[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1520-E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REAUTHORIZING CERTAIN VISA PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of S. 3245, which reauthorizes the EB-5 Regional Center 
Program. S. 3245 is the type of commonsense legislation we need to put 
Americans back to work and rebuild our Nation's fragile economy. The 
EB-5 program, which creates jobs at no cost to taxpayers, has already 
created more than 25,000 jobs, and is projected to create more than 
100,000 jobs per year once the program is fully implemented. With 
unemployment rates just above eight percent, we cannot afford to pass 
on this opportunity to innovate and invest in America.
  It takes a coordinated effort by both government and the private 
sector to create jobs and rein in high unemployment rates. I am proud 
to report that the City of Dallas serves as a shining example that the 
E-B program works. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Dallas Mayor 
Mike Rawlings and the Civitas Capital Group, the City of Dallas 
Regional Center has attracted more than $120 million in capital from 
foreign investors, which has funded projects such as affordable 
assisted-living facilities and building renovation initiatives.
  The Democratic Members of Congress have consistently demonstrated 
their commitment to creating job opportunities here at home. I am 
encouraged to see that my Republican colleagues have put partisan 
politics aside and

[[Page E1521]]

have joined Democrats in our efforts to put Americans back to work. 
Reauthorization of the EB-5 program is just one step we can take to 
bolster our economy, and I hope to see increased bipartisan efforts to 
keep job-creating investments in the United States.

                          ____________________