activists and advocates of human and labor rights.”

The group works closely with the White House, U.S. and Colombian labor organizations, non-governmental organizations and the Colombian government to ensure that both the U.S. and Colombia continue to make progress on labor rights including the commitments and timelines announced in the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. 

Congressional Monitoring Group on Labor Rights in Colombia: House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi; George Miller (D-CA); Sander M. Levin (D-MI); Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT); Sam Farr (D-CA); James P. McGovern (D-MA); Joseph Crowley (D-NY) Michael H. Michaud (D-MA) and Hank Johnson (D-GA).

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LITHONIA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) looks forward to hosting this year’s 2012 Congressional Arts Competition, an annual event displaying the community’s finest artistic talent.
 
Eligible high school students throughout the district, which include parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties, are encouraged to apply and display their talent in this year’s contest.

Entries must be designed according to the specifications in the competition guidelines, which can be found at Congressman Johnson’s Web site at http://www.hankjohnson.house.gov/services/artistic-discovery.shtml.

Each district will honor its winning artwork by hanging it in the tunnel leading to the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., for a year. The 2012 Congressional Art Competition winner from the Fourth District will also receive transportation for two to Washington, D.C., for the ribbon-cutting event to unveil all the 2012 winners.

In addition to having his/her artwork at the Capitol, winners of the competition will be eligible for college scholarships from the Art Institute of Atlanta ($10,000, $5,000, and $2,500) or the Savannah College of Art and Design ($1,500 per year).

All art entries must be received in the congressman’s district office, located at 5700 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058 between April 26-27, 2012. If you have any questions, please e-mail Eric Hubbard at eric.hubbard@mail.house.gov or Betty Dixon betty.dixon@mail.house.gov in our Lithonia office or call them at 770-987-2291.

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Below you'll find a brief guide in helping you and your family navigate and mitigate the high cost of gas. I hope you find this helpful.

Find Cheap Gas:

AAA fuel finder: http://aaa.opisnet.com/index.aspx

Atlanta Gas Prices.com:  http://www.atlantagasprices.com/

AJC Guide: http://www.ajc.com/ajccars/content/cars/gas-prices.html

MSN Gas Guide: http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStations.aspx?m=1&l=1&zip=30058

Lithonia prices: http://www.atlantagasprices.com/Lithonia/index.aspx

Stone Mountain-Redan Patch cheapest gas: http://stonemountain.patch.com/articles/cheapest-gas-prices-in-stone-mountain-7aeddc49

Rockdale News Gas page: http://www.rockdalenews.com/gas/

Gas Saving Tips:

Department of Energy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml

Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt064.shtm

Office of Energy Efficiency, Canadian government: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal-vehicles-initiative.cfm

Drive Smarter: http://drivesmarterchallenge.org/money-saving-tips

Saving Gas: http://www.howtoadvice.com/SavingGas

10 Ways to Save Gas (and Money)!: http://shine.yahoo.com/financially-fit/10-ways-save-gas-money-205400099.html

GasBuddy and other phone apps map the cheapest gas

MARTA:

Maps: http://itsmarta.com/system-map.aspx

Bus Schedules and Routes: http://itsmarta.com/bus-schedules.aspx

Rail Schedules and Stations:  http://itsmarta.com/rail-schedules-or-route.aspx 

Routes and Scheduling Information hotline and e-mail: (404) 848-5000, Email: schedinfo@itsmarta.com. Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 am until 7:00 pm Sat, Sun. Holidays: 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Traffic Assistance:
Use Georgia 511 to receive free traffic and travel information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides state route and interstate information, plus estimated Atlanta travel times. Speak to live operators to report incidents or request assistance.
 

“It’s important we hold trading partners accountable, particularly when manipulative practices create strategic vulnerabilities for the United States. China’s rare earth monopoly threatens our national security, jobs, and energy independence.” 

Johnson introduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, which directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a three-year, comprehensive global mineral assessment of rare earth elements (REEs).

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The House and companion Senate bill also prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention for individuals detained in the United States and affirms that any trial proceedings “shall have all the due process as provided for under the Constitution.” The original sponsors of the legislation are House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

Johnson, an original co-sponsor of “The Due Process” bill, led House efforts to remove dangerous detainee provisions from the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act in Dec. 2011.

“I applaud Rep. Smith and Sen. Udall for this initiative. Members of Congress who value liberty should reject mandatory military detention and defend the Constitution, no matter their political party.” said Johnson. “Civilian courts have a proven record of prosecuting terrorism suspects arrested in the United States.”

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Rep. Johnson received the Humane Advocate award for earning a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard.

“Representative Johnson has been there for us on a wide range of critical humane issues,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We so appreciate having his steadfast support for animal protection.”

Johnson received his award at a reception in the Capitol.

“How we treat animals as a society speaks to how we treat fellow human beings and all life on planet earth,” said Johnson. “Animals are no less capable of feeling pain and suffering than people. We must make every effort to protect their welfare as well.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today called for Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull to resign.

In a letter to Judge Cebull, Congressman Johnson said: “you flagrantly violated the Judicial Code of Conduct, and I am urging you to resign from your position on the federal District Court for Montana effective immediately."

[To read the letter, click HERE]

On Feb. 20, 2012, Cebull distributed to his friends and associates an e-mail that likened biracial relationships to bestiality and joked that President Obama’s mother had sex with a dog. Further, he forwarded the disturbing e-mail from his court-issued account at taxpayers’ expense.

As a former magistrate judge and trial lawyer, and now as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Johnson has a Constitutional responsibility to oversee the administration of the Courts and protect the integrity of the judiciary.

“Your actions not only impugn your own impartiality, but undermine the integrity of the entire federal judicial system. There is no place for a federal judge who promotes racist and divisive language.  It is an affront to the district judges of Montana, and to every other member of the judiciary throughout America when a chief federal district court judge cheapens the office by distributing racially offensive statements,” said Johnson.

“The public can no longer be assured that your judgment is not biased by racist sentiments. Therefore, you should resign from your office immediately.”

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“I am very sad to learn of Congressman Payne’s passing. Donald was an unwavering champion of working people here and around the globe. He spoke for the disenfranchised and the powerless and gave us – especially in the Congressional Black Caucus – mentorship, leadership and direction.  

As a former teacher, he worked tirelessly for educational opportunity and stood up when human or workers’ rights were threatened. I'll never forget his mentorship during my work on Uganda in 2007, when I called on the government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to peace negotiations. 

That was just Donald – always willing to lend a hand with the heart of a lion. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald’s family.” 

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“During Women’s History Month, let’s take the time to reflect on our past struggle for equality, take pride in our progress but be mindful of the distance we have yet to travel to fulfill our potential,” said Johnson.

“Women have always been central to my life – my sister, mother, wife and daughter – my colleagues in the county commission and in Congress – who have helped make me a better person and my world a better place.

I encourage all Americans to reflect on how women have shaped history and continue to move our country forward.  Let’s celebrate women and their contributions to education, government, and medicine. Women make the world go ‘round. Women have contributed some of the most useful inventions in our society – the windshield wiper, electric hot water heater, and the medical syringe. 

This year, as the subject of women’s health makes headlines we must battle any attempts to undermine women’s rights and take them back to a time when they had no control of their bodies and their health. We must listen to America’s women, who want the power to control their own bodies and their own future for their families.”

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Today, the White House announced the beginning of the ticket lottery and sale of souvenir Easter eggs for the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll. This year’s White House Easter Egg Roll is focused on promoting health and wellness with the theme, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!” All of the activities will encourage children to lead healthy and active lives, the focus of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, a national campaign to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.

The ticket lottery will open today Thursday, March 1st at 10:00 AM EST and will close on Monday, March 5th at 10:00 AM EST. To enter the lottery, please go to www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll.  Tickets are free of charge and cannot be sold. 

All lottery participants will be notified via email of the results on Monday, March 12th.

This year’s souvenir eggs come in four bold colors – purple, blue, green, orange – and include the stamped signatures of the President and First Lady. A commemorative red “Bo” egg featuring the First Dog’s paw print is included only in the 2012 5-pack Collector’s Egg Set.  Celebrating this year’s Bo egg, the First Dog himself stars in a special video for the White House Easter Egg Roll which can be viewed HERE.

To place your commemorative egg order, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll, and follow the link to the online Easter egg store.

The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, produces and sells the White House Easter Egg. An egg is given as a souvenir to all children 13 years and younger who attend the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, part of the National Park System.

The White House also invites all elementary and middle school students to submit poster designs for the 2012 Easter Egg Roll; designs should reflect this year’s theme, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!” The First Lady will select the winning design, which will be used as part of the White House 2012 Easter Egg Roll program.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 at 11:59p.m. EST. Submissions should reflect this year’s theme, “Let's Go, Let's Play, Let's Move!”, and may not exceed 2 megabytes (high-quality scans measuring either 8.5”x11” at 600 dpi or 20x16” at 300 dpi must be available upon request). Please note: submissions may be made public during the selection process. For submitting artwork, full details on souvenir eggs, and the event itself, visit www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll.
 

As a result of state cuts, local governments face dwindling law enforcement budgets and police department resources are being stretched thin in order to make up the difference. 

“During another difficult budget year at home, I want to ensure public safety officials in the district have the resources they need to protect citizens,” said Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I'm proud to stand with law enforcement officers who are on the front lines keeping our community safe.”

While DeKalb County has not yet cut officer positions during difficult budget tightening, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis welcomed Congressman Johnson’s efforts to provide new federal funding to assist local law enforcement going forward.

“As a former county commissioner, Congressman Johnson knows all too well the importance funding local public safety,” said Ellis. “Protecting our citizens is the top priority of local governments, but it costs money. I look forward to supporting Congressman Johnson in his efforts to secure funding to keep our communities safe.” 

DeKalb District Attorney Robert James welcomed the possibility of additional grants.
“Congressman Johnson understands how crucial it is to take care of increased public safety needs,” said James. “The Shield Our Streets Act will be an essential means of getting more resources to fund crime-prevention programs and needed technology enhancements.”     

Ranking member Conyers urged the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the legislation.

“Police officers are on the front lines in the fight against crime, and we need to do even more to ensure local law enforcement agencies are sufficiently staffed with officers and sheriffs,” he said. “Local governments also need the funding and flexibility to pay for crime fighting equipment and programs which they identify as priority needs.”  

The Shield Police Hiring and Public Safety Enhancement Grants: 

► The Shield Police Hiring Grants would establish an Attorney General grant program that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies that operate in Elevated Need Localities, which is defined as a county (or unit of local government) which (1) has a crime rate above the national average, and (2) has had budget reductions during the most recent 5-year period.   Grants would last for three years and may be extended by two years at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.

► The Shield Public Safety Enhancement Grants to provide grants to purchase public safety equipment, fund public safety programs, make infrastructure improvements for the purpose of enhancing public safety, purchase and install street lights to deter crime, fund activities related to crime labs, and fund public defender programs.  Non-profit organizations operating in Elevated Need Localities may also apply for grants under this program to fund initiatives designed to reduce crime in these jurisdictions. Grants would be for one year but may be extended at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), co-chair of the U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus, today asked Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for an update regarding a months-late Department of Defense report assessing the U.S. military’s dependence on rare earth elements and risks associated with the rare earth element supply chain. Currently, China accounts for 97% of global rare earth element production.
 

During a Wednesday hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee at which Secretary Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey testified, Johnson requested a specific timeframe for delivery of the report, which Section 843 of the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization required be provided to Congress in June 2011. 

Secretary Panetta responded that he expects the report to be delivered to Congress “within a couple of weeks.”

 | LINK: Video of the exchange between Congressman Johnson and Secretary Panetta |

Johnson followed up Wednesday afternoon with a letter to Secretary Gates.  The letter (link to .pdf) states, “I appreciate this good news and look forward to receiving the report according to that timetable.”

Co-chaired by Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), the U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus is comprised of Members of the U.S. House committed to securing U.S. supply of rare earth elements.  Critical to clean energy and defense manufacturing, rare earth elements are strategic minerals used to produce technologies such as wind turbines, advanced batteries, powerful magnets, and military radar systems.  Currently, China accounts for 97 percent of global rare earth element production and recently has restricted exports.

In 2011, Rep. Johnson introduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rep. Edward Markey (MA-07), which directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a three-year global mineral assessment of rare earth elements.  One of 25 bills included in House Democrats’ “Make it in America” agenda, most of the RARE Act was included in the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 (H.R. 2011), which passed the Republican-controlled House Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support in 2011.

The staff contact for rare earth policy in Congressman Johnson’s office is Jonathan Ossoff (jonathan.ossoff@mail.house.gov), Senior Legislative Assistant.

Current members of the Rare Earth Caucus include: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-06), Rep. Paul A. Gosar (AZ-1), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA-03), Rep. Steve King (IA-05), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-2), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis (WY-at large), Rep. Tom Latham (IW-04), and Rep. Don Young (AK-at large).

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“The new defense strategy and related provisions of the President’s Budget reflect this Administration’s hard work and forward thinking. The hysterical response to proposed changes from some in Congress is totally unfounded. There is no way a 1% reduction of the Pentagon’s base budget from 2012 to 2013 could mean the difference between the world’s greatest military and a hollow force.

“I believe there is room for further savings in the Department’s budget, though I strongly oppose across-the-board cuts by sequestration.”

###

The bill is part of President Obama’s Startup America Agenda and is supported by all three major chambers of commerce in Johnson’s district – the DeKalb, Conyers-Rockdale and Gwinnett chambers.

Johnson’s bill would permanently double the first-year startup expenses deduction from $5,000 to $10,000. It will also increase the ceiling at which deductions begin to phase out from $50,000 to $60,000.

“Creating jobs and supporting American entrepreneurs should be our No. 1 priority in Congress,” said Johnson. “We must put party bickering aside and make it easier for Americans to start small businesses.”

In his letter of support, President of DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leonardo McClarty said the bill “encourages small business growth” and would mean “more job opportunities for a robust and talented labor pool” would help “small businesses stay competitive with larger companies” and bring “increased cash flow in our local economy.”

“DeKalb County and all metro Atlanta citizens need this (bill) now more than ever,” said McClarty.

Congressmen John Lewis (GA-05), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Jim McDermott (WA-07) are co-sponsors of the bill. Among the organizations supporting the bill are The National Federation of Independent Business, The National Association for the Self-Employed and The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and The Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce.

###

“I’m proud to support the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge or STOCK Act, which prohibits members of Congress, their staff, executive branch employees, and any other person from trading stocks based on information not available to the public. Although I have a few reservations about House Republican attempts to water down the bill, I trust the final bill will be improved and strengthened when it comes out of the conference committee.”

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that he earned a 94 percent voting record on The League of Conservations Voters (LCV) 2011 National Environmental Scorecard. The 2011 Scorecard works to turn environmental values into national priorities.

Johnson's 95 percent lifetime score is the highest among the 15 members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.

“Protection of our imperiled planet is a central challenge of our time,” said Johnson. “I’m very proud of my record.”

Last summer, Rep. Johnson, his Congressional Progressive Caucus colleagues and the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC) held a mini-filibuster on the House floor to fight against the interior appropriations bill (H.R. 2584, FY 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act) because it made draconian cuts to environmental programs and changed long standing policy for the betterment of polluters.

Johnson called the bill “nothing more than an attempt to remove 40 years of federal laws that protect our seas, air, land, and wildlife.” 

LCV agrees with Rep. Johnson, saying the 2011 Scorecard reflects the most anti-environmental session of the U.S. House of Representatives in history, featuring unparalleled assaults on our nation’s bedrock environmental and public health safeguards.
 
“In 2011, the House Republican leadership unleashed a truly breathtaking and unprecedented assault on the environment and public health, the breadth and depth of which have made the current U.S. House of Representatives the most anti-environmental in our nation’s history,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski.

“LCV is grateful to the Obama administration, allies in the Senate and House, and the millions of people across the country who helped to ensure that the House leadership did not succeed in gutting our nation’s cornerstone environmental and public health protections in 2011.”
 
For over 40 years, the National Environmental Scorecard issued by LCV has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues.
 
The full 2011 National Environmental Scorecard can be found at www.lcv.org/scorecard

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced he will serve as co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus with U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06).

The Rare Earth Caucus is comprised of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives committed to securing U.S. supply of rare earth elements.  Critical to clean energy and defense manufacturing, rare earth elements are strategic minerals used to produce technologies such as wind turbines, advanced batteries, powerful magnets, and military radar systems.

Currently, China accounts for 97 percent of global rare earth element production and in recent years has restricted rare earth element exports.  The Chinese monopoly is a strategic vulnerability for the United States that could undermine national security and competitiveness in the defense and clean energy sectors.

• READ: National Geographic reports, “China’s rare-earth minerals monopoly gives it key clean energy supply role” - http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101001-energy-rare-earth-metals/

In 2011, Rep. Johnson introduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rep. Edward Markey (MA-07), which directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a three-year global mineral assessment of rare earth elements.

One of 25 bills included in House Democrats’ “Make it in America” agenda, most of the RARE Act was included in the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 (H.R. 2011), which passed the Republican-controlled House Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support in 2011.

• READ:  L.A. Times coverage of Rep. Johnson’s “RARE Act” - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/03/rare-earth-elements.html

“A strong rare earth policy will reduce our dependence on supply from China and support American jobs,” said Johnson. “I look forward to building bipartisan support with Congressman Coffman to secure U.S. supply and promote domestic production of rare earth elements.”

Johnson, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said he plans to use the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act to advance U.S. rare earth policy.  “We’ve got to move aggressively on rare earths, and the defense bill is a great vehicle for it,” said Johnson.

Current member of the Rare Earth Caucus include: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-06), Rep. Paul A. Gosar (AZ-1), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA-03), Rep. Steve King (IA-05), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-2), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis (WY-at large), Rep. Tom Latham (IW-04), and Rep. Don Young (AK-at large).

The staff contact for rare earth policy in Congressman Johnson’s office is Jonathan Ossoff (mailto:jonathan.ossoff@mail.house.gov), senior legislative assistant.

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“Black History Month is a chance for everyone to study and learn about the role African-Americans played in our history and contemplate their contributions to our future. Black history is American history – you can’t have one without the other.

I celebrate the past accomplishments of iconic historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, W.E.B. DuBois, Shirley Chisholm and Thurgood Marshall.

But I also respect – beyond measure – people like my colleagues Rep. John Lewis, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Charles Rangel and Rep. Barbara Lee who are even now, along with President Obama, working to deliver on the promise of civil rights, equality, and justice so that everyone has an equal and fair shot at success and the American Dream. “

###

“Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day. I’m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.”

Johnson, whose Washington, D.C. and District offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for stellar constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first.

Johnson’s office has helped more than 4,000 constituents who have reached out for help receive $5,165,351.66 since 2007. The following are some success stories:

Veterans Affairs: An elderly veteran’s widow, who was on the verge of being homeless, contacted Congressman Johnson’s office for help. “I did not have the rent money and anyone to help me.” After three months of Johnson’s office working the case with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the constituent received a $12,762 lump sum and $1,056 a month as income. “You have given me a bill-free life.”

Social Security: Recently, Congressman Johnson was able to assist a constituent from Decatur in dire need, who asked for help obtaining Social Security benefits. After an inquiry was sent, Social Security Administration found in favor of the woman and awarded her $46,000 in retroactive benefits.

Internal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an issue for a constituent from Conyers who had 15 years of tax returns that needed an adjustment. Her case was held over a year. She finally received $10,342.

Housing: Since 2009, Johnson’s office has helped nearly 1,000 residents deal with pending foreclosures of their homes.

Example of helping save a home: Ten days after their home was foreclosed, a Stone Mountain couple called for help. Although they had a temporary loan modification and made regular payments, the bank foreclosed on them without notice. Congressman Johnson wrote the bank FlagStar, requesting a reversal of the foreclosure. Within two weeks, FlagStar rescinded the foreclosure, reinstated the loan, added the past due amount to the back of the loan and reduced the interest rate to 4.5% on a permanent, fixed rate basis. 

Online Office: Johnson’s offices in Lithonia with satellite offices in Conyers and Northlake Mall in Tucker stand ready to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson’s constituent service section of his Web site. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/assistance-with-federal-agencies.shtml]

Since 2007, Johnson and his staff have held dozens of town halls, handled tens of thousands of pieces of constituent correspondence and engaged in countless meetings with area residents to hear concerns and correct problems Georgia residents had with the federal government. Through this outreach campaign, Johnson secured more than $5 million the government owed seniors, veterans, families and small business owners.

Johnson’s 4th Congressional District encompasses more than 275 square miles and more than 700,000 residents over three counties – DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett. Congressman Johnson has worked to offer easy ways for constituents to stay engaged and keep in contact:

► Town Halls: Since taking office in 2007, Johnson has held hundreds of meetings and participated in a host of community events to hear directly from constituents. In August 2009, Johnson held a town hall on health care reform that was a model for the nation. More than 3,000 people attended. In 2009-10, Johnson held three jobs fairs in the span of 13 months that served more than 2,000 constituents, with some receiving job offers on the spot. In August 2011, Johnson co-hosted a jobs fair with Congressman John Lewis. More than 5,000 people attended. Johnson has held five “telephone town halls” with more than 100,000 residents since 2009.

► Partnership Alliance Learning Series (PALS): Congressman Johnson launched a unique program called PALS that engages nonprofits and small businesses on the importance of leveraging missions to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources.

► Academy Nominations: Each year Congressman Johnson has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/academy-nominations.shtml]

► Arts Competition: Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 4th District. The over-all winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/artistic-discovery.shtml]

► Mobile Office Hours: Johnson holds open office hours at Conyers City Hall on Scott Street and Northlake Mall in Tucker twice a month for constituents who may not have time to travel to his Lithonia office.

► Web site: Johnson’s Web site [http://hankjohnson.house.gov] is a one-stop shop for news updates, e-newsletters, speeches, legislation, constituent services, videos, photos and place where constituents can e-mail their representative directly. Johnson corresponded with more than 38,851 constituents through e-mail and letters in 2010 and more than 24,349 constituents in 2011.

► E-Newsletter: Congressman Johnson sends regular updates to more than 12,000 constituents from his office for subscribers of his e-newsletter. For those interested in signing up for these updates, visit [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/enews.shtml].

► Social Media: Congressman Johnson can also be reached through Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congressman-Hank-Johnson/115356957005] and Twitter [http://twitter.com/RepHankJohnson].

► Offices: For face-to-face meetings and help with federal agencies, Congressman Johnson and his staff are available at three offices in Georgia (Lithonia, Conyers and Tucker) and in Washington, D.C., Longworth Building 1427. In Georgia, call 770-987-2291 and in Washington, call 202-225-1605. Please call ahead or for an appointment or request a meeting online at [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/meeting-request.shtml].

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The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act restored basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers, ensuring any woman facing unfair treatment would have their day in court.  With women making up nearly half of the labor force and mothers increasingly serving as the primary or co-breadwinners for American families, the wage gap hurts families, businesses, and communities. 

Today, with women still earning an average of just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns, more must be done to level the playing field for all workers, said Johnson.

“The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act strengthened America’s families – because equal pay is not simply a women’s issue; it’s a family issue,” Johnson said.  “For our nation’s women, our work is far from complete. We must act now to build on Lilly Ledbetter, fight discrimination wherever it exists, and put an end to this basic injustice in our economy and society.”

Democrats are committed to taking further steps to eliminate the wage gap and expand equality for women. To meet these goals, President Obama established the Equal Pay Task Force, which is working to ensure that existing equal pay laws are vigorously enforced across the country. It is now time for the 112th Congress to enact the Paycheck Fairness Act to give new teeth to the Equal Pay Act and provide women additional tools to fight pay discrimination.  America’s women can’t wait.

“This law is not just about gender discrimination – it’s about fairness for all American workers and families,” said Johnson.
 
 

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“In my five years in Congress, I’ve never seen such an outpouring of genuine goodwill as I witnessed last night on the House floor for Gabby Giffords in her appearance at the State of the Union speech. I’ll never forget huddling with her against the bitter cold on that historic Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.  Her strength and message of civility are an inspiration to the world. 

“Gabby will be greatly missed. I wish her, and her husband Mark, all the best as they open a new chapter in their lives. I hope and trust that one day she will return to the public service she loves so much.”

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“I agree with the President – this is a make or break moment for the middle class and for those trying to reach it. We can go back to an economy that favors the few built on outsourcing, bad debts and phony profits or can we build an economy in President Obama’s vision – an economy built by American workers, powered by American energy and reflecting American values.

“It is remarkable what President Obama has achieved in his first three years. He inherited an economy in freefall. Unemployment has fallen from 10% during the President’s first year in office to 8.5% today. Consumer confidence has more than doubled since the President took office and more than 3.2 million private sector jobs have been created in the last 22 months.

“We’re making progress, we’re building momentum, and we know what we have to do to rebuild a sustainable American economy with a thriving middle class and opportunity for all.”

###

“An activist Supreme Court, misusing its authority by legislating policy from the bench, ignored decades of legal precedent when it ruled in 2010 that corporations have the same constitutional right of free speech as people.

In doing so, the Court opened the floodgates for unlimited, unregulated and undisclosed secret corporate spending to influence the outcome of elections – local, state and federal – throughout America. Citizens United also enabled the use of foreign corporate money for the same purpose. The effect of this devastating decision has been to enable corporate money to dictate public policy so that it favors wealthy business interests, and millionaires and billionaires, over the interests of working people.

I fully support legislative efforts to return control of the political process back to the people. That is why I cosponsored H.J. Res 90, the OCCUPIED Amendment: Outlawing Corporate Campaign Cash Undermining the Public Interest in our Elections and Democracy, which would overturn Citizens United, return campaign finance regulation to the government and outlaw corporation campaign spending.

Powerful special interests and their lobbyists should not be able to drown out the voices of the American people and sell our Democracy to the highest bidder.”

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On the first anniversary of the passage by House Republicans of the Health Reform Repeal Act, Rep. Johnson said:   “If Republicans had been successful in taking away benefits that Americans enjoy today, 2.5 million young adults would have lost their health coverage; 17 million children would have lost their protections; 24 million seniors would have lost their free preventative care; and 2.7 million seniors would pay more for their drug costs.”   

Added Rep. Johnson: “As health care reform continues to be implemented, it is expanding coverage and lowering costs for millions of American households. I will continue to fight against GOP efforts to repeal patients’ rights that would put the insurance companies back in charge.”

Benefits already enjoyed by Americans include:

► Coverage for 2.5 million young adults. Under reform, already 2.5 million young adults have been able to stay on their parents’ health plan until their 26th birthday, instead of being uninsured.
► Lower drug costs for 2.7 million seniors.  Under reform, 2.7 million seniors have already received a 50 percent discount for their brand-name Rx drugs while in the ‘donut hole,’ with an average savings of $569 per senior per year.
► Lower health care costs for more than 24 million seniors.  Under reform, more than 24 million seniors have already received one or more free preventive services under Medicare, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or a free annual Wellness Visit.
► Guaranteed protection for up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions.  Under reform, insurance companies are now prohibited from discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions.

Benefits of the Affordable Care Act in the Fourth District:

► Provides coverage for 153,000 uninsured residents.
► Provides health care credits to up to 166,000 households.
► Reduces costs of uncompensated care by $98 million.
► Improves employer-based coverage for more than 350,000 residents.
► Improves Medicare for 65,000 residents/Closes the donut hole.
► Allows more than 15,000 small businesses to obtain affordable care.

The health reform law put Americans and their families in charge of their health care.  By contrast, the GOP repeal bill would put insurance companies back in charge – repealing key new consumer protections for Americans and their families.  For example, a successful GOP repeal effort would mean:

► Allowing insurers to once again arbitrarily drop individuals from coverage simply because they get sick;
► Allowing insurers to once again place a lifetime limit on coverage – a limit that, in the past, has forced families into bankruptcy when a serious illness has struck; and
► Allowing insurers to once again impose low annual limits on coverage, increasing costs for families.

The GOP repeal effort would also repeal key provisions that hold insurance companies accountable and achieve savings for consumers. For example, a successful GOP effort means:

► Repealing holding insurance companies accountable by eliminating the requirement that insurers spend at least 80 percent of premiums covering medical services – rather than CEO pay, profits, and administrative costs, and eliminating the requirement that insurers that fail to meet the 80 percent test must provide a rebate to their customers, beginning this year; and
► Repealing holding insurance companies accountable by eliminating the requirement that insurers must publish on the internet justifications for any premium increases they are seeking that are more than 10 percent, with outside experts publicly evaluating whether these increases are justified.

“As health reform continues to be implemented, it is already benefiting millions of Americans in important ways,” Rep. Johnson stated.

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“Republicans in Congress have no one but to blame themselves for the denial of the Keystone Pipeline application because of the arbitrary and artificial deadlines they imposed on the process. The Keystone Pipeline was never about jobs and energy independence – it was about taking the dirtiest oil on earth through a pipeline to the Gulf Coast and shipping that oil abroad. I’m glad President Obama stood up for the American people, the environment, clean air and for the health and well being of the people and wildlife living near the pipeline.”

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 LITHONIA – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) honored the memory and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by attending services for the civil rights icon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale Branch of the NAACP Breakfast and the NAACP MLK parade and rally in Stone Mountain, Ga., where he served as Grand Marshal.

“Martin Luther King Jr. offered us a message of peace, and inspired us to respect our neighbors not as members of a given race, but as fellow human beings," said Johnson. “His mission was to ‘end the long night of racial injustice’ – his dream a vision of common purpose and common humanity.”

“This year, in Washington, we finally unveiled the magnificent Martin Luther King National Memorial. In doing so, Dr. King has now taken his rightful place in the pantheon of heroes honored on our National Mall, standing between the memorials to Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. ”

Johnson started the day in Rockdale County, attended the morning ecumenical services at Ebenezer Church downtown and later traveled to Stone Mountain to be Grand Marshal of the parade and rally.

“Dr. King died fighting for workers’ rights,” said Johnson. “He taught us how to live and die, to speak up, speak out and find a way to get in the way of injustice.”

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With the Oct. 16, 2011, dedication of the MLK Memorial on our National Mall in Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. takes his rightful place in the pantheon of American heroes.  The King Memorial, which stands between the Jefferson and Lincoln monuments, now occupies the same hallowed ground as those esteemed Presidents.  It is the first and only monument on The Mall not created for a president or recognizing a war.  It is a blessing that the champion of peace stands forever in our collective national memory.

As we gather Monday to honor the work of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, we pause to reflect on the struggle against prejudice, hatred and intolerance. May we not forget that Dr. King not only labored in the vineyard to ensure that people of different races were treated fairly -- he also toiled to ensure that the poor were respected and that workers of every creed and background were treated justly.

While we have made great progress, we know there is “A Mission Still to Fulfill.” Once again, we rededicate ourselves to keeping the dream alive and fostering peace and equality.

It is my distinct honor and I am humbled to serve on Monday as the Grand Marshal of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade in Stone Mountain. The parade has become a remarkable tradition in that small village made famous in the “I Have a Dream Speech.”  As we go forth today, and because of  Dr. King’s work and legacy, we can joyfully  say, “Let Freedom Ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia” and throughout our nation and the world!

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Georgia will receive an estimated $60 million this year – $27 million of which was released late last month.

Rep. Johnson wrote a letter Dec. 2 to House leadership urging more funding for LIHEAP after funds were exhausted in Nov. 2011 due to increased demand by seniors and disabled residents.

“This funding is crucial for low-income families who are still struggling to makes ends meet,” said Johnson. “I understand the importance of helping folks during the cold winter months.”

LIHEAP assists low-income households, including families with children and seniors, with their home-energy needs such as heating in the winter, cooling their homes in the summer, and insulating their homes to make them more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs.

Rep. Johnson warned that as more cuts are made to the social safety net, programs like LIHEAP will see even more cuts in the future.

According to the National Energy Assistance Director’s Association, Georgia is getting 70 percent of what it got in FY011 for LIHEAP.

“In the current budget-cutting climate in Congress, it looks like programs such are LIHEAP are going to continue to experience extreme budgetary pressures,” said Johnson.

To read Johnson’s letter, click HERE.

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“I’m proud to join President Obama and Secretary Shinseki in announcing this victory for veterans in metro Atlanta,” said Johnson.

The customized vehicles – which are equipped with confidential counseling space and a state of the art communication package – travel to communities to extend VA’s reach to veterans, service members and their families.
 
Atlanta’s Mobile Vet Center will provide services throughout metro Atlanta, including DeKalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett counties. 

Since 2007, Rep. Johnson’s office has held two Veterans Expos and secured more than $3 million in benefits for veterans in his district. Johnson said he plans to have the Mobile Vet Center at his next Vet Expo in 2012.

For more information, go to www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Rep. Hank Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees.

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“Today I’m pleased to confirm that the U.S. military mission in Iraq has ended. After 8 years of war, our forces are coming home with honor.

I honor and thank our men and women in uniform, who fought with characteristic courage and professionalism. They and their families, who have carried such a heavy burden, will be reunited for the holidays. More than 1.5 million have served in Iraq, 32,226 have been wounded, and 4,487 have died. These sacrifices will never be forgotten, and today – above all else – my thoughts are with the families whose loved ones won’t be coming home and those family members called upon to care for the wounded.

I commend our Commander-in-Chief for making good on his commitment to lead a responsible end to our mission in Iraq.”

Rep. Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees.

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“We have sworn to uphold our Constitution of the United States of America – regardless of which committee [we] serve on. Yet we are about to give our seal of approval to a bill that gives the military the authority to hold American citizens captured abroad on suspicion of terrorism and to hold them indefinitely without trial.  This is a codification of an unfortunate Supreme Court ruling … and it gives that ruling statutory legitimacy.

“Mr. Speaker, we must reject indefinite detention of Americans and defend the Constitution. … No matter how you spin it, it’s wrong. It’s unjust, it’s Orwellian, and it’s not who we are.

“The bill also makes the military, not civilian law enforcement authorities, responsible for custody and prosecution in the military courts of foreign terrorist suspects apprehended within the United States.  This provision disrespects and demoralizes our law enforcement officers and prosecutors who are responsible for protecting our national security using the United States criminal justice system and process which has been effectively used repeatedly to investigate, arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate individuals who are convicted of terrorism.  Imagine you’re an FBI agent or federal prosecutor with a tremendous record finding, arresting, convicting, and locking up terrorists. Now you are told to step aside so that the military can do your job for you.

“The military is a machine of war. Not a law enforcement agency. That’s why the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the FBI, the Director of the CIA, the head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, and the Secretary of Defense himself oppose this provision. …  Terrorism is a crime and our law enforcement authorities – our prosecutors, our judges – are more than up to the task.  This bill ties the hands of law enforcement, militarizes counterterrorism on our own soil, and makes us less safe.

“Mr. Speaker, our constituents sent us here to provide for the common defense, yes. But they also sent us here to safeguard their liberty. So I ask my colleagues to think long and hard about this vote. And I ask the staff watching this on C-SPAN to think long and hard before making their recommendations.  Reject indefinite intention, empower civilian law enforcement and defend the constitution. I yield back.”

Video of Johnson’s speech is available HERE.

Rep. Johnson serves on the House Armed Services and House Judiciary Committees.

 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Nineteen members of the U.S. Congress today wrote U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging that the United States insist on a full investigation of credible reports that senior Sierra Leonean officials offered permission to conduct illegal and destructive logging operations in exchange for bribes. 

In their letter (which is attached to this press release), U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights Ranking Member Donald Payne, and 17 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives asked that Secretary Clinton push the Government of Sierra Leone to launch a full and transparent investigation.  They also requested that the Department of State report to Congress with information regarding the progress of the Sierra Leonean investigation.

A recent report aired by Al Jazeera English, "Africa Investigates - Sierra Leone: Timber!," showed footage of individuals claiming to act on behalf of Sierra Leonean Vice President Samuel Sam-Sumana soliciting bribes in exchange for permission to conduct illegal and destructive logging operations, although permitted logging was suspended.

The Government of Sierra Leone initially said it would launch an inquiry through its Anti-Corruption Commission and domestic law enforcement, but there has been little visible progress.

"These reports are very disturbing," said Johnson.  "Our relationship with Sierra Leone requires faith in the integrity of its leadership."

A 2006 European Union report identified illegal logging as the leading cause of environmental degradation in Sierra Leone, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2010 Global Forest Resources Assessment reported that Sierra Leone lost old-growth forest at a rate of 3.21% per year -- the fifth fastest rate of old-growth forest loss in the world.

Members of Congress who signed the letter: Rep. Hank Johnson, Rep. Donald Payne, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Frederica Wilson, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. James Moran, Rep. Russ Carnahan, Rep. James McGovern, Rep. Peter DeFazio, Rep. Betty McCollum, and Rep. John Lewis.

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4), U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-1), and more than 35 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives tonight sent an urgent letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders and conferees opposing provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act that would authorize indefinite detention of Americans and tie the hands of domestic law enforcement in terrorism cases.

The letter opposed Sec. 1034 of the House-passed defense authorization and Secs. 1031 and 1032 of the Senate-passed bill.

Sec. 1034 of the House bill would authorize the use of military force against broadly defined adversaries substantially exceeding the scope of such authorizations already in law.  The expanded authority would have no geographical limits and provide authority for open-ended armed conflict. 

Sec. 1031 of the Senate bill would authorize indefinite military detention of suspected terrorists without protecting U.S. citizens’ right to trial.  Sec. 1032 of the Senate bill would require that suspected foreign terrorists be taken into custody by the military instead of civilian law enforcement authorities, denying civilian law enforcement authorities the flexibility necessary to conduct effective counterterrorism operations.

“These provisions have no place in our law,” said Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees.  “If we include this language, we're on a slippery slope.”

“I strongly oppose mandating military custody and allowing for indefinite detention without due process or trial,” said Heinrich, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “These provisions are deeply concerning and would risk putting American citizens in military detention, indefinitely. In short, this authority is at complete odds with the United States Constitution.”

House and Senate conferees are meeting today to finalize the Defense authorization bill. It is anticipated that the conference report will be voted on by the House this coming Thursday, December 15.

To read the letter, click HERE. See below for a list of signatories thus far:

Rep. Hank Johnson
Rep. Martin Heinrich

Rep. Earl Blumenauer
Rep. Judy Chu
Rep. William Lacy Clay
Rep. Steve Cohen
Rep. John Conyers
Rep. Diana DeGette
Rep. John Garamendi
Rep. Raúl Grijalva
Rep. Alcee Hastings
Rep. Maurice Hinchey
Rep. Mike Honda
Rep. Barbara Lee
Rep. John Lewis
Rep. Ben Ray Luján
Rep. Carolyn Maloney
Rep. Jim McDermott
Rep. James McGovern
Rep. Jerrold Nadler
Rep. Charles Rangel
Rep. Ed Towns
Rep. Bobby Rush
Rep. Jose Serrano
Rep. Henry Waxman
Rep. Brad Sherman
Rep. Jesse Jackson
Rep. Nydia Velazquez
Rep. Donald Payne
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton
Rep. Louise Slaughter
Rep. Gwen Moore
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Sam Farr
Rep. Peter Welch
Rep. Betty McCollum
Rep. Hansen Clarke
Rep. Keith Ellison
Rep. Pete Stark
Rep. Peter DeFazio
 

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today introduced his bipartisan “Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act” (H.R. 3613), which would give seniors on Medicare Part D who rely on ‘specialty tier’ drugs an appeals process when dealing with the high costs of these prescriptions.
With the period of open enrollment for Medicare Part D ending yesterday, seniors are continuing to see their health plans place drugs used to treat chronic illnesses on specialty tiers.

Private and employer health insurance plans classify prescriptions using tiers to differentiate among generic, brand name and “non-preferred” brand name drugs. Any medication costing more than $600 is automatically placed on a specialty tier that requires patients to pay from 25 to 33 percent or more – rather than a flat rate.

For many seniors on a fixed income, these life-saving drugs for everything from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis can cost upwards of $1,700 per month. Seniors who can’t afford the medication often go without treatment.

“How can we look our seniors in the eye – people suffering from leukemia, Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis – who are required to pay more in prescriptions than they bring home each month – and say ‘sorry, you’re out of luck. It’s either food on the table and roof over your head or the life-saving drugs – you can’t have both,’ ” said Rep. Johnson.

“We appreciate Congressman Johnson being a long-standing champion of Medicare beneficiaries who live with severe chronic conditions and are faced with very high cost-sharing for their medications,” said Sandra Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation and leader of the MAPRx coalition. “This bill is the first step to bringing fundamental fairness to these beneficiaries.”

MAPRx is a coalition of beneficiary, patient advocacy, family caregiver and health professional organizations committed to improving access to prescription medications and safeguarding the well-being of beneficiaries with chronic diseases under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Amy Melnick, vice president of Advocacy for the Arthritis Foundation, also a member of MAPRx, said, “the Arthritis Foundation is grateful to Rep. Johnson for introducing this legislation, which not only raises awareness of the discriminatory nature of the specialty tiers in Part D for people with chronic conditions, but, more importantly, also establishes a critically important appeals process or “tiering exception” so that Medicare beneficiaries can appeal the placement of their medications into a specialty tier.”

The president and chair of the Alliance for Biotherapeutics, Abbie Cornett said specialty tiers are creating barriers in access to care and are a threat to all patients who rely on biotherapeutics and other lifesaving therapies. “This legislation is a great way to help our most vulnerable seniors with severe and often chronic conditions,” she said.
 
Johnson called his bill, which has gained the support of 33 co-sponsors, “a common sense, limited approach to ensure that we keep the promises we made to our Medicare seniors.”

Co-sponsors include: John Conyers (D-MI); Barbara Lee (D-CA); Mike Honda (D-CA); Raul Grijalva (D-AZ); Marcia Fudge (D-OH); Louise Slaughter (D-NY); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-Washington, D.C.); Keith Ellison (D-MN); John Lewis (D-GA); Walter Jones (R-NC).

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To read the letter, click HERE.

To read about Rep. Waters' bill, click HERE.

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today introduced the bipartisan “Safe Roads for America Act,” (H.R. 3536) which improves the brightness and size (retro-reflectivity) of traffic signs so drivers can see them more clearly at night. Lou Barletta (R-PA) is the lead Republican sponsor.

The bill ensures that bipartisan legislation approved in 1992 establishing timelines to upgrade road signs’ retro-reflectivity is implemented.

“As our population ages, we need to make our road signs more readable at night,” said Rep. Johnson. “Someone 60 years old needs 10 times the amount of light to see at night as someone who is 19, according to the American Automobile Association. Safe Roads helps make our roads safer by ensuring seniors and everyone can see roads signs more clearly at night.”   

Johnson said brighter signs will give drivers more critical decision-making time and help cut emergency response times. The bill maintains reasonable deadlines for the safety upgrades and makes funds more accessible to the states to fulfill the bill’s requirements.

“Having almost two decades of experience in the road construction industry, I know how important reflectivity and increased visibility are to motorists, especially older drivers,” said Rep. Barletta. “This common-sense bill will make our nation’s roads safer for everyone, and it ensures that states and municipalities can afford these important safety upgrades.”

The Federal Highway Administration estimates these upgrades will cost $37 million over 10 years.

American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Chairman Joe Jeffrey noted, “Reps. Johnson and Barletta’s leadership on this vital legislation will help to continue the reduction of roadway fatalities and serious injuries nationwide.”

Original sponsors include: Reps. Lou Barletta, R-PA; Bob Filner, D-CA; Rush Holt, D-NJ; Russ Carnahan, D-MO; John Lewis, D-GA; Fortney Stark, D-CA; Jason Altmire, D-PA; Charles B. Rangel, D-NY; Chellie Pingree, D-ME; Timothy Bishop, D-NY.

Among the organizations supporting the bill are AAA, AARP, Allstate, American Highway Users Alliance, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Traffic Safety Services Association, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Easter Seals, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Nationwide, National Trooper Coalition, National Organizations for Youth Safety, Transportation for America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

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I rise today with great sadness to recognize fallen Doraville Police detective corporal Robert “Shane” Wilson, a citizen of  great distinction in my district.

Responding to a home invasion November 14th, he was tragically involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver.
 
An 8 year veteran, Officer Wilson was just 27 years old.

As a member of the SWAT team, he served his community courageously and honorably.  He was well-liked and respected by his fellow officers.

He was also a loving husband, father, brother and son from a family steeped in law enforcement.  In his off hours, he loved to play the drums and piano. He also composed music.  Friends say he was upbeat and always smiling.

All Georgians are affected by this great tragedy but our thoughts and prayers go out especially to his family, friends and colleagues.  Robert Shane Wilson was one of the best.   He will be greatly missed.

Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

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For more information on the Emergency Alert System, please visit http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.

 LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today congratulated Young People Matter Inc. (YPM) for receiving a grant award of more than $540,000 from the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children & Families to operate an emergency youth shelter in Stone Mountain.
 
YPM is the first emergency youth shelter in the Fourth District where youth can receive help 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and one of the few groups statewide whose mission is to seek runaways and homeless children on the streets and provide comprehensive care.
 
The three-year grant was awarded Sept. 30 and will run through 2014. The funding will help open and operate Open Hearts Shelter.
 
“This youth shelter has the potential to dramatically improve the lives of at-risk youth,” said Johnson. “There’s not a lot we do more important than helping vulnerable children find comfort, stability and a path back to normalcy. I’m proud of the compassion of the people in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, and I will continue fighting to make federal resources available that improves the lives of vulnerable children in our community.”
 
Simone Joye, founder and executive director of YPM, said the Open Hearts Shelter will serve children 10 to 18 in DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties.  
 
“It is estimated on any given night there may be 2,500 kids under the age of 18 living on the streets in metro Atlanta, and they are hidden in plain view,” said Joye.

“No child should ever have to sleep on the streets," she said. “When they do, they are at greater risk for exploitation and abuse. This funding, along with the technical assistance provided by HHS/ACF, will help us provide a safe place for youth to take refuge.”

In addition to the six-bed shelter, youth in Open Hearts care will also be provided food, health screenings, education assistance as well as counseling, case management and aftercare services.

For more information on Young People Matter, click HERE.

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