Ranking Member Beyer’s Statement in Response to Majority Criticism of Minority’s Cybersecurity Oversight Request
(Washington, DC) - Today, during the Research and Technology Subcommittee hearing, “Strengthening U.S. Cybersecurity Capabilities”, Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) made the following statement and submitted documents for the record in response to statements made by Majority staff in an article in The Hill yesterday and in a Majority letter. The statements and letter were issued in response to a letter sent by Ranking Member Johnson, Congressman Beyer, … Continue Reading
February 14, 2017Democrats Announce Subcommittee Assignments and Ranking Members
(Washington, DC) - Last night, the Democratic Caucus of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology elected a Vice Ranking Member and Subcommittee Ranking Members. Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “The Committee faced an unprecedented series of challenges in the 114th Congress, and I am honored to again be entrusted with the task of defending our nation’s scientific integrity. Despite many partisan battles last Congress, the Committee managed to pass some bipartisan … Continue Reading
February 09, 2017Ranking Member Johnson, Congressman Beyer and Congressman Lipinski Ask Committee Republicans to Look into President Trump’s Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Practices
(Washington, DC) - Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), and Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) requested that Committee Republicans investigate the numerous cybersecurity vulnerabilities and careless cybersecurity practices of President Trump and his senior White House staff. Only three weeks into his tenure, numerous media stories have already reported that President Trump and his Press Secretary’s official Twitter accounts are linked to private, … Continue Reading
February 08, 2017Republicans Cite Tabloid Story in Attacking NOAA Climate Science, Story Falls Apart within Days, Republicans Double Down
(Washington, DC) - On Sunday, Chairman Smith issued a press release making accusations against former NOAA climate scientists based on an article in the British tabloid The Daily Mail. This tabloid article made reference to accusations by Dr. John Bates, recently retired principal scientist at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, regarding the “Karl study”, a climate study that showed that the rate of global warming during the last 15 years has been as fast as or faster than that seen during … Continue Reading
January 31, 2017Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on NASA’s Day of Remembrance
(Washington, DC) -Today is NASA’s Day of Remembrance, a day designated to honor those NASA employees who lost their lives “while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.” Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) issued the following statement: “NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American men, women, and their families in the pursuit of space exploration. Today we honor the crews of the Columbia and Challenger space shuttles and Apollo … Continue Reading
January 27, 2017Ranking Member Johnson Introduces Apollo 1 Memorial Act on the 50th Anniversary of the Tragedy
(Washington, DC) - Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) is introducing the “Apollo 1 Memorial Act.” This bill establishes a memorial in Arlington Cemetery to honor the astronauts who died in the 1967 Apollo 1 spacecraft fire. Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “The Nation’s success in human spaceflight is well documented. Unfortunately, success in human spaceflight has come at a high cost. Brave men and women have paid the ultimate cost in the name of space … Continue Reading
January 24, 2017House Passes Energy Research and Innovation Bill
(Washington, D.C.) - The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously approved the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (H.R. 589), introduced by Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas). H.R. 589 provides policy direction to the Department of Energy (DOE) on basic science research, nuclear energy research and development (R&D), research coordination and priorities, and reforms to streamline national lab management. Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): … Continue Reading
January 17, 2017Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on the Passing of Eugene Cernan
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement after hearing of the passing of Eugene “Gene” Cernan, Gemini and Apollo era astronaut and the last person to walk on the Moon. “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Gene Cernan. He was a NASA legend - last person to walk on the Moon, longest lunar landing flight, and a NASA ambassador. He will forever be remembered as pioneer of early space exploration with a fierce dedication to discovery and … Continue Reading
January 11, 2017Committee Introduces Bipartisan Nuclear R&D Bill
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) today led U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) in introducing the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (H.R. 431). Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today also introduced companion legislation in the Senate chamber. Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which will … Continue Reading
January 09, 2017House Passes Bipartisan Weather Research Bill
(Washington, DC) - Today the House passed H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules. If enacted, H.R. 353 will improve weather research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by advancing programs and activities that will make critical investments in the nation’s observational, computing, and modeling capabilities in support of more accurate, timely, and effective weather warnings and forecasts. Congresswoman Suzanne … Continue Reading
December 27, 2016Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on the Passing of Vera Rubin
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement after hearing of the passing of Dr. Vera Rubin, astrophysicist who confirmed the existence of dark matter. “I was sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Vera Rubin. Her groundbreaking work as an astrophysicist changed the field. And, her work as an advocate for women in the sciences helped open doors for all those who followed in her footsteps. Her numerous awards and accolades included the National Medal … Continue Reading
December 22, 2016Ranking Member Johnson Comments on EPA Inspector General’s Report on Preservation of Text Messages
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report on the EPA’s preservation of text messages. The report, which included interviews with 70 EPA staff, concluded, “We did not find instances where the EPA used text messaging to intentionally circumvent the Federal Records Act.” Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “I appreciate the work of the Inspector General and I am glad this independent oversight body … Continue Reading
December 16, 2016Ranking Member Johnson Statement on the Passage of S.3804, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
(Washington, DC) - Last Friday night, after passing the CR, the Senate passed under unanimous consent (UC’d) a number of bills, including S.3804, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA). During a House pro forma session today, the House UC’d S.3084, sending it to the President for signature. AICA began as the Senate’s bipartisan version of a “COMPETES” like bill. Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson’s (D-TX) statement is below. “I am pleased to support passage of S. 3084, which … Continue Reading
December 08, 2016Ranking Member Johnson Statement on the Passing of John Glenn
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson’s (D-TX) statement on the passing of John Glenn is below. “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Glenn - war hero, first U.S. astronaut to orbit the earth and beloved Senator from Ohio. He was the recipient of countless military honors, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. His achievements were only matched by his grace and humility. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife, … Continue Reading
December 07, 2016House Passes Astronaut Healthcare Bill
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House unanimously passed H.R. 6076, the TREAT Astronauts Act, under suspension of the rules. The legislation provides NASA with statutory authority to perform monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for former astronauts for medical or psychological conditions that the NASA Administrator deems to be associated or potentially associated with human spaceflight. In addition, under the program established in the bill, NASA would be able to acquire data from a larger set … Continue Reading
December 07, 2016Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on the Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator
(Washington, DC) - Today, Scott Pruitt, the Attorney General of Oklahoma, was nominated to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President-elect Trump. Pruitt has come under fire for questioning the impact of climate change and being a strong opponent of the Clean Power Plan. Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson made the following statement. “The EPA under the Obama Administration has been a force for good, working to protect human health and the environment … Continue Reading
November 20, 2016Ranking Member Johnson Statement on Successful Launch of GOES-R Satellite
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - R Series (GOES-R) satellite launched successfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Once in geostationary orbit, GOES-R will be known as GOES-16. The GOES-R program represents the nation’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites. Its development has been managed by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services (NESDIS) in partnership with the National Aeronautics and … Continue Reading
November 07, 2016Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on the Passing of Renowned Scientist Ralph Cicerone
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement after hearing of the passing of Dr. Ralph Cicerone. “I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Cicerone, renowned atmospheric scientist, former Chancellor of the University of California at Irvine, and former president of the National Academy of Sciences. His work that showed that CFCs were damaging the ozone layer changed the way the world used these chemicals and helped protect the … Continue Reading
October 27, 2016Ranking Member Johnson’s Statement on the "Nation's Report Card: 2015 Science"
(Washington, DC) - Today, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the National Center for Education Statistics released the 2015 national and state-level science results for 4th and 8th graders and national results for high school seniors, known as the Nation’s Report Card. Over the course of three months, students were assessed on their understanding of subjects including physical science, life sciences, and Earth and space sciences, and were measured on how well they … Continue Reading
October 12, 2016Ranking Member Johnson Applauds 2016 Nobel Laureates
(Washington, DC) - Over the past week, the 2016 Nobel Prizes were awarded to researchers in the fields of physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, and economics for their valuable contributions to the sciences. A list of Honored Laureates is below. Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, Physiology or Medicine Dr. F. Duncan M. Haldane, Physics Dr. J. Michael Kosterlitz, Physics Dr. David J. Thouless, Physics Dr. Bernard L. Feringa, Chemistry Dr. Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Chemistry Dr. Sir J. Fraser … Continue Reading