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Congressman: Our soldiers should never be afraid to ask for help

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) today passed an amendment to the NDAA to bring greater awareness to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a severe anxiety disorder often associated with combat trauma.

“The last decade of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken a toll on our service men and women, who have been stretched to the breaking point,” said Rep. Johnson. “Far too many are coming home with PTSD. We must do more to educate service members, veterans, military families and the public about PTSD and to coordinate efforts across the federal government to promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.”

“We must remove the stigma surrounding PTSD,” said Johnson. “Our soldiers should never be afraid to ask for help.”

A Senate companion introduced by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-SD) is expected to pass the Senate in the coming weeks.

“All too many of our servicemen and women are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress,” Sen. Conrad said. “More must be done to educate our troops, veterans, families and communities about this illness and the resources available to help them heal from these invisible wounds of war.”

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Johnson cosponsors amendment to ensure those arrested on U.S. soil – including American citizens – cannot be detained indefinitely

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) today cosponsored an amendment offered by House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prevent the indefinite detention of and transfer to military custody of those detained on U.S. soil – including American citizens. 

The amendment would ensure access to due process and the federal court system, as provided by the Constitution.

Rep. Johnson, a former criminal defense attorney and judge, has been working since 2011 to strip the defense authorization of provisions that favor military custody and tribunals for terrorism suspects arrested in the United States.

On Thursday, he joined the lead sponsor of the amendment, Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, in seeking to repeal those provisions and replace them with guarantees of due process.

“It is Orwellian, un-American, and deeply unpopular," Johnson said. "Our constituents sent us here to provide for the common defense, yes. But they also sent us here to safeguard their liberty,” said Johnson. “We have sworn to uphold the Constitution, and we must reject indefinite detention of Americans. Civilian law enforcement is more than capable of prosecuting terrorism suspects.”
 

Congressman offers amendment to pull language from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) considering deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) today offered an amendment to strike reckless language asking the Administration to consider the merits of deploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea, which was added to the NDAA during markup.

The Johnson amendment replaces that language with a Congressional finding that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea would destabilize the region and would not serve U.S. national security interests.

“Tactical nuclear weapons would be extremely destabilizing to the region,” said Johnson. “Our military doesn't want it and our allies, including South Korea, don’t want it.”

The U.S. withdrew all its tactical nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991. Johnson said a reversal of that policy would destabilize the region, undermine diplomatic efforts to secure a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, accelerate North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and heighten tensions with China.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) today cosponsored the Voter Empowerment Act, which was introduced by Congressman John Lewis, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, Congressman John Conyers, and Congressman Robert Brady:

“Across the country, our Constitutional right to vote is under attack. Sweeping new state voter laws – including an end to same-day registration, cuts to early voting, measures making it harder to register large groups of voters and voter ID laws – create barriers for millions of voters trying to cast their ballot in 2012.

“That's why I’m proud to stand with my House Democratic colleagues who introduced the Voter Empowerment Act to protect and promote voting rights. Nothing is more fundamental in our democracy than the right to vote. We must reject any attempts to curtail citizens’ access to the ballot. It’s not right, it’s not fair and it’s un-American.” 

The Voter Empowerment Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation, will modernize voter registration, ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans and prohibit deceptive practices and voter fraud that keep people from exercising their constitutional right to vote.  The legislation contains three main sections: improving access to the ballot, protecting the integrity of voting systems, and ensuring accountability in elections.

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Congressman co-hosts viral hepatitis briefing on 2012 Hepatitis Testing Day by calling for Americans to get tested, treated

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today co-hosted a bipartisan Congressional briefing to combat and raise awareness of viral hepatitis and liver cancer.

Along with other distinguished members of Congress, Johnson announced the launch of the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus.

On 2012 Hepatitis Testing Day and the one-year anniversary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis, Rep. Johnson urged Americans to get tested and treated.

“There are currently four million Americans infected with hepatitis C virus, but three in four have no idea they have it,” said Rep. Johnson. “For years, I too was unaware. But I was tested, sought treatment and today I am beating this disease. I am living proof that testing saves lives. We can beat this silent epidemic.”

“One in 33 baby boomers born between 1945 and 1964 have been infected with hepatitis C, and one in 10 Asian Americans has been infected with hepatitis B, but 65 percent to 75 percent of people with hepatitis B and C do not know they have it.

One of the myths surrounding hepatitis is only intravenous drug users or people who have received blood transfusions contract the disease. But because it is spread through contact with contaminated blood there are many cases where people who have contracted hepatitis who have neither used illegal drugs intravenously nor received a blood transfusion. Everyone born between 1945 and 1964 should be tested.”

In the next 10 years, about 150,000 people in the United States are projected to die from liver cancer and liver disease associated with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It is estimated that 3.5-5.3 million people – 1-2% of the U.S. population – are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Chronic viral hepatitis infections are 3-5 times more frequent than HIV in the United States.

Rep. Johnson was joined by Reps. Mike Honda (D-CA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Charlie Dent (R-PA) and Dr. Kevin Fenton and John Ward of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention to support H.R. 3381, a bipartisan bill that will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out Hepatitis surveillance, education, and testing programs. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today spoke out against House Republicans’ version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which rolls back and weakens protections for all victims, including LGBT, immigrant and Native American women:
 
“This burdensome bill is shocking in its callousness towards women and victims of domestic violence. It is as almost as if Republicans targeted the most vulnerable among us and stripped away their rights.
 
“Not only does this bill create counter-productive requirements for service providers to help victims, but it weakens resources for victims living in subsidized housing, lacks important protections for LGBT victims, fails to adequately protect Native American victims and eliminates important improvements to address dating violence and sexual assault on college campuses.

“And as if that wasn’t enough, the bill slashes long-standing protections that remain vital to the safety and protection of battered immigrant victims.
 
“Our nation’s laws should continue to strengthen protections for our most vulnerable citizens – not roll back those safeguards.”
 
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Congressman helps boost in research funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Minority Institutions by $10M
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) announced today that he secured $5 million in the U.S. House of Representatives’ version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund a plan that would increase diversity in the leadership of the U.S. military.

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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Congressman: U.S. journalists investigating Information Operations contractor may have been targeted in reputation attack campaign

 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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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), who sponsored the Fair Employment Act and is an original co-sponsor of the Fair Employment Opportunity Act – both of which fight discrimination against the unemployed – offered an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bill May 8 to increase funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

“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.