Johnson RSS Articles

Johnson: IRS has been used as a political weapon

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) issued the following statement for today’s Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) targeting of conservative groups.

Statement:

Mr. Chairman,

Thank you for holding this hearing. The American people deserve to know the truth so that those in the IRS who are responsible will be held fully accountable.

I would also like to thank the Inspector General for its important work.

The bottom-line is that the IRS has been used as a political weapon.

Folks and groups back home seeking to express their support for our hard-fought freedoms and liberties … for limited government … for a better America … should never be subjected to intimidation because of their political beliefs. Never!

By way of example, back home, the Allen Area Patriots seem to me to have been a target of the IRS. Back in July 2010, the group applied for 501(c)(4) status. As of today, the group has not had a response. That’s nearly three years ago. In February 2012, the IRS sent the Allen Area Patriots a set of 19 questions including such onerous and irrelevant questions such as those relating to the employment of the group’s key officials.

And I would like to point out that in the letter accompanying the 19 questions, the IRS asks applicants to declare that the information they provide is “true, correct, and complete.”

Unfortunately, the IRS has failed time and again to hold itself to this standard.

The actions of the IRS are simply outrageous and unacceptable.

We must make sure this never happens again.

Note: Congressman Johnson also delivered remarks on the House Floor in response to the issue, click here to play .

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Johnson introduces legislation to protect patients and hospitals by rekindling choice and reviving doctor-patient relationship

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced H.R. 2027, the “Expanding Patients’ Access to Quality Care Act” to improve access to higher-quality care, rekindle choice and the vital doctor-patient relationship and, as a result, protect much needed jobs.

Buried inside the 2,801 page Affordable Care Act (ACA) - known as ObamaCare - is a provision that permanently bans further construction of physician-owned hospitals (POH) and prevents existing ones from expanding – to the point where not a single hospital bed can be added.

H.R. 2027 repeals the ban on the development of physician-owned hospitals that had a provider agreement, but missed the one-size-fits-all, arbitrary deadline for Medicare certification to proceed with physician’s investment. Additionally, Johnson’s bill removes the onerous requirements for expansion that only applies to POHs and not to non-physician-owned hospitals. Lastly, the bill would reinstate the ability of physicians to risk their own money in a financially distressed hospital to continue providing quality care and maintain jobs in their community.

Ironically, ObamaCare created a new Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program that financially rewards hospitals that meet certain quality measures including reduced readmission rates or patient satisfaction measures. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) manages such rewards and reported the #1 hospital on the list for providing high-quality care was in fact a physician-owned hospital, Treasure Valley Hospital, in Boise, Idaho. In addition, the list stated 9 out of 10 performing hospitals were physician-owned, as were 53 of the top 100. Physician-owned hospitals improve the quality of life, the quality of care and the cost of care.

“Government-controlled healthcare jeopardizes the doctor-patient relationship on so many levels. One example is how ObamaCare banned the expansion of hospitals where doctors, not bureaucrats, make key medical decisions. My bill would abolish this absurd idea so patients can choose the doctor they want, the hospital they want, and the care that they want - from the medical experts whom they know and trust,” said Johnson, who serves on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.

“Doctors and nurses who practice in physician-owned hospitals usually boast the best credentials and the most experience in their field of medicine. CMS releases national data, which shows significantly better outcomes for patients at hospitals owned and operated by physicians,” continued Johnson.

Johnson’s bill receives bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives with the following members as original co-sponsors: Michael Burgess (R-TX), André Carson (D-IN), Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Kenny Marchant (R-TX), Kevin Yoder (R-KS) and Todd Young (R-IN).

Background:

Prior to ObamaCare, the "Stark Law" allowed physicians to hold investment ownership in hospitals under the "whole hospital" exception. Throughout history physicians have driven innovation in healthcare. Physician ownership and management of hospitals has a distinguished track record in the United States starting with some of the earliest hospitals, built and managed by renowned physicians, like the Mayo Brothers.

Physician-owned hospitals come in a variety of forms: children’s hospitals, traditional general care hospitals, hospitals specializing in and excelling in certain specialties, and joint ventures partnering with traditional non-profit hospitals. In many areas, POHs are the sole provider of care.

Over time physicians lost some of their leadership role to hospital administrators and corporate organizations who took control of hospitals – and care – to allegedly control costs. The common thread that unites physician-owned hospitals is that doctors govern and control the decisions made. As an added benefit, doctors can bypass bureaucracy and eliminate red tape often created by administrators and corporate bottom lines.

Today, there are approximately 235 physician-owned hospitals across 33 states. CMS ranks POHs amongst the highest hospitals for providing high-quality care. ObamaCare, however, established a permanent ban on the expansion or creation of any new POHs. Additionally, approximately 100 hospitals that were under construction at the time the 2010 healthcare law was enacted were unable to meet an arbitrary deadline, December 31, 2010, for Medicare certification - forcing some to divest, while others continue to remain in limbo today.

While POHs can apply for an expansion exception once every two years, ObamaCare demands onerous requirements that do not apply to non-physician owned hospitals. As a result, not a single physician owned hospital has been able to expand. Specifically, when ObamaCare was enacted there were 265 POHs, now there are only 235. This dramatically impacts patients and hospitals across the country, especially in state of Texas.

State Specific:

According to the Physician Hospitals of America, patients access quality care in roughly 70 physician-owned hospitals, which employ over 21,000 people and added $2.3 billion to the Texas economy. Texas boasts the largest collection of physician-owned hospitals.

With over two dozen facilities, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area has more physician-owned hospitals than any other region in the nation; these hospitals in the DFW area employ over 5,000 Texans, have over 4,700 credentialed physicians, and have over 570 beds.

The Third Congressional District is home to many award winning facilities: Baylor Medical Center at Frisco; The Hospital at Craig Ranch – McKinney; Methodist McKinney Hospital; Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery; and The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

“Ask yourself this. Would you rather have a doctor help you make medical decisions or would you rather have a hospital administrator tell you what you can or can’t do? This is about returning freedom, choice, and free enterprise to the American healthcare system,” concluded Johnson, who supports defunding and repealing ObamaCare.

Johnson represents portions of Collin County.

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Sam Johnson - At your service

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 23, the staff of U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) will host their monthly “Mobile Office Hours” in Allen, Melissa, Plano and Prosper. Times and locations are listed below.

Constituents of the Third Congressional District of Texas needing assistance with a federal issue or agency, such as Medicare, Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Social Security Administration, or the Internal Revenue Service, are encouraged to visit one of the locations below on Thursday, May 23 at the designated time. Appointments are not necessary.

“Assisting folks with federal problems is one of the most important things I do,” said Johnson. “These mobile office hours serve as a chance for Third District residents to get their federal issues recognized and hopefully resolved. I encourage folks to take advantage of this valuable and convenient resource.”

The Congressman’s staff can also help facilitate overseas adoptions, provide information regarding trips to Washington, D.C., and process requests to have American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol building.

Anyone requesting assistance with a federal agency should bring all relevant documents and be prepared to sign a privacy disclaimer. Constituents who cannot attend the scheduled “Mobile Office Hours” are welcome to contact the Congressman’s Plano office at 469-304-0382. For more information, please visit www.samjohnson.house.gov and select “Get Help with a Federal Agency.”

Allen Allen City Hall Entrance/Lobby Area 305 Century Pkwy 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Plano Collin County Spring Creek Campus Lobby Area 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Melissa Melissa City Hall Community Room 3411 Barker Avenue 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.	Prosper Municipal Chambers Entrance/Lobby Area 108 W. Broadway Street 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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Johnson: IRS as a political weapon is unacceptable

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in response to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recent admission of targeting conservative groups.

Click Here to Play

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, during a commencement address in 2009 President Obama “joked” about the IRS auditing university officials for failing to award him an honorary degree.

“Now fast forward to last Friday when we learned that the IRS has been targeting conservative groups.

“Mr. Speaker, the misuse of the IRS’ power is no laughing matter. As Chief Justice John Marshal once said, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.”

“Folks and groups back home seeking to express their support for our hard-fought freedoms and liberties … for limited government … for a better America … should never be subjected to intimidation because of their political beliefs. Never!

“The use of the IRS as a political weapon is unacceptable. What’s worse this is the same agency that will be enforcing Obamacare.

“We must hold those responsible accountable, that’s why the Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing this Friday.

“The American people deserve the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

“If you are as outraged as I am, call the White House at 202-456-1414.

“We must make sure this never happens again.”

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ICYMI: Congressman Johnson salutes South Korean President Park during joint session of Congress

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Johnson salutes South Korean President Park as she thanked Korean
War veterans and 4 Members of Congress, including Johnson, during
a joint session of Congress.

Excerpt where President Park mentioned Korean War veterans and 4 Members of Congress:

“Let me express – on behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea – our profound gratitude to America’s veterans. Their blood, sweat and tears helped safeguard freedom and democracy.

“I also offer my heartfelt appreciation to four men in particular. They served in that war and now serve in this chamber. Their names are Congressmen John Conyers, Charles Rangel, Sam Johnson and Howard Coble. Gentlemen, my country thanks you.”

Johnson congratulates Children's Medical Center Dallas for 100 years of service

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) commemorates Children’s Medical Center Dallas for 100 years of service.

“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Children’s Medical Center on their 100 years of exceptional service to children and their families. Dallas and North Texas are fortunate to have a hospital which strives every day to be among the best medical centers in the nation. Children are our greatest gift from God and Children’s extraordinary work has helped save and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of our kids across the country, and for that, I salute you,” said Johnson. “I wish Children’s Medical Center continued success in providing superior, top-quality healthcare to children for many more years to come.”

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Allen High School Junior Wins 2013 Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Plano, TX – Last night, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-R) announced that “Stardust,” an oil painting by Allen High School junior, Siri Anderson, won the grand prize of the 32^nd Annual “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition for the Third District of Texas.

1st Place, Siri Anderson, "Stardust"

To a full house at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, Johnson presented the top three award winners with a certificate and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. He also presented six students with Honorable Mention certificates and announced the 2013 People’s Choice Award winner.

Anderson’s work will be shipped to Washington, D.C., to be displayed in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol for a period of one year. In addition, Southwest Airlines will fly Anderson and one guest to Washington in June to attend the official Congressional unveiling celebration.

Second and third place winners and the 2013 People’s Choice Award:

2^nd Place - Abigail Lam - “Texas Summer,” Plano Senior High School
3^rd Place – Kendall Rhodes - “Admiration,” McKinney Boyd High School
2013 People’s Choice Award - Danish Tejani, “Jellyfish,” Plano West Senior High School

Honorable mention awards went to the following:

Annie McRae - “Cable View,” Fairhill School
Jessica Doelling - “Self-Portrait,” McKinney Boyd High School
Faith Wada - “Alter-Ego,” Prestonwood Christian Academy
Hayley Rothballer - “Zipline,” Prestonwood Christian Academy
Allison Vincent - “Rooster,” Prosper High School
Hannah Johnston - “Prosper Texas Perspective,” Prosper High School

All of the pieces listed above may be viewed on Johnson’s Facebook and website until June 1.

Earlier this year, Johnson invited high schools students residing in the Third Congressional District to submit original artwork for the annual Congressional Art Competition. This contest was open to students enrolled in public, private or home schools.

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Congressman Johnson to host the 2013 Congressional Art Competition Exhibit & Awards Ceremony

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Thursday, May 2, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) will host a special art exhibit and awards ceremony, showcasing the talent and creativity of all the Third District high school students participating in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition – An Artistic Discovery. The event is free and open to the general public.

“I’d love to see our community come out and support the hard work and dedication of our North Texas high school students,” said Johnson. “I guarantee it will be worthwhile, you will be amazed at the creativity displayed.”

The art exhibition and awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the McKinney Performing Arts Center located at 111 N. Tennessee Street. At the event, all artwork submissions will be on display, and Johnson will announce the award winning pieces: first through third place and a number of honorable mentions, including the 2013 People’s Choice Award. The winning piece will then travel to Washington, D.C., to hang in a corridor of the United States Capitol for one entire year.

Those unable to attend the event may view the winning pieces on Johnson’s website following the event. Additional information regarding the annual Congressional Art Competition can also be found on Johnson’s website in the “Info for Students” section.

WHEN: Today, Thursday, May 2 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHAT: 2013 Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony & Exhibit

WHO: Congressman Sam Johnson Third District High School Artists

WHERE: McKinney Performing Arts Center, Gallery

111 N. Tennessee Street

McKinney, Texas 75069

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Camp, others want feds to use same health care as rest of America

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, R-Midland, along with Health Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, Congressmen Sam Johnson, R-Texas, Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Charles Boustany Jr., M.D., R-La., and Aaron Schock, R-Ill., introduced legislation to provide that the only health plans the federal government may make available to the president, vice president, members of Congress, and federal employees are those created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or offered through a health insurance exchange.

The definition of “employee” would be consistent with the Title 5 definition and include the president, vice president, members of Congress, cabinet members and all other federal employees. The definition excludes active duty military and postal workers.

A Camp spokeswoman commented in a press release: “Chairman Camp has long believed every American ought to be exempt from the law, which is why he supports full repeal. The fact that Democrats are attempting to exempt themselves from the very law they forced on the rest of America proves they know that this law is an abysmal failure. If the Obamacare exchanges are good enough for the hardworking Americans and small businesses the law claims to help, then they should be good enough for the president, vice president, Congress and federal employees. While the majority of Americans oppose this law, we can all agree that it is only fair that our elected officials follow the same rules as everyone else.”

Camp said the House GOP alternative to Obamacare was the only health care legislation scored by the Congressional Budget Office to met the top health care priority of American families — lowering the cost of health insurance premiums.

Link: http://www.ourmidland.com/news/article_9b83e668-b255-11e2-acca-001a4bcf887a.html

Congressman Johnson to host the 2013 Congressional Art Competition Exhibit & Awards Ceremony

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 2, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) will host a special art exhibit and awards ceremony, showcasing the talent and creativity of all the Third District high school students participating in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition – An Artistic Discovery. The event is free and open to the general public.

The art exhibition and awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the McKinney Performing Arts Center located at 111 N. Tennessee Street. At the event, all artwork submissions will be on display, and Johnson will announce the award winning pieces: first through third place and a number of honorable mentions, including the 2013 People’s Choice Award. The winning piece will then travel to Washington, D.C., to hang in a corridor of the United States Capitol for one entire year.

WHEN: Thursday, May 2 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHAT: 2013 Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony & Exhibit

WHO: Congressman Sam Johnson Third District High School Artists

        WHERE: McKinney Performing Arts Center, Gallery
                           111 N. Tennessee Street
                           McKinney, Texas 75069

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Sam Johnson says "I stand in support of freedom of speech."

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

One minute on healthcare

Sam Johnson speaks up on heath care

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

One minute on the House floor

Johnson denounces costly health care propsal

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson denounces costly health care propsal

Johnson denounces national energy tax

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson denounces national energy tax

Congressman Johnson talks health reform

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Johnson talks health reform

Johnson assails Administration moving Gitmo detainee to New York City

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson assails Administration moving Gitmo detainee to New York City

Johnson calls for Social Security reform

Thu, 14 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson calls for Social Security reform

Johnson reintroduces worksite enforcement bill

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson reintroduces worksite enforcement bill

Congressman Johnson calls for fiscal responsibility

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Johnson calls for fiscal responsibility

Congressman Johnson addresses the Presidents budget

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Johnson addresses the Presidents budget