Congressman Sam Johnson

The Sam Johnson Journal, February Recap: Gitmo, Border Visit, Water Reservoir Update, and More!

In this edition:

*Click on a link to jump down to that portion of the page.

My Legislative Progress Report:

My Efforts on YOUR Behalf in Washington, D.C.:

My Efforts on YOUR Behalf in Texas:

Upcoming Events:

My Legislative Progress Report

UPDATE! Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act

As a 29-year Air Force veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, I believe it is vital to ensure future generations know and appreciate the sacrifices of America’s brave servicemen and women.  Because the Korean War is often forgotten and America’s memorial for this Forgotten War is incomplete, I introduced the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act last spring.  Well, after a lot of work – which included getting over 300 Members of Congress to co-sponsor this effort – I’m excited to tell you that on February 24th the House passed it by voice vote!  This bill would permit a Wall of Remembrance to be added to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The Wall would list the names of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in support of Freedom during the Korean War.  It would also list the total number of all American POWs and MIAs from the Korean War.  But the news gets better!  As a fiscal conservative, I am proud to also tell you that this Wall of Remembrance is privately funded and the money has already been raised.   No taxpayer dollars would be spent on this addition!  To watch me on the House Floor speaking on behalf of this legislation during the Floor debate, CLICK HERE. 
Thank you to the folks with the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF) for your dedication to see the "Wall of Remembrance" legislation come to the House Floor!  God bless you and I salute you!  

NEW! North Texas Reservoir Approval Act 

To coincide with Texas Water Day, on February 4th I introduced the North Texas Reservoir Approval Act (H.R. 4466).  This bill would provide additional water that is in demand due to significant population growth in North Texas.  You see, at the current rate of projected population growth, by 2020 Collin County will not have enough water to meet demand without this reservoir.  To avoid a lag in resources, this project must move forward immediately given the time required to construct and fill the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir, and that is exactly what my bill would do. 

To learn more about this crucial legislative effort, get in-depth answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and read my statement I gave at the Texas Water Day event in Washington, D.C., please check out the Water Hot Topic Issue Page on my website. 
 		  
 Thank you to the folks at the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) for a productive meeting on February 2nd.  Y'all work hard to provide reliable, clean water for Collin County!

Full List of My Bills and Status of Each

As your representative in Washington, D.C., I’m hard at work introducing legislation that addresses your concerns and priorities!  In fact, during this 114th Congress (2015 and 2016) I have already introduced 30 bills that address a wide range of issues…from preventing illegals from getting your tax dollars, to veteran health care, to protecting seniors from identity theft.  Nearly a third of these bills have already been signed into law in whole or in part.  To learn more about these bills – their summary and status – I encourage you to check out the Legislation Tracker page on my website!
 Thank you to the good folks at Plano's L-3 Unmanned Systems for a great site visit this month!  L-3 is working hard to defend Americans and our freedom by developing next-generation technologies our servicemen and women need! 

My Efforts on YOUR Behalf in Washington, D.C.

Fighting Obama’s Gitmo Plans

A President’s most sacred duty is to protect our homeland and every citizen in it.  Unfortunately (but unsurprisingly), on February 23rd Obama announced his plan to close Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo), the maximum security prison that houses some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.  His plan – which violates federal law – would move these terrorists to other prisons in the continental United States or other overseas countries.

As a 29-year Air Force veteran and POW, I never dreamed we would have a President who believes releasing some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists – terrorists hell-bent on the destruction of our democratic way of life – would in any way make our country safer.  Obama is clearly living in denial as to how these radical Islamic terrorists work.  In fact, the SAME DAY he announced his plans to close Guantanamo Bay, a former Gitmo detainee was arrested by Spanish and Moroccan police for suspected involvement with ISIS! 

We’ve known since Day One that Obama wanted to close down Gitmo at the expense of American safety.  He failed to find the support among the American majority, so now he’s trying to go around Congress, the American people, and laws that Republicans already have in place and Obama himself signed into law (S. 1356, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016).  Rest assured that if he actually attempts to follow through with this plan, the House is already eyeing a lawsuit.  You better believe I’ll do everything within my power to keep our country safe.

Also, ICYMI, here are some of my most recent efforts to block Obama from relocating Gitmo terrorists:

  • On January 28th, 2016, I became a co-sponsor of H.R. 4126, Guantanamo Transfer Prevention Act.
  • On November 5th, 2015, I voted in support of, and the House passed S. 1356, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 (NDAA).  This law continues the longstanding prohibition on transferring Guantanamo detainees to the United States.
  • On May 14th, 2015, I voted in support of, and the House passed, an amendment to H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The amendment would have prohibited the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay.  It would also rescind the President’s ability to transfer detainees.  *Obama vetoed this version of the NDAA.
  • On January 27th, 2015, I became a co-sponsor H.R. 401, Detaining Terrorists to Secure America Act.
 
 
 It was my honor and my privilege to meet with Allen's DAR Chapter on February 16th to discuss patriotism and the importance of passing on our American heritage to younger generations.  Y'all do a great job serving our community! 

Obama’s Big-Spender Budget

On February 9th President Obama released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017.  The one good thing I can say about it is that it will be his LAST budget proposal.  Unfortunately, it comes as no shock to see that Obama proposes more of the same: more spending, more taxes, and more debt.  This is WRONG.  At a time when our debt is over $19 trillion, Obama needs a reality check.  And you better believe that when Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew appeared at the Ways and Means Hearing on February 11th, I took him to task for the Administration’s big-spender budget.  I also questioned Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell on February 10th about Obama's increase in the number of Syrian refugees and how much that plan would cost hardworking American taxpayers given refugees' long-term use of welfare programs.  (Big surprise: she skirted the question.)

As a staunch fiscal conservative, reining in Washington’s out-of-control spending is a top priority of mine.  It’s why I have opposed big spending bills like December 2015’s Omnibus, the Obama-Boehner budget deal last October, and the “Cromnibus” of 2014.  It’s also why I voted to keep the government shut down back in 2013.  Bottom line: Americans want, need, and deserve a budget that balances and stops passing on crushing debt to the next generation. 

Watch:

February 2nd: I question the conservative American Action Forum President, who gives recommendations to change the United State's slow economic growth

February 10th: I question HHS Secretary Burwell

February 11th: I question Treasury Secretary Lew

Justice Antonin Scalia: Legacy and Successor

This February, America lost a great leader with the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia.  Justice Scalia faithfully served our Great Nation in the Supreme Court of the United States, and he courageously defended America's Constitution as our Founding Fathers intended.  As a Constitutional conservative and long-time defender of our 2nd Amendment, I particularly admire Justice Scalia for taking a stand and delivering the decision for 2008’s District of Columbia v. Heller. This was the first Supreme Court case that ruled on whether the 2nd Amendment protects individuals’ rights to bear arms for self-defense.  Rightly, Scalia and the High Court upheld the Constitution. 

Justice Scalia’s passing is a great loss not only for the Supreme Court, but for all Americans.  I pray that God comforts his family during this difficult time.  I also pray for our country and the man or woman who eventually succeeds him. Justice Scalia's successor has big shoes to fill, and America wants, needs, and deserves a constitutional jurist like him. 

*Like Scalia and the Heller decision, one way I am actively defending YOUR 2nd Amendment rights is by fighting Obama’s recently announced executive action gun grab that targets Social Security beneficiaries.  In fact, I introduced the Social Security Beneficiary 2nd Amendment Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3516), which would expressly prohibit him from doing so.  To watch me blast the President’s Social Security gun grab on the House Floor, CLICK HERE.

My Efforts on YOUR Behalf in Texas

Return to Texas Border in Wake of Recent Surge

On February 5th I returned to Texas’ southern border in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s recent report, which shows a 30% increase in border crossings compared to the previous year.  While there I was briefed by the Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety.  In addition, I toured the Rio Grande River by boat to see the security challenges firsthand.

While this certainly wasn't my first trip to Texas' southern border, the new surge of illegal aliens over the past few months is why I made this return trip.  It's no secret that Obama's lawless executive amnesty is having devastating impacts not only on Texas border cities but across the country.  That's why I've been hard at work in Washington to stop illegal immigration and Obama’s amnesty.  As part of that effort I've introduced several pieces of legislation such as my bill, the No Amnesty Tax Refunds for Illegals Act, which has become law.  My most sacred duty is to protect our homeland and every citizen in it.  I spent 29 years as a fighter pilot and seven as a POW doing just that.  And I will continue to fight to keep America safe.

Below are a few of my recent key efforts to stop Obama’s executive amnesty:

  • NOW LAW! H.R. 1298, the No Amnesty Tax “Refunds” for Illegals Act. 
  • H.R. 2334, a bill to stop illegals from claiming the $1,000 refundable child tax credit. 
  • H.R. 1996, the No Social Security Numbers for Illegal Aliens Act. 
  • I opposed the Omnibus on December 18, 2015, because it failed to defund Obama’s executive amnesty.
  • I opposed the DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) on March 3, 2015, because it failed to defund Obama’s executive amnesty.

*For a more comprehensive list of my efforts on this issue, CLICK HERE.

*To watch me on the House Floor as I urge my colleagues to join me in this fight, CLICK HERE.
 		  
 

 

 

Annual “Valentines for Vets” a Success

My annual “Valentines for Vets” outreach program was a HUGE success this year thanks to the participation of so many Collin County students! It was a privilege to cap off National Salute to Veteran Patients Week by visiting our local veteran heroes and delivering messages of thanks from our young adults.  I’d like to thank Elliot Elementary for hosting an assembly in honor of our veterans as well as all our students who made a valentine. But most importantly, THANK YOU to all our Nation's troops and veterans who have served America and defended freedom!
 		  
 

 
 

Help with Taxes: IRS Publication 17 and Casework Assistance

As a fiscal conservative, I want to do everything I can to help you save money – particularly during what can be a stressful and confusing tax season.  Part of that effort is making sure Collin County folks have affordable access to the resources they need! Following the law and saving money shouldn’t be difficult!  That is why my staff and I have provided 12 local libraries with paper copies of the IRS’s “Tax Guide 2015 for Individuals” (IRS publication 17). This 288-page publication provides critical information for individuals doing their 2015 tax returns.  I hope this resource proves helpful, and if you and your families should need any other assistance with the IRS, please don’t hesitate to call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382. My staff and I are always happy to help!

To find a copy of IRS Publication closest to you, CLICK HERE.

For additional information about Casework, CLICK HERE.

For answers to FAQ’s about the IRS, CLICK HERE.

Upcoming Events

Help with a Federal Agency: Mobile Office Hours

Mobile Office Hours for the first six months of 2016 have been scheduled.  To find out when my staff will be near YOU, check out the page on my website HERE.   March’s Mobile Office Hours will be on the 22nd in Plano East, Richardson, Murphy, and Princeton. 

Plano East, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Plano Municipal Center
1520 K Avenue
Plano, TX 75074

Richardson, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Richardson Civic Center
411 West Arapaho Road, Suite 102
Richardson, TX 75080

Murphy, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Murphy City Hall
206 North Murphy Road
Murphy, TX 75094

Princeton, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Princeton City Hall            
123 West Princeton Drive
Princeton, TX 75407

High School Students’ Congressional Art Competition

There’s still time for aspiring artists who live in the Third District to enter the 2016 Congressional Art Competition!  This annual competition gives high school students a rare and unique opportunity to share their talent with the thousands of visitors who come to visit our Nation’s Capital, and it has brought together amazing artwork from all over the United States.   

March Deadlines:

March 21, 2016:  Deadline to RSVP to participate

March 28, 2016: Deadline for artwork to be submitted

Check out my website for more information about this annual Competition!  On this page you can access a Guidelines and Application form, student release form, and Rules for Students and Teachers.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Plano office at 469-304-0382. 

IRS Free File Program

In order to help you keep more of your hard-earned money, on Thursday, March 24th, I will be hosting a public meeting to highlight the IRS Free File Program.  This program provides free online tax prep and e-filing services for taxpayers with an annual income of $62,000 or less in 2015.  Following the briefing, you can take advantage of a one hour interactive Free File demonstration and also learn about other free tax services in our community.  

If you would like to attend, please send an RSVP to Lori Baux: MLBaux@aol.com, 202-265-8148.

Date:   Thursday, March 24th

Time:   10:00 am

Place: Collin College Spring Creek Campus
            Room I-123
            2800 East Spring Creek Parkway
            Plano, Texas 75074

Thank you for caring about the future of our Great Nation and for taking the time to read my latest Sam Johnson Journal update. I hope you found it helpful!  I also encourage you to reach out to my office if you ever need additional information or assistance. We are here to serve you and fight for the conservative values Collin County holds dear!

God Bless you and I salute you,

Sam Johnson
MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Thank you for reading my e-newsletter. If you enjoyed this newsletter, encourage your friends to subscribe by visiting by website. You also can find me on Facebook: Sam Johnson, Twitter: @SamsPressShop, and Instagram: @SamJohnsonTX03.