LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

BROOKLYN, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:  

I join the people of Texas and the entire House Democratic Caucus family in mourning the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Affectionately known to many as EBJ, Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazing icon, transformational public servant and legendary member of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

As the first woman and person of color to serve as Chair of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology in the U.S. House of Representatives, Eddie Bernice Johnson’s life was defined by breaking boundaries. Born and raised in Jim Crow Texas, she left her hometown of Waco and went North to Indiana, motivated by her drive to enter the medical field and in search of an opportunity to learn free of racial segregation. In 1992, she became the first registered nurse in the history of the country ever to be elected to the United States House of Representatives and the first African-American to serve in Congress from North Texas. 

Before her retirement from Congress last year, Chairwoman Johnson helped shepherd the historic CHIPS and Science Act through the House — a massive investment in American manufacturing jobs and future competitiveness. As part of that legislation, EBJ led the charge to make sure we are investing in providing communities of color and other historically under-resourced areas with the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy. Among many defining parts of her legacy is the fact that while she may have been the first registered nurse elected to Congress, her groundbreaking career ensured that she was not the last. 

From the moment I arrived in the House, the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson personally mentored me with love, wisdom and her powerful intellect, as she did for so many others who had the privilege of serving with her. I stand with great humility on her broad shoulders.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s family, friends, constituents and all who loved her. May her powerful life and legacy as one of America’s greatest public servants continue to be a blessing to all.