ACS, the world's largest scientific society, gives the award periodically to recognize outstanding contributions to the development of public policy that benefits the chemical sciences Rep. Johnson has distinguished herself as an effective advocate for science and as a dedicated public servant, according to the award.
Rep. Johnson, who is serving her sixth term representing the 30th congressional district, is Democratic Party Whip in the House and ranking Democrat on the Research Committee of the House Science Committee. She has been a longtime advocate for the National Science Foundation and its efforts to strengthen research and education and has sponsored a bill to double NSF funding.
Rep. Johnson has played a major role in advancing energy research at the Department of Energy and science education at the K-12 and postsecondary levels, as past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She also played a lead role with Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) in supporting the 2003 House resolution honoring National Chemistry Week.
She has supported health, science and education causes throughout her political career, first in the Texas legislature and now in the House of Representatives. Rep. Johnson also has worked to promote minority and women's participation in science, mathematics and engineering programs and to increase funding for institutions that actively recruit underrepresented students for these paths of study.
Rep. Johnson began her career as a nurse and is currently one of two registered nurses in the House.