[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MR. JOHNNY BARNES UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ACLU OF THE 
                         NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Johnny Barnes, 
who, after ten years as the Executive Director of the American Civil 
Liberties Union of the National Capital Area, is retiring. Johnny's 
tireless advocacy and his outstanding leadership, passion, and 
integrity during his service with the ACLU have brought about a more 
fair and just society.
  Johnny's advocacy efforts also include strong support for DC 
Statehood and working to get the residents of Washington, DC, a true 
vote in Congress. Washington, DC, residents pay the second highest per 
capita federal income taxes in the United States but have no vote on 
how the Federal Government spends their tax dollars and no vote on 
important issues such as health care, education, Social Security, 
environmental protection, crime control, public safety, and foreign 
policy. Johnny is determined to educate citizens everywhere about 
taxation without representation for the more than 600,000 
Washingtonians who live in the shadow of the United States Capitol 
Building.
  Since joining the ACLU of the National Capital Area, Johnny has led 
several successful efforts to promote the rights of all people. People 
expect and deserve a fundamental right to privacy. Johnny fought the 
proliferation of video surveillance cameras in majority-minority 
communities in Washington, DC. He also fought for the rights of honest 
people against warrantless searches police checkpoints. Throughout his 
time with the ACLU, Johnny has given a resounding voice to those who 
could not be heard.
  Before joining the ACLU, Johnny enjoyed a distinguished career 
supporting several Members of Congress in senior positions. From 1984 
1990, Johnny served as the Chief of Staff to Washington, DC, Delegate 
Walter E. Fauntroy. From 1992 1995, Johnny served as Senior Counsel and 
Legislative Director to Congressman Lucien E. Blackwell from 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and from 1995 2000, Johnny served as Chief 
of Staff to Congresswoman Eva M. Clayton who represented the First 
Congressional District of North Carolina; the same Congressional 
District that I have the distinct honor of representing today.
  Johnny graduated Cum Laude from Central State University in 
Wilberforce, Ohio, and from the Georgetown University Law Center. He 
has shared his passion, understanding and expertise in law with 
countless students as Law Professor at the Georgetown University Law 
Center, the Potomac School of Law, and Antioch School of Law.
  Johnny's work as a professor, seasoned Congressional staffer, and 
leader of the ACLU of the National Capital Area deserve recognition 
from this august body. I am confident that he will continue to be a 
strong advocate for civil rights wherever his interests and dedication 
to the community lead him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. 
Johnny Barnes on his retirement from the American Civil Liberties 
Union.

                          ____________________