As we prepare to celebrate our Great Nation’s Independence, I encourage you to join me in remembering our country’s unique history.  Men and women came to America seeking freedom from persecution.  And our Founding Fathers declared their independence to govern themselves rather than submit to a monarchy.  As a result of their courage and wisdom, we are blessed beyond measure to live in a country where we enjoy freedom in its many forms.  So let us be thankful for these freedoms – because there are countries and regimes out there that do NOT recognize or celebrate individual freedom.  And some want to destroy ours. 

Independence Day is the perfect time for us to pass along WHY our freedom is important.  Each of us plays a role in keeping the legacy of freedom alive.  It is our responsibility to protect and preserve our freedom so that we may pass it on to our children.  

On that note, let us thank all our servicemen and women – past and present – who have defended our Great Nation.  It is because of their service and sacrifice that we are able to continue living in the Land of the Free. 

I pray that God continues to bless our Great Nation.  And I pledge to you that I will continue to uphold the values of freedom and individual liberty, which founded America and our Constitution.  God Bless you and your families, and God bless America.  I salute you.

It was an honor to be recognized on June 26th by the Korea Economic Institute of America, along with my fellow Korean War veterans Rep. John Conyers (MI-13) and former Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-13).

In this Edition

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

• Protecting our Borders and the Rule of Law
• Stop Punishing Seniors Who Work
• Giving Social Security Beneficiaries More Choice in Retirement

My Efforts on Your Behalf in Texas:

• Badges of Honor Medals Event
• Veterans History Project
• “Honor Our Stars and Stripes” Program to Retire Worn U.S. Flags

Upcoming Events and Deadlines:

• July 10th: Water Event
• July 19th: Mobile Office Hours
• July 27th: Nominations Close for FINAL Congressional Veterans Commendation Award
• September 7th: Applications Close for FINAL CYAC Class
• September 9th: U.S. Service Academy Info Session  

Protecting our Borders and the Rule of Law

Citizenship in America is a privilege, not a right.  And while we have been a nation of immigrants from the very beginning, we are also a nation of laws.  In order to better protect our borders, yesterday I voted in support of two House bills targeting illegal immigration: the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) and Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004). 

The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act would penalize “sanctuary cities” that are enabling illegal immigration by overriding or ignoring our federal immigration laws.  More specifically, it would transfer certain Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security grants from going to these “sanctuary cities.” 

On a similar note, Kate’s Law would work to protect American citizens from illegal immigrants who have committed crimes by increasing the penalties these criminals would face if they are convicted of reentry. 

The bottom line: these bills are about upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans.

Stop Punishing Seniors Who Work

Did you know that right now there is a penalty on today’s younger seniors who decide to continue to work?  It’s true, and the penalty is called the “Retirement Earnings Test.”  This affects seniors who continue working after claiming Social Security benefits before their full retirement age – specifically, it temporarily reduces their benefits.  That’s just wrong!  Washington should not punish work.  That’s why, in 2000, I had legislation signed into law that stopped this penalty for folks once they reach full retirement age.   But in order to finish this good work, on June 27th I introduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act of 2017 (H.R. 3077).  My new bill would eliminate this earnings penalty for ALL Social Security Old-Age beneficiaries.  In doing this, Washington will send a clear message to seniors that their work is valued and that they remain a vital part of our economy.  Rest assured I will be working to see this commonsense bill is signed into law!

On June 29th I chaired a Joint Hearing on the complexities and challenges of Social Security coverage and payroll tax compliance for state and local governments. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Giving Social Security Beneficiaries More Choice in Retirement

As a constitutional, free market conservative, one of the fundamental values I support is choice for the consumer.  And while Social Security is an earned benefit, that doesn’t mean it has to be one-size-fits all. Folks across the nation have widely varying career choices, health situations, and financial needs.  With this in mind, choice is important when it comes to claiming Social Security benefits.  Folks already have the option to claim their earned benefits either early, on time, or later on down the road.  But on June 29th I introduced a bill that goes one step further – the Providing Choice for Social Security Retirees Act (H.R. 3112).  This bill would allow folks who choose to delay claiming their benefits past full retirement age the additional option to claim part of their delayed retirement credit as a lump sum in advance – whatever works best for their needs.  This is a bipartisan idea, and I look forward to seeing this commonsense bill signed into law so that all Americans have greater choice when it comes to their retirement. 
     

Each faithful American veteran made a vow to put their life on the line to defend Freedom, and many of these brave men and women rightfully earned medals in recognition of their service.  Sadly, many veterans and their families have trouble obtaining replacement medals.  Worse, some veterans never received their earned medal.  While my staff and I have worked with folks on this issue on a case-by-case basis over the years, not everyone knows that we offer this assistance.  That is why my staff and I hosted the Badges of Honor Medals Event on June 27th.  We had a great turnout, but if you were unable to make it and require assistance with earned service medals, please contact my office at 469-304-0382.  We are always happy to help!

Veterans History Project

In order to help local veterans and their families preserve stories of heroism, patriotism, and sacrifice, my office recently hosted a training workshop on the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project (VHP).  Now more than ever, our country needs to hear about the experiences of our veterans who have personally defended freedom.  If you are a veteran, I encourage you to record your stories.  They are important and deserve to be preserved and shared.  If you were unable to attend this workshop and would like information about the Veterans History Project, please call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382.

“Honor Our Stars and Stripes” Program to Retire Worn U.S. Flags

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Flag Code, American flags are considered unserviceable when they are worn, torn, soiled, or frayed?  In fact, the code states that, “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  That is why, in an effort to help meet the needs of folks seeking to properly retire their old and worn U.S. flags, I started my “Honor Our Stars and Stripes” program in the fall of 2015.  You are invited to drop off flags unsuitable for display at either my local Plano office or at one of my monthly Mobile Office Hours.  Flags will then be retired in a decommissioning ceremony (scheduled to fit demand).

As an additional constituent service, if you would like to purchase a new flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol in order to commemorate a special occasion, please CLICK HERE to learn more information. 

Many folks don’t know that at Collin County’s current rate of projected population growth, by 2021 we will not have sufficient water to meet demand unless a new reservoir is built.  This goes beyond water rationing for lawns.  This is about water from the faucet. I have long been working to ensure that we have sufficient water resources in North Texas, and last year I got an amendment signed into law to help secure a new reservoir to serve our needs.  I have been working closely with the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) on this critical issue, and if you’d like to hear more information and get updates, I encourage you to attend this event.

Due to attendance by community leaders involved with water issues and limited space at the event’s facility, RSVPs are required.  To reserve your spot, please contact my Plano office at (469)304-0382 or email events.tx03@mail.house.gov.

Water Event: July 10th, 2017
Collin College Courtyard Center
Training Room 122
4800 Preston Park Boulevard
Plano, Texas 75093
10:00 am

July 19th: Mobile Office Hours

In an effort to conveniently provide Collin County constituents with help, my staff in Plano regularly hosts monthly Mobile Office Hours (MOHs).  These “Mobile Offices” visit different communities across North Texas.  On July 19th, my staff will be in Frisco and west Plano. Appointments are not necessary, but you will need to bring all relevant documents and fill out a privacy release form before my staff can contact any federal agency (due to the Privacy Act of 1974).  To learn more about Mobile Office Hours and Casework, CLICK HERE.  If you cannot make it to this month’s MOH, I encourage you to call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382.

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Frisco
Frisco Public Library
6101 Frisco Square Blvd
Frisco, Texas 75034

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

West Plano
Parr Library
6200 Windhaven Pkwy
Plano, Texas 75093

July 27th: Nominations Close for FINAL Congressional Veterans Commendation Award

North Texas is home to many men and women who have donned the uniform in defense of Freedom. Many of these patriots are so dedicated to serving others that when they retire from active duty, they continue to serve their community in a variety of ways.  To honor these exceptional hometown heroes, it is my distinct honor and privilege to provide an opportunity for our community to thank these veterans for their service and sacrifice.  That is where my Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) ceremony comes into play.  This annual, nominations-based program is designed to publicly recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of Collin County’s military veterans.

I encourage all Collin County constituents to consider the veterans they know for nomination: their family members, friends, neighbors, and work colleagues.  Anyone may nominate a veteran, and they may nominate as many veterans as they like.  Nominations close on Thursday, July 27th, 2017 at 5:00 pm.

Please also know that, due to the fact this is my last term in office, this will also be the last chance to nominate someone for a Congressional Veterans Commendation. 

For additional information about this program and to download a nomination form, please CLICK HERE.  If you have any questions, please contact Megan Foreman at megan.foreman@mail.house.gov.

It was a pleasure to welcome this year's Congressional Art Competition Winner, Paris Poisso, and her mom to the U.S. Capitol this month and to see her winning artwork, "Accession," displayed with other 1st Place winners from across the country.  Congratulations, Paris!  To see all Collin County art winners and to learn more about this annual competition, CLICK HERE.

September 7th: Applications Close for FINAL Congressional Youth Advisory Council

Because Collin County has many outstanding students and the application process for CYAC can be competitive, I am happy to announce that this year my staff and I are giving students time over the summer months to thoughtfully prepare their applications.  I encourage any student interested in learning about our government through first-hand civic participation to consider the opportunity, and I look forward to meeting the 2017-2018 CYAC class this fall!

High school students living in the Third Congressional District are invited to submit their applications no later than Thursday, September 7th at 5:00 pm.   For more information and to apply, please CLICK HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Talton at (469)304-0382 or Meagan.talton@mail.house.gov.

September 9th: U.S. Service Academies Info Session

If you are a student interested in attending one of our nation’s U.S. Service Academies, you must be nominated by an authorized person.  As a 3rd District constituent, you may contact my office for a Service Academy nomination application.  Everyone interested in learning more about this is welcome to attend my annual information forum.

Information Forum: Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Collin College Preston Ridge Campus
Conference Center
9700 Wade Blvd
Frisco, Texas 75035
9:30 am

*Deadline for Academy Applications: Monday, November 13th, 2017

Additional information can be found on my website - CLICK HERE.  Please call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382 if you have any questions.

My staff and I are here to serve you, so I encourage you to please reach out to let us know your opinions and concerns about the issues most important to you!

Again, I wish you a Happy Independence Day!  God Bless you and I salute you,

Sam Johnson
MEMBER OF CONGRESS

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