Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. The purpose of this legislation is simple: ensuring all women are rewarded with equal pay for equal work. The landmark Equal Pay Act of 1963 has helped us to achieve progress in this crucial policy area, but the Equal Pay Act, enacted over a half-century ago, is out of date and out of touch with today's business world. The Paycheck Fairness Act makes necessary and common- sense improvements to this historic law so that we can take another step toward eradicating gender-based wage discrimination.

Most importantly, this bill seeks to make equal pay a reality for women of color. Race and gender wage gaps harm not just the economic security of women but also of their families. A woman of color who works full time, year round, can lose more than $1 million in income over a 40-year career because of the wage gap. Currently, black women earn $0.60 for every dollar earned by their white male counterparts. Native American women earn $0.57 to every dollar, and Latina women earn $0.54. Meanwhile, white women and Asian women earn $0.79 and $0.87, respectively. This wage gap has not improved for years and continues to squeeze women's pocketbooks, erode their earning potential, and deprive them of the means to improve their own lives and support their families.

It is long past time to update the Equal Pay Act to give working women the legal tools they need to challenge sex-based pay discrimination and to encourage employers to comply with the law. The Paycheck Fairness Act sets forth a path toward achieving those goals.

I urge members of the House to pass this critical legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Women's History Month, a time when we celebrate the women who have fought for women's equality and their achievements to our nation. As we gather to reflect on this important cause, it is important to recognize that today there are a record number of women in Congress, and I am proud to serve alongside each of them.

Throughout my life, I have been inspired by countless independent and accomplished women. From the beginning of my life, my mother Lillie Mae Johnson, a dedicated community volunteer, instilled in me a sense of confidence and self-worth. I have been blessed with the support of many such women throughout my political career, such as Cheryl Wattley, Mable White, Demetris Sampson, and

Veronica Frazier. Also, I am grateful for my friendship with prominent Dallas women, such as Judge Sarah T. Hughes, who first encouraged me to run for the Texas House of Representatives in the 1970s, and Margaret McDermott, who demonstrated limitless support of our society's civic, cultural, and educational growth.

Women and girls have contributed significantly in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I have made it my priority to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM, because our country suffers greatly if they are not given an opportunity to be included.

Although we have made great strides throughout this country's history, we must continue to work to break the barriers that hinder the advancement of women--like equal pay in the workplace and preserving a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. There is more work to be done in my home state of Texas and throughout our nation. We will continue this work until we are able to provide women with the economic security and opportunities they deserve.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Women's History Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 1839, the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019.

This bill would extend programs that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the community, rather than institutions. It would extend the authorization of the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration so that none of the participating states run out of critical funds. It would authorize additional program integrity measures in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and in other areas of the Medicaid program. Finally, it would provide states with the option to provide coordinated care for children with medically complex conditions.

As representatives of Americans from all corners of our country, we have a responsibility to protect and enhance Medicaid, a vital safety net program that finances the delivery of care to 69 million people in this country. Without this program, the quality and access of healthcare for our most vulnerable populations will be at risk. We must ensure that future generations are able to receive the necessary health benefits to live full and prosperous lives.

On behalf of the over four and a half million Medicaid beneficiaries in my home state of Texas, I am proud to support the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire Texas Congressional Delegation, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of former Congressman, Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, fellow Texan, and my friend Ralph Moody Hall for a life dedicated to his family, his country, and his constituents.

Congressman Hall first served his country as a Navy pilot during World War II. After the war ended, he served the people of the great state of Texas for nearly half a century; 10 years as a Texas State Senator from the 9th district and 34 years as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 4th district. He genuinely enjoyed public service, and he was good at it.

Congressman Hall and I first met and became friends in the Texas State legislature. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was the first to reach out and offer his assistance. He helped me learn the ins and outs of Washington. No matter the party affiliation or political leaning, Congressman Hall was a man that could always be counted on--and one who enjoyed a good joke.

Congressman Hall made the difficult decision to switch party affiliation in 2004, a move that irritated many Democrats. I fondly recall reaching out to him to let him know he was still loved despite his decision. He admitted to being so happy to hear my message because his wife was mad at him.

Congressman Hall was known throughout the halls of Congress as an effective legislator. He made strides in science and technology policy and was a reliable advocate for the country's space program during his time as both Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Congressman Hall's service on the Science Committee was a significant milestone in his service to our nation. In many ways, he was able to transcend the extreme partisan climate which exists in Washington today. From the first time we met to that last time I visited him at his home in Rockwall, he remained the same caring, thoughtful, humorous, and hardworking man.

Congressman Hall was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy Hall, sister Rosemary Hall Scott, and brother Hugh Hall. He is survived by his three sons; Hamp, Brett, and Blakeley Hall, and many wonderful grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my sympathy to his family, many friends across the country, and the people of his district. The Texas community will miss him dearly.

Madam Speaker, today I am joined by my good friend from Oklahoma, Ranking Member Lucas, in introducing the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act.

Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were pioneers. At a time of male dominance and racial segregation at NASA, women and their talents were often overlooked. When women were permitted to contribute, they were routinely not given credit for their work. Women of color faced additional daily indignities. In spite of these challenges, these women chose to apply their considerable talents to help land the first man on the moon. Their stories, portrayed in the Hidden Figures book and film, represent the stories of hundreds of women computers, mathematicians, and engineers working at NASA and its precursor organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), from the 1930s to the 1970s.

The success of the NASA space program is due in large part to their brilliance, hard work, and perseverance in the face of adversity. What better example can we hope to give our sons and daughters?

This bill will bestow Congress's highest civilian honor in appreciation of the achievements of Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, and all the women computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NACA and NASA during this important time in our history.

I am pleased to be joined by Ranking Member Lucas and our colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act. I commend Senator Coons for his leadership in championing this bill. Fifty years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, it is high time we recognize the contributions the women of NASA have made in service to the nation.

I urge my colleagues to join us and help us move this legislation forward into law.

Mr. Speaker, I would like all members of the Texas delegation to join me.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of former Congressman, fellow Texan, and a dear friend, Ralph Hall.

Congressman Hall served the people of the great State of Texas for nearly a half century: 10 years as a Texas State Senator from the Ninth District, and 34 years as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas' Fourth District. He genuinely enjoyed public service, and he was good at it as well.

Known throughout the Halls of Congress as an effective legislator, Congressman Hall made great legislative strides in the science field and was a top advocate for the country's space program during his time as both chairman and ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Congressman Hall was the first to reach out and offer his assistance when I was first elected to the House of Representatives. He helped me learn the ins and outs of Washington. No matter the party affiliation or political leaning, Congressman Hall was a man who could always be counted on and one who enjoyed a good joke.

Congressman Hall was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy Hall; sister, Rosemary Hall Scott; and brother, Hugh Hall. He is survived by his three sons--Hamp, Brett, and Blakeley Hall--and many wonderful grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Texas congressional delegation, I would like to pay respects to Congressman Hall for a life dedicated to his family, his country, and his constituents. The Texas community will miss him dearly, and we will be presenting Congressman Hall's family with a flag that was flown over the Capitol today.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 1--The For The People Act of 2019. This once in a generation legislation will increase access to the ballot box, end gerrymandering, and limit the influence of big money in politics. This essentially is a down payment on a promise to the American public to create tangible voting reform, to eliminate discriminatory voting laws, and to make critical investments in election infrastructure and technology.

Voting is an integral part of our democracy, as elections are the method in which America chooses its elected officials and what it desires from its government. We are currently enduring a time in which the right to vote is increasingly under siege. Decision makers across the country have worked to suppress voting in communities of color, and among poor people, seniors, and people with disabilities using targeted, racist voting laws. They have intentionally rigged our system of free and fair elections in their favor.

In my home state of Texas, strict identification laws that largely penalize African-American, Hispanic and Native American voters have been enacted. Texas even went so far as imposing voter ID requirements and restrictions on college students, a prominent voting bloc in local and national elections. Closed and changed polling locations, inoperable voting machines, and unavailable translators in immigrant- heavy communities have also contributed to voter confusion.

Needless to say, we need to counter this culture of voter intimidation. Simultaneously, we must also invest in technological advancements and repeal discriminatory voting laws. In order to do this, we must restore public confidence that everyone's vote and voice counts. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 1, the ``For the People Act of 2019'' addresses many significant challenges to our democratic institutions and the conduct of federal elections. The very foundation of our democracy depends on ensuring that our elections are fair, accurate, and freely accessible to all American citizens. We have witnessed in the last few years the roll back of voting rights to

a time I had truly hoped would remain in the past. We must continue to be vigilant against anything that would impede the right to vote. We must also protect our democratic institutions for the people, and not just for a few wealthy interests.

The U.S. election system is complex and highly decentralized, encompassing approximately 10,000 local, county, and state election offices. States and local jurisdictions face a number of challenges in their administration of federal elections, including outdated and insecure technology. Most of us are on screens all day long and have become accustomed to the convenience. There are probably some young people that don't like to read on paper at all. However, when it comes to electronic voting systems, these same conveniences may be subject to technical malfunctions as well as significant cybersecurity risks that have already been shown, in real elections, to undermine Americans' constitutional right to vote.

The last major voting legislation was passed almost two decades ago. It created several new responsibilities for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with the Election Assistance Commission, election administrators, and manufacturers on voting systems technology standards development. The Science Committee was active in the development of that language.

Today's bill, H.R. 1, makes an effort at expanding NIST's role in voting and elections technology. While I support H.R. 1 overall, I do have some concerns with the proposed new scope of activities for NIST. NIST's core mission is measurement science and standards. Most people have never heard of NIST and don't understand what it does, but NIST plays a central and unique role in advancing U.S. competitiveness as well as in cybersecurity across the public and private sector. The agency has no regulatory authority, which allows it to win the trust of and work closely with industry and all kinds of stakeholders in the standards development process. The Science Committee has worked very hard to preserve this standards development function of NIST. NIST expressed concern to us that some of the language in this bill may compromise the agency's ability to work closely with states and counties on elections technology. In addition, while other provisions in the bill are better aligned with NIST's mission and worthy of support, we must ensure there is additional funding for NIST to accomplish these important goals. As this bill moves through the legislative process, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to address both of these issues.

Election and voting integrity and security are important to everyone in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle, and my colleagues on the Science Committee are eager to present legislative ideas for the role of NIST in voting and elections technology, as well as recommendations for sufficient levels of support to ensure the agency can succeed in this mission.

Mr. Chair, I support H.R. 1 and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, on Sunday, February 24, the People's Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas will celebrate Mrs. Willie C. Woodson on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Woodson was born in Burneysville, Oklahoma, on February 19, 1919--the third of fourteen children. She and her older brother, Thomas, were often tasked with caring for their younger siblings on top of school work. Shortly after starting the ninth grade at a local high school in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Mrs. Woodson's family came under hard times that left her without money to pay for books or school lunches. She was left with no choice but to forego her remaining years in school and focus on her family, her community, and her faith.

Upon her move to Dallas, Mrs. Woodson joined the People's Missionary Baptist Church and has been a devout member ever since. As one of the eldest active members of the church and a known mentor to all, she is commonly referred to as `Mother Woodson' by family and friends alike. No matter how busy she is, she always makes the time to attend church every Sunday morning. She especially loves to attend the service on the first Sunday of the month because she enjoys sitting with the church's Mothers Board in their assigned row, dressed in white.

Mrs. Woodson refuses to let the limitations of old age stop her from a full schedule of activities. She has many hobbies that fill her free time, including reading, watching wrestling and cheering on the local Dallas sports teams. She also still prepares all of her meals and cleans the house on her own.

Madam Speaker, I want to commend Mrs. Willie C. Woodson for a life dedicated to her family, friends and church and want to wish her the happiest of birthdays. Congratulations are in order for her and her family as they celebrate this extraordinary milestone.

Mr. Speaker, after failing to get federal funding for his ineffective and overpriced border wall, President Trump has declared a national emergency at our southern border to try and sidestep Congress's constitutional authority so he can fulfill a campaign promise.

After the President shut down the government for 35 days, my colleagues and I came to an agreement that wisely invested in effective solutions to secure the border. Some of these solutions included infrastructure improvements at ports of entry, the hiring of additional immigration judges and technology enhancements to detect border crossings. Clearly, with this national emergency declaration, the president and his administration would rather stick to a slogan than actually secure the border.

The emergency declaration signed by the president would rob taxpayer money from high priority military construction projects, including projects in the state of Texas, and instead redirects that funding towards his pet project. This egregious misuse of taxpayer funds leaves our country less safe by denying military personal the essential training, readiness and quality of life necessary for them to do their job.

This unlawful action by the President cannot be tolerated. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this joint resolution of disapproval so that we can do our solemn duty and uphold the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, I am excited to recognize Inez Dorothy Young Gibson, a revered member of the Dallas, Texas, community, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on this upcoming March 26th.

Mrs. Gibson was raised in Rockwall, Texas, home of the Caddo Indians. Heavy racial and residential segregation in the area prompted a move to Dallas, Texas in 1936, for Mrs. Gibson and her family. She attended Burnett High School, an all-African-American school in Terrell, Texas, and graduated with honors.

Mrs. Gibson later became a Vocational Nurse at the Methodist Hospital of Dallas, where she served for an impressive 23 years. She has also been heavily involved in community engagement and social activism throughout her life, specifically work to improve the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Mrs. Gibson has donated countless hours of her time to volunteer with the Warren Avenue Christian Church and Dallas ISD's Reading is Fundamental Program, among others.

Mrs. Gibson married T.D. Gibson, Sr. on August 19, 1943, and had four children: Marilyn, T.D. Jr., Michael, and Charmin. She is now the affectionate matriarch of 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I wish to commend Mrs. Inez Dorothy Young Gibson for a life dedicated to her family, friends and the Dallas community, and want to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. Congratulations are in order as she celebrates this extraordinary milestone.

I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 1112, The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. This bill will strengthen our federal gun background check procedures by closing the ``Charleston'' loophole, thus ensuring that guns can no longer be erroneously sold due to incomplete background checks.

This epidemic of gun violence has left its scars on my home state of Texas. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that there were 3,353 gun-related deaths in Texas in 2017 alone. Hundreds of these victims are children and teenagers under 19 years of age.

Our country has struggled with gun violence for too long, and the multitudes of loopholes in our laws are complicit in our difficulties. This bill will not only eliminate a significant loophole, but it will do so without infringing upon Second Amendment rights. It will ensure that only responsible and able individuals are able to purchase guns in our country.

I share our nation's concerns about the widespread proliferation of guns in our neighborhoods, and I agree that reasonable restrictions on firearms are essential to a comprehensive strategy to reduce crime and violence in our society. We must take sensible steps to ensure that these firearms do not fall into the wrong hands.

Furthermore, it has come to my attention that the mental illness reference in this bill may be outdated and not in line with current medical and legal standards. I will be reviewing this issue as we progress through the 116th Congress.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.-

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 4, The Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA). The VRAA restores the protections and enforcement of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) to its former strength after being gutted by the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision. The VRAA responds to the wave of voter suppression tactics enacted by states and localities since that decision, requiring states with a recent history of voter discrimination to seek federal preclearance for election changes.

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. In the previous two elections, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the engagement of voter suppression tactics. Specifically, in my home state of Texas, there have been ongoing suppression efforts, such as including additional obstacles for voter registration, cutbacks on early voting, and stricter voter identification requirements.

The VRAA will counteract these unfair practices by requiring a nationwide, practice-based preclearance for ``known discriminatory practices,'' such as the creation of at-large districts, inadequate multilingual voting materials and cuts to polling places. The VRAA will also increase transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes. Finally, the bill will allow the Attorney General authority to request federal observers to be present anywhere in the country where a serious threat to voter access and fair elections exists.

The reality is that we continue to see a number of significant obstacles to the free and fair exercise of the right to vote. Congress must do everything in its power to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. I support this critical legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill as well.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 8, The Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2019. This

common sense bipartisan legislation would expand the current firearm background check system to cover all commercial firearm sales nationwide.

Our nation is currently enduring a crisis that is putting families and communities at risk. Gun violence has become so commonplace in our society that we no longer seem to flinch whenever these events occur. Gun violence threatens national security and inflicts a toll. 125,000 people are shot every year and more than 36,000 people die as a result of these shootings. A 2018 report conducted by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention revealed that there were 3,353 firearm-related deaths in my home state of Texas. 352 of these were children and teenagers under 19 years old. Texas unfortunately has played host to some of the most viscous recent mass shootings, such as the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, the Dallas police officer shooting in 2016, the Plano and Sutherland Springs Church shootings in 2017, and last year's Santa Fe High School shooting.

We have high levels of gun violence in this country because we have weak laws that are riddled with loopholes. This bill will not only eliminate those loopholes, but it will do so without infringing upon second amendment rights. Implementing universal background checks is supported by 97 percent of Americans, including 97 percent of gun owners.

The reality is that gun safety laws will reduce violence and we must do everything in our power to prevent the reoccurrence of unnecessary tragedy and loss of life in this country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 539, the Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2019. I thank Mr. Lipinski for his leadership on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to working with him to see it through to the President's desk.

Each dollar the U.S. invests in research grants at our universities is a dollar toward the birth of potentially game-changing discoveries and innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of our economy. The job creation and economic security gains created by scientific advances can only be enjoyed if we fully support the innovation ecosystem from discovery to commercialization. Finding ways to maximize the benefits of federally funded research is critical to U.S. competitiveness in the global market.

H.R. 539 does just that. This bill creates a link between two of our most important programs that focus on creating a sustainable path from laboratory to market for valuable scientific research. This bill expands participation in the Innovation Corps Program to Small Business Innovation Program grantees. Started at the National Science Foundation, the Innovation Corps program, or I-Corps, helps prepare scientists and engineers to think beyond the university lab and gives them the skills to identify products with commercial potential and to be successful entrepreneurs. The Small Business Innovation Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, known as SBIR and STTR, are valuable programs that provide competitive research and development grants and contracts to innovative small businesses.

H.R. 539 also seeks make available specialized I-Corps courses in all aspects of preparing a product to go to market. This is a vital component which can help identify market failures and premature business formation. Unfortunately, too many innovative ideas do not make it to the commercialization phase. This bill will help increase those odds.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 539.