Sam Johnson (Texas congressman)

Sam Johnson

Republican Party

Prior offices

Texas House of Representatives

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U.S. House Texas District 3

Successor: Van Taylor

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Education

High school

Woodrow Wilson High School, Dallas, TX

Bachelor's

Southern Methodist University

Graduate

George Washington University

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Air Force

Years of service

1950 - 1979

Sam Johnson (October 11, 1930 - May 27, 2020) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas' 3rd Congressional District from 1991 to 2019.

On January 6, 2017, Johnson announced his plan to retire at the end of the 115th Congress.

Johnson began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives, where he served from 1985 until his election to the U.S. House in 1990.

Johnson died on May 27, 2020, at age 89.

Biography

Johnson was born in San Antonio, TX. During Johnson's 29-year service in the U.S. Air Force, he fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a prisoner of war for seven years.

Johnson won a special election on May 8, 1991, to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Steve Bartlett.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Johnson's academic, professional, and political career:

• 1991-2019: U.S. Representative from Texas' 3rd Congressional District
• 1985-1991: Texas House of Representatives
• 1950-1979: U.S. Air Force
• 1974: Graduated from George Washington University with an M.S.I.A.
• 1951: Graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Johnson was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Ways and Means

2015-2016

Johnson served on the following committees:

• Ways and Means Committee
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Social Security, Chairman

2013-2014

Johnson served on the following committees:

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Subcommittee on Social Security Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Health
• Joint Committee on Taxation

2011-2012

Johnson was a member of the following House committees:

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Social Security Subcommittee Chairman
  • Health Subcommittee
• Joint Committee on Taxation

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.

  Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.

  Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

  Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

  Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

  Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

  Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

  Did not vote on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

  Voted Nay on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

  Did not vote on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

  Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

  
  

  Did not vote on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Johnson's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Johnson was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Johnson was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Johnson was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Johnson was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Johnson voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Johnson voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Johnson voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Johnson voted with 166 Republicans against the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Johnson voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Johnson voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Johnson voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Johnson voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Johnson voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Johnson voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Johnson voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Johnson voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Johnson voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Johnson voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Johnson's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security NDAA Johnson voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Johnson voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Johnson voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Johnson voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Johnson joined with the 63 other Republicans and 3 Democrats who voted against the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Johnson voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Johnson voted against HR 2775. Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination Johnson voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Johnson voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Johnson voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Social issues Abortion Johnson voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit. Johnson joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Johnson voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Johnson endorsed Ted Cruz for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Ted Cruz

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Sam Johnson (Texas congressman) endorsed Rick Perry in the 2012 presidential election.

Elections

2018

See also: Texas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2018

Sam Johnson did not file to run for re-election.

2016

See also: Texas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Sam Johnson (R) defeated Adam Bell (D), Scott Jameson (L), Paul Blair (G) and write-in candidate Billy Wayne Engle Jr. in the general election on November 8, 2016. Johnson defeated Dave Cornette, John Slavens and Keith Thurgood in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016, while Adam Bell defeated Michael Filak to win the Democratic nomination.

U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Sam Johnson Incumbent	61.2%	193,684
	Democratic	Adam Bell	34.6%	109,420
	Libertarian	Scott Jameson	3.3%	10,448
	Green	Paul Blair	0.9%	2,915
Total Votes				316,467
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 3 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Sam Johnson Incumbent	74.6%	65,451
John Slavens	11.5%	10,043
Keith Thurgood	8.2%	7,173
Dave Cornette	5.7%	5,037
Total Votes		87,704
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Adam Bell	64.8%	17,270
Michael Filak	35.2%	9,395
Total Votes		26,665
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014

See also: Texas' 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014

Johnson won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He defeated Cami Dean, Josh Loveless and Harry Pierce to win the Republican nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014. He defeated Paul Blair (G) in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Sam Johnson Incumbent	82%	113,404
	Green	Paul Blair	18%	24,876
Total Votes				138,280
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 3 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Sam Johnson Incumbent	80.6%	31,178
Harry Pierce	7.8%	3,004
Cami Dean	6.3%	2,435
Josh Loveless	5.4%	2,086
Total Votes		38,703
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2012

See also: Texas' 3rd Congressional District elections, 2012

Johnson won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 3rd District. He defeated Josh Caesar and Harry Pierce in the Republican primary on May 29, 2012. He ran unopposed in the general election on November 6, 2012.

U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Sam Johnson Incumbent	100%	187,180
Total Votes				187,180
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

U.S. House, Texas District 3 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Sam Johnson Incumbent	83.1%	33,592
Harry Pierce	12%	4,848
Josh Caesar	5%	2,002
Total Votes		40,442

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Sam Johnson, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Lingenfelder (D), Christopher Claytor (L) and Harry Pierce (Write-in) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 66.3% 101,180      Democratic John Lingenfelder 31.3% 47,848      Libertarian Christopher Claytor 2.4% 3,602      Write-in Harry Pierce 0% 22 Total Votes 152,652 2008 On November 4, 2008, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Tom Daley (D) and Christopher Claytor (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 59.7% 170,742      Democratic Tom Daley 38% 108,693      Libertarian Christopher Claytor 2.2% 6,348 Total Votes 285,783 2006 On November 7, 2006, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dan Dodd (D) and Christopher Claytor (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 62.5% 88,690      Democratic Dan Dodd 34.9% 49,529      Libertarian Christopher Claytor 2.6% 3,662 Total Votes 141,881 2004 On November 2, 2004, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Paul Jenkins (I) and James Vessels (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 85.6% 180,099      Independent Paul Jenkins 8.1% 16,966      Libertarian James Vessels 6.3% 13,287 Total Votes 210,352 2002 On November 5, 2002, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Manny Molera (D) and John Davis (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 73.9% 113,974      Democratic Manny Molera 24.3% 37,503      Libertarian John Davis 1.7% 2,656 Total Votes 154,133 2000 On November 7, 2000, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Billy Wayne Zachary (D) and Lance Flores (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 71.6% 187,486      Democratic Billy Wayne Zachary 25.7% 67,233      Libertarian Lance Flores 2.7% 7,178 Total Votes 261,897 1998 On November 3, 1998, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Ken Ashby (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 91.2% 106,690      Libertarian Ken Ashby 8.8% 10,288 Total Votes 116,978 1996 On November 5, 1996, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Lee Cole (D) and John Davis (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 73% 142,325      Democratic Lee Cole 24.4% 47,654      Libertarian John Davis 2.6% 5,045      N/A Write-in 0% 2 Total Votes 195,026 1994 On November 8, 1994, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Tom Donahue (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 91% 157,011      Libertarian Tom Donahue 9% 15,611 Total Votes 172,622 1992 On November 3, 1992, Sam Johnson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Noel Kopala (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 3 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Sam Johnson incumbent 86.1% 201,569      Libertarian Noel Kopala 13.9% 32,570 Total Votes 234,139

Campaign themes

2016

The following issues were listed on Johnson's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Preserving The Constitution: For the sake of our children and our grandchildren, we must rekindle respect for the Constitution. As a constitutional conservative, I feel outraged at the President’s lawlessness. America is a nation of laws. It is the President’s duty to enforce all of our laws – not just the ones he happens to approve. The Constitution must be respected and upheld in its entirety. Restoring Fiscal Discipline: As a fiscal conservative I have fought time and again to put Washington’s fiscal house in order. Just like Texas must balance its budget, so should Washington. That’s why I’ve voted for a balanced budget amendment. Just like hardworking Texans have to live within their means, so too should Washington. That’s why I also voted to CUT spending time and again. I also have fought to end billions in waste, fraud, and abuse. Fighting To Permanently Repeal And Defund Obamacare: Many have felt the negative impacts of this President’s bad health care law personally or know someone who has. President Obama has given his bureaucrat buddies – including his close friends at the IRS – power over your health care. Sadly, millions of Americans have lost their health plans they liked and were promised they could keep. As a result, countless Americans also must pay higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Strengthening Social Security: Today, Social Security pays out more in benefits than it collects in taxes. This is a bright red warning flag that we must take action NOW while there is still time. Members of the so-called Baby Boomer generation retire at a rate of 10,000 a day. Failure to bolster Social Security now will not only shortchange Americans who are currently receiving Social Security, but younger generations as well. We MUST AND WE WILL fairly and responsibly fix Social Security now. Opposing Tax Increases: If given the chance, Democrats in Washington want to raise your taxes. I will continue to fight to stop that. Americans are struggling under this President’s so-called “economic recovery,” and the last thing our nation can handle are additional tax hikes.	”
—Sam Johnson's campaign website, http://samjohnsonforcongress.com/issues/

2012

Johnson's campaign website listed the following issues:

• Abiding by the Constitution

Excerpt: "Americans are sick and tired of being bullied into bailouts, the nationalization of our banks, more government expansion, and the federal takeover of our healthcare system. "

• Economic Security

Excerpt: "When the government is spending your money, Americans want, need and deserve the government to be fiscally disciplined and held accountable."

• Healthcare

Excerpt: "Americans want a common-sense approach to health care reform, not the Democrat's $1 trillion, 2,000-page government takeover of our nation's health care system."

• Energy Independence

Excerpt: "I propose making America energy self-sufficient. This is about tapping America's energy to create American prosperity and American security. Ensuring a consistent and steady supply of affordable energy is fundamental to building a strong economy and creating jobs."

• National Security

Excerpt: "As a 29-year Air Force veteran and a prisoner of war in Vietnam for nearly seven years, I know what it's like to serve your country far away from home and feel like some of your fellow Americans don't care about you."

• Illegal Immigration

Excerpt: "We must protect our sovereignty once and for all by gaining control of our porous borders, and I believe that we must use every resource at our disposal."

• Education

Excerpt: "I am an adamant believer in parental control over education. The Constitution does not give the federal government authority to dictate over our schools. "

• Conservative Values

Excerpt: "With an A rating from the National Rifle Association, I am a firm believer in our Right to Bear Arms. I also strongly believe it is our responsibility to guard this personal freedom."

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Sam Johnson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2016	U.S. House, Texas District 3	Won	$1,098,091	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Texas, District 3)	Won	$970,541	N/A**
Grand total			$2,068,632	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Johnson's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $17,003 and $80,000. That averages to $48,501, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Johnson ranked as the 392nd most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Johnson's calculated net worth increased by an average of 2 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Sam Johnson Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$40,718
2012	$48,501
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	19%
Average annual growth:	2%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Johnson received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Health Professionals industry.

From 1991-2014, 24.87 percent of Johnson's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Sam Johnson (Texas congressman) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$10,905,386
Total Spent	$10,366,776
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$693,799
Insurance	$629,833
Oil & Gas	$517,800
Real Estate	$490,526
Commercial Banks	$380,193
% total in top industry	6.36%
% total in top two industries	12.14%
% total in top five industries	24.87%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Johnson was a far-right Republican leader as of July 2014. This was the same rating Johnson received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Johnson most often votes with:

• Billy Long
• John Barrow

Johnson least often votes with:

• Walter Jones
• Janice Schakowsky

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Johnson missed 932 of 15,992 roll call votes from May 1991 to September 2015. This amounted to 5.8 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Johnson paid his congressional staff a total of $1,105,360 in 2011. Overall, Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Johnson was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Johnson's staff was given an apparent $66,250.00 in bonus money.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Johnson ranked 93rd in the conservative rankings in 2013.

2012

Johnson ranked 24th in the conservative rankings among members of the U.S. House.

2011

Johnson was tied with one other member of the U.S. House of Representatives, ranking 64th in the conservative rankings among members of the U.S. House.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Johnson voted with the Republican Party 96.8 percent of the time, which ranked 8th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.

2013

Johnson voted with the Republican Party 99.3 percent of the time, which ranked 12th among the 233 House Republican members as of June 2013.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Sam + Johnson + Texas + House

Sam Johnson News Feed

See also

• United States House of Representatives
• United States congressional delegations from Texas
• Texas' 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014
• Texas' 3rd Congressional District

External links

Suggest a link

 

• Social media:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
  • NNDB
  • Wikipedia
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • Project Vote Smart
• Financial (federal level):
  • FEC contributions
  • OpenSecrets.org
  • LegiStorm.com
  • Washington Post
• Interest group ratings:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions:
  • On The Issues
  • Project Vote Smart
• Legislation:
  • Congress.gov
• Public statements:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Voting record:
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Washington Post
• Media appearances:
  • C-SPAN
• Media coverage:
  • Washington Post

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Steve Bartlett	U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 3 1991-2019	Succeeded by Van Taylor (R)

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)