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July 2, 2013
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• Let Freedom Ring: Happy Birthday America
• Defense of Marriage Act
• Stop Late-Term Abortion Now
• Social Security Subcommittee Hearing: Disability Insurance Program
• United States Service Academy Send-Off
• Congressional Youth Advisory Council Reception
Let Freedom Ring: Happy Birthday America
As we get ready to celebrate America’s Birthday, let’s take a moment to honor a legacy that began 237 years ago and today impacts the daily life of every individual who calls America home. Two hundred and thirty seven years ago, our democracy was born. By signing the Declaration of Independence, each man put his life on the line to create a country where any man can raise his voice without the fear of retribution, where any man can create a life for himself where dreams become reality, and where any man can have opportunities to prosper, and not simply abide by the status quo. Out of this declaration came the American Dream.
For many of us, the 4th of July is marked by fireworks, barbeques, baseball games and parades. American flags fill our local stores, the colors red, white, and blue flood our neighborhood streets, and the words “liberty, freedom, and democracy” ring in our ears. Beyond the festivities, we must remember that our liberty, freedom, and democracy came with a price. Service and sacrifice brought these words to life. The founding fathers risked everything to declare their independence and take a stand for freedom. As Americans we are all about freedom. Freedom is not a battle that is won only once, but a battle we must declare to win every single day. When I glance at Old Glory, I see blood, sweat, and sacrifice, but I also see triumph, valor, and victory. Standing 237 years later as the land of the free, I see a nation that has overcome countless obstacles and a people defined by courage and conviction.
As a 29-year Air Force Veteran, the word “freedom” means a great deal to me. In fact, this year is extra special as I celebrate my 40 years of freedom from being a Prisoner of War in Vietnam for nearly seven years. Sitting in that dark cell where I was denied the freedom to even speak to my fellow POWs, I made a vow that when – not if - I returned I would never again take my liberties for granted. I remember that sweet feeling of freedom when my feet touched Texas soil again. This week as we celebrate our nation’s independence, I am reminded of that same feeling I had 40 years ago. May we never forget, freedom is not a right, but a privilege. A privilege fought for by the brave men and women who wear our uniform so our nation can continue to be the standard of democracy. Because of these patriots, we can stand together and sing, “America, the Beautiful.”
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Washington Update
Defense Of Marriage Act
Last Wednesday, June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional in United States v. Windsor. In 1996, I voted in support of DOMA, and today, despite the recent Supreme Court decision, my support does not waiver. God provides us with clear, biblical direction on this non-negotiable issue that we must follow and obey. God’s word remains to be true, and therefore I pledge to continue to uphold this truth. Simply put, not everything that is permissible is always beneficial, and as lawmakers, we must take the hard stances. I will continue to defend and support laws that preserve the moral integrity of our great nation. Mark 10:6-9.
Stop Late-Term Abortion Now
Recently, we moved one step closer to protecting the value of life, women and unborn babies by banning late-term abortion. H.R. 1797, “The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” was introduced based on the findings that by 20 weeks unborn children have the capacity to experience pain. The horrors of late-term abortions are right in front of us. Recently, we have seen the Kermit Gosnell Trial, and worse, in our very own state, Douglas Karpen allegedly killing babies born alive. These acts are inexcusable, immoral, and unjustifiable. I urge the Senate to do the right thing and protect the value of life, women and unborn children.
Click here to view my statement on the House Floor.
Social Security Subcommittee Hearing: Disability Insurance Program
As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, I held a hearing on how to get more people back to work through the Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) Program. DI benefits provide an essential safety net for disabled workers and their families, but Congress must find efficient ways to help those who want to, get back to work. A program designed to help people recover should not cripple a person by hindering their ability to find work. We must empower Americans to trade in their disability checks for a paycheck. As Americans, we take pride in giving everyone the opportunity to succeed, to live their American Dream. Now, let’s take action to uphold it!
Learn more about the hearing here.
Texas Update
United States Service Academy Send-Off
At a send-off reception, I had the pleasure of congratulating 21 extraordinary students who have been chosen as the future leaders of our armed forces. These students have received appointments from the prestigious United States service academies: the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. America has the finest fighting men and women in the world and these students, who are the best and the brightest, are needed now more than ever. I am confident they will represent the Third District of Texas well.
To see a list of the Third District students appointed, please click here.
Congressional Youth Advisory Council Reception
Recently, 51 Third District students from public, private, and home schools completed the 2012-2013 Congressional Youth Advisory Council! These bright, young leaders served as my “Student Ambassadors to Congress.” Along with completing a community service project of their choice, we met twice a semester with leaders from our community to learn more about the role of government and discuss policy issues impacting them and their peers. I’m glad to see the future leaders of North Texas actively giving back to their community.
If you are, or perhaps know of, a high school student interested in participating in CYAC next year, please click here for more information.
Thank you for reading my e-newsletter. If you enjoyed this newsletter, encourage your friends to subscribe by visiting my website. You also can find me on Facebook: Sam Johnson and Twitter: @SamsPressShop.
God bless you and God bless America.
Sincerely,
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Member of Congress
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Washington D.C. Office 1211 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4201 |
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Texas Office 1255 W 15th Street, Suite 170 Plano, Texas 75075 Phone: (469) 304-0382 Fax: (469) 304-0392 |
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