Hank Johnson

On December 27, 2007, Hank Johnson, serving as a member of the House of Representatives, issued a statement strongly condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Johnson highlighted the impact of her death on Pakistani politics and democracy, emphasizing the need for global support for democratic practices. His statement was part of a broader chorus of international voices denouncing the violent act that shook Pakistan at a critical time in its political development. Bhutto’s assassination marked a turning point that increased tensions in the region.

On March 25, 2010, Representative Hank Johnson voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Johnson's support was part of a larger effort to reform healthcare in the United States, aimed at making health insurance more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans. The ACA was designed to expand Medicaid, create health insurance exchanges, and implement protections for people with preexisting conditions. Despite facing significant opposition and contentious debates, the legislation represented one of the most substantial changes to the U.S. healthcare system in decades.

On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark decision that had significant political and social implications. Hank Johnson, who had supported the ACA, celebrated the ruling as a major victory for healthcare reform. The decision ensured the continuation of key provisions such as the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion. Johnson's advocacy for the ACA was rooted in his commitment to providing greater health security for his constituents and advancing social justice through improved healthcare access.

On July 13, 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, Hank Johnson joined rallies to protest the verdict and call for justice. Johnson's participation was part of a national response seeking justice for the late teenager and brought attention to issues of racial profiling and systemic injustice in the United States. The case and its outcome spurred the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting ongoing racial inequalities. Johnson's involvement underscored his dedication to civil rights and social justice advocacy.

On September 28, 2016, Representative Hank Johnson introduced the Police Accountability Act, aimed at increasing oversight and accountability of law enforcement agencies across the United States. The bill proposed measures to penalize officers involved in civil rights violations and established protocols for federal investigations into police misconduct. Johnson emphasized the need for such legislation in the wake of numerous high-profile cases of police violence, underscoring his continued efforts to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system and advocate for communities affected by policing policies.

On January 19, 2018, Hank Johnson addressed participants at the Women's March in Atlanta, expressing solidarity with their cause. The march was part of a larger global movement advocating for women’s rights, equality, and justice. Johnson's speech emphasized the importance of standing against gender discrimination and supporting legislative efforts to ensure equal rights. His participation in the event illustrated his commitment to gender equality and empowerment, and he highlighted the ongoing struggle for women's rights as a critical issue facing society.

On May 15, 2019, Hank Johnson spoke out in favor of net neutrality rules and supported legislative efforts to restore Obama-era regulations that had been repealed. Johnson argued that net neutrality is essential for preserving an open and free internet, where all users have equal access to online content without discrimination by service providers. His advocacy stemmed from concerns over internet freedom and consumer rights, and he worked with other lawmakers to push for policies that protect users from undue corporate influence over internet traffic and content availability.

On June 1, 2020, in the wake of George Floyd's death and subsequent protests nationwide, Representative Hank Johnson took to the streets to join demonstrators in Atlanta. Johnson supported the call for systemic change in policing and justice for the victims of police violence. His participation highlighted his ongoing commitment to racial justice and reform. The protests became part of a larger international movement demanding accountability and policy changes to address racial disparities in law enforcement practices.

On January 6, 2021, during the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a violent mob attempting to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, Representative Hank Johnson was present in the building. Johnson and his colleagues were evacuated to safety. The event marked a significant moment in U.S. history as the attack on democratic institutions shook the nation. Johnson later spoke out against the violence and supported efforts to hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing the need to protect democratic processes and institutions.

On March 3, 2022, Hank Johnson co-sponsored a new voting rights bill aimed at addressing recent state-level restrictions and ensuring fair access to the ballot box. The bill proposed measures to expand voter registration opportunities and protect against discriminatory practices that could disenfranchise minority groups. Johnson's support for the legislation was part of his broader efforts to safeguard democratic participation and promote equal representation. Johnson's legislative actions underscore his commitment to civil rights and the protection of voting access for all eligible Americans.