Longtime Democratic Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, 86, is retiring at the end of this year. Johnson, who represents the 30th Congressional District, has served for 30 years.
An unveiling ceremony for Johnson’s official portrait was held in the House Science Committee room on Capitol Hill on November 17 to pay tribute to Johnson and her achievements. Her two great-granddaughters unveiled the portrait.
In January 2019, Johnson became the first African-American woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Her portrait will hang alongside previous lawmakers who have chaired the committee.
Johnson became the first nurse elected to the Texas House in 1972, Texas Senate in 1986, and Congress in 1992.
She helped pass legislation such as the Wright Amendment of 1979, which ended flight restrictions at Dallas Love, and a law to move a flood control area in Arlington to make room for AT&T Stadium.
“I am proud of my record,” Johnson said. “I am proud of the things I’ve been able to help our entire area and our entire state achieve.
Johnson was surrounded by family, members of Congress, and other supporters, who congratulated her and praised her work and achievements.
“You’ve made this nation better. You’ve made our state better, and you certainly made Dallas-Fort Worth a stronger region,” said North Texas business leader Ross Perot Jr., who was the primary donor for the portrait, according to CBS News.
“She will go down in history as being the single most effective legislator in the history of the state of Texas for bringing home infrastructure and resources to North Texas. She’s just been uber effective,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson after the ceremony, according to Dallas Morning News.
Johnson also received a plaque sent by President Joe Biden commemorating the CHIPS and Sciences Act she helped pass to boost semiconductor chip production in the U.S.