Congressman Sam Johnson

The Sam Johnson Journal

March 31, 2015

In this Edition:
 On March 11th I was privileged to be in honored in Austin and to spend time with fellow conservative leaders. What a blessing it is to call Representatives Turner and Leach and Attorney General Ken Paxton friends - and to work on your behalf to uphold our Texas values that make our State the BEST State!

Passing a Budget that Balances

As a fiscal conservative, on March 25th I was proud to support a Republican budget that, unlike the President’s proposal, would actually balance without raising taxes!  You will also be happy to know that this budget fully repeals Obamacare and provides greater support for American troops at a time when the world has grown more dangerous.

I’m also pleased that this budget includes a measure of mine (H.R. 918) that works to protect taxpayers’ dollars.  Last month I introduced common-sense legislation to ensure Social Security disability benefits are only for those who truly cannot work– including the nearly 8,000 Collin County folks I represent who are disabled.  Unfortunately, some individuals are abusing the system by “double-dipping” unemployment and disability benefits at the same time.  With the disability program going broke next year, Congress should stop this double-dipping now. My bill does just that!

Many hardworking Americans continue to struggle to make ends meet due to the President’s policies.  You can rest assured that I will continue to support conservative principles to get our country back on track so that all Americans can have a better life.

Protecting Seniors from Identity Theft

As Chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security subcommittee, one of my priorities is to protect Americans' identities by protecting their Social Security numbers.  And our seniors are some of the most vulnerable targets for identity theft due to the fact that their Medicare cards include their Social Security numbers.  This puts Medicare beneficiaries – including Collin County’s over 80,000 beneficiaries I represent – at risk!   To address this problem, I reintroduced the Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act earlier this year.  This bill would end Social Security numbers on Medicare cards once and for all.   I'm pleased to say that the House passed it on March 26th with bipartisan support as part of H.R. 2, and I look forward to the Senate’s swift passage of this measure.  Our seniors deserve nothing less.

 As the senior member on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, on March 9th I held a Health Advisory Group Meeting with local health professionals to hear from them about their top priorities and concerns.

Opposing a Nuclear Deal with Iran

By all accounts, President Obama seems hell-bent on striking a nuclear deal with Iran – a deal which would hurt our national security interests and sell out our proven ally and friend, Israel.

I served our Great Nation in the Air Force for 29 years and fought during two wars, and let me tell you that the President is fooling himself if he thinks Iran can be trusted – it cannot. Iran is determined to be a nuclear power.  Let’s be clear: Iran is a foe – not a friend.  Not even two weeks ago Iran’s Supreme Leader said, “Death to America!”  The Iranian regime has the blood of American soldiers on its hands: it supports Assad’s brutal regime, and it’s seeking to spread its influence into Yemen.

The President seems intent to ignore the majority of American people who believe this deal would NOT prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon.  That’s wrong.  Rest assured that I am closely monitoring this situation and will oppose a nuclear deal with Iran at every opportunity.  Nothing less than our national security is at stake.  It’s high time Obama recognizes the gravity of what is going on in the Middle East.   If he doesn’t, his legacy will likely be a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

On March 3rd, after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered his speech at a Joint Session of Congress, I met with the the Texas American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Delegation. Thank you to this group for their efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Israel friendship!

Pro-Life Support: GAO Report Unveiled

As a member of the Congressional Pro Life Caucus, I have consistently co-sponsored and voted for legislation that protects the sanctity of human life, which begins at conception.   I have also long-supported denying federal funds to Planned Parenthood.  That’s why I was disturbed by the non-partisan Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report released March 25th that detailed which family planning groups receive federal funding.  This report – which I and other members of the Pro Life Caucus requested last year – found that Planned Parenthood receives the vast majority of federal family planning funding – about $500 million a year.  By its very own data, Planned Parenthood admitted that in 2013 over 94 percent of all pregnancy-related services it provided were abortions.

Our Great Nation was founded upon the idea that ALL people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”  And the first right mentioned in our Declaration of Independence is that of Life.  We must do all we can to uphold this most fundamental value. You can rest assured that I will continue to do all I can to fully protect our God-given right to Life for ALL.   I have joined fellow Pro Life Caucus members in sending a formal request to the Appropriations Committee demanding that NO federal funds go to Planned Parenthood in the upcoming Appropriations bills.

Defending Religious Freedom for America’s Troops

Our Constitution’s very First Amendment protects every individual’s freedom of religion.  But our servicemen and women who protect our county with their lives are seeing that freedom under fire.   In 2013, the U.S. Air Force Academy made the phrase “so help me God” optional in the oath each cadet takes.  And why did they do this?  Because one radical atheist group – the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) – met with the Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson to push for the full removal of any reference to God at the Academy.   It’s important to note that this effort originated from this outside radical atheist group, not from Academy cadets – the very individuals who take the oath.

As a 29-year Air Force veteran who served this country during two wars and was held as a prisoner of war for nearly seven years, I consider military oaths to be a very serious matter. And during those nearly seven years as a POW in communist North Vietnam, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to live without religious freedom.  I believe people absolutely have the right to whatever religious beliefs they choose – including the choice of no religion.   What I don’t believe in is removing religion from the public.  The removal of religion violates religious freedom.

That is why I recently introduced the Preserve and Protect God in Military Oaths Act (H.R. 1425).  My bill states that that any changes in military oaths would require the say of Congress so that the American people – including those who are taking the oaths – have a say.  This protects Americans’ right to religious freedom.   No changes should be made to oaths of honor without the knowledge and approval of the American people.

The moral foundation of our country is in serious danger if we allow radical groups to dictate whether or not we can freely express our religious beliefs!  It’s time to take a stand.
On March 28th I was privileged to speak at the Greater Dallas Military Foundation Ball and spend time with fellow men and women who serve our Great Nation in the Armed Forces. Thank you to ALL our servicemen and women.

Completing the Korean War Memorial for its Veterans

As a veteran who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, I can attest to the personal importance that our war memorials have for our veterans and military families as well as for future generations.   Our war memorials are an important physical reminder that the price of freedom is not free.  Fittingly, they also serve as places where all Americans can pay their respects to the brave men and women who fought on behalf of our Great Nation.

Sadly, the Korean War is often forgotten.  And America’s memorial for this Forgotten War is incomplete.  That is why, on behalf of my fellow veterans who served during this time, I recently introduced the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act (H.R. 1475).  My bill would permit a Wall of Remembrance to be added to the Korean War Veterans Memorial.  The Wall would list the names of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were killed in action during the Korean War, and would also list the number of all American POWs and MIAs from the Korean War.   You’ll be happy to know that this Wall of Remembrance is privately funded and the money has already been raised.  No taxpayer dollars would be spent on this addition.

I thank all our troops and veterans, as well as their families, for the sacrifices they have made to keep America the Land of the Free.  This is just one way we can give back.

50 years ago then Maj. Hayden J. Lockhart became the first U.S. airman to be shot down and taken as a Vietnam POW. In honor of all Vietnam POWs, MIAs, and their families, on March 2nd I attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial. I was joined by many American heroes, including my good friend and Alcatraz buddy, Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker.

Bergdahl Desertion Charge

On March 25th the Army announced that it would charge Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with one count of desertion and one count of misbehavior before the enemy.  As a POW and 29-year Air Force veteran, it pains me to think any serviceman or woman would abandon their post – abandon their country and their military family.  Unfortunately, that appears to be the case with Sgt. Bergdahl.  He clearly did NOT serve our country with “honor and distinction,” as National Security Advisor Susan Rice stated.

What’s most concerning is the fact that the Administration carelessly and unlawfully negotiated with terrorists to return Bergdahl to America in exchange for five Taliban leaders. This shows a serious lack in judgement.   In doing so, the Administration has, in effect, put a price on the head of each Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Coast Guardsman, and Marine serving abroad in defense of freedom.  What’s worse, U.S. intelligence officials now suspect that at least one of these released detainees has attempted to return to the battlefield.

Regardless of the Sgt. Bergdahl’s trial outcome, I think it’s important to honor the real heroes in this situation – the men and women who DO serve our country faithfully.   President Obama and his Administration owe their deepest and most heart-felt apology to the troops who risked their lives trying to rescue Bergdahl.

Upcoming Mobile Office Hours

To conveniently provide Collin County constituents help with federal agencies, my staff in Plano regularly hosts Mobile Office Hours that visit different communities across North Texas.  Appointments are not necessary.  My next upcoming Mobile Office Hours are on April 22nd, so mark your calendars!

To learn more about what issues my staff and I can help you with, and to download a Privacy Release form, CLICK HERE.

April 22nd:

Melissa, 9:00am-11:00am
Melissa City Hall
3411 Barker Avenue
Melissa, TX 75454

Prosper, 9:00am-11:00am
Prosper City Hall
1500 East 1st Street
Prosper, TX 75078

Murphy, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Murphy City Hall
206 North Murphy Road
Murphy, TX 75094

Richardson, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Richardson Civic Center, Suite 102
411 W. Arapaho Rd.
Richardson, TX 75080
It was an honor and a pleasure to attend the Halo of Freedom Warrior Foundation's "Weekend to Remember" with Rep. Scott Turner and my good friend and POW buddy Captain Charlie Plumb. What an inspiring organization run by some very special people who selflessly give back to our veterans!

Help During Tax Season

As a fiscal conservative, I want to do everything I can to help my constituents 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!

The IRS’s “Tax Guide 2014 for Individuals” (IRS publication 17) provides critical information for individuals doing their 2014 tax returns.  And while the IRS no longer makes this publication in print, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve come up with a solution that IS convenient and affordable for those in need of a hard copy – I am providing local libraries with copies.

Following the law and saving money shouldn’t be made even more difficult than it already is! If you and your family 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!

Where to find copies of IRS Publication 17:

Frisco
Frisco Public Library
6101 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 292-5669

McKinney
John and Judy Gay Library
6861 W. Eldorado Pkwy.
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 547-7323

Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library
101 E. Hunt St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 547-7323

Melissa
Melissa Public Library
3411 Barker Ave.
Melissa, TX 75454
(972) 837-4540

Plano
Harrington Library
1501 18th St.
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 941-7175

Princeton
Princeton Community Library
319 McKinney Ave.
Princeton, TX 75407
(972) 736-3741

Richardson
Richardson Public Library
900 Civic Center Dr.
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 744-4350

Sachse
Sachse Public Library
3815 Sachse Rd. Building C
Sachse, TX 75048
(972) 530.8966

Wylie
Rita & Truett Smith Public Library
300 Country Club Rd. #300
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 516-6250


Thank you for taking the time to read this monthly wrap-up about my latest efforts on your behalf.

It’s my privilege to serve Collin County and represent your views in Washington. Please reach out to me and my staff to let us know your opinions and concerns about the issues most important to you.

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 and Twitter: @SamsPressShop.
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Washington D.C. Office
2304 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4201
Texas Office
1255 W 15th Street, Suite 170
Plano, Texas 75075
Phone: (469) 304-0382
Fax: (469) 304-0392