Bill Johnson RSS Articles

Bill Johnson Statement Concerning the IRS Targeting Conservative Groups

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement today regarding the Internal Revenue Service targeting conservative groups through audits:

"Americans deserve an accountable, responsible federal government - one which exhibits honesty, integrity, and trust. Evidence that the IRS specifically targeted conservative groups is shocking, and quite simply un-American. Such politically motivated actions by a government agency, or its employees, to target any individual or organization is absolutely unacceptable. No American should ever be targeted or harassed for their political beliefs, especially by their own government. I will be demanding a full investigation in order to find out exactly what happened, and to hold those accountable who were behind these egregious acts."

Bill Johnson Statement on Kermit Gosnell Verdicts

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Bill Johnson issued the following statement regarding the conviction of Philadelphia late-term abortionist Kermit Gosnell on three counts of first-degree murder:

“The Kermit Gosnell trial provided a gruesome and graphic insight into the abortion industry, and the violent taking of innocent human life,” Johnson said. “While Gosnell was found guilty on three counts of first-degree murder for his horrific actions on babies who survived abortions and those who were born alive, similar deadly actions are taken against the over 1.2 million unborn children who die from abortions every year in the United States. The tragic reality is that no judicial punishment can fit Gosnell’s crimes, because no sentence the jury hands down can restore the lives that Gosnell ended. Today’s guilty verdicts are important for the women Gosnell abused, and serve as reaffirmation of the most basic values that most Americans hold dear: human life should be protected, not destroyed.

Bill Johnson added, “I am hopeful that the shocking details that came to light through news reports, albeit limited ones, will raise awareness of the horrors being committed by some on children who survive botched abortions. This is not a trial we should just put behind us; it is one we need to learn from.”

Mahoning Co. High School Sophomore Wins 6th Congressional District Art Competition

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) announced today that Nagmita Shrestha, a sophomore at Canfield High School in Mahoning County, will represent his office in the United States Capitol as a winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery.

“Thank you to all of the students who participated in this year’s art competition, and congratulations to Nagmita Shrestha, our winner from Ohio’s Sixth Congressional District,” Johnson said. “It is an honor for me to showcase the artistic talents of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio students. I was once again amazed by the quality and creativity of the art we received, and it is truly a credit to the art teachers and programs at our local high schools. I look forward to seeing Miss Shrestha’s artwork hanging in the U.S. Capitol alongside the other winners from around the United States.”

Miss Shrestha’s artwork, titled “Self-Portrait,” was done with charcoal. As a district winner, Miss Shrestha is invited to participate in a ceremony next month in Washington D.C., along with the other winners from around the country. Southwest Airlines graciously donated two tickets to each district winner for travel to and from the ceremony with a parent or guardian. Residents of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio will be able to view Miss Shrestha’s work while on guided tours of the Capitol building. The artwork of other finalists will be displayed in Representative Johnson’s Ohio offices in Marietta, Salem, Cambridge, and Ironton, and in his Washington D.C. office.

The students’ artwork was judged by a panel of district art experts the week of April 30.

Other finalists of the 6th Congressional District art competition are:

Runner-Up: A oil pasted piece titled "Barnesville House of God" by junior Anna Frazier of Union Local High School in Belmont.
Finalist: A colored pencil piece submitted by junior Maggie Chwalek of Marietta High School. The work is titled “Twiggy.”
Finalist: An acrylic work by junior Haley Holt of Canfield High School. The piece is titled “Life in Color.”
Finalist: An acrylic piece titled "We’re All in This Together" by senior Forrest Patterson of Carrollton High School.
Finalist: A pencil work by senior Ethan Bloomingdale of Marietta High School titled “Sun Catcher.”
Finalist: A computer generated piece submitted by David Miller, a senior at the Collins Career Center in Chesapeake. His work is titled “Waterfall Memories.”

NOTE: Artwork may be viewed here: http://billjohnson.house.gov/photos/#id=332922&num=1

Bill Johnson Statement on Federal Appeals Court Arch Coal Ruling

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency can revoke the permit for a mountaintop mine in West Virginia:

"I was extremely disappointed and troubled by yesterday's federal appeals court ruling, which overturned the decision of a lower court that found that the EPA does not have the power to retroactively veto permits. I am also very concerned that this ruling may set a precedent with a very slippery slope, one that allows the EPA to revoke any permit that was thoroughly reviewed and properly issued by another authorized federal agency. I hope this important case ends up before the Supreme Court, and that they recognize how the EPA grossly overstepped its authority," said Bill Johnson.

Bill Johnson added, "The Obama Administration and the EPA continually push their detrimental War on Coal on the American people, and this permit revocation is just another in a long line of examples. Instead of constantly throwing up roadblocks, I call on the administration to work with those who support domestic energy development (which brings much needed jobs), and also help lower the rising utility prices being forced on the hardworking people I represent in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio."

Bill Johnson Votes for Energy Development and Jobs

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) issued the following statement regarding the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s approval, through a bipartisan vote, to authorize construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline:

"The Keystone XL Northern Route Approval Act (H.R. 3) is common sense legislation that will create thousands of much needed jobs, lower energy prices, and make America more energy independent. This bill, which passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee with bipartisan support yesterday, eliminates the need for a Presidential Permit, and states that the Final Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Secretary of State in August of 2011 satisfies necessary requirements to move forward," Bill Johnson said.

Bill Johnson added, "The American people have waited far too long for this pipeline to be approved. In the meantime, they have been asking 'Where are the jobs?', and have been paying higher prices for fuel under this administration. It has been over four and a half years now; study after study, delay after delay, and it is time to move forward. I am confident this bipartisan legislation will be passed by the full House, and am hopeful that the Senate will follow suit."

Bill Johnson Statement Regarding the Passing of Former Congressman Charlie Wilson

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) today released the following statement regarding the passing of former Congressman Charlie Wilson:

"LeeAnn and I were saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Charlie Wilson. Although Charlie and I were political opponents, we were never enemies. He served with honor in the Ohio state legislature and in Congress. We will be making a contribution in his memory to the scholarship fund named for him at Ohio University Eastern and we encourage others to do so, as well. May God's healing and grace be with Charlie Wilson's family in this time of sorrow."

Bill Johnson Statement on President Obama's Budget

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement responding to President Obama’s 2014 fiscal year budget.

“Earlier today, President Obama released his budget that, by law, was due two months ago. Because of the delay, I held out some optimism that he was taking his time to release a serious plan that would tackle the biggest problem in Washington: his out of control spending. Unfortunately, the President’s budget contains $580 billion in new taxes, and proposes even more spending. Worse, it fails to put Washington on the path toward a balanced budget. With a $16.8 trillion national debt, and our children and grandchildren’s economic security at stake, this budget is not acceptable.

“Bigger government, higher taxes, and more debt is not sustainable, and the President's plan further hamstrings our economy. Along with my House colleagues, I voted for the Path to Prosperity Budget, which balances in 10 years, and preserves and protects vital programs for seniors like Medicare – without raising taxes on anyone. The Path to Prosperity Budget is a fiscally responsible budget, and offers us a sustainable path forward, unlike President Obama’s budget which, unfortunately, is just more of the same tired old policies.

“The time is now to restore the American dream, and the promise that was left to us – a better life than our parents had, and a better future for our children and grandchildren. By adopting the common-sense solutions in the House Republican budget, America's economy will grow and create much needed jobs,” said Bill Johnson.

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Bill Johnson Statement on U.S. Route 30

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Bill Johnson today released the following statement on the Ohio Department of Transportation's recent decision regarding U.S. Route 30:

I am disappointed in ODOT's recent announcement that there is a funding shortfall to support the planned expansion of US Route 30. Despite ODOT's announcement, I will continue to fight for and support this important project. With the economic boom resulting from increased domestic energy production in the oil and gas rich Marcellus and Utica shales, an expansion of US Route 30 from Canton to the Ohio River would bring many additional economic opportunities. Since taking office, I have been actively engaged in the US Route 30 Planning Committee, and I will continue to work toward providing much needed transportation infrastructure upgrades to support the people and businesses I serve.

Bill Johnson Votes for a Balanced Budget

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House Republican budget, the Path to Prosperity. To learn more about the Path to Prosperity, click here.

“Today, the Republican-led House of Representatives drew a line in the sand and passed a budget that will put America on a path to financial responsibility. As it stands today, America’s national debt is racing toward $17 trillion. It is immoral to leave this debt to future generations. The Path to Prosperity will bring America’s crushing debt under control by balancing the budget in ten years. The House Republican budget stops Washington’s reckless spending, puts in place a fairer, simpler, and flatter tax code that would grow our economy, and protect Medicare, a critically important program that so many seniors along the Ohio River rely upon. The Path to Prosperity budget achieves all of this without raising taxes on ANYONE. Hardworking families and small businesses have to balance their budgets. The federal government should be no different. A balanced federal budget will provide the certainty businesses require in order to create jobs and grow the economy – exactly what America needs right now,” said Bill Johnson.

Johnson added, “It was Albert Einstein who said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The American people have seen the failures of Washington's out of control spending, increased debt, higher taxes, and budgets that don’t balance – and they deserve better. The Path to Prosperity delivers proven, common-sense solutions that work for ALL Americans. Fixing America’s debt crisis is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue – it’s about doing what’s right. And the Path to Prosperity is a responsible way forward that does right by the American people.”

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Statement on Fallen Marine Josh Taylor

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

I was heartbroken to hear the tragic news of the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Josh Taylor of Marietta. Josh was a true American hero. He walked among the elite brave men and women who, everyday, put service to their country ahead of themselves. As we mourn, we remember Josh’s courage and sacrifice, as well as the other brave soldiers we lost. I have spoken to the Taylor family to express my grief and offer any assistance that may be needed during this time. LeeAnn and I offer our prayers and deepest sympathies to the Taylor family, and to the families of all those who were killed or injured.