Eddie Bernice Johnson: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon to everyone.”

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of former Speaker of the House James "Jim" Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at the age of 92.

For too long we have failed to prioritize, or even acknowledge, the vast contributions that the Black community and other minority groups have made towards scientific discovery and innovation.

I don't agree that the blame game of Republicans or the prior Administration holds any significance to where we are.

He understood that the business of legislating and good politics required great skill in the art of compromise.