The Sam Johnson Journal
June 5, 2013

What to Expect in this Edition:
• IRS Hearing
• 2013 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report
• Co-sponsor a Bill Today!
• Bill Signing: Secures Water Supply in North Texas
• Memorial Day Celebration
• Visit to Eltek Inc.
• Congratulations: U.S. Service Academy Appointees

Washington Update:
IRS Hearing
Yesterday, the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing with organizations and individuals who were targeted by the Internal Revenues Service (IRS) based on their personal beliefs.  I thank those who have shared their stories with me.  I pledge to stand firm in my commitment to get to the truth and hold those responsible accountable.  Americans should never have to fear that they may be politically targeted by the IRS.   

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the IRS scandal, please click here to confidentially share your story.

To make matters worse, you know what the IRS does when it's not targeting Conservatives?

They are producing parody videos, one depicting characters from Star Trek and characters from Gilligan's Island.  They also learn how to line dance on taxpayer dollars!  I wish this was a joke, but click here to watch.  A report released yesterday shows that this video was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wasteful spending by the IRS.  Between 2010 and 2012, the IRS spent $49 million to hold 225 employee conferences.  IRS employees received luxurious benefits, including baseball tickets and stays in presidential hotel suites that cost $1,500 to $3,000 a night!  This is outrageous.  Their abusive ways, whether it is wasting precious taxpayer dollars or targeting Americans based on their personal beliefs must end! 

2013 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report
On Friday, May 31, the Trustees of Social Security and Medicare issued their 2013 annual report.  According to the report, Social Security will be going deeper into the red with each passing year.  Moreover according to the report, when today’s 47-year-old workers reach their full retirement age in 2033, they, and everyone else already receiving benefits, will face a 23 percent benefit cut unless Congress does its job to fix Social Security.  As Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, I have held two hearings on bipartisan proposals to strengthen Social Security.  The sooner we act the sooner we can protect those who are most vulnerable and find answers that are fair to all generations.

Co-Sponsor a Bill Today!
Yesterday, Majority Leader Eric Cantor launched a new website, Cosponsor.gov where folks can voice their support and track the status of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.  It is an extremely user friendly and innovative website that will foster a national conversation and improve communication between you, me, and all other elected officials.  Remember, we work for you!  Therefore, transparency, open government and engagement must always be a priority – this is a step in that direction.

For example, I recently introduced H.R. 556, the Refundable Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Reform Act of 2013, which would save Americans an estimated $24.4 billion over the next ten years.  With this new website you can read, track, and support the bill in one place. Click here to check it out.

Bill Signing: Secures Water Supply in North Texas

For more than three years, the presence of zebra mussels, an invasive species, in Lake Texoma prevented the transporting of water via pipeline to the treatment facility in Wylie, Texas.  Under the Lacey Act, transporting water over state lines with an invasive species is considered a criminal offense with penalties up to $500,000 for each violation.  The mussels do not harm water quality, but they clog water intake pipes by attaching to anything underwater.

Texas Update:
Memorial Day Celebration
The historic Pecan Grove Cemetery is always a great way to kick off my Memorial Day!  Seeing the graves of the selfless men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice reminded me once again, how blessed we are to live in this great nation.  Our marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen have left a legacy to us all, a legacy we must cherish and never take for granted. 

As North Texans gathered to honor the sacrifice and bravery of our troops, we commemorated one of our local patriots: Lt. Brian Smith.  Brian was killed on his second tour in Iraq at the young age of 30 and left a remarkable legacy for us all to remember.  As an 18-year old Eagle Scout, he mapped and listed every veteran gravesite at Pecan Grove and placed an American flag over each grave with his Boy Scout troop.  Every Memorial Day, his Boy Scout troop upholds this same tradition.  What an honor it was to stand surrounded by American flags and remember those who died to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day.

After speaking at the Pecan Grove Cemetery, I ended the day by leading a prayer in Plano’s Veteran Memorial Park.  We must continue to pray for courage, strength, and safety of our troops and their families.  We are blessed to live in a nation where we can pray openly and freely, and owe our sincerest gratitude to those who defend that right.  God Bless all who serve!

Last Wednesday, May 29, I met with Allen Pitts, Americas Regional President, and David Leal, Vice President of North American Sales, at Eltek, Inc. to tour the new U.S. headquarters located in our very own Plano, Texas.  Eltek is the leading international supplier of power solutions, and I welcome them to the Third District.  As a leader in the science, technology, and engineering field, Eltek will continue to provide innovative and efficient products as well as more good-paying jobs, contributing to the greatness of Texas and America.

Congratulations: U.S. Service Academy Appointees
I’m proud to announce the U.S. service academy appointees from our Congressional district.  Click here for the list of names.  These students are the future leaders of our country, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them through the nomination process.  They will be a credit to our military and our nation.  If you or a student you know is interested in attending a service academy, click here to learn more.  

Students, congratulations on your great accomplishment!  Always remember, North Texas is behind you, and I salute you.

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,

SAM JOHNSON
Member of Congress